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Sarah Bacon Master’s Student in Religious Studies at UC Santa Barbara

Scholar | Advocate | Bridge Builder Across Systems of Meaning

Meet Sarah Bacon (she/her), a first-year Master’s student in Religious Studies at UC Santa Barbara and a dedicated student leader serving as the Graduate Student Association Vice President of External Affairs for the 2024–2025 academic year. With a background in the software industry as a former marketing executive, Sarah brings a rich, interdisciplinary lens to both her academic work and her advocacy.

Exploring Religion Through Cognitive Science and Policy

Sarah’s academic research focuses on the intersection of cognitive science, religious experience, and the interplay of religion, politics, and law. Her approach blends humanist inquiry and empirical research, using lived experience, personal narratives, statistical analysis, and data-driven methods to understand how belief systems shape societies.

By unpacking the complex systems of meaning that influence governance, culture, and identity, Sarah is working to bridge disciplines and perspectives in ways that are both intellectually rigorous and deeply humane.

Leadership with Purpose and Policy Impact

As UCSB’s Vice President of External Affairs, Sarah represents her campus at the UC-wide, state, and federal levels, bringing a thoughtful and justice driven perspective to the table. She also serves on the UCSB Student Affairs Student Cabinet and the Academic Senate Council on Faculty Welfare, Academic Freedom & Awards, where she works collaboratively to promote policies that enhance student and faculty wellbeing.

Through all her roles, Sarah is focused on advancing the University of California’s public mission, while staying true to her personal commitment to ethical governance, inclusive community, and equitable access to higher education.

“Advocacy is about listening, connecting, and making sure our systems reflect the diverse values and experiences of those they serve. I’m proud to help shape a UC that’s more responsive, more ethical, and more human.”
– Sarah Bacon

Connect with Sarah at gsa-vpea@ucsb.edu to learn more about her research, advocacy, and her mission to build bridges between knowledge and action within the UC system.