Find Academic Supervisors

Gunnar HaalandView profile

Associate Professor

• Religious Studies
• Interreligious Studies
• Ancient Judaism
• +6 more

Gunnar Haaland is an Associate Professor of Religion and Ethics at the Faculty of Education and International Studies, Oslo Metropolitan University. He co-chairs the research project 'Challenging Picturebooks in Education' and has a secondary affiliation as a 'Professor II' at the University of Oslo's Theology Department. His work bridges Religious Studies, Jewish Studies, and educational theory, with a focus on interfaith dialogue, scriptural reception, and the pedagogical potential of challenging picturebooks. Keywords: Religious Studies, Interreligious Studies, Ancient Judaism, Bible Reception, Jewish Studies, Hebrew Published in journals and edited volumes from 2012–2022 Research Interests: His scholarship explores intersections between biblical interpretation, cultural memory in Jewish communities, and educational applications of complex picturebooks. Current projects examine how religious texts are recontextualized in Norwegian classrooms and public discourse. Publication Trends: Recent works focus on Nordic biblical reception history, intercultural learning through picturebooks, and contemporary Jewish-Christian relations. His 2021 Routledge co-edited volume demonstrates how cognitively demanding picturebooks can enhance language learning and multicultural understanding. Advisory Roles: Serves as co-editor for Routledge's 'Exploring Challenging Picturebooks in Education' series, guiding educational applications of multimodal literacy.

Matthew Douglas AdamsView profile

Researcher

• Egyptian Archaeology
• Monumental Architecture
• Ritual Performance
• +3 more

Matthew Douglas Adams is a Researcher affiliated with the University of Michigan 's College of Literature, Science, and the Arts , associated with the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology. His work focuses on early Egyptian state formation through archaeological investigations at Abydos. His research examines the interplay between architectural monumentality , ritual practices , and kingship in ancient Egypt. Notably, he led the re-discovery of the Abydos Royal Brewery , a major site for understanding early royal economic systems. He also contributes to the Kelsey Museum's Bioarchaeological Laboratory research. Directing excavations at Abydos since 1999, Adams combines fieldwork with museum-based studies. His projects span conservation , digital archaeology , and material culture analysis , reflecting a multidisciplinary approach to ancient history.

• Cultural History
• Medieval History
• Religious History
• +3 more

Dr. Rob Meens is a Researcher in Medieval History at the Research Institute for History and Art History, Faculty of Humanities, Utrecht University. His scholarly work focuses on the cultural history of the early Middle Ages (500-1200 AD), with particular expertise in religious practices, penance, and canon law. His research encompasses several interconnected themes: Views on purity and impurity in medieval society Violence and reconciliation practices The human body, eating and drinking customs Paganism and magic in early medieval Europe Religion, ritual, confession, and penance systems Dr. Meens' publications reveal a consistent scholarly trajectory centered on penitential literature and practices, with significant contributions to understanding how early medieval societies managed sin, conflict resolution, and religious authority. His recent work shows an expansion into areas like sacred space reconciliation, civic cohesion in medieval communities, and historical responses to environmental challenges, demonstrating the evolving nature of his research interests while maintaining a core focus on medieval religious and cultural history. At Utrecht University, Dr. Meens contributes significantly to both the Research Master's program in Ancient, Medieval and Renaissance Studies and the Master's program in Medieval and Renaissance Studies. His teaching portfolio includes Advanced Medieval History, Animals in the Middle Ages: Reality and Imagination, Cultural History of the Middle Ages, and courses examining European identity formation through power, religion, and historical perspective.

Sarah Gador-WhyteView profile

Researcher

• Early Christianity
• Late-Antique and Byzantine Hymnography and Homiletics
• Byzantine Liturgy
• +5 more

