PhD Student Profiles by Name

Janet Abai

Janet Williams Abai, doctoral student

Christian Ethics & Systematic and Constructive Theology

Following her passion for seeing an intentional partnership between theology and trauma healing permeate culture and church, Janet pursues subjects of psycho-spiritual scholarship. She studies trauma healing through the lenses of Christian theology, ethics of care, and science. Janet’s research concentrates on the complex nature of human trauma with special attention to family systems, human development, emotional trauma, psycho-social trauma, crisis intervention, mediation, abuse, conflict transformation, peacebuilding, forgiveness, and ethics of care. Apart from studying, Janet enjoys writing and singing songs, running, fashion, cooking, and growing her recently started YouTube channel: When Trauma Meets Theology.

Teaching experience: Trauma Healing, Church and Healing, Missiology,

B.A., B.S.C., Mass Communication, National Open University, Nigeria
M.A., Theology and Peace Studies (MATPS), Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary, Indiana

Tyler Brown-Cross

Tyler Brown-Cross, doctoral student

Biblical Interpretation & Christian Spirituality

Tyler is an artist and a Lay Dominican, and her research interests straddle several different creative and traditional approaches to theology. While specializing in biblical interpretation and Christian spirituality, she is primarily interested in the works of St. Augustine, but also has a strong focus on patristics, mystical theology, Spanish mysticism, and the works of St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Ávila. Additionally, she is interested in the Desert Fathers, asceticism, and Mariology. She maintains an active interest in the works and theology of St. Thomas Aquinas, the writings of St. Catherine of Siena, and the spirituality of St. Dominic, while also delving into the writings of de Lubac and Garrigou-Lagrange to help inform her studies. Tyler is also interested in theological aesthetics and the intersection of art and faith, especially pertaining to the relationship between theology and dance, as well the relationship between theology and the arts and the process of creation in general. As the main focus of her research, Tyler is looking specifically at the thought of Augustine with an eye to Teresian spirituality, using both Old Testament and New Testament studies to inform the further exploration of patristics, mystical theology, and spirituality. Tyler also hopes to integrate the concept of absolute truth and the biblical basis for understanding God as Truth with an exploration of approaches to interpretation and spirituality in the writings of Augustine and Teresa. Tyler’s academic background involves the study of psychology, neuroscience, and philosophy. In addition to her studies, Tyler is also a painter of religious art, and trains in classical ballet.

B.S., Psychology, Ursinus College
M.A., Theology, School of Theological Studies at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary

Joe Evans

Joe Evans, doctoral candidate

Christian Ethics & Systematic and Constructive Theology

Joe is examining the contribution of the Virgin Mary's presence and model in the Himalayas to a just peace in order to protect the human dignity of vulnerable victims of armed conflict. This research focuses mainly on the Catholic approach to peacebuilding while incorporating South Asian liberation theology, comparative just war theory, Mariology, interreligious cooperation, and inculturation of Catholicism and images of Mary in the western Himalayas. He currently coordinates the Villanova Peacebuilding Project through the Center for Peace and Justice Studies and Catholic Relief Services.

Joe is a retired lieutenant colonel, U.S. Army. His military experience as a U.S. Army Ranger, infantry officer, and South Asian Foreign Area Officer includes multiple combat and peacekeeping operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Kosovo, as well as policymaking, diplomatic assignments, and disaster response operations in Pakistan and Nepal.

Teaching experience: various guest lectures at Villanova University, Catholic University of America, American University, Tribhuvan University (Nepal), U.S. Department of State Foreign Service Institute.

