Conversations that Matter 2010/11
Are you a new (or not-so-new) graduate student with questions about how to make the most of your Oxford University experience?
If the answer is 'yes', then Conversations that Matter might be for you.
The Conversations that Matter initiative will put you in contact with a current or past graduate student, a Pastorate Chaplain, or a faculty member (example bios can be seen below) who would be delighted to meet with you informally to chat about graduate life in Oxford.
We have a particular interest in how students can develop in Christian faith over their time in Oxford. But whatever your beliefs and whatever your question - practical (e.g. where can I buy my favourite cereal?); Oxford-specific (e.g. what is sub-fusc anyway?); or existential (e.g. how can I connect my intellectual-life and my spiritual-life?) - we'd love to help. Clearly, we don't have all the answers but we can probably put you in touch with someone who does.
If you'd like to take part in a Conversation that Matters then please take a moment to fill in this form. Once we've received your details, one of the team will contact you by email to arrange to meet and talk over a hot drink (which we'll buy!) in one of Oxford's many pleasant coffee shops.
The Conversations that Matter Team:
Dr Jonathan Brant is the Oxford Pastorate Chaplain. He wrote a DPhil in Theology at Trinity College, Oxford which drew upon systematic theology, film theory and qualitative research in considering the potential religious impact of contemporary Latin American cinema. Prior to coming to Oxford, Jonathan worked for Anglican churches in London and South America. Jonathan is the award-winning author of fiction and non-fiction books which introduce young people to the joys and the mysteries of the Christian faith. He is married to Tricia and has a eight year-old son, Isaac.
The Revd Christian Hofreiter combines his role as Oxford Pastorate Associate Chaplain with research toward a DPhil in biblical interpretation. Before coming to Oxford, he worked as a university lecturer in his native Innsbruck, Austria, and as an international government relations associate in Washington, DC. Through many ups and downs, he has forged a deep conviction that nothing can separate us from the love of God, that “all things work together for the good of those who love him.” The thrill of seeing others taste the goodness of God has been the most rewarding aspect of his ministry in Austria, the US and now the UK. To relax, Christian loves to ski, hike and swim in lakes – and to hang out with his wife Helen, who works in micro-finance.
Emilie Noteboom, Oxford Pastorate Associate Chaplain, came to Oxford in 2008 to research the influence of Christianity on Western philosophy and culture. She was associated to Trinity College and focused her research specifically on early 20th century Catholic historian Christopher Dawson's views on history of culture. Prior to coming to Oxford, Emilie managed Christian development projects in countries as diverse as India, Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia and Hong Kong. Emilie has a background in law and has worked for a major law firm in Amsterdam for several years. Emilie is Dutch, but has lived most of her life outside Holland and feels at home where her friends are. She loves learning about different cultures, looking for the hilarious in everyday life and spending time with people.
Dr Ard Louis is a Reader in Theoretical Physics and a Royal Society University Research Fellow at Oxford University, where he leads an interdisciplinary research group studying problems on the border between physics, chemistry, and biology. Ard was born in the Netherlands, but grew up in Gabon, central Africa, where his family still lives. He maintains an active interest in international development issues and is also passionate about helping postgraduate students think Biblically about the world around them. He is married to Mary, who works at the Said Business School. His hobbies are traveling, photography, food: eating and cooking, wine, and scuba diving.
Mary Johnstone-Louis recently finished an MPhil in Latin American Studies with a concentration in Economics. Her college was St. Antony's and her thesis investigated the topic of corporate social responsibility in Latin American firms. She did her thesis field work in Mexico and has previously lived in Chile. Prior to coming to Oxford, Mary worked in international development policy in Washington, DC (which brought her back to Chile and to Colombia) and in a business advisory firm in London. She is originally from Seattle.
Roselyn Lemus is from Mexico. Her D.Phil. research focuses on one of the chemical
signals responsible for the way tumours grow and how to block it. Besides her scientific work, Roselyn enjoys developing her faith by going to church, having fellowship with her christian friends and being part of the committee of the Graduate Christian Union. From this year, she will be the international postgraduate representative from the International Students Campaign. She is very willing to listen to the whole range of questions and issues that international postgrad students might face.