Dr. Sarah Gador-Whyte is a Research Fellow at the Institute for Religion and Critical Inquiry within the Faculty of Theology & Philosophy at Australian Catholic University . She holds a PhD in Classics and Applied Mathematics from the University of Melbourne, with her dissertation evolving into the monograph Theology and Poetry in Early Byzantium (Cambridge University Press, 2017). Her work bridges Late Antique cultural interactions, Byzantine liturgical practices, and emotional theology. Current roles include Chief Investigator on the Australian Research Council Discovery Project 'Night Vision in the Late Ancient Mediterranean' (2025). Co-leader of Strand 3 ('Flourishing Communities: Ecologies and Places') in the ACURF project 'Flourishing in Early Christianity' . Her research emphasizes dialogue as a theological tool , particularly in contexts of religious conflict, and explores women's liturgical roles in Late Antiquity. She contributes to the Byzantina Australiensia series as co-editor and is affiliated with the Gender and Women’s History Research Centre at ACU. Recent publications include Hymns, Homilies and Hermeneutics in Byzantium (Brill, 2021) and analyses of Romanos the Melodist's kontakia. Her work interrogates how liturgical performance shapes communal identity through repentance, baptism, and eucharistic practice. She is actively involved in professional networks such as the Australasian Association for Byzantine Studies and serves as a mentor for Australasian Women in Ancient World Studies .

Alessandro GrecoView profile

Researcher

• Aegean Antiquities
• Mycenaean Studies
• Linear B Epigraphy
• +3 more

Alessandro Greco is a University Researcher in Aegean Antiquities (L-FIL-LET/01) at Sapienza University of Rome since 2011, holding permanent status. His work focuses on Mycenaean studies , Linear B epigraphy , and comparative analysis between Aegean and Ancient Near Eastern civilizations . He directs the Linear B PA-I-TO Epigraphic Project and the Roman Archaeological Mission at Phaistos, Crete , utilizing advanced imaging technologies (RTI, 3D scanning) for epigraphic documentation. Education : PhD in 'Historical and Philological Sciences' (University of Florence, 2002); specialized in Mycenaean palaeography and Ancient Near Eastern systems Research : Comparative archival studies, sheep husbandry economics, Bronze Age diplomatic strategies, and digital humanities applications in epigraphy Awards : Multiple grants including INSTAP funding ($40,000) for Phaistos excavations and FARB 2017 (€3,000) Publications : 15+ works on Linear B analysis, Aegean urbanism, Mycenaean religious practices, and cross-cultural administrative systems Teaching : Courses on Aegean civilizations, Mycenaean paleography, and computer skills workshops Conferences : Regular participant in international Aegean and Near Eastern archaeology conferences

• Thracology
• Phrygian Studies
• Ancient History
• +3 more

Assoc. Prof. Maya Vassileva, PhD is affiliated with the New Bulgarian University in the Department of Mediterranean and Eastern Studies . She specializes in Thracology , Phrygian studies , and ancient Mediterranean history , with extensive fieldwork and publications in archaeology. Education: Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (PhD, Thracology, 1991) Sofia University (MA, Ancient and Medieval General History, 1987) Secondary education at 114 High School of Mathematics, Sofia (1981) Research interests focus on interconnections between Thrace, Anatolia, and the Eastern Balkans during the Bronze and Iron Ages. Her work explores artifact symbolism, metallurgy, and ritual practices across continents. Scientific contributions include publications on Phrygian and Thracian cultural parallels, Late Bronze Age scepter-maces, and Midas-related studies. She has participated in international symposiums in Turkey, Germany, the Czech Republic, and Bulgaria. Projects include collaborations with institutions like the American Research Institute in Turkey , University of Pennsylvania , and Bulgarian Academy of Sciences . She has received grants from the Andrew Mellon Foundation and participated in the Globalisation in the First Millennium symposium at NBU.

Witold GumińskiView profile

Researcher

• Mesolithic Archaeology
• Para-Neolithic Cultures
• Paleoenvironmental Studies
• +4 more

Dr hab. Witold Gumiński is a researcher at the Department of Stone Age Archaeology, University of Warsaw. He specializes in Mesolithic and Para-Neolithic cultures of Northeastern Poland, with focus on paleoenvironmental studies, burial practices, and artifact analysis. Active duty hours: Tuesday & Wednesday 2:15–3:00 PM, Room 3.24 Email: w.guminski@uw.edu.pl His research explores: Mesolithic/Para-Neolithic cultural dynamics Human-environment interactions Archaeozoology and subsistence patterns Symbolic artifacts (amber, pottery) Funerary rituals and skeletal remains Publications focus on: Mesolithic burial rites in Masurian Lakes Material culture exchange networks Climate impact on settlement patterns Megalithic monumentology Interdisciplinary approaches (aDNA, isotopic analysis) Key collaborations include studies with: K. Bugajska (burial analysis) T. Tomek (zooarchaeology) R. Howcroft (bioarchaeological isotopes)