B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Lehigh University
M.S., Aerospace Engineering, University of Alabama
M.Sc., Conflict Studies, University of Balochistan, Quetta, Pakistan
M.A., World Politics, Catholic University of America
M.T.S., Villanova University

Kate Giancatarino

Kate Giancatarino, doctoral student

Christian Ethics & Christian Spirituality

Kate is the senior director of the University’s new St. Thomas of Villanova Center for the Common Good (CCG).  CCG is charged with increasing collaboration among the University’s many opportunities for service. CCG is part of the Office of Mission and Ministry.  As a part-time doctoral student, Kate is focusing on the intersections of Liberation Theology and Augustinian Spirituality, especially looking at how both can inform community outreach and advocacy. Kate is a part of the faculty for the VUnited scholars’ program in the Collage of Professional studies.  She teaches about relationships and life skills to the VUnited scholars.  Kate is a member of the Mission and Social Justice committee of the University, a member of the Board of Directors for the Augustinian Defenders of the Rights of the Poor (ADROP), and a member of the Catholic Ethical Purchasing Alliance. These committees all inform her study and her work.

B.A., Theology and Religious Studies, University of Scranton
M.A., Pastoral Ministry, Boston College
M.S.W., Boston College

Darrien Gish

Darrien Gish, doctoral student

Christian Ethics & Christian Spirituality

Darrien’s research focuses on the impact of death on spirituality and its intersection with medical ethics. His work utilizes Existential Humanism and draws from the work of Soren Kierkegaard and cultural anthropologist Ernest Becker. Currently, he is working on how spiritual embodiment practices intersect with death and their relevance for medical professionals in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. He hopes his work will help individuals navigate conversations around death and further normalize it as an aspect of life. Outside of Villanova, Darrien works per diem as a chaplain and is endorsed by the Humanist Society.    

B.A., Biblical Studies, Eastern University
B.A., Theology, Eastern University
M.A.T.S., Villanova University

Jordan Goneau-Goncalves 


Jordan Goneau-Goncalves, doctoral student

Christian Ethics & Christian Spirituality

Jordan’s research focuses on the relationship between Christian ethics, theology, and the impact of trauma and sexual violence on the spiritual lives of survivors. He is currently interested in how a social ecology of violence both obscures and rationalizes traumatic suffering, as well as how languages of inability and brokenness have served as overcorrections to the risky and potentially harmful elements of theologies which attend to trauma and repair. Further, he is interested in storytelling, witness, and testimony, as practices for post-traumatic healing and ethical formation. He hopes that his work will serve as a resource for—and an uncomfortable reminder of—survivors and their spiritual needs. 

B.A., History, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth 
M.A., History, Boston University 
M.A., Biblical Studies, Providence College 

Nathaniel Grimes

Nathaniel Grimes, doctoral candidate

Christian Ethics & Systematic and Constructive Theology

Nathaniel is concerned with how perceptions of authority are passed on through theological language and institutions. His dissertation investigates cultural memory and imagination around the police, focusing on the Philadelphia area and the intersection of law and religion. Having completed the initial courses and apprenticeship in Villanova's Heart of Teaching program, Nathaniel will be teaching his first course as instructor of record, guiding students through work with sacred and scholarly texts in the Theology and Religious Studies Department's "Global Religious Experience" track.

B.A., Communication Arts, University of New Hampshire
M.A., Theology, Northern Seminary

Sharon M. Gutkowski

Sharon M. Gutkowski, doctoral candidate

Biblical Interpretation & Christian Ethics

Sharon’s broad research interests focus on Pauline literature, hospitality, dining etiquette, and table fellowship. She is interested in the intersection of the biblical and ethical considerations of Pauline and contemporary Christian hospitality practices. 

The title of Sharon’s dissertation is “A Generous Agenda: The Ethics of Pauline Hospitality via Generosity in Contemporary Christian Hospitality.” Her dissertation analyzes the ways that first century CE Greco-Roman and Jewish hospitality practices influenced Christ-believing communities in the authentic/undisputed Pauline letters. The dissertation then evaluates how these Christ-centered hospitality practices foster the application of a normative, ethical framework in contemporary Christian hospitality. 

Currently, Sharon is a theology/religion teacher and campus minister at an all-girls, private Catholic high school in New Jersey.  

B.S., Physics and Philosophy, Seton Hall University
M.A., Theology (concentration in Biblical Studies), Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology, Seton Hall University
M.A., Theology, Villanova University

Augustin Kassa, S.M.A.

