Graduate Profile: Nevia Selmon, MTS '25

Favorite Class or Professor

“The Human Condition” with Professor David Lamberth has been the most transformative course of my academic journey. Engaging with thinkers like Du Bois, Arendt, Fanon, and Ricoeur expanded my understanding of identity, power, and the many dimensions of the human condition. However, it was Emmanuel Levinas’s work that most profoundly reshaped the way I relate to others. His emphasis on the ethical responsibility inherent in every human encounter made me far more attuned to the complexity and gravity of interpersonal relationships. Professor Lamberth’s thoughtful teaching style fostered deep, critical engagement with the material, encouraging us to interrogate our own assumptions and worldviews. I left the course with a renewed sense of ethical obligation and a more nuanced understanding of what it means to be human in a shared world.

Message of Thanks 

My time working as a research assistant at The Pluralism Project has profoundly shaped me, especially in navigating challenging and uncertain times. Under the mentorship of Ellie Pierce, I learned how to approach moments of tension and division with careful listening, rigorous research, and a commitment to amplifying diverse voices. Ellie's example taught me that even in polarized environments, it is possible—and necessary—to engage with complexity thoughtfully and compassionately. 

Professor Diana Eck’s vision of pluralism as an active, ongoing process—not just the presence of diversity but the engagement across differences—became an anchor for me when the world felt fractured. Their leadership at The Pluralism Project has shown me that fostering religious and cultural understanding is not just academic work; it is essential civic work. Their mentorship has strengthened my dedication to religious literacy, dialogue, and bridge-building, values that continue to guide me as I move forward in my academic and professional life.

Future Plans

Looking ahead, I plan to continue working in Jewish, interfaith, and multifaith nonprofit spaces, focusing on bridge-building and dialogue across diverse communities. I am passionate about creating opportunities for meaningful engagement that fosters understanding, trust, and collaboration. Whether through developing educational initiatives, facilitating conversations across lines of difference, or supporting religious literacy, I am committed to strengthening the social fabric through dialogue and mutual respect. Inspired by my experiences at Harvard and beyond, I hope to contribute to organizations that see pluralism and relationship-building as essential to a vibrant, inclusive society.