Graduate Profile: Andrea Bischoff, MTS ’24 

How I've Changed  

My writing has become more lucid, concise, and nuanced. Many thanks to PhD student and writing tutor Ethan Goodnight for his guidance and support; he has singlehandedly made me a better writer.  

Memorable Moment 

Reading through the German Fraktur script of Martin Luther pamphlets in the Rabinowitz Room in Frau Grundler-Whitacre's Intermediate German class.  

Favorite Class or Professor 

Judy Haley for Greek. She is adaptable to students’ needs and interests, asks for feedback, is compassionate to her students, constantly challenges us to improve while setting achievable goals, is excellent at time management, and is very patient. She is one of the best teachers I have ever had. 

Message of Thanks  

Frank Clooney for reviewing and providing constructive feedback on my recently published article, and for connecting me to his extensive networks in the field of interreligious dialogue; Steph Gauchel, whose person, life work, perspectives, radical compassion and care for all people have supported me in times of difficulty and inspired me to ensure that the work I do contributes to greater healing in our divided world; Drema Bowers for her kindness and empathy; John Ohrenberger, who has ensured (with remarkable efficiency and punctuality in communication) that I am on track to graduate on time; Milton Kornfield, who provided me with the honest feedback I needed to make my graduate school applications successful; Ahmad Greene-Hayes, for challenging my perspectives and making me think more critically about my personal narrative; Michelle Sanchez, whose Theories and Methods class was by far my favorite class my first year at HDS because it taught me how to think, not what to think.  

Future Plans 

I received a full scholarship and living stipend to study Historical and Systematic Catholic Theology for a second master’s degree where I will focus on medieval mysticism. I will continue my role as managing editor of the Journal of Hindu-Christian Studies and my work in interfaith dialogue with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. I will be learning Italian this summer; my ultimate goal (God willing) is to work for the Vatican. Outside of academia, I cannot wait to volunteer again, go to the gym again, and visit my friends in monastic communities. My body, my heart, and relationship with God need tending to.