John Cuda
Accomplished Academic
About
I’m a teacher and social science researcher living and working in Pittsburgh
I enjoy discussions involving history, art, mathematics, science & philosophy
I am passionate about learning and have dedicated my life to advancing the spread of knowledge
I enjoy solving complex puzzles
I write poetry, prose and academic manuscripts
I'm a musician, I play guitar, flute and keyboard
I enjoy trips to the beach and spending time in nature, avidly hiking and backpacking in the laurel highlands
I am into building analog electronic effects for guitar and synthesizer
I also enjoy creating art, especially watercolor paintings of nature scenes
I'm an environmentalist and do everything I can to minimize my carbon footprint
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As a teacher I endeavor bring to the classroom an energy and enthusiasm for learning which I hope is contagious for my students. With an historical vision and depth of insight I try to bring to life sociological concepts and theories, and relate them to real world issues. I provide stimulating lectures for my students, on a variety of sociological topics that include politics, religion, science and other cultural phenomena. I have a knack for evoking lively and informed classroom discussions that typically produce a fun atmosphere of analysis and debate.
Aside from being an impassioned teacher I am also a skilled researcher. I aspire towards the best qualities of a scientist: I am bright, industrious, and possesses an innate curiosity and sense of wonder about the world which I bring to my work. I am also a creative problem solver, comfortable thinking outside of standardized conventions. My work is interdisciplinary, and uses a multidimensional approach to managing research problems, upon which I bring to bear many theoretical perspectives. In addition to my unique approach to pursuing research goals, I also display creative and imaginative problem-solving skills, which I employ to understand and write about social and cultural phenomena.
Recent Publications:
Cuda, J. “The Spirituality of Psychonautics: How Alice in Wonderland, The Matrix and Other Modern Myths Serve as Models for Understanding New Age Seekership and Identity Formation,” Journal for Culture and Religious Theory, Issue 20.3, Fall 2021.
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Skills
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MATLAB, SAS and qualitative tools such as NVivo & MaxQDA. Some experience with SPSS.
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Experience using various types of Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methodologies: Design, Sampling, Surveys, Coding, Interviewing, & Ethnographic Data Analysis
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Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator & Photoshop).
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Microsoft Office Suite; Windows & Mac OS.
