My name is Elise, I live in Australia and am a postgraduate student in English Studies. I am writing my Masters thesis (dissertation) on George Eliot's portrayals of religion in her early novels. I am touching on Ludwig Feuerbach and also Benedict Spinoza in my thesis. It is turning out to be handy that I know some German.

Before I started this project, I completed 2 years of a Bachelor of Science, concentrating on experimental data analysis, biochemistry and immunology. Before I had finished my course, I became interested in counselling and later commenced a Bachelor of Theology, which I finished with quite good grades. I learned some Koine (biblical) Greek and biblical Hebrew, but I am by no means a specialist. My concentrations were in Church History and primary sources, particularly in Classics and European history. I am an agnostic, but at the time I was a committed Christian and have a lot of respect and fondness for the Christian community.

In my professional life, I have worked with marginalised adolescents and have particular interest and experience with mental health issues affecting disadvantaged people. I think that there is something inherently beautiful about human beings. I am a committed vegan. I have enjoyed publishing social research into formation of adolescent spirituality, and have worked several quality assessment projects for service organisations with similar skill sets.

I also love botany, growing veggies and cooking. I read quite a bit, and I try to read diversely.

I am quite new to Wikipedia, and am looking forward to making a positive contribution and exercising an open mind. Please feel welcome to contact me in this spirit; I am looking forward to working with you guys.