Augustin Kassa, S.M.A., doctoral candidate

Biblical Interpretation & Systematic and Constructive Theology

Augustin, who is a priest and member of the Society of African Missions, has multiple research interests, covering the elusive category of the I in theology, and the intersection between youth and their culture(s) and ‘the young Jesus’ and his culture. He is also investigating the power of female prayer in intertestamental literature and its possible implications for the church’s life. Augustin has also worked on the mystery of suffering. He is still contemplating how much responsibility God or humanity has/shares in its presence in the world.

S.T.B., Tangaza University, Nairobi, Kenya
M.A., Theology, Catholic Theological Union, Chicago

William G. Kuncken

William G. Kuncken, doctoral student

Christian Ethics & Systematic and Constructive Theology

William has devoted the concentration of his studies to Christian Ethics and Systematic Theology, with the aim of enhancing a collective consciousness of the natural world through intimate biophilic connections. As part of his coursework, William has sought to build upon the theological trajectories established in Pope Francis’s groundbreaking encyclical, Laudato si’, while also examining alternative narratives and paradigms outside of historically predominant Christian sources that address humanity’s relationship with the natural world. In his dissertation work, William hopes to promote constructive approaches to the current ecological crises facing the contemporary global community, building off of the reception, application, and efficacy of previous ecological advocacy, and establishing tangible goals for the global Catholic Church, and the species the Church hopes to guide into a greener future.

Given the complexity of his work and considerable diversity of influences, William’s studies are broadly intersectional, seeking to respond to questions such as: What are ways in which the environmentally-conscious believer can arrive at a place of concern for the natural world? How can one reimagine humanity’s place in the universe? In what ways does nature serve as a primordial source of revelation? How are economic institutions implicated in environmental degradation as well as the exploitation of nature and human life? How have established organized religious hierarchies and prevailing moral assumptions influenced humanity’s interactions with the wider ecological community?

In addition to his doctoral work, William is a full-time faculty member within the Religious Studies department at St. Joseph’s Preparatory School in Philadelphia. Through his complementary roles as a student, activist, and educator, he hopes to build upon his efficacy as an instructor in the classroom and advocate for the wider ecological community.

B.A., Political Science and Philosophy, Seton Hall University 
M.A., Theology, Villanova University

Jillian Langford

Jillian Langford, doctoral candidate

Christian Spirituality & Systematic and Constructive Theology

Jillian is interested in process theology, the theology of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, theologies of friendship, religious pedagogy, and spiritual ecology. She works as the Coordinator of Christophany groups at the Center for Christogenesis and co-teaches two to three online classes each year at the Center for Christogenesis. These courses focus on the theologies of Teilhard de Chardin and Ilia Delio, O.S.F., Ph.D., as well as the relationship between science, religion, and spirituality. Jillian’s academic work focuses on developing religious pedagogies that cater to students’ healthy psychological/spiritual develop by inviting students to consider the intersection of God and the evolutionary world.

B.A., Theology, Aquinas College
M.T.S., Villanova University

Jacques Linder

Jacques Linder, doctoral candidate

Christian Ethics & Systematic and Constructive Theology

Jacques’ academic focus is on political theology, theologies of liberation, theories of race and class, and social movement organizing tactics. His work traces the theological and political conversations surrounding the creation, use, proliferation, and disposal of nuclear weapons and nuclear waste. Using the concept of “nuclearism”, or the dependency on nuclear weapons, he seeks to generate insights into how theology, power, and politics are intertwined and produced. Currently, Jacques is investigating theological understandings of security and the ethical, economic, and religious dynamics involved in the construction of “security.” Jacques is also the managing editor of the journal Political Theology, where he functions as the journal’s hub, aiding the editorial collective and coordinating several streams of content for the journal’s publications.

