The Team

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.  

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.

Prof. Sullivan serves as Director of the GGL Program.  She taught a Fall 2019 section of the course, and is not teaching a section in Spring 2020.  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.

Paul Blaschko is Assistant Director of Research and Outreach at NDIAS. He taught two sections of GGL in Fall 2019 and serves on the core team for the course.

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.

I am a Science-Business major from Santa Fe, New Mexico. I love living in Farley Hall and working as the Editor-in-Chief of the yearbook. I'm looking forward to a great semester of helping students develop new approaches to their philosophical thoughts

All-time favorite Philosopher: Marcus Aurelius 

Here's my new bio for the site: 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 playing ultimate frisbee, running a news camera for a sports game, or just goofing around with friends.

All-time favorite Philosopher: Aquinas

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.

My name is Dylan MacFarlane and I received my BA in philosophy from Skidmore college. My philosophical interests include medieval philosophy, philosophy of religion and metaphysics. My non-philosophical interests include walking my dog and reading poetry. 

Favorite philosopher: Thomas Aquinas

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

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 and Philosophy double major from The Woodlands, Texas. I live in McGlinn Hall and spend most of my free 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 this semester!

All-time favorite Philosopher: Fyodor Dostoevsky 

I am a PhD student in Philosophy, and my primary research revolves around several themes – rationality, language, and virtue – and their importance for accounts of human excellence and achievement.  When I'm not doing philosophy, I enjoy playing Ultimate Frisbee on the beach, drafting only running backs in fantasy football, or hanging out with my dachshund Bella.

Favorite Philosopher: Hilary Putnam

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

Ryan is a junior Business Analytics 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 huge fan of Cleveland Browns football, Indie 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 Baker Mayfield will bounce back from his sophomore slump, The Strokes' rejuvenation of rock music, or possible existential dilemmas caused by the app TikTok feel free to stop him on the quad to say hi!

All-time favorite Philosopher: Aristotle

Dave is a first year Architecture student minoring in sustainability. He was born and raised in Ypsilanti, Michigan, and is part of Dillon Community in Baumer Hall. Additionally, Dave competes for Notre Dame’s Swimming & Diving team, and enjoys painting, euchre, vegan food, and making hyper-specific playlists. 

Favorite philosopher: Peter Singer

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

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

Mia Lecinski is a sophomore from Wilmette, Illinois and currently lives in Lyons Hall. She is majoring in Philosophy and Economics with a minor in Collaborative Innovation. This semester, she is most excited to train for the Holy Half with her friends. 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 Economics and Political Science with a 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 doing improv with the Humor Artists and having deep conversations in the Keenan Hall stairway.

All-Time Favorite Philosopher: Jean-Paul Sartre

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

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 

Margaret is a sophomore studying English and Philosophy. She lives in Breen-Phillips Hall and the library. 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

Patrick McGuire is a proud junior member of Siegfried Hall (go Ramblers!) studying Economics and Sociology. As a military kid, Siegfried Hall 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 currently serving as Student Body Vice President! He's an exclamation! point! enthusiast! and is so excited to be back for his third semester as a GGL fellow!

Favorite Philosopher: Søren Kierkegaard 

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

Chase is a Junior Neuroscience & Philosophy double major living in St. Edward’s Hall. Originally from Avon Lake, Ohio (a suburb on the westside of Cleveland, Go Browns), he has found a second home in South Bend playing inter-hall beach volleyball and basketball, working with the Nuclear Physics Laboratory in Nieuwland Hall and the God and the Good Life team. If you have any questions about philosophy, life at Notre Dame or playlists for beach volleyball, feel free to reach out.

All-time favorite philosopher: George Berkeley

Jasmine is a Science-Business major and Science, Technology, and Values minor.  She's from Hinsdale, Illinois and currently lives in McGlinn Hall.  In her free time she loves to participate in intramural sports, hike, and host Monday night Bachelor watches.

Favorite philosopher: Aristotle

Annie is a junior studying Psychology with a minor in Education, Schooling & Society. She was born and raised in Ormond Beach, FL (the lesser-known sidekick of Daytona), but now she lives in Flaherty Hall.  In her free time she likes taking walks, knitting, and watching improv with her friends. Though she has never managed to do all of those things at once, she is probably going to try now.  She has a feeling you all know that she’s writing about herself in the third person, but she’s embracing it!   After a brief intermission, Annie is entering her third season as a GGL fellow.  And she’s so excited to get back to it!!  She has been quoted saying, “Let’s get this philosophical bread.”

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

Murph is a junior residing in Sorin College and majoring in the Program of Liberal Studies with minors in PPE and Business/Economics. He is originally from Glencoe, Illinois, and enjoys political philosophy, music, and college football. This is Murph's third semester as a GGL fellow, and he looks forward to finally coming to a finite conclusion about the meaning of life this time around.

Favorite Philosopher - Augustine or Cicero

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

Katia is a Freshman 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

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 

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

Renee is a freshman from Scottsdale, Arizona currently living in Welsh Family Hall. Notoriously indecisive, she is still unsure of her major and career path, but is currently a Psychology major with a minor in Philosophy. Outside of class, Renee writes for the Observer and serves as the Secretary of the Freshman Class Council. In her free time, you can find Renee hanging out with her friends, listening to anything by Tame Impala on repeat, mourning over the abomination that is dining hall food, or contemplating philosophy. 

Favorite philosopher: Socrates 

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

I am a freshman living in Lyons Hall.  I’m from Kenosha, WI located halfway between Chicago and Milwaukee right on Lake Michigan.  I’m a philosophy major, and I am considering a supplementary major in Spanish.  If I’m not studying, I’m likely walking around campus or out practicing with waterski club.  I look forward to participating in many more GGL dialogues!

Favorite Philosopher: Aristotle

Blake is a freshman Political Science and Philosophy double-major in Siegfried Hall. He grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana and graduated from Holy Cross School. He has spent many years studying philosophy and is dedicated to making philosophical teachings accessible to any student. In addition to being a Dialogue Fellow, Blake is a trumpet player in the Band of the Fighting Irish and a columnist for The Observer. He also coaches high school students in speech and debate, is a diehard fan of the New Orleans Saints, and avid reader of Jewish philosophy.

Favorite Philosopher: John Locke