Research Associates

			Karen Hwang, Ed.D., recently completed a postdoctoral fellowship in rehabilitation outcomes at Kessler Research Foundation, and is Adjunct Assistant Professor of Medical Rehabilitation at University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey. Her prior research experience has focused on quality of life issues in persons with traumatic disabilities, including stroke, brain injuries and spinal cord injuries. Her current interest is in the medical and psychological correlates of religion and atheism in the US population, and the consequences of anti-atheist discrimination.

			Ryan T. Cragun, Ph.D., is a sociologist specializing in religion. His prior research focuses on the growth and decline of Mormonism, factors predisposing individuals to leave religion, and secular life. He is an Assistant Professor at the University of Tampa, in Tampa, FL. When he's not doing sociology, he enjoys cooking, spending time with his wife, and watching sci-fi.

			Joseph H. Hammer, M.Ed., is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology at Iowa State University. His research focuses on stigma, with specific attention to how it impacts diverse individuals' (a) willingness to seek counseling and (b) psychological well-being. He is exploring the nature and impact of behavioral manifestations of stigma (i.e., discrimination) directed towards secular individuals, and the implications for their physical health, psychological well-being, and secular identity development.

			Jesse M. Smith, M.A., is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Colorado. His research interests include qualitative methods, sociology of religion/irreligion, identity development, the self, sociological social psychology, and deviant behavior. His dissertation work is focused on the individual and collective identity work of contemporary American atheists.