Find Academic Supervisors

Karen O'Brien-KopView profile

Lecturer

• Hinduism
• Buddhism
• South Asian mind-body philosophies
• +5 more

Dr. Karen O'Brien-Kop is a Lecturer in Modern Asian Religions at King’s College London’s Department of Theology & Religious Studies within the Faculty of Arts & Humanities. She holds a PhD from SOAS University of London, focusing on intertextual studies of early South Asian mind-body philosophies. Previously, she served as Senior Teaching Fellow at SOAS and lecturer at the University of Roehampton. Her research focuses on Hinduism and Buddhism, particularly Sanskrit texts like the Patanjalayogasastra and Yogacarabhumisastra. Key interests include mind-body practices, decolonial theory, and the philosophy of religion. She has published extensively in journals such as Journal of Indian Philosophy and co-edited the Routledge Handbook of Yoga and Meditation Studies . Education: PhD in Religion from SOAS University of London Grants: British Academy Small Grant (2025): 'Plant ontologies, material practices, and knowledge circulations in Ayurveda' British Academy Grant (2022–2023): 'Asian Cultural Mobilities' Her recent work explores transreligiosity in South London, Samkhya ontology, and Asian cultural heritage. She advises PhD students on topics like Tibetan Buddhist ontology and somatic experiences in contemplative traditions.

• Comparative Literature
• Baltic German Literature
• Early Modern History
• +11 more

Tiina-Erika Friedenthal is a Research Fellow in Baltic German Literature at the University of Tartu, Faculty of Arts and Humanities, Institute of Cultural Research, a position she has held since March 2023. Previously, she served as a Research Fellow in Comparative Literature (0.50 and 0.30 positions) from 2020 to 2023. She has also taught part-time at Miina Härma Gymnasium (2012–2022) and worked in advertising at Theatre Vanemuine (2002–2012). Doctor’s Degree, University of Tartu, 2020 Master’s Degree, University of Tartu, 2012 PhD studies at University of Tartu and University of Göttingen (2012–2020) Postdoctoral scholarship from Lutheran World Federation (2021) Her research focuses on Baltic German literary culture, early modern religious literature, and the history of theater in the Baltic region. She specializes in devotional texts, Passion poetry, pietist Bibles, and ideological debates around performative arts in 18th and 19th century Estonia and Livonia. Her work bridges theology, literary studies, and cultural history. Her recent publications (2023–2024) show a strong trend in analyzing religious texts, particularly Passion poetry, prayer books, and Bible prefaces in the Baltic context. She also continues her investigation into the cultural significance of theater, including censorship and Enlightenment-era debates. Her publications include journal articles, book chapters, and co-edited volumes, often with interdisciplinary and transnational perspectives. Nominee for the Annual Estonian Historical Literature Prize (2021) Special Prize of the President of the Estonian Academy of Sciences for the 'Most Elegant Student Thesis' (2021) Friedenthal has supervised or co-edited several academic works and contributed to collaborative research projects, including ETF9178 'Balti kirjakultuuri uurimis- ja võrguprojekt - EEVA'. She has not advised formal PhD or Master’s students listed in the data. She is actively involved in publishing and scholarly discourse, with a forthcoming book on Baltic literary culture and religion. Her work is closely tied to the Institute of Cultural Research and the School of Theology and Religious Studies at the University of Tartu.

Maureen HallView profile

Professor

• Contemplative Pedagogy
• Global Citizenship Education
• Social-Emotional Learning
• +2 more

Maureen Hall is Professor of Education at UMass Dartmouth, specializing in contemplative pedagogies, global citizenship, and social-emotional learning. Her Fulbright-supported research in India explores holistic education models at Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya. Publications examine Lectio Divina in classrooms, faculty communities of practice, and equity-focused teacher education. She directs projects on mindfulness in college transitions, funded by Mind and Life Institute. Teaches graduate courses: Sociocultural Contexts of Education, Critical Literacies, and Knowing & Learning. Authored books on literacy transformation and embodied pedagogies.

