DEPARTMENT OF RELIGIOUS STUDIES

Juliana Sexauer is a JD-Ph.D. student in the Religious Studies department. Born and raised on traditional Dena’ina lands (Anchorage, Alaska), Juliana’s research explores the ways in which Western Christianity and American legal systems influence one another, as well as their impacts on Alaska Native communities. Her work focuses on these forces as they relate to late-20th-century missionary-run Indigenous boarding schools and the lasting effects the schools have had on Alaska Native families and villages. Juliana received her B.A. in Religious Studies and International Relations from Pacific Lutheran University in 2021. When she is not in class, Juliana can be found hanging out with her dog, Luna, and husband, Jack, probably listening to the latest episode of Normal Gossip. Juliana’s advisor is Elizabeth Shakman-Hurd.