Erin Simmonds

Erin is currently pursuing her PhD in the Divinity School her JD in the Law School.  She is interested in religion in America and its intersection with law.

What does your work focus on / revolve around?

My work focuses on law and religion in American history. I generally focus on the way that the law is influenced by and influences religion. Lately, I have been researching and writing about the religious-legal framework surrounding issues of reproductive justice in the United States. 

What is a favorite course you have taken at the Divinity School and what made it a favorite?

My favorite course at the Divinity School was the History and Historiography of the Christian Right. I took it as a first-quarter MA student, and it was a fantastic introduction to graduate school and to Religions in America. I later TA'd the same course as a PhD student and got to experience it from a teaching perspective, which actually increased my appreciation for the class! Professor Evans did a great job helping students gain a historical context to a lot of the religious, legal, and political issues of today. As both a student and a TA, I came away with a nuanced and contextual picture of American evangelicalism that has been extremely helpful for me in my work and in engaging with the world. 

What is an aspect of life at the Divinity School or in Hyde Park that you enjoy?

Hyde Park and the Divinity School are both great places to build your personal and professional life. Hyde Park has a lot to offer! We've got some great restaurants, a beautiful lakefront, and a real neighborhood feel. The Divinity School also has a lot to offer students, but for me the most significant thing has been the people I have met. My professors are caring, even when they're pushing me to do better. And the friendships I have made here have been such an integral part of my growth as both a scholar and a human!