Jennifer Barry

Jennifer Barry is an Associate Professor in the Department of Classics, Philosophy, and Religion at the University of Mary Washington (UMW). Her work bridges religious studies, Late Antiquity, and early Christian historiography, with a focus on public-facing historical narratives.

• University: University of Mary Washington
• Department: Classics, Philosophy, and Religion
• Academic Rank: Associate Professor
• Email: jbarry@umw.edu

Barry specializes in reinterpreting the Roman Empire through the lens of formidable women and scandalous Christian histories. She serves as Associate Editor for the Journal of Early Christian Studies, reflecting her national reputation in Late Antiquity. Her recent projects include a fourth book, Terrifying Women of the Ancient World, under contract with Basic Books, and her third monograph Scandalous Christian Histories supported by a 2024 NEH Research Grant. Her research emphasizes gender dynamics in ancient history and interdisciplinary approaches to historiography.

Scientific Awards

• 2024 NEH Research Grant recipient