The Team

Paul Blaschko is an assistant teaching professor in the philosophy department.  

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, and the philosophy of religion. 

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.

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.

Dr. Zhao an assistant professor in the philosophy department at Notre Dame.

He works mainly in ethics, though he also has interests in social and political philosophy, philosophy of science, philosophy of language, and ancient Chinese philosophy as well.

He received my PhD from NYU in 2018. Before NYU, he was an undergraduate in philosophy at Princeton.

Joseph is a junior living off campus and majoring in computer science and the Program of Liberal Studies through the Reilly Dual Degree Program. He is from South Bend and lived in Stanford Hall before moving off campus. He enjoys singing in the Liturgical Choir, playing board games, riding his bike, and discussing philosophically about pretty much anything. This is his second semester as a GGL Fellow after a two-semester break and he is excited to get back into the world of GGL and participate in some meaningful dialogue. 

Favorite Philosopher:  Socrates

Runner-ups: Epictetus, Kant

Haley is a PhD student studying philosophy. She is interested in ethics, epistemology, and the philosophy of education. Outside of philosophy, she loves cats, cooking, and being outdoors.

Julia is a junior philosophy and peace studies major from Raleigh, North Carolina. When she is not working on philosophy-related things, you can usually find her running around campus, shooting film at a sports game, or just goofing around with friends.

Favorite Philosopher at the Moment: Camus

Aaron is a sophomore studying economics and political science, originally from Orlando, FL but currently residing in Fisher Hall, the Cadillac of Dorms. Outside of schoolwork, Aaron plays cymbals for the Notre Dame Drumline, listens to a diverse array of music from Philip Glass to Talking Heads to Cole Porter, and enjoys a good bagel and coffee from Einstein every once in a while. Being new to the team, Aaron is excited to begin corrupting the youth and exploring meaning, belief, faith, and morality with other lovers of wisdom. 

Favorite Philosopher (right now):  Étienne Gilson

Huimin is a second-year graduate student. Her main area of interest is early modern philosophy, especially Spinoza and Hume, although they are quite the opposite. Apart from that, she is also interested in moral philosophy. Her non-philosophical interests are photography and watching anime with friends. 

Kat Machado is a junior majoring in psychology and American Studies. She originally hails from La Mirada, CA but now lives in the glamorous Pasquerilla East Hall. On campus, you can find Kat singing in Chorale, picnicking on north quad, or baking cookies in the PE kitchen. She is especially interested in moral philosophy and the nature of religious belief. She can’t wait to bring people into the wonderful world of GGL and help people find answers to some of life’s biggest questions! 

All time favorite philosopher: C.S. Lewis 

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

Jess is currently a senior neuroscience & behavior and philosophy double major from The Woodlands, Texas. She used to live in McGlinn Hall (roll rocks baby!!) but now she lives off-campus. Jess spends most of her free time playing volleyball with friends, watching movies, cheating on the crosswords in The Observer, listening to TED Talks, and eating The Tonight Dough. She's spent three years on the GGL team and is looking forward to another great semester!

Blake Ziegler is a sophomore at the University of Notre Dame from New Orleans, Louisiana. He is majoring in political science and philosophy with a minor in constitutional studies. He loves philosophy and is dedicated to making it accessible to any student! Outside of GGL, Blake is a member of the band, columnist for The Observer, and secretary of the Jewish Club. He also coaches high school debate and can often be found rooting for the New Orleans Saints. 

Ashley Adams is a sophomore studying Psychology & History. She’s from the suburbs of Chicago, but on campus she lives in McGlinn (Roll Rocks!!!!!). Outside of school and her forensic psych research, you can find her creating an excessive amount of Spotify playlists, going on midnight walks around campus with friends, and proudly blasting Taylor Swift. She can’t wait to corrupt the youth this semester!!!

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 senior majoring in finance and minoring in philosophy. She lived in McGlinn Hall her first three years (Roll Rocks!), and now she lives off campus. She is from the northwest suburbs of Chicago. In her free time, she loves to play on the Club Softball team and work as a campus tour guide. She has been on the GGL team since her freshman year and she is looking forward to another great semester of corrupting the youth!

Favorite Philosopher: Aristotle

Nate is a sophomore from Massachusetts living in Knott Hall and studying biology and global affairs, with a concentration in international development studies. In his free time, Nate enjoys playing basketball, going on hikes, and all other outdoor activities.

Favorite Philosopher: John Stuart Mill

Ryan is a senior business analytics major and philosophy minor living in Fisher Hall.  If he has not already informed you -- usually quite obnoxiously, Ryan is from Cleveland, Ohio, and has been under the delusion for the past three years that his beloved Cleveland Browns will make the playoffs sometime before he graduates.  When not yelling at the TV in his room, he enjoys overcast weather, listening to a playlist of DaBaby/The Strokes/sad girl indie music, and Flex Seal (TM) commercials.  Feel attend his Zoom office hours to discuss NBC's The Good Place, Sartre's existentialism, or Hume's Theory of Perception.  Snapple Fact #496 To clean paint off your hands, use olive oil – it softens the paint and makes it easy to remove.

