Download an application to become a 2008-2009 LISAR Fellow
Sarrah AbuLughod | sabulughod@wisc.edu
Through many experiences with interfaith dialogs and having grown up within a religion that isn't the majority, Sarrah AbuLughod has often found herself answering questions about her beliefs and religious practices. Through answering these questions she noticed how very similar many of the religious teachings and histories are with one another, especially among Christians, Jews and Muslims. She is very excited to be a part of an organization that intends to highlight those similarities between the Abrahamic religions so as to create an environment of educational discourse, discovery, and overall acceptance.
Rizwaan Akhtar | akhtar@wisc.edu
As a third year student, Rizwaan Akhtar is focusing on Psychology and Middle East Studies and is interested in strengthening the American Muslim community. He likes exchanging experiences and ideas of practicing a religion in America because it illuminates the intricate commonalities and differences they have. As a Muslim, Rizwaan is especially interested in interfaith dialogue concerning the Abrahamic legacy because he feels that this bond is rarely cherished.
Kirsten Erickson | erickson3@wisc.edu
Kirsten Erickson is a third year student double majoring in International Studies and Religious Studies while also pursuing a certificate in African Studies. She hopes to spend time in Africa working and studying interfaith relations between Muslims and Christians. Ever since childhood, she has been interested in studying the history and development of various religions because of the marked similarities between her own Christian faith and other religions, especially the Abrahamic faiths. Currently, she is also a student leader of the Chi Alpha campus ministry.
Eric Salitsky | salitsky@wisc.edu
Eric Salitsky is a second-year student from Worcester, Massachusetts, intending to major in Philosophy and Religious Studies. He is actively involved in many Jewish events on campus, and he is the Israeli Cultural Experience ambassador to the MCSC. He started getting interested in interfaith dialogue when he began to grapple with his Jewish identity while spending a year in Israel. He is particularly interested in dialogue as a way to combat religious fundamentalism.
Hussein Sharif | hsharif@wisc.edu
Hussein Sharif is a fourth-year student majoring in Management Information Systems with a certificate in Computer Sciences. Among many other things, he is very interested in theology and improving relations between the Muslim community and all other faiths. Coming from a very interesting background and a Muslim by faith, he hopes to bring some unique perspectives to the discussions regarding faith as well as learn from others. He believes religious knowledge is critical in a time where religion fuels much controversy.
Steel Wagstaff | swagstaff@wisc.edu
Steel Wagstaff is a graduate student studying English Literature. He is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served a two-year church mission to England, where he developed an interest in interfaith dialogue. He is interested in Biblical poetry and in the Bible as Literature, and is fascinated by the textual character of Abraham, especially his portrayal in relation to the akedah.