Jacques co-convenes the blog “Catholic Re-Visions” with Mary Kate Holman and James Padilioni, Jr. on the Political Theology Network website (politicaltheology.com). This blog curates content that re-envisions Catholic political theology and thought through engagement with the wisdom from social movements and critical theories of race, gender, sexuality, class, and ability. Jacques helped establish and continues to be an active leader within Villanova’s Doctoral Student Council, a group committed to supporting and advocating for doctoral students' needs. Proudly a lifelong Pennsylvanian, Jacques resides in West Philadelphia, where he enjoys exploring the local neighborhood on bike or foot.

B.A., Religion and Theology, La Salle University
B.S., Information Technology, La Salle University
M.T.S., Villanova University

Robert Nicastro

Robert Nicastro, doctoral candidate

Biblical Interpretation & Systematic and Constructive Theology

Robert’s research interests straddle many disciplines, namely, evolutionary theology, quantum physics, neuroscience, artificial intelligence, and the philosophical trends of post- and trans-humanism. Given the new science of relational holism, his work specifically explores the notion of divine emergence through the progressive integration of consciousness. Robert taught for two years as an adjunct lecturer at Gannon University in Erie, Pennsylvania. He presently lectures at the Center for Christogenesis, run by Ilia Delio, O.S.F., Ph.D., which is an online organization that seeks to deepen Teilhard de Chardin’s unique integration of science and spirituality to realize new possibilities of religion and evolving life for the twenty-first century.  

B.A., Philosophy, Gannon University
M.A., Theology, Saint Mary’s Seminary and University

Jessie Pagan

Jessie Pagan, doctoral candidate

Christian Spirituality & Historical Theology

Jessie is a doctoral candidate with research interests in histories and spiritualities of Christian monasticism; mystical theologies; ritual and contemplative practices; liturgy; women in religion; history of the book; and ecotheology. Her dissertation entitled, "“The Earth Bears You Gladly”: A Symbolic Theology of Creation in the Writings of Helfta," focuses on the interconnections between writing, the natural world, and religious life at the thirteenth century German Cistercian community of St. Mary's at Helfta. 

B.A., History and Religion, University of Georgia
M.T.S., Vanderbilt Divinity School 
Carpenter Certificate in Religion, Gender, and Sexuality from Vanderbilt University

Ailie Posillico

Ailie M. Posillico, doctoral candidate

Christian Spirituality & Historical Theology

Ailie's research interests include medieval Western European Christianity, German mystical theology, and forms of letter writing. Currently, she is writing her dissertation tentatively titled, “Where Letters End: Heinrich von Nördlingen and the Art of the Letter in Medieval Theology.” 

B.A., Theology Fordham University
M.T.S., Harvard Divinity School

Nathan Preuhs

Nathan Preuhs, doctoral student

Biblical Interpretation & Systematic and Constructive Theology

Nathan has a wide range of research interests that align with the department's interdisciplinary and integrative approach to theology, which is motivated by Augustinian principles. However, he specializes in viewing the Christian tradition through a theological anthropology lens. Therefore, his research focuses primarily on Trinitarian Hermeneutics of Scripture, the religious dimension common in humanity, and the reintegration/rehabilitation of 19th and 20th century "liberal theology" into Orthodox reflection. Essentially, his research goals prioritize conceptions of Revelation that recognize its anthropological character.

B.A., Biblical Studies, Eastern University  
B.A., Criminal Justice, Eastern University 
M.A.T.S., Villanova University   

Matthew J. Riddle

Matthew J. Riddle, doctoral candidate

Christian Spirituality & Historical Theology

Broadly speaking, Matthew's areas of interest revolve around contemporary spirituality in America, “spiritual but not religious” and the rise of the “nones,” Metaphysical religion, nature spirituality, and Catholic contemplative and mystical traditions. His specific interests are in the emergence and rise of “spiritual but not religious” in contemporary American culture; the history of this tradition, what conditions have contributed to its emergence and existence, and what this might mean for the future of institutional religion. He is focused on exploring the existence of what he calls “spiritual but not religious Christianity.”

