Our Faculty & Staff

Hartford Institute represents a group of scholars who study the social scientific dynamics of religious groups, trends in religious organizations, and changes in the US religious landscape. Each of us teaches, does research, and writes on a diverse set of religious topics. We also network, consult, and engage in collaborative research with many denominations, scholars, and independent organizations nationwide.

Amidu Elabo

Dr. Amidu Elabo is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Hartford Institute for Religion Research. He conducts ethnographic and qualitative research on behalf of the Exploring the Pandemic Impact on Congregations project, as well as data analysis and mapping. Amidu holds a PhD in Religion and Society from Princeton Theological Seminary, an MSc in Religious Studies from the University of Edinburgh, an MA in the Interaction of Religions from the University of Jos, and a BA in Religious Studies from the University of Jos. Dr. Elabo served as a lecturer, teaching assistant, and research assistant in a variety of capacities in both Nigeria and the US before joining the institute staff.

Colleen Hill

Originally from Sonoma County, California, Colleen Hill is excited to work alongside the Hartford Institute for Religion Research as a Strategic Communication Specialist. Colleen graduated from Washington State University (WSU) in May 2023, earning her Journalism and Media Production degree. During her time at WSU, she served as general manager for a student-run television station and a producer for Northwest Public Broadcasting’s “Morning Edition.” Colleen has worked on a wide range of projects, including printed news features, documentaries, and podcasts. In her free time, she enjoys exploring new cities, reading, and listening to Taylor Swift.

Charissa Mikoski

Charissa Mikoski is an Assistant Professor of Research at Hartford International University for Religion and Peace. She specializes in quantitative data analysis and survey management. Her PhD is from Purdue University and focuses on the sociology of religion. Charissa holds a BA in Sociology from Westminster College and an MS in Sociology from Purdue University. Her past research experiences include roles with the Pew Research Center, the Presbyterian Church (USA), and The Confirmation Project.

Allison Norton

Allison Norton is Co-Director of Hartford Institute for Religion Research and Associate Professor of Migration Studies and Congregational Life at Hartford International University for Religion and Peace. She is also the Project Director of the Pastoral Innovation Network of New England (PINNE)and a Co-Investigator for the Exploring the Pandemic Impact on Congregations project. Norton specializes in African Pentecostalism and the dynamics of migrant congregations in the United States. Her co-directorship of the Doctor of Ministry program at Hartford International University gives her a firsthand glimpse into how clergy across denominations have responded to the pandemic and the changing nature of congregational life. Learn more about Allison Norton’s work.

Tracy Simmons

Tracy Simmons is a writer and social media consultant for the Exploring the Pandemic Impact on Congregations project. She is also the Executive Director of SpokaneFAVS.com, a digital journalism start-up covering religion news and commentary in Spokane, Washington. She is also a Scholarly Assistant Professor at the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication at Washington State University and writes for the Religion News Service and The Spokesman-Review.

Scott Thumma

Scott Thumma is Professor of Sociology of Religion at Hartford International University for Religion and Peace and the Co-Director of the Hartford Institute for Religion Research. He is the principal investigator for the Exploring the Pandemic Impact on Congregations project. Throughout his 35-year career, he has participated in many congregational study projects and national religion research efforts. He has written widely on the subjects of megachurches, gay religious life, congregational dynamics, and nondenominational churches. He has published three books (Gay Religion, Beyond Megachurch Myths, and The Other 80 Percent: Turning Your Church’s Spectators into Active Participants), many research reports, and managed over a half-dozen websites. Learn more about Scott Thumma’s work.

Brittany Clarvon Watts

Brittany Clarvon Watts is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Hartford Institute of Religion Research and a Visiting Faculty Associate at Hartford International University. She specializes in qualitative research on behalf of the Exploring the Pandemic Impact on Congregations project. Dr. Watts completed her Masters and Doctorate in Sociology at Kent State University. She studied Religion and African American Diaspora Studies at Wheaton College. She earned her Master of Divinity from Duke University, studying Black Liberation Theology, Womanism, and Systematic Theology. Dr. Watts has also researched and co-published about Black Christian women’s lived mental health experiences in the journal Sex Roles in an article entitled “Keeping Ourselves Sane: A Qualitative Exploration of Black Women’s Coping Strategies” and plans to explore mental health paradoxes, utilization of health services, and access to care within faith communities. Additionally, she serves as the Program Director and Grant Writer at Shiloh Development Corporation, Inc., and provides education, resources, and care with dignity and pride to anyone in need.

Sheryl Wiggins

Sheryl Wiggins is the Administrative Assistant for the Hartford Institute for Religion Research.

Emeriti Institute Staff

• Carl Dudley
• Adair Lummis
• David Roozen

Former Institute Staff