The Team

Paul Blaschko is Assistant Director of Research and Outreach at NDIAS. He is a philosopher and his primary areas of interest are epistemology and action theory. His research focuses on the nature and normative dimensions of deliberative belief formation, but he's also interested in theories of practical reason and value, the philosophy of religion, and medieval philosophy. 

Paul is committed to making philosophy publicly accessible and relevant, and--in his teaching--he emphasizes innovative course design, practical relevance, intellectual formation, and classroom transparency. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Notre Dame in January of 2019. 

His favorite philosopher is Elizabeth Anscombe.

Laura Callahan is an Assistant Professor at Notre Dame and teaches the 9:25am section of GGL with Prof Sullivan. Her research interests lie primarily in epistemology, metaethics, and philosophy of religion, though she is also very interested in the applied ethics of motherhood and parenting. Her favorite philosopher is Kierkegaard. Less-obviously-philosophical interests include bluegrass fiddle, sourdough, and making pottery.  

Prof. Sullivan serves as Director of the GGL Program, and teaches the 9:25am lecture with Prof. Callahan.  Her research focuses on time, modality, practical rationality and the nature of religious belief. She is currently writing a book on God and the Good Life with Prof. Blaschko.  She also serves as Director of the Notre Dame Institute for Advanced Study.

All-Time Favorite Philosopher: Tie between Plato and Aristotle.

Dr. Christy is Program Coordinator of the Philosophy as a Way of Life Project at Notre Dame and oversees the GGL Fellows program. He grew up in the town of Greenwich in upstate New York, did his undergrad at SUNY Geneseo, and received his PhD from Notre Dame in 2017. His philosophical work focuses on the philosophy of mind, especially the nature of perception and other types of conscious experience. His non-academic interests include bicycling and hiking, playing piano and guitar, and enjoying the company of cats.

Haley (pronounced “Hallie”) is one of the TA for the MW 10:30 section of GGL. She is a PhD student in Philosophy interested in ethics and epistemology. In particular, she studies virtue ethics and the philosophy of well-being. Haley spends a lot of time thinking about what it means to live a good life. As an AmeriCorps VISTA alumna she worked on food insecurity initiatives on college campuses in the Quad Cities. When she’s not doing philosophy, she’s probably spending quality time with her cat, her family, or her friends.

All-time favorite Philosopher: Iris Murdoch

Julia is a sophomore philosophy and peace studies major from Raleigh, North Carolina. When she is not working on philosophy related things, you can usually find her down at the Notre Dame boathouse with the ND rowing team, running a news camera for a sports game, or just goofing around with friends. 

All-time favorite Philosopher: Aquinas

Elijah is a junior philosophy and history major from the mysterious kingdom of South Bend, Indiana (or Dunne Hall, depending on whether or not you ask his rector). He's pretty sure his blood is blue and gold, yet can provide no phenomenological evidence to support his assumptions. Spiritually, he is 56 years old and his music tastes (Simon and Garfunkel, the Rolling Stones, basically anything from the Guardians of the Galaxy soundtrack) reflect this. He is a proud member of the Notre Dame Band, and plays clarinet and tuba (no, they are not even remotely similar). Hobbies include evangelizing Buffy the Vampire Slayer, following Notre Dame sports (and only Notre Dame sports), and geeking out about the most random of things. He can't wait to corrupt the youth with you all this semester!

Favorite philosopher - Nietzsche for the memes, Camus for the dramatics, Kant for the puns you can make with his name

Hello everyone! I am a senior studying philosophy, history, and education. I spend most of my days reading, thinking, and dialoguing about life's biggest questions, and I'd love to hear your thoughts about them as well! My favorite philosopher is Friedrich Nietzsche.

Ciara is a second-year graduate student. She is very interested in moral philosophy and epistemology, as well as in philosophy of religion. She is also interested in the principle of sufficient reason and always enjoys learning about the history of philosophy (especially medieval and early modern philosophy). She cares a lot about introducing philosophy to wider audiences. Her non-philosophical interests include novels (her favorites include Middlemarch and Robin Hobb’s Farseer books) and hiking.

