His research interests encompass philosophy and the humanities, with particular interest in medical ethics, questions of death and dying, and the application of Emmanuel Levinas’ thought to basic human and ethical questions. He earned six college degrees, including a Doctorate in Philosophy from Vanderbilt University, a Master’s in Philosophy from Villanova University, a Master’s in Pastoral Ministry from Seattle University, and undergraduate degrees in Philosophy, Psychology, Religion, and Mathematics. He also completed two years of full time clinical training at St. Thomas Hospital in Nashville.