Matthew has experienced living and working in numerous communities that include Genesis Farm Learning Center and Organic Farm in Blairstown, NJ; the Trappist monks of St. Joseph’s Abbey in Spencer, MA; the Agape Community of Christian Nonviolence in Hardwick, MA; and a variety of organic farms in Pennsylvania. His teaching experience includes Faith, Culture, and Reason.

B.A., Religious Studies, Rutgers University
M.A., Theology, Villanova University

Conner Ritchie

Connor Ritchie, doctoral student

Christian Spirituality & Systematic and Constructive Theology

Connor’s research interests lie at the intersections of philosophy and theology. His primary areas of research include Neoplatonism and medieval mysticism, apophatic theology, and continental philosophy of religion. Connor's current research focuses on the works of John Scottus Eriugena, especially his collection of poems entitled the Carmina. He is particularly interested in relating Eriugena's theology to current issues throughout contemporary continental philosophy of religion, such as revelation and conceptions of God without being.

Prior to joining the Theology and Religious Studies doctoral program, Connor taught undergraduate philosophy courses as an adjunct faculty member at Villanova University, Rowan University, and Rowan College at Burlington County. Some of the courses he taught included Introduction to Philosophy, Foundations in Logic, Introduction to Ethics, and Social and Political Philosophy. As a doctoral student, Connor seeks to further enhance his pedagogical skills alongside his research skills. 

B.A., Philosophy and Humanities, Villanova University
M.A., Philosophy, Boston College

Luke Roberts

Luke Roberts, doctoral student

Christian Ethics & Christian Spirituality

Luke works at the intersection of modern theology and philosophy. He is particularly interested in the ways philosophical traditions like American pragmatism and critical theory aid in analyzing religious ways of practicing and perceiving. His recent work has developed pragmatist and critical methodologies for approaching modern religious thought and practice with the goal of better understanding religion’s normative role in public life.

AB, Harvard University
M.A., University of Chicago Divinity School

Tekoa N. Robinson

Tekoa N. Robinson, doctoral student

Christian Spirituality & Systematic and Constructive Theology

Tekoa's focus is on the work of Søren Kierkegaard, especially in connection with Eucharistic theology/liturgy and its implications for interpersonal communication, pedagogy, and political reconciliation. Further areas of interest include constructive theology, modern theology, continental philosophy, nineteenth-century theology, and the “spiritual but not religious” phenomenon.  

Tekoa has been an active member of the American Academy of Religion since 2015 and has served on the Graduate Student Committee for three years, and as Graduate Student Director of the Mid-Atlantic Region of the AAR. She has also been a contributing member of the Kierkegaard, Religion, and Culture Unit of the AAR since 2015 and the Søren Kierkegaard Society since 2016. She is also a member of the Mercersburg Theological Society and has served on the board since 2016. Her conference presentations and workshops include: “Bridging the Socio-Political Chasm of Communication: The Existential Implications of the Theological Work of John Williamson Nevin and Søren Kierkegaard” (2021); “Formed for Life: Revising the Liturgy for Political Reconciliation” (2021); “Humanizing the Ph.D. Process: Loving to Learn and Learning to Love” (2019); “Eucharistic Communication and Breaking the Body Politic” (2017); “Love Beyond the Borders: Kierkegaard, Derrida, and the Eucharistic Life” (2016). Her recent peer-reviewed publications include: “Kierkegaard’s Authorship as Eucharistic Liturgy,” in Kierkegaard Studies Yearbook, vol. 24, eds. Heiko Schulz, et. al. (Berlin: Walter de Gruyter, 2019), 285-314; and “Bridging the Socio-Political Chasm of Communication: The Existential Implications of the Theological Work of John Williamson Nevin and Søren Kierkegaard,” in The New Mercersburg Review (June, 2022).  

Teaching experience: T.A., Systematic Theology; T.A., Introduction to Old Testament; T.A., chemistry; academic tutor (theology/religion, writing, chemistry, and mathematics). 