Conrad is a Junior at the University of Notre Dame. He is currently pursuing a double major in Accounting and Philosophy. His hometown is Las Vegas, NV and his favorite hobbies include listening to music, rock climbing, traveling to new places, and doing something adventurous with friends. On campus, Conrad works for Fighting Irish Media, and is the captain of the Notre Dame Debate team. He is very excited to discuss philosophical topics and contemplate life's big questions with fellow students, and I cannot wait for this upcoming semester.

All-time favorite Philosopher: Kant

I am a junior Neuroscience and Behavior major with a Philosophy minor from The Woodlands, Texas. I live in McGlinn Hall and spend most of my time playing a variety of intramural sports, watching movies, cheating on the crosswords in The Observer, and eating plenty of ice cream in South Dining Hall. I love to debate, whether the topic be about which state is superior (obviously Texas) or a compelling philosophical question. I look forward to meeting everyone next semester!

All-time favorite Philosopher: Fyodor Dostoevsky

Will is a third-year graduate student, and his areas of philosophical interest are philosophy of science, social epistemology, and feminist philosophy. When he's not doing philosophy (and sometimes when he should be), he binges podcasts, plays board games, and bothers Christine in the office.

All-time favorite Philosopher: Weird Al Yankovic (think about it...); alternatively, Helen Longino

Emma is a former resident of Pasquerilla East Hall, and was born in Erie, PA, the snowiest city in the United States. She is a senior majoring in mechanical engineering with a minor in engineering corporate practice. She loves competition, especially in sports like soccer, basketball, and flag football. Since coming to Notre Dame, she has fallen in love with rugby and plays for the club team here on campus. She also enjoys playing the piano, guitar, and ukulele. Emma took GGL the first semester it existed her freshman year in Fall 2016. She joined the teaching team in Spring 2017 and has been a member ever since. She loves to ask hard questions and push others to do the same. She is excited to be working with the GGL course again!

All-time favorite Philosopher: Immanuel Kant

Elizabeth is a sophomore studying Architecture. She is from Charlotte, North Carolina and lives in Welsh Family Hall. In her free time she enjoys any outdoor activities. She is super excited to get to know the new members of the GGL community and continue to discuss the big questions!

All-time favorite Philosopher: William James

Aidan is a sophomore who lives in Dunne Hall and is majoring in finance and philosophy. He is from Tampa, Florida and is a part of Bengal Bouts. 

All-time favorite philosopher: Aristotle

Sterling is a sophomore business analytics major from Atlanta, GA. Sterling particularly enjoys using philosophical applications in the modern world. He is excited for a through provoking semester as a GGL fellow, and hopes to inspire others to learn more about philosophy (even if they aren’t philosophy majors).

All time favorite philosopher: Descartes

Jenna is a junior living in McGlinn Hall (go shamrocks!). She is from the suburbs of Chicago. She is majoring in finance and minoring in philosophy. She enjoys playing on the Club Softball team and being a tour guide. She loves being a fellow because it gives people the opportunity to talk about deep/controversial issues with their peers. 

All-time favorite Philosopher: Aristotle

Katie Brown is a senior Finance major from Green Bay, Wisconsin. She is also completing a Computing and Digital Technologies minor. With any extra electives she has, Katie enjoys taking philosophy courses, and particularly enjoyed her time in GGL. She is excited to see how you develop your own philosophical thoughts throughout the course!

All-time favorite Philosopher: Descartes

Jio is a Sophomore in Sorin College from New City, New York studying Computer Science with a minor in Innovation & Entrepreneurship and a concentration on Mobile Computing. He originally hails from the tropical islands known as the Philippines and immigrated to the United States before his First-Year here. If he’s not currently drowning in assignments from the College of Engineering, he’s probably in a new study spot he just discovered programming for some startups. During these times, feel free to approach him to discuss anything under the sun, from the ethics of AI, to why men can rock skirts.

