Faculty & Staff
Co-Directors of Undergraduate Studies
Ines Jindra, Ph.D.

Co-Director of Undergraduate Studies
Ph.D., University of Fribourg, Switzerland 2005
Dr. Ines Jindra is interested in understanding biographical life histories in a changing society, and studies biographical narratives in connection to religious conversion. She has researched conversions to various religious groups such as Christian groups, Muslim groups, the Jehovah’s Witnesses, the Unitarians and the Baha’i. She is also interested in qualitative methodologies in general, such as grounded theory, ethnography, and textual analyses (e.g. objective hermeneutics). Another focus is urban issues, and in this context, she works together with Dr. Michael Jindra on researching poverty and ways to overcome it in local contexts. She has published in journals such as Sociology of Religion, Review of Religious Research, and the International Journal for the Psychology of Religion.
Spring Office Hours
Monday & Tuesday 10am-12noon
Wednesday & Thursday 2pm-4pm
Friday 1:30pm-3pm
Contact Information
622 Flanner Hall
(574) 631-2308
IJindra@nd.edu
Michael Jindra, Ph.D.
Co-Director of Undergraduate Studies
Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1997
Dr. Jindra’s research focuses broadly on the role of culture in influencing group and subcultural activity. More specifically, he has written on African funeral rites, Star Trek fandom and other cultural productions. His research program currently centers on the relationship and tension between subcultural diversity and economic inequality and includes conducting local research involving an antipoverty nonprofit organization. His writings have appeared in journals such as Africa, Anthropological Forum, Sociology of Religion, and Society, and his co-edited book on African funeral rites is the first work to undertake an explanation of the history, increase in size, and crucial importance of mortuary rites across sub-Saharan Africa. A former Peace Corps Volunteer, he has conducted ethnographic research in Cameroon and the US, and completed archival research in Europe.
Spring Office Hours
Monday & Tuesday 10am-12noon
Wednesday & Thursday 2pm-4pm
Friday 1:30pm-3pm
Contact Information
622 Flanner Hall
(574) 631-2308
MJindra@nd.edu