Find Academic Supervisors

Saul M. OlyanView profile

Professor

• Ancient Israelite Religion
• Biblical Interpretation
• Ritual Studies
• +5 more

Saul M. Olyan is the Samuel Ungerleider Jr. Professor of Judaic Studies and Professor of Religious Studies at Brown University. His research focuses on the history, literature, and religion of ancient Israel, with particular emphasis on ritual practices, social inequality, and biblical interpretation. He holds editorial roles for multiple academic series including the Brown Judaic Studies monograph series and the Anchor Yale Bible series. Education: Ph.D. (1985), M.A. (1984), and B.A. (1981) from Harvard University. Awards include NEH Fellowships and membership in the American Academy for Jewish Research. Teaching covers biblical studies, ancient Near Eastern religions, and topics like inequality, disability, and warfare in antiquity. Research interests span ritual violence, disability representation, and social hierarchy in biblical texts. Notable works include Animal Rights and the Hebrew Bible (2023) and Violent Rituals of the Hebrew Bible (2019). His articles explore themes like purity ideology, familial rites, and monotheistic developments in Isaiah. Key contributions include editorial work on Dead Sea Scrolls and interdisciplinary projects like Household and Family Religion in Antiquity . His work bridges textual analysis with social theory, offering innovative insights into ancient Israelite and Near Eastern religious practices.

Eric GreeneView profile

Associate Professor

• Asian Religions
• Medieval Chinese Buddhism
• Buddhist Meditation
• +3 more

Eric Greene is an Associate Professor in the Department of Religious Studies at Yale University, specializing in medieval Chinese Buddhism. He has held academic positions since 2015, including Director of Graduate Studies at the Council on East Asian Studies. His research focuses on the transmission of Indian Buddhism to China, Chan/Zen Buddhism, and Buddhist meditation practices. He earned his Ph.D. in Buddhist Studies from UC Berkeley in 2012, with additional research at Kyoto University. Greene's work bridges historical analysis and textual criticism, particularly in early Chinese Buddhist texts such as the Vimalakīrti Sutra commentaries and meditation manuals. His publications include Chan Before Chan (2021) and The Secrets of Buddhist Meditation (2021), exploring meditation’s role in Chinese Buddhist identity and ritual. He has delivered invited lectures globally, addressing topics like Buddhist image worship, repentance practices, and comparative visions of meditation in medieval China and 19th-century psychology. Greene’s current research examines early Chinese Buddhist translation and commentary practices (150–350 CE), emphasizing how textual interpretation shaped Buddhist sinicization. His affiliations include the Yale Buddhist Studies Initiative and the Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures.

Arvind-Pal S. MandairView profile

Professor

• Sikh Studies
• South Asian Studies
• Global Philosophies
• +7 more

Arvind-Pal S. Mandair is a Professor in the Department of Asian Languages and Cultures at the University of Michigan. He holds the Tara Singh and Balwant Kaur Chattha, Gurbax Singh and Kirpal Kaur Brar Professor of Sikh Studies and serves as Associate Faculty in Asian/Pacific Islander American (A/PIA) Studies. His academic work bridges Global Philosophies, Postcolonial Theory, and Religious Studies, with a focus on Sikh and South Asian traditions. Education: Ph.D. and MA in Philosophy/Religion (University of Warwick, UK, 1999); Ph.D. and B.Sc. in Chemistry (University of Aston, CNAA, 1989) Key research areas include cross-cultural philosophy, decolonial theory, consciousness studies, and the intersections of religion and politics. He founded the journal Sikh Formations: Religion, Culture and Theory and co-edits book series on Critical Sikh Studies and Translation and Religion. His recent publications explore themes such as the Śabad in Sikh philosophy, diasporic identities, and sociopolitical dimensions of Sikh thought. He has also authored influential works like Violence and the Sikhs (2022) and Sikh Philosophy (2022), which interrogate colonial legacies and modern theological frameworks. Mandair’s teaching integrates neuroscience, spirituality, and political theory, particularly in courses like Race, Religion and Caste in India and the USA and Exploring Consciousness . He co-founded the Geophilosophies project, which pluralizes philosophical inquiry beyond Eurocentric paradigms.

