Biography
Pema M. McLaughlin graduated from Reed College in May 2016, with a major in religion. Raised in the Buddhist tradition, Pema's thesis addressed whether traditional Buddhist ritual and doctrine can serve the needs of modern Americans. Pema has also conducted research on Daoism and on the role of women in the Nation of Islam. Pema is proficient in Chinese and Tibetan, and intends to study Sanskrit. Pema volunteers for Portland's Books to Prisoners Program and the Children's Book Bank. At Oxford, Pema aims to focus on Buddhist Studies.