Mark J. Shimave is a Ph.D. student in theological ethics with primary interest in the virtue of hope and theology of reconciliation. His theological interests are animated by a desire to contribute in articulating an African account of Christian hope against the background of pervasive violence on the African continent and particularly in his home country Nigeria.

While undertaking undergraduate studies in theology, he served as the President of the Association of Catholic Theology Students in Nigeria (Jos Chapter, 2011) and as associate editor of the theological magazine Awakening Light.

Before starting his advanced studies, he served as a school administrator and was involved in the pastoral care of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)-victims of ethno-religious crises and of Boko Haram insurgency in northeast Nigeria. Within this period, he was also actively involved in various local interfaith peace initiatives.