I am an anthropologist and cognitive scientist who studies some of the things that make us human – but not the obvious ones: I am rather interested in some of the more peculiar aspects of our nature, like ritual, music, sports fanship, and other things that help people connect, cope, and live meaningful lives.

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My research combines experimental methods with ethnographic fieldwork to study human culture holistically. I have spent several years conducting research in Southern Europe and Mauritius.

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I am an Associate Professor in Anthropology and Psychological Sciences at the University of Connecticut, Director of the Cognitive Science Program, and head of the Experimental Anthropology Lab. ​I have also served as President of the International Association for the Cognitive and Evolutionary Sciences of Religion

Before becoming a full-time academic, I worked as a translator, photographer, and book editor (and of course a waiter).

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I have lived in 7 countries and have travelled to over 70, The people, the places, and  the cultures that I met have been the best education I've ever had.