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Professional interests
I am interested in religious conversion, asylum and encounters between religion and secularity. My doctoral project deals with asylum seekers who convert to Christianity. In particular, I look at how this phenomenon is understood and defined by immigration authorities and courts. The project also deals with Norwegian Christians who in various ways assist asylum seeker converts.
Background
Master's degree in religious studies, IKOS, UiO, 2023
‘The thing about conversion - An exploration of Iranian asylum seekers‘ conversion narratives through the perspective of materiality’. 2023.
Or to put it more simply: how physical objects such as crosses, Bibles, figures, pictures, etc. are an important part of religious life.
I researched this because I had an idea that physical things 1) were important to converts, and 2) should therefore be included in the assessment of the immigration authorities when they decide whether the conversions of asylum seekers are genuine.
My findings showed that converts do relate to various physical objects and that these are important markers for the different stages of their conversion process.
You can hear me talk about the project in the RelPol podcast here.
Bachelor's degree in religious studies, IKOS, UiO, 2021
‘Material culture in Quaker society'. 2021.
‘The Quakers are a small but historically rich faith community in Norway. They are interested in the idea of ‘simplicity’ - that physical things should not have any special significance. That's why I wanted to know how they organised their premises on the basis of this idea. My findings were that they are frugal, but that there are religious thoughts behind everything from architectural choices to furniture and interiors.
Work experience
I have previously worked as a research assistant to Nora Stene, associate professor of religious studies.
I have worked as an audience host at Scene Domus Bibliotheca and as a tour guide in the University aula.
I have worked administratively at UiO as a senior consultant in SV-info.
Other
Intervju i RelPol (2023) – IKOS Religion and Politics Podcast.
Forskning.no (2022) - Unge muslimar krev jamstilling og demokrati.
Framtida.no (2020) - Operasjon martyr Soleimani.