Cougar Queries is a series profiling BYU employees by asking them questions about their work, interests and life.
BYU employee since: I came to BYU full-time in July 2023 and it’s been a blast. I truly love and believe in BYU’s unique mission and feel it an honor to be among such wonderful colleagues across the colleges and other entities on campus.
My job at BYU is… I’m the director of the religion and human flourishing initiative at the Wheatley Institute, which means I, along with wonderful colleagues, seek to better understand and promote the positive role that lived religion and religious institutions play in society.
I’m currently working on… several different projects meant to demonstrate the positive impacts of religion as both a private and public good in society. Check out the Wheatley website to see our work!
I get most excited about my work when… I see students discover that their faith is not something to be compartmentalized in their life, but a tremendous asset to all aspects of their lives, including their academic and professional pursuits.
The best advice I’ve ever got about teaching is… to teach to the one. I find it much more effective to think about how the concepts I’m teaching or the techniques I’m using will impact a student. I’ve certainly been blessed by teachers that have taught that way.
My advice to incoming freshmen is… see your faith as the foundation of your learning and potential. Also, have fun at BYU!
My advice to graduating seniors is… see your faith as the foundation of your professional life and pursuits. It is your greatest asset!
My favorite spot on campus is… the triangle of grass between the indoor and outdoor tennis courts. That’s where I played wiffle ball every Saturday during my time as a student at BYU!
My favorite Cougar athlete is… my nephew Land Lambert, who runs on the cross country team.
Three things that are always found in my refrigerator are… cheese, ice cream and pickles — but not to be eaten together.
You’ll never find me without… a tumbler full of ice-cold water.
I’m most looking forward to… my next taco.