All-Time Favorite Philosopher: Confucius

Ryan is a junior Business major living in Fisher Hall. He grew up in the suburbs of Cleveland, Ohio and is a graduate of Saint Ignatius High School. He is a big fan of Cleveland Browns football, Classic and Alternative Rock music, and existential philosophy. In addition to two thought-provoking semesters of philosophy in his freshman year, Ryan has taken Catholic school Theology courses for the past sixteen years and has entertained many “deep conversations” past midnight in his dorm room. If you want to talk about how Tyrod Taylor and the Browns will win the AFC North, The Strokes' rejuvenation of rock music, or the implications of William James’ speech The Will to Believe, feel free to stop him on the quad to say hi!

All-time favorite Philosopher: William James

Elle is a 4th-year student studying Architecture with a minor in Poverty Studies.  She is originally from Arizona, where she loves the heat and hiking, and spent the last year in Rome enjoying coffee and the unique aesthetic of a dilapidated Italian villas.  In her free time on campus she likes to play basketball, occupy the 10th floor of the Lib, and chat in La Fun's basement booths.  Always happy to meet new people and excited for another year of CTY, as Ryan says.

All-time favorite philosopher: Plato

Devin is a sophomore studying Neuroscience & Behavior. He is from the suburbs of Kansas City (on the Kansas side) but now lives in Dunne Hall. Devin's interested in how philosophy relates to everyday life and decision making. He's excited to get to know and discuss with the GGL students this year!

All-time favorite Philosopher: St. Thomas Aquinas

Emma is a junior Anthropology major with a triple minor in Poverty Studies, Education Schooling and Society (ESS), and Catholic Social Tradition. Two years ago, she ventured out of her hometown Crystal Lake, Illinois and now resides in Lewis Hall aka her favorite place on earth. Her summers are joyfully lived alongside her 3-year-old preschool students, all of whom she wishes could accompany her to college. On campus, she enjoys volunteering, movie nights with Ben & Jerry's Half Baked ice cream, and planning adventures with her best friends. Naps are essential to her livelihood, as she had been known to stay up all night discussing life, death, faith, humanity, and the intentionality (or lack thereof?) of creation as a whole. She can't wait to meet her group and hopes you guys are all just as enthusiastic about moral philosophy as she is!

Favorite Philosopher: Peter Singer

I'm a Senior studying both Neuroscience and Philosophy; hoping to one day be a doctor. I come from the great state of South Dakota and live in St. Edward's Hall.

All-time favorite Philosopher: Parmenides

I'm a sophomore computer science major currently living in Carroll Hall. I grew up in the suburbs of Los Angeles, contemplating the great mysteries of life while watching the sunset from the beautiful beaches of California. I've always believed that philosophy is the cornerstone for success in all facets of life, so I can't wait to share my love of philosophical thought with my GGL dialogue group! 

Melissa Fenner is a senior Science-Business major and Philosophy minor from Santa Fe, New Mexico. In addition to working in a research lab for the Department of Biological Science, she enjoys working as the Editor-in-Chief of the University's Yearbook. She looks forward to a great semester of asking big questions and watching students develop new approaches on their philosophical thoughts!

All-time favorite Philosopher: Marcus Aurelius 

I’m a current junior from Randolph, NJ majoring in Finance and ACMS. I live in Lyons Hall, and I’m a part of ND Circle K to get involved in community service around South Bend. Even though my majors have nothing to do with philosophy, GGL sparked my interest in the subject, and I can’t wait to get to know the new GGL students!

All-time favorite Philosopher: Marcus Aurelius

Hi, my name is Ariana (Ari). I am a junior studying pre-med and economics. I plan to become a doctor in the future. I am from Miami, FL and I love to be out on the ocean, playing sports or doing anything that involves spending time outdoors. I have a younger brother, three cats and two dogs at home. I really enjoyed the class last semester and I'm excited to get to know everyone and look forward to having great discussions!

All-time favorite Philosopher: Nietzsche 

My name is Peter Hennessey, and I hail from the beautiful paradise of St. Louis, Missouri. I study accounting and psychology here at ND, but God and the Good Life continues to be one of the best classes I have taken! Outside of school, I reside in the Center of the Universe, Alumni Hall, and I love to play basketball, talk sports, and think deeply.