B.A., Religion, Olivet Nazarene University 
M.Div., Lancaster Theological Seminary 

Laura Simpson

Laura Simpson, doctoral candidate

Christian Ethics & Christian Spirituality

Laura studies the ways carceral systems shape the mythologies and theologies of contemporary American political life. She is particularly interested in the prison as a site of exploitation, transformation, imagination, death, and resistance. Recently, she's developed an interest in popular culture as an outlet to process the unspeakable and imagine the impossible.

B.A., Religious Studies, Wake Forest University
M.T.S., Vanderbilt Divinity School

Sujit T. Thomas

Sujit T. Thomas, doctoral candidate

Biblical Interpretation & Historical Theology

Sujit’s broad research interests include theology of Scripture, theological interpretation of scripture, Christian origins, scriptural interpretation in early Christianity, early Christian attitudes to Judaism, orthodoxy and heresy in early Christianity, and mysticism. He is also interested History of Christianity in India. Sujit is a priest in the Malankara Church and is concerned about pastoral implications of Biblical and historical studies.  

Th.M  St. Vladimir’s Theological Seminary 
STM Union Theological Seminary 
BD Orthodox Theological Seminary, Kottayam, India 
B.Sc. Columbia University 

Perdian Tumanan

Perdian Tumanan, doctoral candidate

Christian Ethics & Systematic and Constructive Theology

Perdian's research interests include:  just-peace theology and ethics, the intersection between theology of sexuality and colonialism, theological anthropology, political theology and identity politics, and interfaith ethics.

Teaching Experience: T.A., Peace and Religion, Goshen College; T.A., History, Theology and Ethics Department, Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary; lecturer, Ethics and Religion, General Education Department, Petra Christian University, Indonesia.

B. Eng., Petra Christian University, Surabaya, Indonesia
M. Div., South-East Asia Bible Seminary, Malang, Indonesia
M.A., Theology and Peace Studies (MATPS), Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary

Mathew Verghese

Mathew Verghese, doctoral candidate

Christian Ethics & Systematic and Constructive Theology

Mat’s primary interests are in the areas of liturgical and moral theology, as well as in pastoral ministry in the context of higher education. His dissertation is provisionally titled “Laudato si’ and the Liturgy: Renewing the Sacramental Imagination at a time of Ecological Crisis” and advances a sacramental reading of Pope Francis’ landmark encyclical on the environmental crisis. The project argues that Laudato si’ challenges liturgical theologians to draw upon a wider array of resources (theological aesthetics, popular piety) and foster greater openness to the critical insights of environmental ethics in order to bring to life the grand eucharistic vision that comes to a crescendo at the end of the encyclical. Mat shifted to part-time doctoral work when he became the full-time Campus Minister for Liturgy at Villanova and hopes to continue to work in contexts of the church’s liturgical life and theological/ministerial formation. His teaching experience includes Catholic Studies. 

B.A., Psychology, Saint Joseph’s University
M.A.,  Theology, Villanova University
M.S., Counseling, Villanova University
M.T.S., Villanova University

Trevor B. Williams

Trevor B. Williams, doctoral candidate

Historical Theology & Systematic and Constructive Theology

Trevor’s research interests are in systematic and philosophical theology, sacramental theology, biblical interpretation, the global reception of Vatican II, and theology in popular culture. He is currently working on his dissertation titled “Remaining in the Silence of the Flesh: A Study of Emmanuel Falque’s Trinitarian Animality.” His dissertation applies Falque’s distinct arguments about the body to questions about the sacraments and Christian existence. He is a co-editor of the forthcoming book Theological Discourses on Social Media (Routledge) and has published work in journals like Logos, New Blackfriars, and Heythrop Journal, with forthcoming articles in Philosophy & Theology and Münchener Theologische Zeitschrift. Trevor also teaches in the theology department at Saint Joseph’s University and serves in youth ministry and adult formation at his local parish.

B.A., Hope International University
M.A., Pepperdine University
M.Div., Vanderbilt Divinity School
M.A., Villanova University