Dr. Hess’ research has focused on Hinduism, particularly the poetry of North India's great 15th and 16th-century "poet-saints," their ongoing popularity and influence, and modes of performing their works. Research and teaching interests include poetry of religious experience, gender, performance, and reception of religious texts and practices by people in different social and historical circumstances. Publications include The Bijak of Kabir (translations and essays) and articles on interpretation and performance of the Ramayana. She received her PhD from the University of California, Berkeley.

Current Research: Micro-empirical research on povety and inequality in developing countries, human capital investments, public goods.

Pasang Sherpa was born in Kathmandu, Nepal and completed her education in India. She earned her undergraduate degree in Finance from Santa Clara University. She is multi-lingual and enjoys travelling, learning about different cultures and people. She is also very interested in working with troubled children and hopes to pursue her graduate degree in Child Psychology.