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Michael Nichols is an Assistant Teaching Professor and affiliated faculty in the Department of Religious Studies at Purdue University. He earned his Ph.D. in Religious Studies from Northwestern University in 2010. Prior to his current role, he taught at Saint Joseph’s College, covering disciplines such as Religious Studies, Philosophy, and the Core Curriculum, as well as contributing to an integrated liberal arts program. In recognition of his commitment to teaching, he received the Teaching Excellence Award from Saint Joseph's College in 2017. His research interests focus on the interconnections between mythic narratives in Buddhism and Hinduism, examining the reimagining of mythic figures, ideas, and stories in popular culture. He has published numerous journal articles and is the author of notable books in the field, including "Religion and Myth in the Marvel Cinematic Universe" (McFarland Books, 2021) and "Malleable Mara: Transformations of a Buddhist Symbol of Evil" (State University of New York Press, 2019). His scholarship reflects a commitment to exploring the dynamics between religious traditions and contemporary cultural expressions.
Purdue University • West Lafayette, IN
Teaching and research within the Department of Religious Studies.
Saint Joseph’s College •
Taught Religious Studies, Philosophy, and integrated liberal arts courses.
GRE is not required.