He is associate professor of religious studies at Rice University specializing in Islam. His areas of specialization include early Islamic history and development, Muslim apocalyptic literature and movements (classical and contemporary), radical Islam and Judeo-Arabic literature. His publications include Understanding Jihad (2005), Contemporary Muslim Apocalyptic Literature (2005), Martyrdom in Islam (2007) and Understanding and Addressing Suicide Attacks (with Olivia Allison, 2007).
The authors' biography is up-to-date as of the date the last article was published