Cari CostanzoView profile

Lecturer

• Cultural Anthropology
• Ritual Studies
• Embodiment
• +3 more

Cari Costanzo is a Lecturer in the Department of Anthropology and an Undergraduate Advising Director at Stanford University. She holds a Ph.D. in Social and Cultural Anthropology (2005) and integrates ethnographic practices with artistic and contemplative methods in her work. Education: B.A. in Comparative Literature & Journalism (USC, 1991), M.A. in MAPSS (University of Chicago, 1997), Ph.D. in Social & Cultural Anthropology (Stanford, 2005) Her research explores ritual, embodiment, and identity formation, focusing on cultural constructions of race, class, gender, and sexuality. She has conducted ethnographic fieldwork in India, Hawaii, and on Stanford’s campus, emphasizing how cultural narratives shape bodily experiences and rights. Cari designs Body Map workshops and teaches courses like Reading the Body and Body Mapping , which analyze representations of the body through film, art, literature, and medical texts. Her pedagogy fosters academic and personal resilience through narrative advising. Scientific Awards: Centennial Teaching Award (outstanding pedagogical innovations) She co-founded the Teaching and Learning Initiative for Gender Inclusive Stanford (GIS) and contributed to the Stanford Resilience Project. Her work advocates for transgender and gender non-conforming rights by challenging binary gender frameworks.

• Judaism & Late Antiquity
• Rabbinic Studies
• Early Jewish Mysticism
• +3 more

Michael D. Swartz is a Professor in the Department of Biblical and Judaic Studies at The Ohio State University. His research focuses on the cultural history of Judaism in late antiquity, rabbinic studies, early Jewish mysticism, and ritual practices. He has authored or co-authored influential works such as The Mechanics of Providence (2018) and Scholastic Magic (1996), exploring themes of ancient Jewish magic, mysticism, and ritual symbolism. His research interests include the intersection of textual and non-textual sources of meaning in ancient Judaism, early mystical prayer traditions, and the socio-historical context of magical practices. Dr. Swartz has also contributed to the Encyclopedia of Religion as Associate Editor for Judaica, reflecting his expertise in Jewish religious thought. Current projects include a study on the history of sacrificial ideas in post-biblical Judaism. He has collaborated with scholars like Joseph Yahalom on critical editions of ancient texts, including Avodah: Ancient Poems for Yom Kippur (2005). His work bridges historical analysis with theological inquiry, offering interdisciplinary insights into late antique Jewish culture.

• Kantian Philosophy
• Moral Psychology
• Ethics
• +4 more

Dr. Jessica Tizzard Dr. Jessica Tizzard is a Researcher and academic staff member at the Chair of Kant and German Idealism within the Department of Philosophy at the University of Tübingen (Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen). She is affiliated with the Faculty of Humanities and conducts research focused on Kantian philosophy, moral psychology, and ethics. Her work bridges philosophical inquiry into moral agency, divine contemplation, and the intersection of legal metaphors with normativity in Kant's writings. Research Interests Her research explores: - Kant's critiques and their implications for ethics and epistemology - Moral psychology, particularly concepts of weakness and agency - Philosophy of religion and secular ethics - German Idealism and its foundational texts - The role of rationalism in Kant's practical philosophy Publications Recent works include critical reviews of scholarly books on Kantian ethics and divine philosophy, as well as original articles on moral psychology and the philosophical foundations of immortality. Her publications emphasize analytical precision and interdisciplinary connections between ethics, metaphysics, and legal theory. Affiliations & Contact Office: Room 316, Bursagasse 1, 72070 Tübingen Email: jessica.tizzard@uni-tuebingen.de Phone: +49 7071 2978301

Barbara WhiteView profile

Professor

• Contemporary Composition
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration
• Music and Embodiment
• +10 more