Irene LemosView profile

Professor

• Mediterranean History and Archaeology
• Greek Archaeology
• Ancient Material Culture
• +3 more

Professor Irene Lemos is a Professor of Classical Archaeology at the University of Oxford and a Fellow of Merton College, affiliated with the Ioannou Centre for Classical and Byzantine Studies. She holds an MA and DPhil from Oxford. Her research focuses on the archaeology of Early Greece, particularly the transition from the Mycenaean period to the Persian Wars, with a strong emphasis on the site of Lefkandi in Euboea. She explores material culture, Mediterranean exchange networks, alphabetic writing, and iron technology. Lemos has directed excavations at Lefkandi since 2003 and collaborates on projects like the Wiener-Anspach Foundation grant on collective rituals. She teaches courses on Greek and Mediterranean archaeology at Oxford and supervises graduate students. Her publications span excavations, methodologies, and interdisciplinary studies in Aegean archaeology. Her research highlights include the role of Lefkandi as a hub for Bronze Age to Early Iron Age interactions, geoarchaeological studies of coastal landscapes, and the analysis of ritual practices. Recent work examines early Greek social identities and the material culture of the Archaic period. Lemos has contributed to major excavations such as Oropos and has been involved in radiocarbon dating projects to establish chronologies for the Aegean Iron Age. Teaching: Undergraduate courses on the Greeks and Mediterranean World, Archaic and Classical periods, and core classes in Classical Archaeology and Ancient History. Grants/Projects: Collaborative work on collective rituals with Brussels scholars, excavations at Lefkandi and Oropos, and radiocarbon dating initiatives. Labs/Teams: Directs the Lefkandi-Xeropolis excavation project and coordinates fieldwork at Oropos, involving interdisciplinary teams in archaeology and geoarchaeology.

Sabrina RASTELLIView profile

Professor

• Chinese Ceramics
• Chinese Archaeology
• Chinese Art History
• +4 more

Sabrina Rastelli is a Full Professor and Director of the Confucius Institute of Venice at Ca' Foscari University of Venice . She is affiliated with the Department of Asian and North African Studies and contributes to the Confucius Institute of Venice . Her academic career spans roles as Associate Professor (2010–present) and Lecturer (1999–2010) at Ca' Foscari University, with additional teaching experience at SOAS and Peking University. Current Position: Full Professor & Confucius Institute Director Previous Roles: Lecturer at Ca' Foscari (1999–2010), Tutor at SOAS (1998–99) Research Interests focus on Chinese ceramics, archaeology, and art history, particularly the Song and Jin dynasties. Her work explores the technological evolution of Yaozhou kilns, cultural exchanges through porcelain maritime routes, and transcultural dialogues in contemporary Chinese art. Scientific Contributions include co-authored studies on ancient ceramic technologies and leadership in EU-funded projects like Chinese narratives and the narration of China in Italy . She has curated major exhibitions including Dall’antica alla nuova via della seta (2016) and I due imperi. L’aquila e il dragone (2010). Academic Service encompasses editorial roles (e.g., Annali di Ca’ Foscari - Serie Orientale ), conference organization, and PhD examination committees. She serves on the scientific board of the Marco Polo Research Centre and advises institutions like the Museum of Oriental Art, Venice.

Sue AlcockView profile

Professor

• Hellenistic and Roman East
• Landscape Archaeology
• Archaeological Survey
• +3 more

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.

Jan BillView profile

Professor

• Viking Age Archaeology
• Medieval Archaeology
• Burial Archaeology
• +4 more

Jan Bill is Professor of Viking Age Archaeology at the University of Oslo's Department of Archaeology and curator of the Viking Ship Collection at the Museum of Cultural History since 2007. His academic trajectory includes leadership roles at the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde (2003-2007) and the Centre for Maritime Archaeology at Denmark's National Museum (1997-2003), where he progressed from PhD researcher to deputy director. His research centers on Viking Age and medieval archaeology, specializing in seafaring, burial practices, and scientific methodologies. Key investigations focus on Norwegian ship burials (Oseberg, Gokstad) to decode power representation through funerary rituals, and seafaring's role in societal complexity. His interdisciplinary approach integrates archaeology with genetics, geochemistry, and digital humanities. Recent publications reveal dominant trends in Viking Age genomics, ship burial reinterpretation, and geoarchaeological analysis of settlements. Major themes include population migrations, ancient pathogens, trade networks, and landscape reconstruction, often through large-scale collaborations like the Population Genomics of the Vikings project. Scientific recognition includes: Aage Rothenborgs Endowment (2017) for contributions to early medieval Scandinavian maritime culture Bill currently supervises two PhD candidates and leads significant grants including the Gokstad revitalised research project, Saving Oseberg Project, and Gjellestad excavation. His grant portfolio emphasizes interdisciplinary Viking Age studies combining archaeology with DNA analysis and geophysical surveying. He directs the Centre for Viking-Age Studies (ViS) and contributes to INTER-Action research group. Critical institutional work involves developing the new Museum of the Viking Age and steering major conservation initiatives like the ADED project for archaeological digital documentation.

