John Cuda, Ph.D.

Education:

• Ph.D. University of Pittsburgh
• M.S. Duquesne University

Professional Interests

My research interests are concentrated in the sociology of religion, specifically alternative spiritualities. I am particularly interested in examining the intersections that exist between ritual and art, and science and religion. I enjoy teaching courses in the sociology of religion, the environment, culture, and the effects of technology on society. I am an avid reader of poetry, philosophy, mythology and science fiction. I also enjoy writing and music. I play guitar and keyboard. I enjoy trips to the beach and spending time in nature, avidly hiking and backpacking in the wilderness. I am into astronomy, and enjoy star gazing. I take pleasure in creating art, especially paintings and drawings of nature scenes. I'm an environmentalist and do everything I can to minimize my carbon footprint.

Before becoming involved in the social sciences I was an art and psychology student. After making deep explorations into the nature of consciousness via art and psychedelics I went to graduate school for film studies in Los Angeles, pursuing my dreams of becoming a Hollywood personality. After being disillusioned, and having experienced an existential crisis in that eccentric scene, I became fascinated by the natural sciences and got a BS in Ecology and Evolution and then MS degree in Organic Chemistry. Seeking further answers to more philosophical questions, I decided to pursue graduate studies in Psychology at Duquesne University back in Pittsburgh, and upon obtaining a Master’s degree in Existential-Phenomenological psychology, I was, in addition to teaching courses in the social sciences, a mental health therapist working mainly with children and young adults. After doing this for some time I decided to go back to school yet again to acquire a Doctoral degree in Sociology at the University of Pittsburgh. I have been doing research in the area of alternative religiosities ever since.