Barbara White is Professor of Music at Princeton University, where she has been teaching since 1998. She is a distinguished composer with decades of experience in concert music and interdisciplinary collaboration, and an accomplished clarinetist with special interest in shakuhachi (Japanese bamboo flute) and Cape Breton musical traditions. Her research interests span contemporary composition, the relationship between music and everyday experience, gender studies in music, traditional music practices, and the intersection of art with text, movement, and cultural context. She has developed innovative courses on topics including 'outsider music,' interculturalism and exoticism, autobiography and masquerade, and the relationship between specialized art-making and everyday experience. White's scholarly work explores the coordination between sound and movement, the relationship between creative activity and everyday life, and the impact of gender, listening, and spirituality on music. Her compositions range from intimate solo and chamber works to larger projects like the opera 'Weakness,' which premiered in 2012 and examines themes of female sovereignty and bystander complicity through a Celtic myth adaptation. Fromm Music Foundation Commission recipient (2017) Extensive work with shakuhachi performer Riley Lee Duo collaborations including 'Farewell to Music' and 'Fork & Spoon' Development of unique performance practices integrating contemplative and creative elements As a dedicated educator, White serves as composition teacher and dissertation advisor, cultivating both open-mindedness and rigor in her students. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes receptive listening to young composers' ideas while developing their technical and conceptual skills. She has hosted visiting artists like Riley Lee in her seminars, culminating in full concerts of student works.

Bradford KimView profile

Lecturer

• Ancient Chinese Philosophy
• Ancient Greek and Roman Philosophy
• Ethics
• +8 more

Dr. Bradford Kim is a permanent Lecturer in the Department of Philosophy at the University of Southampton, Faculty of Arts and Humanities. He earned his DPhil in Philosophy from the University of Oxford and has previously taught at Auburn University and the University of Oxford, and was a postdoctoral fellow at the Polonsky Academy for Advanced Study. University: University of Southampton School: Faculty of Arts and Humanities Department: Department of Philosophy Academic Rank: Lecturer Dr. Kim’s research focuses on ancient Chinese and Greek philosophy, particularly ethics, moral psychology, and political philosophy. His work critically examines Aristotelian concepts of friendship, justice, virtue, and self-love, challenging interpretations of altruism and disinterestedness. He also investigates Mohist ethics, analyzing consequentialism, austerity, and the relationship between 'benefit to the world' and 'Heaven’s intent.' His recent publications (2020–2024) reveal a consistent trajectory in the history of philosophy, emphasizing comparative insights between Eastern and Western traditions. He argues against preference-satisfaction readings of later Mohism and challenges altruistic interpretations of Aristotelian friendship, proposing instead a more egoistic foundation rooted in virtuous activity and self-fulfillment. His upcoming book projects include a study on Aristotelian self-love and another on moral standing in Mohist thought. Dr. Kim is currently accepting PhD students, indicating active mentorship and research supervision. His publications appear in leading journals such as British Journal for the History of Philosophy , Dao , Analysis , and Apeiron . Scientific Awards: No scientific awards or fellowships are mentioned in the provided texts. Advising and Grants: Dr. Kim is accepting PhD students, suggesting active involvement in graduate supervision. While no specific grants are listed, his postdoctoral fellowship at the Polonsky Academy indicates prior competitive funding. His research is supported through institutional affiliations and ongoing publication in peer-reviewed venues. Labs and Research Teams: No specific labs, research centers, or collaborative teams are mentioned in the text. However, his interdisciplinary work bridges ancient philosophy, ethics, and comparative thought, suggesting engagement with broader scholarly communities.

Holly FloraView profile

Professor

• Late Medieval Art
• Early Renaissance Art
• Italian Art History
• +6 more

Holly Flora is a Professor of Art History at Tulane University's School of Liberal Arts, specializing in Late Medieval and Early Renaissance Italy . She serves as the Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and teaches courses on medieval Italy, museum ethics, and Renaissance art. Research Focus: Flora's work centers on narrative, materiality, imagination, and gender in Italian devotional art. She explores connections between visual culture and religious practices, particularly in Franciscan contexts, and analyzes sensory engagement in medieval artworks. Academic Contributions: Her research has been published in journals like Gesta, Ikon, and I Tatti Studies. Flora's recent publications examine Cimabue's works, manuscript illumination, and interdisciplinary approaches to medieval art. She co-edits the Trecento Forum book series. Awards & Fellowships: Premio San Francesco (Pontifical University of Saint Anthony) Millicent Mercer Johnsen Rome Prize Fellow (American Academy in Rome) Jean-Francois Malle Fellow (Harvard Center for Renaissance Studies) Artists and Scholars Grant (Louisiana State Board of Regents) AAUW Fellowship Samuel Kress Foundation Award International Center of Medieval Art Award Museum Experience: Flora curated exhibitions at The Frick Collection, Museum of Biblical Art, and spent eleven years at The Cloisters. She integrates museum practices into her teaching, leading courses on collecting ethics in Siena and museum education in Rome.

