Short biography: Most of my published research has been funded to correct common misconceptions about religion, politics and ethics. My books on deliberative democracy (2022) and secularization (2015) respond to rising religious strife with institutional designs to inspire improved public policy outcomes. I produced two monographs on book history (2022, 2017) that provide updated models of how religion interacts with technological change. My early work on metaphysics evaluated seemingly simple reality claims to bring coherence to the perceived opposition between philosophy and religious thought. Persistent throughout all my work is the methodological aim to approach these topics in a thoroughly materialist manner. Currently, I’m leading the Religions journal special issue on situating religious cognition, with another book forthcoming on Religion through the Eyes of Others (Routledge, 2025).

My courses draw on this expertise to teach students philosophical skills they can apply to thrive in diverse societies. This includes courses on democracy and diversity, critical thinkers, philosophy of religion and ethics of emerging technologies. I also supervise research students on these and related topics. From 2024-26, I am the Deputy Head of School Teaching and Learning at the University of Newcastle’s School of Humanities, Creative Industries and Social Sciences, where I lead several committees to enhance graduate outcomes through data-driven deliberative decision-making practices.