Christopher M. Chinn is a Professor of Classics at Pomona College since 2007, specializing in Augustan and Imperial Roman poetry. He teaches Latin and Greek languages alongside translation courses like Ancient Epic and Introduction to the Greeks and Romans . Research Focus: Roman poetry, ecocriticism, art-text relationships Key Contributions: Studies on Statius, Pliny, and intertextual analysis His work bridges visual art analysis with literary interpretation, particularly in Flavian-era texts. Recent publications address environmental themes in ancient Mediterranean literature and the evolution of ekphrastic techniques. Scientific Awards & Honors Jim Greenfield Dissertation Fellowship (University of Washington, 2001-2002) Downing-Pomona Exchange Fellow (2009) Pomona College Summer Research Grant (2011) His teaching includes advanced language courses and senior seminars on classical studies, reflecting his commitment to both pedagogy and research in ancient literature.
Reyhan Durmaz is an Associate Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Pennsylvania, affiliated with the School of Arts & Sciences and multiple interdisciplinary programs. Her research focuses on Syriac Christianity, medieval religious dynamics, and the intersection of Christianity and Islam in late antiquity. She holds a Ph.D. from Brown University (2019) and has received prestigious fellowships such as the Dumbarton Oaks Junior Fellowship and the Charlotte Newcombe Dissertation Fellowship. Her seminal book Stories between Christianity and Islam (2022) examines the transmission of saints' stories between religious traditions, earning Honorable Mention from the Middle East Medievalists. Current projects include a study of rural Christianity in the medieval Middle East through soldier-monk narratives and an analysis of the 19th-century Arabic newspaper Kawkab America . She co-leads the Digital Photograph Archive project Visualizing Countryside , documenting medieval religious sites. Dr. Durmaz teaches courses on global Christianity, material culture, and late antiquity, and serves as co-chair of the Philadelphia Seminar on Christian Origins. Her work bridges historical analysis, textual scholarship, and digital humanities, addressing themes of religious identity, cultural exchange, and marginalized communities.
University of California, Los AngelesUnited States
Ali Mousavi is Assistant Professor of Iranian Archaeology in UCLA’s Department of Near Eastern Languages and Cultures and a core faculty member of the Cotsen Institute of Archaeology. A Berkeley PhD and former fellow of the Smithsonian, Maison de l’Orient and Global Heritage Fund, he has directed excavations and UNESCO World-Heritage projects at Pasargadae, Bam, Susa, Sultaniyeh and Turang Tepe and authored prize-winning volumes Ancient Iran from the Air and Persepolis: Discovery and Afterlife of a World Wonder . Education PhD, Near Eastern Studies (Archaeology), University of California, Berkeley (2005) MA, Archaeology, History and Languages of Old World Civilizations, Université Lyon II, France (1997) BA, Archaeology and Art History of Europe and the East Mediterranean, Université Lyon II, France (1996) Research interests span the archaeology and art history of Iran from the Neolithic to the early-20th century, with particular focus on Achaemenid and Sasanian monumental architecture, ancient irrigation (qanats), landscape archaeology, digital heritage, and the modern historiography of Iranian archaeology. His field projects integrate remote sensing, epigraphy, GIS and conservation science to investigate imperial capitals, rock-cut monuments and water-management systems across the Iranian plateau. Across more than 30 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, Mousavi has re-examined dating criteria for Achaemenid stone monuments, analysed royal inscriptions as visual displays, traced medieval Persian pilgrims’ graffiti at ancient sites, and produced synthetic archaeological surveys of the Sasanian empire and the Central Alborz Iron-Age cultures. The corpus reflects a sustained engagement with primary field data, archival research and critical historiography of 19th- and 20th-century excavations. Selected honours Ehsan Yarshater Book Award (2014) Iranian Ministry of Culture World Book Award (2014) Leon Levy – Shelby White publication grant (2008) UNESCO award for World-Heritage nomination files (2003) Iran Heritage Foundation field-work award (2003) Guitty Azarpay Fellowship, UC Berkeley (2000-2003) IFRI Fellowship, Paris (1998) At UCLA he offers undergraduate courses “Archaeology of Iran” and “Ancient Cities of Iran (4000 BC-AD 1900)” and mentors graduate researchers in the Cotsen Institute. His grants and fellowships from NSF-equivalent European and American agencies underwrite both field seasons and publication of critical archaeological corpora, while his service on Iranian, UNESCO and international heritage boards continues to link scholarly output with heritage-management policy.