Holger KockelmannView profile

Professor

• Egyptology
• Hieroglyphic and Demotic Epigraphy
• Ancient Egyptian Religion
• +5 more

Holger Kockelmann is a Professor at the University of Leipzig, serving as Director of the Egyptological Institute and Egyptian Museum - Georg Steindorff. He also holds the position of Dean of Studies within the Faculty of History, Arts and Regional Studies. His academic career spans multiple institutions including the University of Bonn, Trier, Tübingen, Würzburg, and Ain Shams University. Education: Magister Artium in Egyptology (1994-2000) from the University of Trier, Master of Studies in Oriental Studies at Oxford (2000-2001), Habilitation at Tübingen (2014) Research Interests focus on hieroglyphic temple inscriptions, hieratic and demotic texts, cultural history of Greco-Roman Egypt, comparative Egyptian religious phenomena, and Egyptian onomastics. He leads the Edition of the Temple Inscriptions of Philae project funded by Gerda Henkel Stiftung since 2021. Article Trends show specialization in Philae temple epigraphy, religious text analysis, and visual-textual discrepancies in temple art. His work spans 2016-2021 with co-authorship on collaborative projects. Notable Memberships: International Association of Egyptologists (since 2010), Egypt Exploration Society (since 2006), ICOM (since 2023) Collaborative Efforts include partnerships with institutions like Fondazione Museo delle Antichità Egizie di Torino, Austrian Academy of Sciences, and projects involving digital humanities (e.g., Digital Rosetta Stone). His work integrates archaeological, philological, and computational approaches to ancient Egyptian studies.

• Egyptology
• Ancient History
• Archaeology
• +3 more

Prof. Ludwig D. Morenz is a Professor of Egyptology at the University of Bonn and Director of the Egyptian Museum Bonn. He holds positions as a Principal Investigator in archaeological research and leads excavations in Egypt. His academic journey includes a Habilitation from the University of Tübingen (2001), a PhD from Leipzig (1994), and extensive postdoctoral fellowships across Europe. His research focuses on Pharaonic socio-economic systems, particularly dependency relationships between state expeditions and Canaanite populations. He examines ancient Egyptian economy, religion, and cultural interactions through material and textual evidence. Key areas include the origins of alphabetic writing, solar deity symbolism, and Roman-Egyptian cultural hybridity. Morenz has secured over €1 million in third-party funding from institutions like the German Research Foundation (DFG) and Gerda Henkel Foundation. He supervises numerous doctoral and master's students, reviewing over 30 theses and international PhDs. His editorial roles include founding journals like Studia Sinaitica and Bonner Ägyptologische Beiträge . Major excavations under his leadership include the Elite Necropolis of Qubbet el Hawa and the Serabit el-Chadim Hathor temple project. He participates in consortia such as the DFG Research Training Group 'Archeology of Pre-Modern Economies' and the International Congress of Egyptologists. Awards: Heisenberg Fellowship (DFG), Feodor Lynen Fellowship (Humboldt Foundation), Herzog-Ernst Scholarship Exhibitions: Curated annual special exhibitions at the Egyptian Museum Bonn, including a landmark show on alphabetic writing origins at Cairo's National Museum Publications: 13 monographs, 4 edited volumes, and over 100 articles

Sonia Machause LopezView profile

Lecturer

• Archaeology
• Iberian Iron Age
• Ritual Practices
• +12 more

Sonia Machause López is a Lecturer in the Department of Prehistory and Archaeology at the Faculty of Geography and History, University of Valencia. She is a member of the GRAM Archaeological Research Group on the Mediterranean and holds a PhD from the University of Valencia (2017) on ritual caves in the Iberian Iron Age. Her work bridges archaeological theory, landscape analysis, and sensory studies, focusing on ritual practices in natural spaces. PhD in Mediterranean Prehistory and Archaeology, University of Valencia (2017) Thesis: Caves as ritual spaces in Iberian Iron Ages: the cases of Kelin, Edeta and Arse Supervisors: Dr. Consuelo Mata Parreño, Dr. Carmen Aranegui Gascó Her research centers on Iberian Iron Age ritual practices, particularly the use of caves as sacred spaces. She integrates GIS, archaeoastronomy, and sensory archaeology to explore ritual landscapes, territoriality, and embodied experiences. Her work emphasizes multisensory dimensions, ritual journeys, and the symbolic role of water and darkness in underground spaces. She has published extensively on sites such as Cueva del Sapo, Sima de l'Aigua, and Cova de les Dones. Her recent publications reveal a strong trend toward interdisciplinary methodologies, combining material analysis with spatial and sensory modeling. She frequently collaborates with experts in archaeozoology, geophysics, and ethnography. Her work challenges elite-centric models of ritual, emphasizing community participation and variability in religious experiences. Enduring Sacred Places: The Astronomical Orientation of the Iberian Cave-Sanctuary of Cueva Santa del Cabriel in Spain (2019) Caves, Senses, and Ritual Flows in the Iberian Iron Age: The Territory of Edeta (2022) Delving into the Iberian rituality of the Sima de l'Aigua (2024) Sonia Machause López actively mentors early-career researchers and participates in academic dissemination, including public talks and gender studies in archaeology. She has contributed to projects on women in universities and archaeological outreach. While no specific grants are listed, her sustained research output suggests active funding support. She is affiliated with the GRAM research group, which focuses on Mediterranean archaeological dynamics, ritual landscapes, and material culture. Her work often involves field prospection, laboratory analysis, and collaborative interpretation across disciplines.