All-time favorite Philosopher: Aristotle

Hi there! I’m Haley, a junior computer science major. I’m from Winthrop, Massachusetts (just East of East Boston!), but I hang my hat in Cavanaugh Hall (just East of the dome!). When I’m not in a booth of North Dining Hall (pretty rare), I enjoy improv comedy. I  love to think/talk about death. I’m also interested in life- especially the good one!

All-time favorite Philosopher: Diogenes

Anne is a senior philosophy and gender studies major residing in Howard Hall by way of the middle of nowhere in Missouri searching the world for the perfect vegan taco. Their interests include decolonization, French New Wave film, the assorted novels of Kurt Vonnegut and talking about changing the world. When not discussing modern just war theory, they can be found doing yoga or listening to psychedelic rock.

All-time favorite Philosopher: Valerie Solanas

Cassie is a junior studying Neuroscience and ACMS. She is from Wilmington, North Carolina and currently lives in Pangborn Hall. She plays tuba in the marching band and in her free time she enjoys knitting, baking, and picking up trash off the ground. This is her third semester as a Fellow and she can't wait for all the Deep Philosophical Conversations that this semester has in store! 

Favorite Philosopher: Peter Singer

Mia Lecinski is a sophomore from Wilmette, Illinois and currently lives in Lyons Hall. She is planning on majoring in Philosophy and Economics with a minor in Collaborative Innovation. This semester, she is most excited to participate in Baraka Bouts. She talks a lot, but she is most excited to talk about philosophy with her students.

All-time favorite philosopher: Søren Kierkegaard

Rahul is a Sophomore in Keenan Hall who hails from the distant lands of Goa, India. He studies International Economics and Spanish with a planned minor in PPE. Having lived in the Middle East all of his life, he will passionately argue that a well-cooked kebab is the key to achieving the Good Life. Outside of classes, he enjoys singing with Halftime A Capella and having deep conversations in the Keenan Hall stairway.

All-Time Favorite Philosopher: Peter Singer 

Kat is a sophomore Psychology and American Studies major from La Mirada, California. She is a proud Pasquerilla East Pyro and loves to spend her free time picnicking with friends, baking cookies, and exploring the coffee shops of the greater Michiana area. This is her first semester as a GGL Fellow, and she can’t wait to get into the nitty-gritty of the most fundamental questions of existence! 

All-time favorite Philosopher: William James

Caroline Marapese is a senior finance major originally from Wilmington, NC. On campus, she is an RA in Flaherty Hall and is involved in the ND Symphony Orchestra, College Mentors for Kids, and the Inspired Leadership Initiative. Caroline studied abroad in Rome, Italy during the spring semester of her junior year and loves to travel. Some of her hobbies and interests include swimming, running, going to the beach, reading, listening to music, and spending time with her dog. I look forward to digging deeper into philosophical questions with all of you!

Favorite Philosopher: Kant

Jacob is a junior majoring in Marketing and History. He lives in Alumni Hall, and firmly believes it is the best dorm on campus. He lives in Phoenix, Arizona and is excited to continue working with students in the God and the Good Life class.

All-time favorite Philosopher: Fyodor Dostoevsky

Margaret is a sophomore studying English and Philosophy. She lives in Breen-Phillips Hall, writes for The Observer and participated in Women's Boxing (for like, half a season. It's harder than it looks!!). As a South Bend native, she is always willing to give out restaurant suggestions or simply discuss what makes the city so great. She is looking forward to great discussion and personal growth this semester. 

All-time favorite Philosopher: Aristotle

My name is Shay Mckinney. I am a senior Sociology major with a minor in Musical Theatre. This is my third semester being a GGL fellow

All-time favorite philosopher: Socrates

I'm from a suburb outside of Cleveland (The LAND), Ohio but currently living in St. Edward's Hall as a Biochemistry major and a philosophy minor. Although still pretty torn up that Lebron James left for greener pastures, I am really looking forward to getting to hear everyone's views on some thought-provoking topics this fall semester. In my free time, I enjoy sci-fi novels, carrying the squad to Victory Royales and exploring the greater South Bend community.