David J. Pederson is an Assistant Professor of Global Studies at Liberty Divinity School Online since 2010, and serves as Program Director for the Master of Arts in Global Studies Department. He holds a PhD and has extensive pastoral experience, including 12 years overseas in Greece, South Korea, and the Philippines. His research focuses on missions, practical theology, and biblical theology, with notable works analyzing Old Testament pilgrimage themes and Paul's missionary strategies in expatriate communities. Education: PhD (discipline unspecified), seminary training. Research Interests: Missions and World Christianity, Practical Theology, Biblical Studies, and Cross-Cultural Ministry. His articles explore theological frameworks for understanding diaspora communities and missionary practices in historical contexts. Advising & Grants: Mentors doctoral/master’s students but no specific grants mentioned. Current roles include teaching and program leadership. Labs/Teams: Not explicitly detailed, but affiliated with Liberty University School of Divinity’s Global Studies initiatives.
Charles M. Stang is Professor of Early Christian Thought at Harvard Divinity School and Director of the Center for the Study of World Religions, positions he has held since joining the faculty in 2008 and becoming director in 2017 respectively. His academic home is firmly within Harvard University's religious studies ecosystem, where he has established himself as a leading scholar in ancient Christian thought and Mediterranean religious history. His educational background includes an AB from Harvard College, an MDiv from the University of Chicago, and a ThD from Harvard Divinity School. This rigorous training across prestigious institutions has equipped him with interdisciplinary perspectives that inform his boundary-crossing scholarship. Stang's research interrogates the intersections of early Christian thought with broader Mediterranean philosophical traditions, with particular emphasis on apophatic theology, Gnosticism, and Syriac Christianity. His work consistently challenges reductionist approaches to religious studies, advocating instead for what he terms an 'expansive anthropology, ontology and epistemology' that recognizes religion's capacity to transcend mundane frameworks. He has developed a distinctive theoretical framework around 'transcendence and transformation'—concepts he argues should form the core of religious studies in the contemporary academy. His publications reveal a trajectory from focused historical studies of early Christian texts toward more expansive theoretical interventions in religious studies methodology. While his early work centered on figures like Dionysius the Areopagite and Evagrius Ponticus, his recent scholarship increasingly engages with contemporary questions about religion's role in the humanities and the urgent need for what he calls 'superhumanities' that acknowledge dimensions of reality beyond conventional academic frameworks. Manfred Lautenschläger Award for Theological Promise (2013) for Apophasis and Pseudonymity in Dionysius the Areopagite As Director of the Center for the Study of World Religions, Stang has launched the 'Transcendence and Transformation' initiative, positioning the center as both a scholarly hub and a conceptual beacon for reimagining religious studies. His vision frames religious studies not as a marginal discipline but as essential to revitalizing the humanities through its unique capacity to engage with dimensions of reality that conventional academic frameworks often overlook. The Center functions as what Stang describes as 'a beacon, a harbour, and a record' for this reconceptualization of religious inquiry.
Walter D. Penrose, Jr. is a Professor at San Diego State University specializing in the History of Gender and Sexuality in Ancient Greek, Hellenistic, and South Asian contexts. His work also explores the Reception of Classics in modern periods, Disability Studies, and Ancient Religions. Penrose holds a Ph.D. in History from the City University of New York (2006) and a B.S. in Business Administration from California State University, Long Beach (1988). His research interests span interdisciplinary topics including gender diversity in classical thought, queer historiography, and cross-cultural comparisons of ancient societies. Penrose has published widely on topics such as Amazons in classical and modern media, disability discourse in antiquity, and homoeroticism in South Asian history. His 2016 monograph Postcolonial Amazons is a foundational text in comparative studies of gendered heroism in Greek and Sanskrit literature. Penrose’s publications include over a dozen book chapters and journal articles, with recent contributions analyzing gendered power dynamics in Hellenistic royal courts (2021), visual representations of Amazons in Troy adaptations (2022), and the intersection of disability and identity in ancient Greece (2015). His pedagogical work emphasizes inclusive approaches to teaching challenging classical topics like homophobia and gender variance. While no specific grants or awards are noted, Penrose’s work consistently bridges classical studies with modern interdisciplinary frameworks, contributing to fields such as queer studies, disability studies, and world history. His research continues to explore marginalized voices in ancient texts and their contemporary receptions.
