bio
Research Focus & Academic Training
My research centers on the Dead Sea Scrolls and the diverse religious landscape of the Second Temple period (516 BCE–70 CE). From this foundation, I trace the long arc of reception history—examining how ancient texts have been interpreted and reimagined across centuries, traditions, cultures, and mediums. I explore the dynamic interplay of religion, culture, and identity in ancient Judaism and Christianity, investigating how religious ideas evolved as communities engaged with scriptural texts across generations.
I hold a PhD in Religious Studies from McMaster University, an MA in Biblical Studies from Trinity Western University, and a BA in Theology from Rocky Mountain College. Committed to lifelong learning, I’ve completed additional training in strategic planning (Oxford), artificial intelligence (RMIT Australia), higher education leadership (University of Manitoba), and Indigenous history and reconciliation (First Nations University).
Recognition & Impact
My research has earned prestigious international awards, including the Manfred Lautenschlaeger Award for Theological Promise, the David Noel Freedman Award for Excellence and Creativity in the Hebrew Bible, and the Norman E. Wagner Prize for Innovative Use of Technology in Research.
I’ve published six books and dozens of articles, and regularly contribute to international conferences and seminars. My network and contributions extend across Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, Hungary, Finland, and Israel. Explore my full academic publication portfolio on AU Pure. I amplify scholarly research through innovative platforms like my YouTube channel, which has reached over 4,700 subscribers and 250,000 views.
Academic Leadership
I currently serve as Full Professor of Humanities at Athabasca University, where I previously held the position of Associate Vice President Research. Earlier in my career, I held the Canada Research Chair in Religious Identities of Ancient Judaism and directed the Dead Sea Scrolls Institute at Trinity Western University. I’m a former fellow of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and the Albright Institute for Archaeological Research, and have maintained continuous research funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).
Innovation & Network Engagement
I drive digital transformation and research innovation in higher education. I led Canada’s only implementation of Elsevier Pure and established IDEA Lab, a cloud research and student training hub that earned awards from ASTech Alberta, the Canadian Association of University Business Officers, and the Canadian Association of Research Administrators.
As Associate Vice President Research, I collaboratively developed Athabasca University’s Canada Research Chairs EDI Action Plan and sponsored the university’s Research Data Management Strategy. I served as Chair of the Association of Canadian Comprehensive and Research Universities (ACCRU) and am a former member of the SSHRC Leaders Network. I currently sit on the Trinity Western University Senate as an alumni representative.
Storytelling & Strategy
I’m an accomplished communicator and creative. I love telling the story of institutional strategic opportunities and impact. Here are some sample of me telling the story of institutional impact in my leadership roles.