STAFF

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Chief Executive Officer & Human Resources

Robert Cohen is a science enthusiast, mediator, and the Director of the Bhaktivedanta Institute for Higher Studies, which explores the intersection of science and spirituality. His adventures in India as a Peace Corps teacher have been described in the book Perfect Questions/Perfect Answers, which has been translated into 45 languages with millions of copies in print. 

Journal of Vaishnava Studies Subscription Manager

Alan Zeko graduated from the Academy of Arts and Sciences in Split Croatia with an M.A. in History of Art, specializing in restoration in restoration, and conservation. He has also an operations specialist and a project logistics manager.

In the last 20-plus years, he has traveled, lived, and worked in different parts of the USA, such as Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Florida, etc., and internationally in Brazil and India. He has also volunteered as a teacher, animal rights activist, and advocate for causes central to Sanatana dharma. He enjoys being a digital content creator, animator, etc. He is also actively involved with campus ministry at the University of Florida and is a leader in chaplaincy education and pastoral care initiatives.

Founder and Senior Editor of the Journal of Vaishnava Studies 

About: Steven J. Rosen is a biographer, scholar and author in the fields of philosophy, Indic religion, and comparative spirituality. He is the founding editor of the Journal of Vaishnava Studies and associate editor of Back to Godhead magazine. His thirty-plus books include Essential Hinduism (Rowman & Littlefield); Yoga of Kirtan: Conversations on the Sacred Art of Chanting (FOLK Books);  Krishna's Other Song: A New Look at the Uddhava Gita (Praeger-Greenwood); and

Sri Chaitanya's Life and Teachings: The Golden Avatara of Divine Love (Lexington Books).

Ombuds person and Fellows Liaison

Damber Kumar Gurung, Ph.D. (Dhira Krishna Das) got his doctorate degree in Applied Economics and has been a public health/program professional for over 20 years with significant experience in the US and abroad (Africa, India, Nepal).  Dr. Gurung is recognized for his extensive work in program development, implementation, and operations with effective skills in quality improvement and management. During his academic training and as an Assistant Professor at Clemson University, he taught various courses and conducted applied research. 

Dhira Krsna Dasa is a practitioner of Hindu Sanatana Dharma (Gaudiya Vaishnavism), a disciple of HH Kadamba Kanana Swami, a staunch advocate for mental health wellness and a graduate of Karuna Care Education (KCE- a practical theology training program). He aspires to provide chaplain ministry wherever and whenever people are in need of crisis services and is pursuing the status of ordained clergy in Sanatana Dharma religious (Vaishnava) tradition from the International Society of Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON).  He is fluent in English, Nepali and Hindi and joins IVS in the role of an Ombudsperson and Student Advocate.