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Carissa Ann Sharp

Biography

Carissa Sharp was studying abroad during her junior year of college when she came to realize the impact of religion on shaping cultural identity. "This experience awakened a passion within me, and I returned to the University of Oregon with a new focus, determined to study modern, popular religion from a social scientific context."

Carissa will pursue a master's in religious studies and eventually plans to become a professor. "I have been an academic at heart as long as I can remember," she says. "To be given the chance to do important and worthwhile research, challenge existing thought, and open the minds of my students is the ideal career for me."

She says the leadership roles she has assumed at school have reassured her that a professorship is the right choice. For four years she has been a teaching assistant in freshman classrooms, mentoring, and befriending new students, and in 2004, she received an award for her work. Carissa is also an avid musician. She has been playing the cello since she was four years old. In her free time, she plays in classical music chamber groups, Celtic music jam sessions, and with a gospel ensemble.

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