Fellows

Gabrielle Allen is a current research fellow at Stanford University’s Boundaries of Humanity initiative and is applying to medical school to be part of the matriculating class of 2026. She earned her undergraduate degree from Rice University, majoring in both neuroscience and philosophy. Gabrielle’s senior thesis examined a dual-process model of moral decision-making, critically evaluating its assumptions about emotion, reason, and the neurobiological foundations of ethics. She has also participated in global health fieldwork examining cultural perspectives on Alzheimer’s caregiving in South Africa. Her academic interests center on personhood, autonomy, and the ethical dimensions of cognitive decline. 

Alison Ermisch is a current postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She completed her PhD in reproductive physiology at UNL, which focused primarily on understanding the molecular processes that regulate oocyte maturation, fertilization, and early embryo development. Prior to pursuing her PhD, Alison spent five years as a research embryologist at an IVF clinic. These collective experiences have led Alison to pursue a deeper understanding of the ethical and medical issues surrounding the use of assisted reproductive technologies. She is passionate about research that promotes women’s reproductive health and overall well-being.

Bryan Just serves as Operations and Events Manager at The Center for Bioethics & Human Dignity and as Managing Editor of the journal Ethics & Medicine. He is pursuing a PhD in church history at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (TEDS), where his dissertation will look at the emergence of evangelical bioethics. He graduated with a BA in Psychology from Nyack College and MAs in Church History and Theological Studies from TEDS. His academic interests include American church history, evangelicalism, the history of bioethics, hymnody, and end-of-life issues.

Dr. Jordan Hildenbrand is currently a resident physician in the combined internal medicine and psychiatry program at Emory University School of Medicine. She studied chemical engineering at the University of Kansas before enrolling in medical school at Duke University. While at Duke, Jordan elected to spend an additional year as a Theology, Medicine, and Culture Fellow to better understand the intersection of Christian theology and health / healthcare, while allowing the experience to form her purpose and practice of medicine. Throughout medical school and residency, Jordan continues to cultivate an interest in medical education and ethical clinical practice. Jordan has been recognized for her leadership, compassionate care, and teaching. She has also completed the Ethics Track as part of her graduate training program at Emory School of Medicine. Professionally, she is interested in palliative care, medical education, clinical ethics, end-stage mental illness, and combined medical and psychiatric care for people living with chronic mental illness.

Rev. Annie McGregor Meek is clergy in the United Methodist Church and a Sister in the Order of Saint Luke. She completed her ACPE chaplaincy residency during the COVID-19 pandemic in Houston at Harris Health’s Ben Taub Hospital, a Level I Trauma Center and the public safety net hospital in the Texas Medical Center. Her ministry alongside hundreds of patients facing trauma, incarceration, perinatal loss, and end-of-life experiences deepened her commitment to theology and pastoral care at the intersection of health and poverty. Drawing on her experience as a pastor and mother, she promotes a holistic, consistent life ethic grounded in a theological vision of human worth and interdependence—particularly as it relates to reproductive issues, the family, and the church’s witness in a culture that often prizes individual autonomy over mutual responsibility. Rev. McGregor Meek is a graduate of Hendrix College and Southern Methodist University’s Perkins School of Theology.

Peter Rezkalla is a physician, public health advocate, and award-winning content creator known to millions as “Doctor Disney.” Trained in both pediatrics and the performing arts, his focus is how creativity can humanize healthcare, especially for children and families. With over 150 million views, his work lives at the intersection of medicine, media, and the magic of storytelling. After all, you need art to spell “heart.” His current projects investigate how music and stories can be used to reimagine preventive care, promote health literacy, and reform medical education. Peter has spoken nationally and internationally at conferences as the thought leader for health media, mental health, and the future of healthcare. He is the founder of an innovative health media platform and was awarded the National Child Advocacy Award from the American Academy of Pediatrics for his contributions to child health and humanity.

Micah Rojo is a Medical ICU nurse and ethics consultant at Duke University Hospital. He recently graduated from Duke Divinity School with an Master of Theological Studies where he was a Theology, Medicine and Culture Fellow and Trent Center Clinical Ethics Fellow. Micah is interested in the intersection of risk management and care, how they aid and obstruct each other. Specifically, what sort of technologies, histories, and moral frameworks govern this intersection, and how does the nurse display agency here. Micah plans to pursue a Ph.D. in History and Philosophy of Science.

Anna Stoneman is a Ph.D. Student in Religious Ethics at The University of Chicago Divinity School. A proud double alumna of The University of Chicago, she previously graduated with her M.A. in Religious Ethics from The University of Chicago Divinity School and her A.B. from The College at The University of Chicago, triple-majoring in Fundamentals: Issues and Texts, Philosophy, and Religious Studies. Anna is passionate about the study of bioethics and contemporary ethical issues at the intersection of religion, law, politics, and culture. Outside of her research, she also serves as the President of The University of Chicago Graduate Council.

Jane Thornton is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Bioethics at the Pontifical Regina Apostolorum University in Rome. Jane completed her M.S in bioethics last year at the University of Mary, where she dove into challenging bioethical debates surrounding women’s health and the attack on the family in our society today. Jane later branched out into research regarding patients with disabilities, specifically those with Trisomy 21 and was greatly inspired by the work of the late Dr. Jerome Lejeune. This led her to a current fellowship at the Minnesota Catholic Conference and furthering her studies. Jane currently resides in St. Paul Minnesota with her family.

Emma Waters is a Policy Analyst in the Center for Technology and the Human Person at The Heritage Foundation. Her work focuses on family, biotechnology, and restorative reproductive medicine. She is a co-author of “A Future for the Family: A New Technology Agenda for the Right” statement at First Things. Her first book, Lead Like Jael, will be released with Skyhorse Publishing in 2026. Emma graduated Valedictorian at Lee University with a B.S. in Political Science and a B.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies. She is currently pursuing a Master of Public Policy at The Catholic University of America.

Tanner Whetzel is an aspiring law student and has recently completed an M.A. in Bioethics at Trinity International University. After finishing his undergraduate studies in 2019, he moved to Mexico and later to Brazil, where he has worked as a teacher. He now plans to pursue a law degree with a continued focus on virtue ethics, the philosophy of technology, and theological anthropology. Most essentially, he is concerned with what it means to be human in light of theological truth, and why that matters morally. In his free time, Tanner enjoys playing piano and guitar, building relationships across languages and cultures, and taking walks with his wife, daughter, and Chihuahua.