Dave is a sophomore studying architecture with a minor in sustainability. He was born and raised in Ypsilanti, Michigan, and will gladly show you exactly where that is by pointing at his right hand. Currently, he is a proud member of Dillon Hall. (Let's Go Big Reddddd) Additionally, Dave is a student-athlete on the Notre Dame Swimming & Diving team. He enjoys curating specific playlists, playing beach volleyball, and promising vegan food isn't that bad. 

Favorite philosopher: Peter Singer

Devin is a junior studying neuroscience & behavior with a minor in education, schooling, and society. He is from the suburbs of Kansas City (on the Kansas side) but now lives off campus after two years 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!

Bennett is a freshman from London, England studying Political Science. He currently resides in Keough Hall, the former home of NFL star Chase Claypool and former quarterback Ian Book (as well as his RA Jake who is almost as cool). When not working, Bennett can be found at the gym or convincing his roommate to come with him to the gym. Bennett cannot wait to meet his first dialogue group and be a part of helping others enjoy GGL as much as he did.

I’m a freshman in Architecture with a passion for all things art. I am Lebanese and have been made fully aware that it doesn’t count as a personality trait. I speak Arabic as a first language and philosophy as a second. My hope is to insure GGL dialogue is an inclusive space that invites all people to the conversation.

Favorite Philosopher: Aristotle

Grace is a sophomore majoring in political science with minors in business economics and the Hesburgh Program for Public Service. She is from New York City but now is a proud resident of Walsh Hall on campus. She is so excited to be a GGL fellow and is looking forward to a great semester with her dialogue group!

Emma is a sophomore studying economics and sustainability. She is from Westfield, NJ, and at Notre Dame, she lives in Pangborn Hall. Emma loves all things-coffee, second hand thrifting, and having humorous, unexpected conversations. Her favorite thing to do at Notre Dame is spend quality time at the Grotto and walk around the lakes. She is thrilled to be a part of the GGL dialogue team and she is determined to corrupt the youth! 

Favorite philosopher: Jesus

My name is Ryan Hoffman and I am from Allentown, Pennsylvania. I am a sophomore living in Dillon Hall majoring in finance and philosophy. In my free time I like to work out and hang out with my friends. 

Favorite Philosopher: Nietzsche

Haley Holden is a senior computer science major from Winthrop, Massachusetts. She lives off campus now, but previously resided in North Dining Hall (as well as Cavanaugh). She is always interested in getting coffee and discussing big questions about life, particularly the good one. 

Favorite Philosopher: Diogenes

Ainsley Hurford is a first-year Philosophy & Theology student and proud Purple Weasel of Pasquerilla West Hall. She's from the suburbs of St. Louis (on the Illinois side!) and will always defend St. Louis-style pizza to any who doubt its greatness. In her free time, Ainsley likes to hike and camp, watch rom-coms that consist solely of predictable cliches, and jam out to late 2000's hits with her friends.

Frank is a first-year student from Illinois, and he is currently living in O'Neill Hall. Aside from being a business major and a GGL dialogue leader, Frank is part of the Student Union Board and the Notre Dame Glee Club, where he expresses his passion for service and music. At Notre Dame, Frank aspires to grow and learn from the different on-campus communities that he is a part of, including his weekly meetings with his dialogue group.

Office Hours: 2:00-3:00PM on Mondays or by appointment

Gabby Keller is a sophomore residing in Lewis Hall (known for its outstanding assorted breakfast foods).  She has lived her whole life in Jacksonville, Florida with her younger sister and parents where she grew up believing that any temperature below 75° was cold (one winter in South Bend quickly changed that).  Gabby is studying science-business and poverty studies and plans to attend medical school after graduating from Notre Dame.  When she is not learning and discoursing about philosophical theories, Gabby enjoys reading, baking, hiking, and spending time with her friends and family. 

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

Maria is a freshman from northern Illinois living in Farley Hall majoring in neuroscience and behavior and minoring in history. She participates in student radio and has a segment for WSND FM, and is the co-president of the Notre Dame chapter of the Brain Exercise Initiative, a program that works with Alzheimer's patients to restore their cognitive function. Additionally, Maria enjoys spending time with friends and watching movies. 

Favorite Philosopher: Descartes 

Patrick McGuire is a proud senior RA in Siegfried Hall (go Ramblers!) studying economics and sociology. As a military kid, Siegfried is his true hometown, but he has moved 14 times and currently lives in San Antonio, Texas. He is passionate about local government and student government, working with the City of South Bend on inclusive development and previously serving as Student Body Vice President! He's an exclamation! point! enthusiast! and is so excited to be back for his fourth semester as a GGL fellow!

