Tyler Lehrer, Outreach & Administrative Coordinator for the Program in Jewish Studies and MA Candidate in Religious Studies, recently presented a paper at the annual American Academy of Religion conference in Atlanta, GA on November 22nd. Tyler's paper, “Reframing Authority: Buddhist Blogging and the Theravāda Bhikkhunī Ordination Dispute” was part of the “Contesting Authority, Reclaiming Traditions: Religion and Gender in Southeast Asia” panel co-sponsored by the Women and Religion and Religion in Southeast Asia sections.
Tyler subsequently defended his MA thesis prospectus in early December and is busy submitting PhD applications and preparing to travel to Sri Lanka to conduct thesis research over winter break.