Rennan LemosView profile

Lecturer

• Material Culture
• Artefact Analysis & Technology
• Archaeological Theory
• +11 more

Dr. Rennan Lemos is a Teaching Associate in Egyptian Archaeology and Affiliated Lecturer at the University of Cambridge's Department of Archaeology, with additional affiliation as a College Research Associate at Emmanuel College. His academic work focuses on the complex dynamics of Egyptian colonialism in ancient Nubia, particularly during the New Kingdom period. Dr. Lemos specializes in material culture analysis, examining how objects served as tools for negotiating identity, power, and social structure in colonial contexts. His research challenges traditional narratives of 'Egyptianization' by revealing the nuanced, bidirectional nature of cultural interactions between Egyptians and Nubians. He integrates archaeological theory with scientific analysis, employing methods like lead isotope analysis and organic residue characterization to study ancient trade networks and ritual practices. His recent publications (2023-2024) demonstrate a clear trend toward bridging postcolonial theory with empirical archaeological evidence. Many articles examine how material culture functioned in colonial settings, with particular attention to funerary practices, artistic representations, and supply chains. His work increasingly focuses on 'decolonizing' archaeological practice while maintaining rigorous scientific approaches to understanding ancient cultural interactions. Dr. Lemos's research has significantly contributed to understanding how Egyptian-style objects were adopted, adapted, and reinterpreted in Nubian communities. His theoretical work, particularly 'Can We Decolonize the Ancient Past? Bridging Postcolonial and Decolonial Theory in Sudanese and Nubian Archaeology' (2022), has been influential in reshaping scholarly approaches to ancient colonial dynamics.

Vincent DebiaisView profile

Research Professor

• Medieval History
• Visual Culture
• Medieval Epigraphy
• +4 more

Vincent Debiais is a CNRS Research Director affiliated with the École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales (EHESS) and Institut National d'Histoire de l'Art (INHA) in Paris. He leads the research team 'Anthropologie Historique du Long Moyen Âge' (AHLoMA) at the Centre de Recherches Historiques. Education: PhD in Medieval History, University of Poitiers (2004) Habilitation in History of Medieval Art, University of Poitiers (2015) Research Focus: Debiais investigates intersections of written and visual culture in medieval artifacts, specializing in epigraphy, visual theology, and material practices. His current projects examine representations of silence in sacred imagery and abstraction in medieval artistic traditions, combining anthropological approaches with historical analysis. Publications Analysis: His recent works demonstrate consistent focus on materiality of medieval inscriptions across diverse media (stone, textiles, ivories). Key thematic clusters include liturgical objects, funerary epigraphy, visual silence, and methodological innovations in analyzing medieval graphic practices. Awards: Herbert L. Kessler Prize for Medieval Art History (2022) Research Leadership: He directs the international team 'Arts et Intelligences du Silence' (EHESS, 2020-2024), coordinating interdisciplinary research on silence in humanities through seminars, publications, and resident scholar programs.

Athanasios MailisView profile

Assistant Professor

• Byzantine Archaeology
• Byzantine Architecture
• Medieval Urban Planning
• +5 more

