American studies professor’s research and teaching on religious history aim to broaden and deepen understanding of U.S. Catholicism

Even though he grew up in a Roman Catholic family and pursued an academic career in religious studies, Anthony Petro never thought he’d end up at a Catholic university. At least, not until last year. Now, only a few months after joining the Department of American Studies as an associate professor, Petro said Notre Dame’s unique intellectual environment drives his research and teaching. “I like being in a place where colleagues and students know a lot about Catholicism — whether they think of...