Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. President | St. John's University website

Each year, the Denise ’90 and Michael ’91 Mattone Center for Law and Religion at St. John’s University selects student fellows to support its work in exploring the relationship between law and religion from multiple perspectives.

Center Director Mark Movsesian commented on the significance of the fellows’ roles: “Our student fellows don’t just work behind the scenes, they also serve as ambassadors for the Center,” says Center Director Mark Movsesian. “At alumni gatherings, public programs, and international events, they represent St. John’s with distinction. Their contributions strengthen the Center’s mission and connect our community locally and globally.”

The 2025–2026 cohort includes Vincent D’Avanzo ’27, Anastasia Kaliabakos ‘27, Isabel Lane ’27, and returning fellow Kalina Mesrobian ’26. The group will be involved in several activities such as contributing to the Law and Religion Forum blog through weekly posts covering current church-and-state issues. They are also responsible for editing episodes of the Legal Spirits podcast and managing social media for the Center.

Additionally, these students will participate in an international moot court competition focusing on law and religion at St. John’s University’s Rome campus. This event requires months of preparation where fellows write briefs and practice oral arguments, providing them with experience in advocacy.

Through their participation in scholarship initiatives, policy discussions, practical experiences, and global programs like moot court competitions abroad, these fellows help maintain the Mattone Center’s position as a leader in law and religion studies.

The Mattone Center was founded in 2010 at St. John’s Law School to offer a platform for examining law and religion issues both locally and internationally. It oversees related academic programming at St. John’s Law School while producing resources such as a blog, podcast series, and educational videos aimed at informing discussions on religious freedom.