BIO
Luisa Mulato, M.A., is an Assistant Teaching Professor and Undergraduate Program Director in the Department of Religious Studies at Florida International University. She teaches undergraduate courses in Religious Studies and is dedicated to creating an engaging, inclusive, and intellectually stimulating learning environment that encourages critical thinking, respectful dialogue, and a deeper understanding of religious traditions.
Professor Mulato earned both her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Religious Studies from Florida International University. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Exceptional Student Education and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Foreign Language Education (Linguistics) at FIU. Her interdisciplinary academic background reflects her commitment to exploring the intersections of religion, language, culture, and education.
She has completed a Certificate in Jewish Studies through Florida International University and is a member of Theta Alpha Kappa, the national honor society for Religious Studies and Theology.
Professor Mulato’s teaching and research interests include Christianity, with an emphasis on Early Christianity; Judaism, with an emphasis on Second Temple Judaism; comparative religion; World Religions; and the relationship between language and religion. Her current research interests focus on Early Messianic Movements and Messianic Movements in Modernity, exploring their historical development and contemporary expressions. Fluent in English and Spanish and proficient in American Sign Language (ASL), she is committed to making religious education accessible and engaging for students from diverse backgrounds.
Professor Mulato believes that the study of religion is most meaningful when students engage with religious communities beyond the classroom. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes experiential learning through opportunities that connect academic study with lived religious practice. She enjoys incorporating field experiences into her courses, including visits to the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida, where students gain firsthand insight into Indigenous traditions and explore the relationship between religion, culture, and community. Through these experiences, she encourages students to approach religious diversity with curiosity, empathy, and academic rigor.
Degrees
B.S. Exceptional Student Education
Florida International University
B.A. Religious Studies
Florida International University
M.A. Religious Studies
Florida International University
M.S. (In Progress) Foreign Language Education (Linguistics)
Florida International University
Professional Certifications & Honors
- Certificate in Jewish Studies, Florida International University
- Member, Theta Alpha Kappa, National Honor Society for Religious Studies and Theology
Courses, Research Interests and Global Engagement
Courses Taught
- REL 2011 – Introduction to Religion
- REL 2300 – World Religions
Research Interests
- Christianity (with an emphasis on Early Christianity)
- Judaism (with an emphasis on Second Temple Judaism)
- Comparative Religion
- World Religions
- Early Messianic Movements
- Messianic Movements in Modernity
- Language and Religion
Languages
- English
- Spanish
- American Sign Language (ASL)
Global Engagement
One of the most memorable experiences of Professor Mulato’s career took place beyond the classroom during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Selected to serve as a VIP Captain, she welcomed guests from around the world while helping bridge communication across cultures through her multilingual background and intercultural expertise. Drawing on her academic training in Religious Studies, education, and linguistics, she facilitated communication, supported international hospitality, and built meaningful connections with people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
This experience reinforced the values she brings to the classroom every day: empathy, intercultural understanding, effective communication, and respect for diverse perspectives. It continues to shape her teaching by demonstrating how religion, language, and culture intersect in meaningful ways both inside and outside the classroom.