Dr. Ely Orrego Torres

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Ely Orrego Torres is a Visiting Faculty member in the Department of Religious Studies at Northwestern University. His teaching focuses on the intersection of religion, law, and politics, particularly the course 'Religion, Law, Politics: Religious Diversity' scheduled for Fall 2025. Ely holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from Northwestern University, which he will receive in 2025. His academic journey includes earning a B.A. in Political Science from the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile and an M.A. in Philosophy from Universidad Diego Portales. His current research examines the politics of religious freedom and secularism in the Americas, exploring the involvement of religious actors in the Organization of American States (OAS). With an interdisciplinary approach, Ely employs ethnographic methods and critical theories to understand the narratives surrounding religious freedom and secularisms in their historical context. His research interests also encompass ecofeminist political theologies and transnational solidarities in Latin America. His work has been published in journals such as Social Compass and Philosophy Global Affairs. Beyond academia, Ely enjoys exploring new restaurants, cooking, and experiencing street food from around the world.

Research Interests

Requirements for Northwestern University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
U.S. Bachelor's degree or equivalent
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Transcripts
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Statement of purpose
  • Resume/CV
  • TOEFL/IELTS scores (if applicable)
Specialization Notes

Standard PhD requirements for TGS departments including Chemistry, Physics, and Sociology.