All-time favorite philosopher: Marcus Aurelius

Molly is a senior science business major aspiring to attend medical school after Notre Dame. She has a soft spot for GGL as her time in this class inspired her to pick up a minor in philosophy and she has been pursuing the good life ever since. She’s from Denver, Colorado where she loves skiing, hiking, and all things outdoors but recently also called Dublin, Ireland home last fall while studying abroad. Shoot her an email anytime to talk about all things philosophy, premed, or Ireland! 

Favorite philosopher: Descartes or St. Thomas Aquinas

Tom is a senior political science and Spanish major and a theology minor, originally hailing from Rockville, Maryland. On-campus, he is a four year resident of Keough Hall. When he's not philosophizing, he's chasing stories as the News Editor at The Observer, perfecting his backwards walk as an admissions tour guide, running, or stressing out over Washington, D.C. area sports teams. Tom has studied abroad twice, once over the summer in Jerusalem and for the entirety of last semester in Toledo, Spain. He's looking forward to re-joining the GGL team after a semester away!

All-time favorite philosopher: Hannah Arendt

Olivia is a sophomore from Park Ridge, Illinois. She is a business and psychology double-major, and a wild woman of Walsh Hall. Olivia competes for Notre Dame in cross country and track, and when she is not running or discussing philosophy in a sustained dialogue group she may be found biking across campus, singing at dorm masses, or spending flexpoints on Freshens smoothies. 

All-time favorite Philosopher: William James 

I’m a sophomore living in McGlinn Hall. I’m from Vienna, VA, which is just outside of DC. I’m a political science major but am also super interested in languages and learning about different cultures and schools of thought. I also love reading and running. I’m so excited to get to meet new people and learn more about how different people see the world!

All-time favorite Philosopher: Rene Descartes 

Alison is a senior from Pasadena, California.  She is studying history, political science, and environmental science, and is working on a senior thesis.  Alison loves exploring a wide range of academic topics, including philosophy, peace studies, design, and foreign languages.  In her free time, Alison works in the Writing Center, writes for Scholastic, and feeds the campus squirrels between classes.  Alison loves to teach and will be going into Notre Dame's ACE program after graduation.  She is excited to spend a second semester as a GGL Fellow contemplating questions of morality and the meaning of life with a new group of students

All-time favorite Philosopher: hard to say, but probably Aristotle!

Christopher is a sophomore at Sorin College from Harrison, New York, studying History and Classics with a minor in the JED program. When he's not entranced by the innumerable possibilities of the universe, he sings for the Glee Club and writes for the Observer. His biggest accomplishment is knowing every single lyric to Biggie Smalls' Juicy. Roll Quint. 

All-time favorite Philosopher: Immanuel Kant 

Lulu is a sophomore from Granger, Indiana living in Pasquerilla West Hall. She currently plans on majoring in FTT and Philosophy, with a minor in Musical Theatre. In her free time she participates in theatre, drinks lots of La Croix, and listens to good music. She can’t wait to dive deeper into questions of morality (should I go vegetarian??) with new GGL freshmen this semester.

Favorite Philosopher: Aristotle

Jillie is from the infamous city of trees (aka Sacramento, California).  She resides in Welsh Family Hall (#WHIRLOUT) and is double majoring in Political Science and FTT.  Her favorite things include: coffee, Notre Dame, her friends, and abstract yet analytical discussions regarding the meaning of life and what makes life worth living (welcome to GGL).  Here’s to an amazing semester ahead!

All-time favorite Philosopher: Martha Nussbaum

Vy is a senior Neuroscience and Human Behavior major, and she is currently pursuing a Pre-Medical track. Her hometown is Port Orchard, WA and her favorite hobbies are listening to music, playing the flute, traveling to new places, and cooking/eating food. On campus, Vy is the Liaison/President for the QuestBridge Chapter of Notre Dame and conducts undergraduate research at the Boler-Parseghian Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases. She is very excited to discuss philosophical topics with her fellow students and cannot wait to expand her own philosophical views.

All-time favorite philosopher: Simone de Beauvoir

I am a senior International Economics and Spanish major from El Paso, Texas. I'm not the biggest fan of bios so come to my office hours to talk about life's big questions or why the tong is no friend of the cookie.