Curriculum Vitae

My primary field of expertise is the study of modern and contemporary Western esoteric currents. Topics that I have addressed in the past include Wicca, Thelema, Theosophy, and the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. My current research deals primarily with the history of esoteric groups in the Soviet Union, especially during the late-Soviet period (1953 – 1991). My other interests include theoretical problems of the study of religion and esotericism such as psychological dimension of esoteric practices and historical interactions between philosophy, science, and esotericism. On a more practical level, I am interested in mechanisms of construction of ideologies, issues of freedom of religion and belief, conspiracy theories, and religious fundamentalism.

Education

2018 – Present PhD student in Religion, Rice University

2015 Candidate of sciences in Philosophy, Moscow State University

2011 Specialist degree (with Honours) in Religious Studies, Moscow State University

Teaching

2022 Instructor of Record, Rice University

2018, 2021 Teaching Assistant, Rice University

2016 – 2018 Visiting Lecturer, Russian Orthodox University of St. John

2012 – 2018 Lecturer, Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia