Tazim R. Kassam is a historian of religions specializing in the Islamic tradition. Her research and teaching interests include gender, ritual, devotional literature, syncretism and the cultural heritage of Muslims particularly in South Asia. In her book Songs of Wisdom and Circles of Dance (1995), she explores the origins and creative synthesis of Hindu-Muslim ideas expressed in the song tradition of the Ismaili Muslims of the Indian Subcontinent. She has twice co-chaired the Study of Islam section of the American Academy of Religion, served as President of the Rocky Mountain - Great Plains Regional AAR Meeting, is a Lilly Teaching Scholar and is on the editorial board of the JAAR. Her awards include fellowships from the Social Science Research Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities. She also pursues interests in Indian classical vocal music, using learning technologies in the classroom, and doing community service.