Emily Strand is the Director of Campus Ministry and Liturgical Music and adjunct faculty in humanities at Ohio Dominican University in Columbus, Ohio. She is an author, podcaster, Lennon award-winning singer-songwriter and musician. She holds a Master’s degree in theology from the University of Dayton and has taught religion for more than 20 years at three Catholic institutions of higher learning. Emily has published two books on Catholic sacraments and numerous peer-reviewed chapters and essays on the religious, symbolic and spiritual themes in popular fiction such as Harry Potter, Star Wars and Star Trek. With Dr. Kathryn N. McDaniel of Marietta College, Emily co-hosts Potterversity, a Potter Studies Podcast. With McDaniel and with Amy H. Sturgis, Emily is co-editor of three books for academic presses on Star Wars, Star Trek and Harry Potter.

She is also co-host and creator of the podcast Meet Father Rivers, which explores the life and legacy of her mentor, Black Catholic priest, composer and liturgical pioneer, Fr. Clarence Joseph Rivers (co-hosted with Eric T. Styles). Emily has served the National Pastoral Musicians Association (NPM) as a presenter, consultant, editor and Chair of the Forum on Communications and currently holds a leadership position in her local NPM chapter.

Emily is also a lector, cantor and accompanist for her Catholic parish, Immaculate Conception in Columbus, Ohio, and a proud member of the 501st and Rebel Legions, international Star Wars costuming associations that serve local communities through hospital visits, fundraising and appearances at charitable events.

Please explore the site for more about Emily Strand. Use the contact page to get in touch, and visit Emily’s blog, LiturgyAndLife.com. Thank you for visiting!