Caroline HusquinView profile

Lecturer

• Ancient History
• Roman History
• Social History
• +3 more

Caroline Husquin is a Lecturer in Ancient History at the University of Lille, Faculty of Humanities, History Department. She is affiliated with UMR 8164 - HISTORY, ARCHAEOLOGY AND LITERATURE OF THE ANCIENT WORLDS (HALMA laboratory) located at Pont de Bois Campus. Her academic work focuses on Roman social history with particular emphasis on bodily perceptions and their social implications. Dr. Husquin's research interests span Roman History, Social History, History of the Body, History of Medicine, and Historical Anthropology. Her work examines how physical characteristics like baldness functioned as social markers in Roman society, how disability was perceived and managed, and the intricate relationship between religious practices and political power in ancient civilizations. She approaches historical analysis through an anthropological lens, connecting ancient social structures to contemporary concerns about bodily integrity and social status. Her publications reveal a consistent theme of exploring how bodily conditions shaped social identity and political positioning in Roman society. The articles demonstrate methodological innovation through combining literary analysis with archaeological evidence to reconstruct ancient social attitudes. Recent work shows increasing attention to comparative approaches, examining continuities between ancient and modern perceptions of bodily difference. Co-author of a significant work on baldness as social stigma in ancient Rome Published research on disability perceptions in Roman society from 1st century BCE to 4th century CE Contributor to academic preparation materials for French competitive examinations in history Dr. Husquin maintains an active research agenda examining the intersection of bodily integrity, social status, and political power in ancient Mediterranean societies. Her work contributes significantly to understanding how ancient cultures constructed social hierarchies through bodily perceptions and how these historical constructions continue to influence modern social attitudes.

Antonio Javier Morales RondánView profile

Associate Professor

• Egyptology
• Ancient History
• Religious Texts
• +9 more

Antonio Javier Morales Rondán is an Associate Professor of Egyptology in the Department of History and Philosophy at the University of Alcalá (UAH), Spain. He is the director of the University of Alcalá archaeological expedition to Egypt, known as the Middle Kingdom Theban Project, focused on Deir el-Bahari and Asasif. He earned his PhD from the University of Pennsylvania in 2013 under the supervision of David P. Silverman, James P. Allen, and Harold Hays. PhD, Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations, University of Pennsylvania (2013) Postdoctoral Fellow, Heidelberg Universität (2013–2014) Lecturer, Institute of Egyptology, Freie Universität Berlin (2014–2017) Ramón y Cajal Fellow, University of Alcalá (2017–) Associate Professor, University of Alcalá (current) His research centers on the history, religion, language, and literature of Old and Middle Kingdom Egypt, with a focus on the First Intermediate Period and early Middle Kingdom. His expertise includes the transmission and adaptation of mortuary texts, particularly the Pyramid Texts, kingship ideology, ritual theory, and the socio-political transformations of the period. He combines traditional philological methods with archaeological fieldwork and digital approaches to textual analysis and reconstruction. His recent publications and projects reflect a strong trend in interdisciplinary Egyptology, integrating excavation reports, digital modeling, and textual criticism. The Middle Kingdom Theban Project has produced annual preliminary reports in Studien zur Altägyptischen Kultur , alongside studies on virtual reconstruction and ritual theory. His work spans from early dynastic textual fragments to Ptolemaic funerary practices, demonstrating a comprehensive chronological and methodological range. He has received research funding from institutions such as the Fundación Palarq and the Asociación Española de Egiptología. He has served as principal investigator for multiple projects, including The Middle Kingdom Theban Project: excavación, documentación y publicación de tumbas de las dinastías XI y XII en Asasif y Deir el-Bahari (2023–2024). He supervises graduate students in Egyptology and Ancient History, including Begoña Gugel Gironés and Beatriz Noria Serrano. He is also a co-editor of the Monografías de Oriente Antiguo (MOA) series and has contributed to digital Egyptology through projects like the Handbook of Digital Egyptology: Texts . His research group, CIARQ - Ciencias en la Arqueología , focuses on innovative resources in architecture, botany, geology, medicine, and chemistry for recovering the past, reflecting his interdisciplinary approach to archaeology and heritage management.