Delbert Burkett is the Jaak Seynaeve Professor of Biblical Studies and Professor of Religious Studies at Louisiana State University. He specializes in New Testament studies, particularly the history, religion, and literature of earliest Christianity. His research focuses on the Synoptic Problem and early Christian textual traditions. Before joining LSU in 1996, he taught at Western Kentucky University, Appalachian State University, and Lebanon Valley College. He served as Section Head of Religious Studies (2004-2007) and Department Chair (2010-2016). Education: B.A. in Koine and Classical Greek, Abilene Christian College (1971) M.T.S., Harvard Divinity School (1973) Ph.D. in New Testament and Christian Origins, Duke University (1989) Research Interests: Burkett's work examines the literary relationships between the Synoptic Gospels, the 'Son of Man' title in the New Testament, and early Christian origins. His publications include Rethinking the Gospel Sources (multi-volume series) and The Case for Proto-Mark . Publications Trends: His recent articles address topics like Markan narrative analysis, Jewish ritual practices, and Luke-Acts theological unity. Earlier work engaged with Johannine resurrection narratives and Coptic liturgical texts. Awards: 2009-2010 ATLAS Grant 2007 Tiger Athletic Foundation Teaching Award Repeated recognition for undergraduate instruction (Alpha Lambda Delta, 1999/2003) LSU Council on Research Summer Stipends (1997, 2000) 1992 Southern Regional Education Board Travel Grant Teaching & Grants: Teaches courses such as 'A History of God' and 'Apocalyptic Literature.' His grants supported research on gospel sources and early Christian texts. No formal lab affiliations are noted, though he collaborates on initiatives like the 'AI & Religion Collaborative.'
Ernest Julius Mitchell serves as Assistant Professor of English and Humanities at Yale University, where he contributes to the Department of English within the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. His interdisciplinary work bridges literature, philosophy, and religion with methodological grounding in Black studies. Education: Ph.D., Harvard University, 2019 M.T.S., Harvard Divinity School, 2009 A.B., Princeton University, 2006 Professor Mitchell's research centers on the intersections of literature, philosophy, and religion, with particular focus on the Harlem Renaissance viewed expansively as integral to transatlantic modernism. His work spans aesthetics and phenomenology in German thinkers from Kant to Benjamin, and religious traditions from the ancient Mediterranean to the contemporary Caribbean. He is currently completing three major book projects: a biography of Jamaican writer Claude McKay for Yale University Press, a new edition of Jean Toomer's Cane for the Norton Library, and a study of theological elements in Zora Neale Hurston's work, all reflecting his interest in questions of literary style—charm, revision, and grace. His scholarly publications demonstrate consistent engagement with African American literary traditions, particularly examining figures from the Harlem Renaissance era. Mitchell's work shows strong interdisciplinary connections between literary analysis, philosophical inquiry, and religious studies, with particular attention to how these fields shape modern consciousness and identity formation within Black literary production. Current Teaching: ENGL 351: Fictions of the Harlem Vogue (HUMS 370 / AFAM 354) ENGL 127: Readings in American Literature HUMS 223: Claude McKay: Interpretations (ENGL 242) DRST 002: Directed Studies: Literature
Paul Anderson serves as Professor of Biblical and Quaker Studies at George Fox University's School of Theology, where he has taught since January 1989. His academic journey includes a PhD from Glasgow University, MDiv from Earlham School of Religion, graduate studies at Trinity Lutheran Seminary and Portland State University, and a BA from Malone University. Anderson maintains significant international academic connections as extraordinary professor of religion at North-West University of Potchefstroom (South Africa) and adjunct professor at Barclay College and Portland Seminary. Anderson's research centers on the Gospel of John, Jesus studies, and Quaker theology. He pioneered cognitive-critical analysis of Johannine traditions to address Christological tensions, developing his "Bi-Optic Hypothesis" for understanding John's composition. His influential book The Fourth Gospel and the Quest for Jesus argues for John's significance in historical Jesus research, while From Crisis to Christ provides a contextual New Testament introduction bridging ancient and contemporary contexts. His work on Quaker spirituality, including Following Jesus , explores practical Christian discipleship within the Friends tradition. As a prolific scholar with over 400 published essays, Anderson has shaped Johannine studies through his founding role in the John, Jesus, and History Project (SBL 2002-2016) and co-editing of four major volumes in its series. His recent publications (2021-2024) demonstrate continued scholarly vitality, focusing on Johannine theology, historical Jesus research, and Quaker thought. These works reveal his consistent engagement with dialectical tensions in John, universalism/exclusivism debates, and the application of biblical insights to contemporary spirituality. Founding member of the John, Jesus, and History Project (SBL 2002-2016) Editor of Biblical Interpretation series (E.J. Brill) Editor of Johannine Monograph Series Editor of Quakers and the Disciplines series (FAHE) Former editor of Evangelical Friend (1990-1994) and Quaker Religious Thought (2000-2011) Anderson's academic leadership extends through visiting professorships at Yale Divinity School (where he taught 1998-1999) and Princeton Theological Seminary, along with international appointments as DAAD professor at the University of Mainz and Fulbright Specialist at Radboud University of Nijmegen. His work bridges scholarly rigor and practical spirituality, particularly in Quaker contexts, while maintaining active engagement with contemporary theological debates through his extensive publication record and editorial work.
