Current Scholars
Fr. Pedro A. Benitez
Pedro A. Benítez, born in Mexico City, is BA in Theology (University of Navarre, Spain). Ordained catholic priest in 1998 he obtained a Masters degree in Philosophy at the jesuit Universidad Iberoamericana (Mexico) with a theses on french philosopher Maurice Nédoncelle (La Filosofía del Amor en Maurice Nédoncelle). In 2008 he obtained a Doctorate in Theology at the Pontificia Università della Santa Croce (Rome) with a dissertation on Jean Mouroux (La Teología del Tiempo según Jean Mouroux). While at the NINS he will be studying Nédoncelle's reading on Newman primarily focusing on conscience and believe. After been parish priest and teacher at the Diocesan Seminary of Tlalnepantla (Mex.) he is currently Associate professor in Dogmatic Theology at the Universidad Pontificia de México.
Dr. Christopher Cimorelli
Christopher Cimorelli is originally from New Jersey and received both his B.S. in Economics and M.A. in Theology and Religious Studies degrees from Villanova University. After spending two years as the Editorial Assistant at Commonweal, Chris pursued and received an advanced master's degree at the Catholic University of Leuven (Belgium), researching Gregory of Nyssa's theological anthropology in the work, De anima et resurrectione. Now in the doctoral program at Leuven, Chris is currently researching John Henry Newman's theological understanding of history and historical studies. At the Newman Institute, Chris will be investigating ways to develop Newman's theory of doctrinal development in the contemporary context; specifically, he will be putting Newman's theory into dialogue with a theological notion of infinity.
Dr. Jennifer L. Brunner
In the fall of 2012, Jennifer Brunner defended her dissertation, “On New Rhetoric, John Henry Newman and the Language of Metaphors: Implications for Branding Higher Education” and was awarded the doctoral degree in Communication and Rhetorical Studies from Duquesne University (Pittsburgh, PA). Following graduation, she began a two month Research Fellowship at the National Institute for Newman Studies where she wrote a two part project on “Realizing Newman’s Influence upon Human Affairs” as it informs both interpersonal and organizational communication in the marketplace.
Her area of focus works from an epistemological perspective into how people reason and what they understand as rhetorical truth which in turn provides the ground for actions in their lives. Based upon an interpretive method, her academic interests include the classic scholarship of Philosophy to inform dominant trends in the discipline of interpersonal, organizational and integrated marketing communication. Jennifer lives with her husband, Tim, and three children, Will, Ian, and Erica in Franklin Park, PA.
Newman Scholarship Program
The National Institute for Newman Studies fosters the advancement of Newman scholarly research by inviting scholars to utilize the resources of the Newman Research Library in order to pursue academic work specifically related to Newman Studies.
Residential and study space is provided for scholars at the Gailliot Center for Newman Studies in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Financial support is offered in the form of a stipend upon completion of the research project. The Gailliot Center can simultaneously accommodate up to four scholars-in-residence, creating an atmosphere conducive to the exchange of ideas. Scholars are encouraged to submit their completed research articles for publication in the Newman Studies Journal. In addition, The Newman Lecture Series offers opportunities for scholars to present their research to a general audience. Early application is encouraged as space is filled quickly. Once your application is received you will receive an e-mail confirmation within 72 business hours. If you do not receive this e-mail confirmation please contact us either via phone or e-mail at newmanstudies@ninsdu.org.
Remarks from NSP Alumni
"My experience at the institute was truly life-changing in so many ways. Even though I had somewhat fancied Newman to be a great mind, I was only able to take a measure of the immensity of his spirit and its contemporary relevance during my period of study. As I continue to work on my dissertation and begin a lifetime of Newman studies, I look forward to being able to return to the Institute for more work. I left Pittsburgh and the Newman Institute with fond memories of a great city and an awesome research facility." - Fr. Emeka Ngwoke, University of Notre Dame
"I would like to express my deep gratitude to you and the Institute for allowing me to stay and do my research in this summer. I have had a great time of study here. Thank you so much for your help, kindness, generosity and everything. – Fr. Vinh Bao Luu-Quang, The Catholic University of America
"The Institute provided a serene atmosphere, first-class accommodation, professional support, and amiable companionship in the person of other schcolars. Most appreciated was the 24/7 access to Newman's entire collection, the search features of the Knowledge Kiosk ... and the quiet which permitted me to get the best out of myself." – Dr. Donald G. Graham, St. Augustine's Seminary
"Thanks again for these two weeks. I found a lot of very interesting books and could study very well." – Fr. David Grea, Catholic University of Lyon