• Religious Studies
• Theology
• Celtic Studies
• +3 more

Alexandra Bergholm is a Senior Lecturer in the Study of Religions at the Faculty of Arts, University of Helsinki, and an active supervisor for doctoral programmes in Theology and Religious Studies as well as History and Cultural Heritage. She holds an ORCID ID (0000-0003-4004-3104) and has contributed extensively to interdisciplinary research. Education and Affiliations Co-Principal Investigator, Non-Physical Violence Network (NPVN, 2024) Project Manager, 'Kuoleman kohtaaminen varhaiskeskiajan Irlannissa' (2011–2013) Participant, Academy of Finland project 'Religion, Society, and Culture: Defining the Sacred in Early Irish Literature' (2005–2007) Research Focus Bergholm's work spans religious studies, theology, and cultural analysis, with a particular emphasis on Celtic traditions, indigenous religions, and medieval spirituality. Her research explores the sacred through interdisciplinary lenses, including ethnographic pedagogy and material culture studies. Recent Publications (2022–2024) Her recent articles examine topics such as the representation of indigeneity in Celtic shamanism, sensory dimensions of religious food practices, and pedagogical frameworks for ethnographic fieldwork. These contributions highlight her focus on cultural intersections with religion, ethics, and historical continuity. Scientific Awards Hyvä ohjaaja -palkinto (2023) Opetuksen kehittämisen kannustinpalkkio (2022) Academic Engagement Bergholm has supervised doctoral and master's theses, participated in peer review, and organized academic events like the Non-Physical Violence Network initiative. She also engages in public outreach, including a 2023 YLE Musiikki interview discussing her research. Labs and Collaborations She collaborates with Helsinki Institute of Social Sciences and Humanities (HSSH) and contributes to multidisciplinary networks such as NPVN, addressing institutional violence in cultural contexts.

Katharina StreitView profile

Research Fellow

• Archaeology of the Southern Levant
• Transregional Interactions
• Scientific Archaeology
• +3 more

Katharina Streit is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Institute for Oriental and European Archaeology within the Austrian Academy of Sciences in Vienna, specializing in the archaeology of the Southern Levant. She leads excavations at Tel Lachish and conducts research on transregional interactions and scientific methodologies in archaeology. BA in Archaeology and Anthropology from University of Oxford (2009) MA in Vorderasiatische Archäologie from Hebrew University of Jerusalem (2009) PhD from Hebrew University of Jerusalem (2012) Postdoctoral Fellowship at Martin Buber Society, Hebrew University (2016-2020) Her research focuses on the Southern Levant from the Neolithic through Iron Age periods, with particular emphasis on transregional interactions and the application of scientific methods in archaeology. Streit's work bridges material culture analysis with chronological studies, examining how cultural exchanges shaped ancient societies across Mesopotamia, the Levant, and Egypt. She employs interdisciplinary approaches including radiocarbon dating, archaeobotany, and zooarchaeology to reconstruct ancient economies and social structures. Analysis of her recent publications reveals consistent focus on Bronze and Iron Age urban centers, particularly Tel Lachish, where she integrates excavation data with textual evidence from Egyptian and Amarna sources. Her work demonstrates sophisticated methodology in resolving chronological debates through scientific dating techniques while examining cultural identity formation during periods of political transformation. Key thematic threads include the material manifestations of cultural interaction, the political economy of ancient city-states, and the development of early writing systems. Streit leads the START project 'Tracing Transformations in the southern Levant from collapse to consolidation in the mid-second millennium BC' and previously directed excavations at Ein el-Jarba (2013-2016). Her collaborative research includes significant contributions to the 'Culture of Defeat' project examining political and social responses to conquest events in the Iron Age Southern Levant. She co-edits major publications and participates in international research teams conducting excavations at key sites including Tel Lachish and Tel Reḥov. As co-director of the Austrian-Israeli Expedition to Tel Lachish, she oversees multidisciplinary fieldwork integrating traditional archaeological methods with scientific analyses. Her research group includes specialists in archaeobotany, zooarchaeology, and radiocarbon dating, working together to reconstruct ancient lifeways in the Southern Levant.