Jay Crisostomo is an Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies at the University of Michigan's Department of Ancient Near Eastern Civilization and Languages and Civilizations within the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. He holds the George G. Cameron Professorship. His research focuses on the languages and intellectual histories of ancient Mesopotamian cuneiform cultures, with emphases on sociolinguistics, multilingualism, translation, and scribal practices. He earned a Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley in 2014. Teaching encompasses courses on ancient Middle Eastern history, languages, and cultures, including 'Science and Technology in the Ancient Middle East' and 'Madness, Medicine, and Magic in the Middle East.' He also teaches on sport history and language in the ancient Mediterranean. As Director of Graduate Studies, he supports MES program students, advising prospective PhD candidates in ancient Middle East history/Assyriology. Research highlights include his book Translation as Scholarship: Language, Writing, and Bilingual Education in Ancient Babylonia and ongoing projects on the 3,000-year history of Sumerian language use, Babylonian scholars, and Sumerian-Akkadian linguistic contact. Current efforts involve editing 150 lexical tablets in Germany's collections. His work bridges ancient textual analysis with broader themes in cultural transmission and knowledge systems. He collaborates on critical editions of cuneiform texts and maintains affiliations with international research networks. Contactable via cjcrisos@umich.edu, his office is located at 202 South Thayer Street, Ann Arbor.
Caitie Barrett is a Professor in the Department of Classics at Cornell University. She co-directs the Casa della Regina Carolina archaeological project at Pompeii, a joint initiative between Cornell University and the University of Bologna. Education: Ph.D. in Anthropology (Archaeology), Yale University B.A. in Anthropology (Archaeology), Harvard University Her research investigates everyday life, religious experience, and cross-cultural interactions in the ancient Mediterranean. She specializes in Egyptian and Greco-Roman archaeology, particularly household religion and material culture. Her work examines how objects and images created meaning in domestic contexts. She has received funding from numerous organizations including the National Endowment for the Humanities, National Geographic Society, and the Fulbright Foundation. At Cornell, she received teaching and advising awards including the Robert A. and Donna B. Paul Award for Excellence in Advising. Her publications include 'Domesticating Empire: Egyptian Landscapes in Pompeian Gardens' and 'Egyptianizing Figurines from Delos: A Study in Hellenistic Religion'. She also co-edited 'Households in Context: Dwelling in Ptolemaic and Roman Egypt'.
Natalie B. Dohrmann is an Adjunct Associate Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Arts & Sciences, where she also serves as Associate Director of the Katz Center for Advanced Judaic Studies and Coeditor of the Jewish Quarterly Review . She holds a Ph.D. in the History of Judaism from the University of Chicago (1999), an M.A. in Liberal Arts from St. John’s College (1990), and a B.A. in Religious Studies from Princeton University (1987). Her research focuses on rabbinic legal and literary culture within the Greco-Roman context, emphasizing intersections between Jewish law, Roman imperial structures, and cultural exchange in Late Antiquity. Her teaching spans Religious Studies, History, Classics, and Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures. Key research areas include rabbinic jurisprudence, Jewish-Roman legal interactions, and the sociohistorical dynamics of ancient Jewish communities under Roman rule. She has authored and edited numerous volumes exploring topics such as rabbinic law’s relationship to Roman legal frameworks, textual censorship, and comparative exegesis across Abrahamic traditions. Her recent work examines how rabbinic legal thought navigated Roman imperial authority, as seen in publications like Legal Engagement (2021) and upcoming contributions like Unrest in the Roman Empire (2025). She has held the Michael R. Steinhardt Term Fellowship and led initiatives such as the Katz Center’s fellowship programs on themes like premodern legal cultures and Jewish textual traditions. Her blog posts and editorial work further highlight her role in fostering interdisciplinary scholarship on Jewish studies and ancient Mediterranean history.