Athanasios Mailis serves as Assistant Professor of Byzantine Archaeology at the Department of History and Archaeology, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Crete. His scholarly work bridges archaeological fieldwork with theoretical analysis of cultural identity, focusing on religious architecture in the medieval Mediterranean. Dr. Mailis's educational background includes: Birth in Athens (1975) Graduation from University of Crete's Department of History and Archaeology (1998) Postgraduate studies at University of Crete Doctoral thesis at University of Göttingen (2005-2010) His research explores Byzantine architecture, medieval urban planning, iconography, and intercultural relations between Byzantium and Western Europe, with special emphasis on Crete during the Venetian period. Mailis examines how architectural elements like templon barriers evolved into iconostases, revealing how material culture expressed religious identity during cultural transitions. His work demonstrates how Orthodox communities used architectural features as 'material proof of cultural identity' during Venetian rule, showing both archaism and modernization in religious spaces. Dr. Mailis's publications reveal consistent methodological approaches combining archaeological evidence with art historical analysis. His research traces the evolution of religious spaces from the 11th to 16th centuries, documenting how physical transformations in church architecture reflected broader social and religious changes. He particularly focuses on transitional spaces like templon barriers, analyzing how their modification served as tangible expressions of religious identity during periods of political change. His scholarly recognition includes: Stanley J. Seeger Fellowship at Princeton University Wolfgang Fritz Volbach Fellowship at WissenschaftsCampus Mainz Dr. Mailis maintains a dual professional trajectory, having served in the Greek Archaeological Service from 2006 to 2022 while simultaneously pursuing academic work. During his tenure at the Archaeological Service, he conducted numerous excavations and restoration projects at Byzantine sites, working initially as an antiquities curator at the 24th Ephorate of Byzantine Antiquities in Lamia, and later as head of the Byzantine Monuments Department at the 28th Ephorate in Chania. Concurrently, he taught Byzantine Archaeology at the University of Crete during multiple academic years. His research connects with multiple international teams, particularly through his affiliation with the Leibniz-Zentrum für Archäologie in Mainz as an Associate Member. This position facilitates collaboration between Greek archaeological work and broader European research networks focused on early medieval and Byzantine archaeology. His fieldwork in Crete has involved close cooperation with local Ephorates of Antiquities, creating productive bridges between academic research and cultural heritage management.

Jerome RousseauView profile

Professor

• Cultural Anthropology
• Southeast Asian Studies
• Indigenous Societies
• +3 more

Jerome Rousseau is a Professor of Anthropology at McGill University, specializing in the study of indigenous societies of Borneo. He holds a B.Sc., M.A., and Ph.D. in Anthropology from Université de Montréal (1968, 1969) and the University of Cambridge (1974). His research focuses on cultural anthropology, social stratification, and religious practices among Borneo communities, including the Kayan and Kenyah peoples. Key themes include ancestral rituals, social organization, and the impact of historical and colonial processes on indigenous cultures. Education: B.Sc. in Anthropology, Université de Montréal (1968) M.A. in Anthropology, Université de Montréal (1969) Ph.D. in Anthropology, University of Cambridge (1974) Research Interests: Rousseau’s work explores the intersection of cultural identity, social structure, and historical change in Southeast Asia. He has conducted extensive fieldwork on topics such as Kayan religion, Borneo nomadism, and the dynamics of ethnic communities. His analyses often address themes like reciprocity, ritual practices, and the evolution of social inequality in indigenous societies. Publications: His prolific output includes monographs and articles on Borneo ethnography, such as Kayan Religion (2022), Brief Encounter: Reciprocity Between Inuit Hunters and Martin Frobisher (2009), and Rethinking social evolution: the perspective from middle-range societies (2006). These works highlight his expertise in cultural evolution, ritual systems, and colonial interactions. Awards: No scientific awards explicitly listed in the provided texts. Advising & Grants: No specific advisees or grants are mentioned in the text. His contributions are primarily through research and publications. Labs/Teams: No formal lab or team affiliations are noted, though his work engages with broader anthropological networks and field research collaborations.

Heinrich HärkeView profile

Research Fellow

• Migrations and ethnogenesis
• Early medieval burial ritual
• Archaeology of Eurasian nomads
• +3 more

Dr. Heinrich Härke is a Visiting Research Fellow at the University of Reading (2007–2010, reappointed 2014–2017) and a professor at the University of Tübingen since 2010. His work focuses on migrations, ethnogenesis, early medieval burial rituals, and Eurasian nomadic archaeology. He leads international projects like the Dzhankent excavation in Kazakhstan, exploring Silk Road trade networks and urbanization. His research bridges archaeology with historical and interdisciplinary methods, emphasizing collaboration with geophysicists and historians. Key projects include the 2011 Wenner Gren-funded excavation at Dzhankent, challenging traditional narratives of nomadic state formation by revealing 7th-century sedentary origins. His DFG-funded project (2014–2017) investigates the town’s role in transcontinental trade. Collaborations involve Korkyt-Ata State University (Kazakhstan), Russian and German institutions, and British scholars. Publications include studies on Anglo-Saxon burial practices, Silk Road urbanization, and the social analysis of early medieval graves. His work addresses themes like ethnic identity, ritual symbolism, and the interplay between archaeology and politics.