Omid SafiView profile

Professor

• Islamic Studies
• Religious Studies
• Sufism
• +5 more

Omid Safi is a Professor in the Department of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies at Duke University, Durham, NC. He specializes in Islamic Studies with a focus on Sufism, religious pluralism, and contemporary Muslim intellectual movements. Safi holds a B.A. (1992), M.A. (1997), and Ph.D. (2000) in Religious Studies from Duke University, where his mentorship and collaborative networks remain central to his academic identity. His work bridges premodern Islamic thought and modern challenges, emphasizing progressive reform, gender equality, and interfaith dialogue. Education: B.A. in Religious Studies, Duke University (1992) M.A. in Religious Studies, Duke University (1997) Ph.D. in Religious Studies, Duke University (2000) Research Interests: Safi explores the intersection of Sufi mysticism and modern Islamic reform, advocating for inclusive interpretations of scripture and tradition. He emphasizes the role of love, humility, and social justice in Islamic practice. His writings address topics such as post-9/11 Muslim identity, gender equality in Islam, and the ethical dimensions of governance. Advising & Grants: While no specific grants or advisees are listed, his academic leadership and mentorship are evident through his involvement in graduate education and interdisciplinary initiatives. His publications reflect collaborations with scholars across religious traditions and fields. Labs/Teams: While no formal lab affiliations are noted, his work is part of Duke’s broader Religious Studies program and engages with global academic networks focused on Islamic Studies and interfaith dialogue.

Christina Van DykeView profile

Professor

• Medieval Philosophy
• Philosophy of Gender
• Contemplative Philosophy
• +3 more

Christina Van Dyke is a Professor of Philosophy at Columbia University and Emerita Professor at Calvin University. She specializes in medieval philosophy, particularly the contemplative tradition of the 13th-15th centuries, and explores intersections with gender studies, animal ethics, and food ethics. Her work emphasizes marginalized voices in medieval thought, including women philosophers and medieval perspectives on human-animal boundaries. Van Dyke is Director of Digital Resources and Medieval Projects at Columbia's Center for New Narratives in Philosophy, advancing digital humanities to recover underrepresented medieval thinkers. She co-edited the Cambridge History of Medieval Philosophy and authored A Hidden Wisdom (2022), focusing on medieval contemplative views of self-knowledge and immortality. Her research bridges historical philosophy with contemporary issues, such as gendered eating practices and disability studies. Her recent publications (2023–2024) analyze mystical transformation in medieval thought, medieval animal ethics, and gendered humility in theological texts. She co-hosted a podcast series on 'Monsters' for Hi-Phi Nation and serves on advisory boards for the Society of Medieval and Renaissance Philosophy and digital humanities initiatives. Van Dyke’s work is characterized by interdisciplinary rigor, blending historical scholarship with contemporary ethical debates, and leveraging digital tools to expand narratives in the history of philosophy.

• Creative Writing
• Literature
• Science Fiction
• +5 more

Hugh Behm-Steinberg is an Adjunct Professor in the Graduate Writing Program at California College of the Arts (CCA). He specializes in creative writing and literature, with a focus on science fiction, fantasy, horror, experimental prose, and interdisciplinary art projects. His work spans poetry, short fiction, libretti, and text/sound collaborations. Behm-Steinberg holds a BA from Johns Hopkins University, an MFA from the University of Arizona, and was a Wallace Stegner Fellow at Stanford University. He has received an NEA fellowship and the Barthelme Prize. Notable works include the poetry collection Animal Children (2020), the libretto Terrible Things Will Happen But It's Going to Be Okay , and microfiction praised by Wigleaf . His research interests intersect genre fiction, experimental writing, and collaborative art forms. He performs experimental music under the name Oa and co-leads the How Are You Feeling Project , blending text and sound. Awards: NEA Fellowship | Barthelme Prize | Wigleaf Top 50 Projects: Children's opera The Clever Wife | Improvised music workshops Editorial Work: Former Faculty Editor of Eleven Eleven (2007–2017)