Nathaniel B. Jones is an Associate Professor of Art History and Archaeology and Director of Graduate Studies at Washington University. His work focuses on Greco-Roman art's intersections with social practice, theory, and aesthetics. He holds a PhD from Yale University (History of Art) and a BA from Grinnell College (Classics and Art History). Research emphasizes meta-pictorial reflections in Roman art, spatial-temporal dynamics, and art collection practices. Supported by institutions like the National Gallery of Art and the Institute for Advanced Study, his scholarship bridges ancient artistic practices with modern theoretical frameworks. Selected Awards: 2021 First Book Award (The Classical Association of the Middle West and South) for Painting, Ethics, and Aesthetics in Rome Teaching spans ancient Mediterranean visual culture, emphasizing critical analysis of material evidence. Courses include 'The Age of Augustus' and 'Pictorial Illusion in the Ancient Mediterranean.' Recent grants include Washington University's 'Literacies for Life' Faculty Engagement Grant (2023).
J. Albert Harrill is a Professor of History at The Ohio State University , where he has been affiliated with the Department of History since at least 2010. Holding a Ph.D. in New Testament and Early Christian Literature from the University of Chicago , Harrill specializes in the intersection of New Testament , early Christianity , and Roman social history , particularly focusing on ancient slaves and marginalized communities . Education: Ph.D., New Testament and Early Christian Literature, University of Chicago His research explores social and cultural dynamics in early Christian texts, with significant contributions to slavery studies through works like Slaves in the New Testament (2006) and The Manumission of Slaves in Early Christianity (1995). He also investigates ethnic fluidity in Ephesians, exegetical methodologies , and classical literary topoi in patristic writings. Recent Publications examine: Ephesians as a circular letter 1 Corinthians 7:21 and evolving scholarship on Pauline slavery Atheist catalogues in classical and Christian contexts Architectural ekphrasis in Roman culture Origen's exegetical techniques Scientific Awards: 2021 Sphinx and Mortar Board Outstanding Faculty 2019 Honors Faculty Service Award in Arts and Sciences 2017 Clio Award for Distinguished Teaching in History 2012 Distinguished Teaching Award in Religious Studies (Indiana University) With nearly 35 years of teaching experience , Harrill has received consistent recognition for courses on Paul's apostleship , historical Jesus , Greek/Roman slavery , and ancient Roman religion . He maintains active academic engagement through the Graduate Interdisciplinary Specialization in Religions of the Ancient Mediterranean World .
Susan E. (Sue) Alcock is the Barnett Family Professor of Classical Archaeology at the University of Oklahoma, holding dual appointments in the Department of Classics and Letters. She specializes in Hellenistic and Roman archaeology, landscape studies, and the archaeology of memory and imperialism. Alcock has directed major field projects in Greece, Armenia, and Jordan, including the Brown University Petra Archaeological Project. Her academic career includes leadership roles as inaugural Director of Brown University’s Joukowsky Institute for Archaeology and the Ancient World (2006-2015), Interim Provost at University of Michigan-Flint, and Provost at University of Michigan-Dearborn. She has held the Arthur F. Thurnau Professorship at Michigan and served as Special Counsel for Institutional Outreach and Engagement there. Dr. Alcock’s scholarly contributions include seminal works like Graecia Capta (1993) and Archaeologies of the Greek Past (2002). Her research emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to understanding ancient landscapes and the intersection of archaeology with contemporary memory politics. She has been awarded the prestigious MacArthur Fellowship (2001) and is an Honorary Fellow at Clare College, Cambridge. Alcock earned her doctorate in Classical Archaeology and Classics from the University of Cambridge, complemented by bachelor’s degrees from both Cambridge and Yale University. Her advisory roles and institutional leadership span university administration and archaeological research coordination.
