The first meeting of the Society for the Scientific Study of Religion (SSSR) I attended was in Rochester, New York in 2005. I was still a graduate student, appearing in the program with my maiden name, Tricia Mein. From the beginning, I found SSSR’s interdisciplinary community of scholars to be inviting, invigorating, and instructive. Through years of cultural and network cultivation, SSSR had fostered a place to present new research, find people asking similar or related questions, and move through professional challenges with knowledge and companionship.

I’m honored to have been elected to serve as SSSR’s President in 2026-2027. Having previously served as Treasurer and supported its Council, executive office, committees, programming, and annual meetings, I relish the opportunity to give back in this way. I’ll serve as President-Elect for the coming year (October 2025 to October 2026), supporting current President Penny Edgell, Executive Officer Meredith Whitnah, and all who will engage and enliven SSSR in the lead up to our annual meeting in Denver, Colorado this October.

My Presidential year will commence once we conclude this Fall’s annual meeting. Looking ahead to 2026-2027, I welcome conversation, collaboration, and creativity in serving our collective mission as a Society. Our annual meeting in October 2027 promises to once again welcome all into an inviting, invigorating, and instructive interdisciplinary space.

Join us by renewing your membership and making plans to attend SSSR in 2027.