Favorite Philosopher: Søren Kierkegaard 

I am from Hinsdale, Illinois right outside of Chicago. I am a Finance major from Morrissey Manor. I am a devout bears and cubs fan and still will proudly rep my Trubisky jersey even though it pains me to think about. I also love hot cheetos and ramen noodles. 

Jasmine is a senior science-business major and science, technology, and values minor from Hinsdale, Illinois. She is a proud Cubs fan and firmly believes that the best hot dogs are found at Wrigley Field. A former resident of McGlinn Hall, she now lives off-campus. In her free time she loves to participate in intramural sports, hike, and host Monday night Bachelor watches. 

Favorite philosopher: Aristotle

Kevin is a sophomore majoring in biological sciences from Western Springs, IL. A resident of Knott Hall, he serves as their social commissioner and misses Friday afternoon games of section football. In his free time, he enjoys riding his bike, taking long naps, and getting first in Mario Kart. Over the summer, he started listening to the Philosophize This! podcast and recommends it to anyone looking for a good sampling of philosophy. 

Favorite philosopher: Kierkegaard

Katia is a sophomore pursuing a major in marketing.  She lives in Welsh Family Hall and is from South Bend, IN (townie life).  She loves snowboarding, her dog, and gushers. She can't wait to talk about all of life's mysteries with her dialogue group. 

Favorite Philosopher: Aristotle

Olivia is a junior majoring in business analytics and psychology. She is from Park Ridge, Illinois, and is a proud resident of Walsh Hall. When Olivia is not tackling life’s most complicated questions with her sustained dialogue group, you may find her running around the tri-campus area with the cross country team, going on long walks around the lakes with friends, or burning up Flex Points on bags of semi-sweet chocolate chips at the Huddle. She is so excited for another semester of dialogue with her fellow GGLers!

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 

Erin is a sophomore from Cherry Hill, New Jersey. She is studying biology with medical school aspirations and she currently lives in Lewis Hall. In her free time she enjoys cooking, running, and rewatching the her favorite shows on Netflix. This is Erin’s first semester as a member of the GGL team and she looks forward to engaging in meaningful, philosophical conversations with her dialogue group!

Connor Patrick is a rising sophomore from Albany, New York living in Dillon Hall. He is majoring in philosophy and global affairs with minors in liturgical music ministry, Portuguese & Brazilian Studies, and digital marketing. In addition to serving as a GGL Fellow, he is involved in other initiatives on campus such as the Voices of Faith Gospel Choir, College Mentors for Kids, Student Government, Moreau Student Advisory Council, and more. He firmly believes that the peanut butter pie in South Dining Hall is God’s ultimate gift to humanity. 

Connor is extremely honored to be a GGL Fellow and is excited to explore how philosophy relates to everyday life with his Dialogue Group!

Favorite Philosopher: The Dalai Lama

Lulu is a junior from Granger, Indiana living in Pasquerilla West Hall. She is 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

Renee is a sophomore from Scottsdale, Arizona living in Welsh Family Hall. She is studying political science and psychology with a minor in journalism, ethics, and democracy. Renee is currently serving as the Sophomore Class President, and in her free time she enjoys writing for The Observer, starting pointless debates with her friends, and listening to indie music (sorry). 

Favorite Philosopher: Socrates

Hannah is a sophomore majoring in economics and global affairs. She is from New Jersey and lives in Farley Hall on campus. In her free time she loves reading, running, and listening to country music. She is excited for her first semester as a GGL fellow and to share great philosophical discussions this year!

Nathalie is a sophomore at Notre Dame majoring in political science with a supplementary major in global affairs. While she is originally from Kalamazoo, MI, on campus she lives in Farley Hall. In her free time she enjoys going to the beach (Lake Michigan), playing with her dog, and finding new music to listen to. This is her first semester as a fellow, and she cannot wait to engage in philosophical discussion with her dialogue group this year! 

Favorite Philosopher: Kierkegaard

Max is a current freshman and a proud member of O'Neill Hall's Section 1A. Max grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico, but currently resides in South Bend. He is majoring in economics and political science, with aspirations of going to law school. He is a member of Notre Dame's Mock Trial team, and is bilingual in French and English.

Favorite Philosopher: Nietzsche

Elizabeth is a sophomore living in Lyons Hall from Kenosha, WI.  She is studying philosophy with minors in theology, STV, and dance.  She enjoys going on walks around campus after dark taking a variety of routes depending on the night. 

Chadwick is a sophomore majoring in finance and psychology. He grew up in Singapore and Los Angeles and currently lives in Dunne Hall. He is a former international competitive figure skater who represented Singapore at the Junior World Championships. Chadwick also has a huge passion for third-wave coffee, deep philosophical conversations, and finger-style guitar. He is always down to make you a cup of coffee with some latte art and sit and chat about life. 

Favorite Philosopher: Socrates