To some, spirituality may be the foundation of religious understanding.
Spirituality may also be more than what is seen with the naked iris.
Philadelphia native Dr. Denise Martin is an assistant professor in the pan-African studies department at the University of Louisville.
She received her undergraduate education at Florida A&M University, a historically black university, where she majored in magazine production.
Martin entered graduate school, receiving her master's and doctorate degree in African American studies at Temple University.
This led to her position as an editor for an international book publisher which lasted for nine years.
Martin's career changed, along with the national, international and political climate.
The morning of Sept. 11, 2001 affected many people and caused some to reevaluate their lives in order to make a change for the better. Martin was one of these people.
"After receiving my doctorate degree on 9/11, I realized that there was a need for dialogue about religion," said Martin.
Martin stated that she was aware of the importance of the event because of its "inter-connectedness and intersection" between tragedy and hope. Her catalyst for change was to become a professor in religion.
"The classroom is a holistic place where people can interact and connect," said Martin.
Planning a major shift in her career, Martin said she began to formulate a curriculum that historically analyzed the passage from the African continent into the present Black Diaspora.
She teaches undergraduate and graduate level courses in the African studies department.
According to D'Andre Dawson, a junior pan-African studies major, "The atmosphere of her classroom is not really the same type of narrative you'd get with most teachers in the education system."
Though the curriculum is rooted in African spirituality, Martin adds it "is one of a feeling and the aesthetics of that feeling."
Martin said that religion is equally important when examining its influence on African presence in America.
Although Martin doesn't have a definition for religion, she said, "Religion answers the big questions dealing with life, death and evolutions - that appeals to me."
Martin said she encourages students to take advantage of courses that can "satisfy their curiosity and offer understanding so they can have true communication in a diverse world."
She believes that these courses allow for "personal growth, development and awareness."
"My favorite thing about Dr. Martin is the way she challenges you, not in a sense of learning facts in the material, but to understand what those facts mean in the material," said Dawson.
Angel Barber, a senior pan-African studies major, views Martin as down to earth and sincere.
"She deals with students and their ambitions in life," said Barber.
Outside of the classroom Martin remains spiritually humble and connected with nature and humanity.
She devotes her time to a group fitness program called "Nia," which means "purpose" in Kiswahili.
Martin said her purpose revolved around commitment and dedication to intellectual knowledge and spiritual wisdom.
When it came to her education, she said, "It took perseverance, courage, time, money, determination, love, support - it took a lot."
Moreover, it also took a personal relationship with divinity that manifests in different dynamics of nature.
"I won't stop teaching until I stop feeling butterflies," said Martin.
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