Katharine Mershon

Biography

I am thrilled to be part of the community at Western Carolina University. After working as Visiting Assistant Professor of Religion at Whitman College from 2018-2020, I joined Western in January of 2021 as Assistant Professor of Philosophy and Religion. As someone who loves literature, film, and pop culture, I'm happiest when teaching, researching, and collaborating across disciplines. I hold a B.A. in English Literature from Lake Forest College, and I earned an M.A. and Ph.D. in Religion, Literature, and Visual Culture from the University of Chicago Divinity School. When I'm not teaching or writing, you can find me hanging out with Joni Mitchell (my dog).

Education

• Ph D, University of Chicago

Teaching Interests

Animals and Religion; Environmental and Animal Ethics; Theories and Methods in the Study of Religion; Jewish-American Identity; Religion, Literature, and Visual Culture; Religions in America; Religion and Popular Culture

Research Interests

Animal Studies and Religion; American Religions; Religion and Race; Gender and Sexuality; Religion and Popular Culture; Religion, Literature, and Visual Culture