Meet the 2023–2024 PathWays Fellows
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The 2023–24 PathWays Fellows
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The 2023–24 PathWays Fellows
Clockwise from top-left: Jude Mahendren, Mitchell Eithun, Nicky Gutierrez, and Darin Diep.
The PathWays Fellowship is a year-long residential program for students from any of Duke’s graduate and professional schools. The Fellowship offers opportunities for vocational exploration, leadership, mentorship, service, and formation deeply rooted in the Durham community and the Fellows’ Christian traditions. PathWays Fellows live, study, and learn together in the PathWays House in Durham’s West End neighborhood.
Darin Diep
Darin Diep is a first-year Master of Divinity student at Duke Divinity School and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies with a minor in Ancient Languages. Darin’s academic pursuits are underscored by her passion to explore the relationship between the Church and the broader world. As a Latinx Studies Fellow, she aspires to immerse herself in the perspectives of marginalized communities and discover how the Church can actively engage with social issues, particularly with those related to systemic injustice. Also working towards a certificate in Theology and the Arts, Darin aims to examine the relationship between Maker and Made, investigating theological implications for our understanding of identity within the imago dei.
Nicky Gutierrez
Nicky Gutierrez is a theopoet and first-year Master of Theological Studies student at Duke Divinity School. At the Divinity School, he is a Latinx Studies Fellow and is pursuing two certificates in Latinx Studies and Theology and the Arts. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Creative Writing and Religious Studies and Master's degrees in both Theopoetics and Writing as well as Arts with a concentration in Theological Studies. He is a haiku poet and has been published in several poetic magazines and journals. Nicky’s main interests lie in the intersection of theology and poetry.
Mitchell Eithun
A student at Duke Divinity School, Mitchell Eithun is a composer, mathematician, and lover of bells. He holds a Bachelor's degree in mathematics and computer science and a Master's degree in computational mathematics, science and engineering. He has over sixty published pieces of handbell music and has ministered as a handbell director, digital ministry intern, and campus pastor. His current interests lie in hymnody, digital ministry, and spiritual formation in music ensembles. He is a member of the Handbell Musicians of America and an associate member of the Guild of Carillonneurs in North America. Mitchell also serves as a Chapel carillonneur and intern for Chapel Music. Previously he served as intern for Worship and Student Engagement.
Jude Sutharshan Mahendren
Jude Sutharshan Mahendren is a Master of Theological Studies student at Duke Divinity School and ordained in the Church of South India, Jaffna Diocese. He has worked with the Methodist Church Sri Lanka and with the National Christian Council. Jude has served as parish minister, diaconal minister, and academic administrator from the war-affected North and East Provinces in Sri Lanka. He volunteered with national reconciliation programs and inter-religious engagements for the common good. He holds a Bachelors degree in Theology, Christian Civilianization, and Divinity and Master's degrees in Divinity and Theological Research. Currently, Jude focuses on the theology of pastoral care and clinical pastoral education to work among post-war communities, who suffer and seek to redress painful memories.