Krijn PanstersView profile

Assistant Professor

• Franciscan Intellectual Tradition
• Moral Communities
• Character Building
• +4 more

Krijn Pansters is an Assistant Professor at Tilburg School of Catholic Theology and part of the Texts in Contexts department. He holds PhDs in Medieval History (2007, Radboud University Nijmegen) and Medieval Theology (2019, KU Leuven). His research focuses on the Franciscan intellectual tradition, moral communities, and medieval theology. He chairs the International Society for the Study of Medieval Theology and edits Franciscan Studies . Teaching includes courses on Franciscan Spirituality and Christian Ethics. Key publications include Franciscan Virtue (2012), Carthusians in the Low Countries (2014), and Lesser Ethics (2023). Current projects address Franciscan Morality, Character Building, and Transitus : A Theology of Completion. He coordinates research in Texts in Contexts and leads grants like Virtual Virtuosity (2023–2025). Supervised PhD students include Arthur Prakken and Quirinus Greiwe. External roles include research at the Franciscan Study Center and Titus Brandsma Institute. His work bridges medieval spiritual ethics with modern virtue theory, emphasizing monastic traditions and moral community formation.

Jane DaltonView profile

Professor

• Art Education
• Mindfulness Practices
• Contemplative Pedagogy
• +5 more

Jane Dalton is a Professor of Art Education at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, specializing in mindfulness, contemplative pedagogy, and arts integration. She holds a Ph.D. in Expressive Arts in Education from EGS University (Switzerland) and an M.F.A. in Textile Design & Weaving from Rochester Institute of Technology. Her research focuses on transformative learning through the arts, with particular emphasis on fostering empathy, critical thinking, and self-awareness in educational settings. Her professional roles extend beyond academia to include expressive arts consulting, K-12 teacher professional development workshops, and creative practice as a fiber artist. Notable achievements include nominations for the North Carolina Higher Education Art Educator of the Year (2024) and certification as a Registered Expressive Arts Consultant Educator (REACE). Jane’s publications explore contemplative practices in education, arts-based professional development, and the intersection of spirituality with art education. She has authored/co-authored influential works like The Compassionate Classroom: Lessons that Nurture Empathy and Wisdom and co-edited volumes on contemplative pedagogy. Her art practice, rooted in slow stitching and textile design, reflects her commitment to meditative creativity and self-expression. Her advisory and grant activities are central to her work, though specific student names or grant details are not documented here. She actively engages in community outreach through workshops emphasizing creative mindfulness and has presented at conferences worldwide. Jane’s interdisciplinary approach bridges art, education, and spirituality, positioning her as a leader in holistic educational innovation.

Rosa Loredana CardulloView profile

Professor

• Ancient Philosophy
• Aristotelian Philosophy
• Neoplatonism
• +3 more

Rosa Loredana Cardullo is a Full Professor at the Department of Educational Sciences , University of Catania . Her academic focus lies in Ancient Philosophy , particularly Neoplatonism and Aristotelian thought , with specialization in ethics, teleology, and philosophical interpretations of classical texts. Research Interests : Neoplatonism, Aristotle's Physics and Metaphysics, applied ethics (self-care, responsibility, ecology), and the problem of evil in late antiquity. Publications : Authored/edited works on Syrianus, Proclus, Asclepius of Tralles, and interdisciplinary studies linking ancient philosophy to modern bioethics and environmental thought. Academic Contributions : Co-edited volumes on philosophical symbolism, theodicy, and the intersection of science, myth, and imagination, including analysis of Dylan Thomas and Steinbeck through Aristotelian lenses. Teaching : Offers courses on the History of Ancient Philosophy at the University of Catania. Office hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11:00–13:00, Palazzo Ingrassia, Via Biblioteca, 4.