Student Research

Research and reflection are vital to life at CSTM, as they allow us to integrate what we learn in the classroom into our everyday experiences while enhancing broader scholarly conversations. As a CSTM student, you can work directly with our expert faculty and conduct your own research through self-directed study.

Research Assistant Mentorship Program

"You will find openness and camaraderie."

Each year, a small group of students is selected as research assistants to work with individual faculty members for ten hours per week. All research assistants are also part of the Research Assistant Mentorship Program, which includes additional library training around academic research as well as monthly symposia for the whole cohort with a rotating faculty supervisor, at which the faculty member will discuss their approach to research and the best practices they use in their work.

Student Voices

Photo of Katie Ward Katie Ward Katie Ward

Katie Ward

M.T.S., 2023

Photo of Katie Ward

Whether watching The Chosen after a long day of work or taking a study break to split some gluten free brownies, our STM community sustains me every day.

Hometown
Vienna, VA

Undergraduate Institution and Major
University of Notre Dame, Majors: Music & Spanish, Minors: Education, Schooling, and Society & Catholic Social Tradition 

Why STM?
STM is a place where I can flourish intellectually and spiritually within a community that supports me as I discern how I will enact change in the Church and the world. The expertise and mentorship of professors, the rich student life, and the commitment of the STM to justice in ministry inspire me daily and make the STM a place I love to be.

 

My Experience
I had the opportunity to complete a directed readings course with three STM faculty members that was a very meaningful experience for my personal and professional development at STM. It was incredible to be able to develop a syllabus, dive into important topics, and engage in this learning with faculty members drawing from their expertise in dialogue with the course materials. Throughout the process, I felt so supported in pursuing scholarship that mattered to me, and I will continue drawing from this experience in my future work.

Photo of Luke Stringfellow Luke Stringfellow Luke Stringfellow

Luke Stringfellow

MTS, 2024

Photo of Luke Stringfellow

Faculty are strongly invested in the academic and overall career success of their students, and I have met wonderful students who inspire me to consider how my academic vocation will positively impact the life of the church.

Hometown
Pensacola, FL

Undergraduate Institute and Major
University of Notre Dame

Most Meaningful Course
Fr. Dunkle's Trinity in the Early Church course was fundamental to my academic formation. It was challenging and rigorous, but I was completely engaged in the material. Its intellectual rigor challenged my mind to its full extent; furthermore, the course reminded me that what the Trinity and other more "abstract" dogma should never be divorced from the lived experience of Christianity. This class and others have been an inspiration to pursue a doctorate in theology.

My Experience
The STM is a great fit for me because it emphasizes community without sacrificing any academic rigor. When applying for a MTS, a major priority for me was forming mentorships with faculty and students who take seriously their studies. In both respects the STM has fulfilled this desire. Faculty are strongly invested in the academic and overall career success of their students, and I have met wonderful students who inspire me to consider how my academic vocation will positively impact the life of the church. Along with this, the great breadth of courses available to students through the BTI, and especially the main campus, provide students many options for coursework. With this variety, students can tailor their degree to the theological interests and engage with doctoral classes and students, both at BC and across Boston.

Community
STM events, and especially the lunches following Thursday liturgy, have been a great way to foster community for me. Perhaps even more formative for me, though, are the casual and informal conversations and friendships I have formed in the classroom, walking by others in the library, and around campus. In these interactions, It is always encouraging to see familiar faces from the classroom in the library as we all try to journey in our learning together.

Photo of Martín  Raúl Aguilera Valdés Martín Raúl Aguilera Valdés Martín Raúl Aguilera Valdés

Martín Raúl Aguilera Valdés

M.T.S., 2023

Photo of Martín  Raúl Aguilera Valdés

What has made STM work for me is the people and the sea of opportunities.

Hometown
Puerto Varas, Chile

Undergraduate Institution and Major
Theology, Pontifical Catholic University of Chile

 

My Experience
I have only been at the STM for one semester and I have already been able to build deep and meaningful friendships. I found people within the STM community that share many of my interests and attractions. This past semester I attended a doctoral seminar in the “Theology of Edward Schillebeeckx” where I encountered, not just classmates, but friends. A relation born out of shared theological concerns and passion for research.

Photo of Brenda Noriega-Flores Brenda Noriega-Flores Brenda Noriega-Flores

Brenda Noriega-Flores

Ph.D. Theology and Education '25

Photo of Brenda Noriega-Flores

The STM is committed to form ministers and scholars who recognize the spiritual and social needs of God's people. The formation and support we receive as students is holistic and social justice oriented.

Undergraduate Institution and Major
Fresno State University, Hispanic Literature

 

Experience
The accompaniment and mentorship of my academic advisor has been key for my educational success while at the STM. Dr. Hosffman Ospino has been a great support helping me to transition from my pastoral ministry background to academic scholarship, discerning my research project, broadening my network, and strengthening my research and writing skills.

Community
The STM is intentional providing spaces for community building through the liturgy, students-led groups, and cultural celebrations. Additionally, the program cohorts are small allowing us to connect at a deeper level with our peers. My Ph.D. cohort has become my family and primary support in the academic struggle as well as in life challenges.

Photo of Febrianto Tayoto Febrianto Tayoto Febrianto Tayoto

Febrianto Tayoto

MTS., 2024

Photo of Febrianto Tayoto

I love how each professor has their own distinctive way of imparting knowledge in a way that is not only educational but also beneficial to my spiritual formation. 

Hometown
Jakarta, Indonesia

Undergraduate Institute and Major
Southeast Asia Bible Seminary, Bachelor in Theology

Most Meaningful Experience
CSTM has a very dynamic and diverse learning environment. I love how each professor has their own distinctive way of imparting knowledge in a way that is not only educational but also beneficial to my spiritual formation. The assignments give me the flexibility to make the connection with my own research interests. Also, as an international student in the class who speaks English as a second language, I value the professors' consideration for me and how they give me an opportunity to voice my opinions.

My Experience
As a foreigner who just came to the US, I found CSTM to be a warm and welcoming community. My most memorable experience was the GA orientation, where it was the first time I met some good friends of mine. Also, I particularly enjoy the weekly mass and community lunch because it allows me to meet different kinds of people, including the faculty members, who turn out to be really approachable.

Conferences

Every year, CSTM students participate in and lead events such as the Lumen et Vita Spring Conference and Accessing the Divine Conference, co-sponsored by the Boston Theological Interreligious Consortium.

Sample Conferences

Student Funding Opportunities

Financial assistance is available to CSTM students who attend professional and academic conferences as a way to further their graduate and professional research initiatives and professional formation goals, and to represent the school on the local, national, and international level. Both the Clough School of Theology and Ministry and the Graduate Student Association offer opportunities to fund conferences and research for qualified students. 

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