Adam is primarily interested in visual and material religion in domains and spaces not typically recognized as religious. His studies at UH Mānoa involve the regions of China, Japan, and the United States. Within this range, he has studied Daoism and indigenous traditions in China and trans-national religious developments between Japan and the United States. Adam's current thesis work involves the appropriation of Zen in the American marketplace. Upon graduation from UH, he plans to continue his study of visual and material religion as a doctoral candidate and would like to teach at the university level one day.

Dimple is interested in lived religion in America, specifically with issues of Hinduism, the Indian diaspora and religious media. Her current research is centered around the mediation of the guru-disciple relationship in America through video, images and text. Her broader interests include religious conflict, secularism and pluralism.

Charissa is a second year graduate student who is interested in indigenous religions. She will be focusing on Hawaiian religion, but will also be taking various other religions. She is also interested in mysticism and healing.

Kayla is studying Indian Religions with a focus on Hinduism. Her main interests lie in the different aspects of the Raja Yoga system, particularly that of restricted breathing, healing, and use of mantras in yoga. In her thesis she wishes to trace the development of these practices and highlight where they have changed within different groups. She is currently learning Sanskrit and is also interested in mysticism and the tantric traditions.

Camille is deeply interested in Tantric Buddhism, specifically Japanese Shingon Buddhism. She plans to further her research on the Chinese origins of Shingon Buddhism, and also investigate the development of the Diamond world and Womb world mandalas.

Majda Rahmanovic joined the UH Religion Department from Chicago. She plans to take up research on Islam in China, particularly female Imams and their role among the Muslim community in China, and the Muslim world in general. Currently, Majda is learning Mandarin and Classical Arabic in order to pursue her research and prepare for future fieldwork. In her spare time, Majda is greatly interested in interfaith dialogue groups, Masjid volunteering and improving her journalistic abilities.

Martha is an adult student with a professional background in theater/production management, acting and related entertainment industry technical areas. She was raised in NYC but lived a bi-coastal life until college and professional committments led to living and working in various countries. She speaks fluent German, passable French, a bit of Spanish and is currently studying Hindi here at UH. Her immediate intention is to teach at the high school or lower university level, or to work in an administrative or student advising capacity in an academic institution. She is an experienced magazine writer, and life student of new age philosophies and their relationship to ancient religious teachings.

Aaron studies Chinese religions with a focus on Daoist art and iconography. His current M.A. thesis examines Daoist models in ninth to twelfth century Chinese painting theory. Aaron's general research interests include East Asian religious art, Chinese language and literature, and the history of religions in China. He is a member of the Daoist Iconography Project developmental team and the webmaster for the Department of Religion.