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Jennifer Roberts ’03 (Royersford, Pa.) is helping to edit an undergraduate textbook on Hinduism this semester as an EXCEL Scholar with Robin Rinehart, associate professor of religion.
“I’m editing a survey of the history of Hinduism, which will be used as a textbook for undergraduate coursework,” explains Rinehart. “Jenny is helping to research new work done on the subject, including current debates and controversies that have been proposed in the last ten years.”
She adds, “Jenny is a bright, dynamic student who expressed an interest in this subject. I think she’s getting a lot out of the work.”
Roberts, a double major in religion and anthropology and sociology, is helping Rinehart shape the introduction to the work.
“A lot of new research has changed previously held ideas regarding Hinduism,” Roberts says. “I’m looking at a lot of very current material that is constantly being debated, often on-line on various websites.”
Roberts is particularly interested in investigating a topic that has always intrigued her.
“I’ve been fascinated with Eastern religions and cultures for a long time,” she says. “As a Westerner, we never really learn about these subjects in school unless we search them out. Doing this EXCEL work has been a great opportunity to study the topic in depth.”
Eventually, Roberts hopes to travel to India, and she may pursue a career as a religion professor.
“This EXCEL project is going to be great preparation for my future plans,” she says.
She adds, “Lafayette is great. You really have to take advantage of the opportunities here.”
A graduate of Spring-Ford High School, Roberts is secretary and former co-president of Association for Lafayette Women; founder of the newly formed Students for Social Justice; and a member of Cadence, a female a cappella group. She has made the Dean’s List every semester and participates in Alternative School Break Club, serving this spring break in Arizona with Tuba City for Family Harmony, an affiliate organization of the Navajo Way, which provides shelter, emergency services, and prevention resources to victims of domestic violence.