• Theology
• Medieval History
• Transdisciplinary Research
• +7 more

Laura Hellsten is a Researcher in Theology and Study of Religions at Åbo Akademi University's Faculty of Arts, Psychology and Theology, affiliated with the Inez and Julius Polin Institute For Theological Research. She holds a Doctorate in Systematic Theology from Åbo Akademi, with earlier degrees in Education (University of Oulu) and Theology. Her work bridges theology, medieval studies, and transdisciplinary collaboration, particularly focusing on art-science intersections and Indigenous epistemologies. Research interests include medieval dance practices, the ethics of interdisciplinary collaboration, and the role of the arts in theological inquiry. Notable projects include the Praxis of Social Imaginaries (Nordic Summer University) and the BACE Centre of Excellence. She has been awarded the Donner Institute Research Prize (2021) and leads international collaborations involving artists, scientists, and Indigenous scholars. Her publications span 50 works exploring topics like sacred dance historiography, bioelectronic ethics, and feminist theology. Current projects integrate transdisciplinary methodologies with the Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing education and ocean sciences. Hellsten resides in the Åland Islands, actively contributing to academic and artistic communities through workshops, symposia, and public lectures.

Rex KoontzView profile

Professor

• Ancient Mesoamerican Art
• Public Sculpture
• Image Analysis
• +3 more

Professor Rex Koontz is a renowned scholar in the School of Art at the University of Houston, specializing in Mesoamerican art and archaeology. His research focuses on public sculpture of ancient Mesoamerica, particularly in the regions of El Tajín and Veracruz, blending art historical analysis with archaeological insights. He has authored or co-authored influential publications such as Lightning Gods and Feathered Serpents and Organized Violence in the Art and Architecture of Mesoamerica , and contributed to Mexico’s bicentenary exhibition catalog at the National Museum of Anthropology and History. His academic roles include fellowships at Dumbarton Oaks (Harvard) and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Research interests span design and communicative functions in non-Western art, with a focus on how public art reflects political, ritual, and cosmic ideologies. Recent work explores themes like decapitation sacrifice, urbanism, and the materiality of color in Tenochtitlán’s monuments. Awards: Fellowship at Dumbarton Oaks (Harvard) Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Humanities Publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches to Mesoamerican art, including studies on ballgame iconography, mobile images, and global art history pedagogy. His collaborative projects emphasize museum partnerships and digital tools for visual argumentation in humanities research.

Greg WoolfView profile

Professor

• Ancient History
• Archaeology
• Roman Empire
• +11 more

Greg Woolf is the Ronald J. Mellor Distinguished Professor of Ancient History at New York University's Institute for the Study of the Ancient World , where he directs research initiatives. A Fellow of both the British Academy and Society of Antiquaries, his work bridges archaeology, ancient history, and theoretical approaches to imperialism and urbanism. PhD from Cambridge University Specializes in Roman Empire's long-term cultural/environmental history Focuses on provincial cultures, religious experience, and migration patterns Recent publications analyze urban resilience through environmental challenges, divine material culture transformation under empire, and gendered imperialism frameworks. His 2020 book The Life and Death of Ancient Cities reinterprets urban sustainability through ecological theory. Scientific Recognition: Member, European Academy of Arts and Sciences Fellow, British Academy Member, Academia Europea Fellow, Society of Antiquaries Fellow, Society of Antiquaries of Scotland Current research explores migration networks in the Roman Mediterranean and resilience mechanisms in ancient cities, continuing his interdisciplinary approach combining archaeological evidence with social theory.

Hong ShulingView profile

Professor

• Modern Poetry
• Modern and Contemporary Literature
• Taiwanese Literature
• +2 more

Hong Shuling is a Professor in the Department of Chinese Literature at National Taiwan University. He earned his Ph.D. in Chinese Literature from the same institution and has served as founding director of the Center for Arts and Culture, director and joint professor of the Institute of Taiwan Literature, and visiting professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Academic Leadership: Center for Arts and Culture founding director, Institute of Taiwan Literature director, UC Santa Barbara visiting professor Research Focus: Modern poetry, Taiwanese literature, folklore, and gender studies in folk literature His work bridges academic rigor with creative expression, manifesting in both scholarly monographs and literary collections. Key trends in his publications include: Gendered perspectives in Taiwanese folk literature Postcolonial analysis of modern poetry Cultural symbolism in Guan Gong and Cowherd-Weaver Girl legends Exploration of existential themes in contemporary poetry Scientific awards include: National Taiwan University Academic Book Awards (2006, 2014) Senior Outstanding Teacher Awards (2007, 2017) Teaching Excellence Award (2008) Ministry of Science and Technology Humanities Book Publishing Subsidy 2016 'Good Books for Everyone' Best Children's Book Award While not explicitly mentioned in the text, his extensive academic career and creative works suggest significant contributions to graduate advising and grant-funded research projects.