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

• Dissertation: Soviet Esoteric Underground: Narrative Motifs and Cultural Functions

2015  Kandidat nauk in Philosophy, Moscow State University

• Dissertation: The Doctrine of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn as a Form of Western Esotericism and Religious Philosophy (in Russian)

2011  Specialist diploma (with Honors) in Religious Studies, Moscow State University

Teaching Experience

2022 – 2023  Graduate Instructor of Record, Rice University

• Introduction to the Study of Religion (Fall 2023)
• American Metaphysical Religion (Fall 2022)

2018 – 2023  Teaching Assistant, Rice University

• US Cultural Diplomacy (Spring 2023)
• Religious Tolerance (Spring 2021)
• Introduction to the Study of Religion (Fall 2018, Fall 2021)

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

• New Religious Movements
• Modern Western Philosophy of Religion
• 17th–19th Centuries Philosophical Thought
• Introduction to Philosophy

2015 – 2018  Docent, Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia

• Introduction to Philosophy

2012 – 2015  Instructor, Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia

• Introduction to Philosophy