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Kriszta Kotsis is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Art and Art History at the University of Puget Sound. She specializes in ancient and medieval art, teaching courses on Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Western Medieval, and Islamic art, as well as art historical methodology. Education: MA from Eötvös Loránd University (1990), PhD from the University of Washington (2004). Her research focuses on representations of women in the Late Antique and Byzantine periods, particularly images of empresses. Key themes include gendered authority, dynastic symbolism, and religious iconography. She has published extensively on numismatic depictions of Byzantine empresses and the role of royal mothers in medieval visual culture. Her scholarly work has examined the numismatic imagery of Empress Irene and Empresses Zoe and Theodora, exploring how coinage and medallions shaped perceptions of female rulership. A 2015 study contextualized the Greek Orthodox Church within medieval European culture, while a 2016 contribution analyzed the ninth-century Empress Theodora's legacy. Kriszta Kotsis has not been documented as receiving scientific awards. She advises PhD and Master’s students and has contributed to the field through specialized courses like Western Art I: Ancient - Med (ARTH 275-A) and Islamic Art (ARTH 359-A) . Contact: Office in Kittredge 207, phone 253.879.3705, email kkotsis@pugetsound.edu .

• Art History
• Late Antiquity
• Byzantine Studies
• +5 more

Ms. María Morrás is an Honorary Research Fellow and Senior Lecturer at the Universitat Pompeu Fabra (Barcelona), specializing in medieval and early modern Iberian literature. She holds dual doctorates from the University of California at Berkeley (PhD) and Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (Doctorado en Literaturas Hispánicas). Her work bridges traditional philology with critical theory and digital humanities, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to cultural transitions between the Middle Ages and modernity. Education : BA in Philology, Universidad Complutense de Madrid PhD in Spanish Literature, UC Berkeley (1980s) Second Doctorate in Hispanic Literatures, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona Research Focus : Morrás’ research explores 1) 15th-century humanism and Renaissance classical revival, 2) court poetry (cancioneros), 3) Golden Age theater, and 4) female authority dynamics in medieval-to-early modern Iberia. Current projects examine the sacralization of Queen Isabel I’s reign through political theology, contrasting it with Elizabeth I’s model. She critiques how classical and religious paradigms shaped gendered power structures in pre-modern Spain. Grants & Leadership : Led three Spanish Ministerio de Educación-funded projects: Discourses on Death , Courtly Literary Culture in Spain and Italy , and Emergence of Female Authority at Court and Covent Co-edited major volumes on Alfonso de Cartagena, Lope de Vega’s comedias, and digital humanities in Hispanic studies Labs/Teams : Prominent collaborator in international philological networks, including projects at UC Berkeley, Università di Pavia, and Cambridge University. Active in editorial boards for journals like Ínsula and Medievalia .

• Medieval Iberian Literature
• Early Modern Spanish Literature
• Renaissance Humanism
• +7 more

Dr. Janna Bianchini is an Associate Professor in the Department of History at the University of Maryland's College of Arts and Humanities, with a secondary affiliation in Classics. Her office is located in Taliaferro Hall, where she holds weekly office hours by appointment. As a specialist in the European High Middle Ages, her work examines power structures through the lenses of gender, religious conflict, and royal authority in medieval Iberia. Her research focuses on: The dynamics of royal women's political influence in León-Castile Religious tensions and cultural exchange in medieval Mediterranean societies Dynastic strategies and land tenure systems through charter evidence Reevaluations of queenship and female agency in medieval governance Her publications predominantly explore thirteenth-century Iberian monarchy, with recurring themes of female authority in works like The Queen's Hand and infantas' roles in territorial governance. Current book research investigates the Infantazgo—royal women's domains in western Iberia—analyzing their evolution and political significance. Honors include prestigious fellowships from: Fulbright Association Medieval Academy of America American Historical Association Program for Cultural Cooperation Between Spain and United States Universities Real Colegio Complutense She teaches interdisciplinary courses like HIST 133/RELS 289D (Crusades), HIST 289A/RELS 289C (Jews/Christians/Muslims in medieval Spain), and specialized seminars on marginalized medieval communities and women's societal roles.

• Medieval History
• European History
• Gender Studies
• +4 more

Matthias Kuhn is a researcher and lecturer in Medieval History at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU). He holds a doctorate from Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg (2023) and has been an Officer for International Funding Programs at LMU since October 2023. Previously, he served as a Research Associate at Heidelberg's Collaborative Research Center 933 Material Text Cultures (2019-2023) and taught at Heidelberg's History Department (Summer 2023). Research Focus: Genealogy/Heraldry, Material Culture (rotuli, clothing, arms), German Regional History, Papacy, Late Medieval England, Habsburg/Wittelsbach Dynasties Key Publications: 2024 monograph on noble genealogical roles, 2024 material approach to rulership texts, 2023 comparative study of genealogical rolls, 2023 archival materiality analysis Contact: ma.kuhn@lmu.de

• Genealogy and Heraldry
• Material Culture
• German Regional History
• +3 more

Dr. Hubertus Seibert is a Lecturer at the Department of Medieval History, Faculty of Historical Seminar, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich. He has been a senior academic councilor since 2000 and previously served as managing director of the Department of History (1999–2001). His academic career began as an assistant at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (1983–1994). Research Focus: Papacy and Religious Orders (10th–13th centuries) Social History (Nobility, Ministeriality) Canon Studies Bohemian History (10th–14th centuries) Rhenish Regional History (17th–20th centuries) Key Publications Trends: His work spans monographs on Salian monastic succession, comparative studies of German-Bohemian relations, and analyses of papal authority. Articles focus on regional case studies (Lahnstein, Worms), ecclesiastical governance, and late medieval social structures. Collaborative projects highlight interdisciplinary approaches to medieval political theology and feudal dynamics. Advisory & Grants: No explicit student advisement details provided. Extensive editorial collaborations and contributions to historical exhibitions indicate significant institutional engagement. Labs/Teams: Affiliated with Munich City History Working Group and Collegium Carolinum, contributing to regional archival projects and comparative medieval research initiatives.

• Papacy and Religious Order History (10th-13th centuries)
• Social History (Nobility, Ministeriality)
• Canon Studies
• +2 more

Prof. Dr. Werner Benecke serves as Professor of Culture and History of Central and Eastern Europe at the European University Viadrina's Faculty of Cultural Studies since 2013, previously holding the Gerd Bucerius Endowed Professorship from 2007. His office is located at the Collegium Polonicum campus in Słubice, Poland, where he coordinates the interdisciplinary Master's program in Culture and History of Central and Eastern Europe and co-organizes the Jerzy Giedroyc Research Colloquium. His academic background includes: Born 1964 in Braunschweig 1986-1992: Studies in Middle/Modern History, Eastern European History, and Slavic Philology at University of Göttingen 1997: Doctorate 2004: Habilitation in Eastern European History 1992-2004: Academic positions at University of Göttingen Research focuses on Polish history (19th-20th centuries), particularly minority issues and social/legal history; Russian social and military history (19th century); Jewish history in Poland; and regional history of the Oder region with emphasis on Frankfurt (Oder). His work examines state-minority relations, military conscription systems, borderland dynamics, and historical memory in Eastern Europe through comparative and transnational frameworks. Publication analysis reveals consistent scholarly output centered on Eastern European historical intersections, with recent works increasingly addressing contemporary geopolitical relevance of historical patterns, particularly regarding Russian imperialism, border region identities, and memory politics in post-1989 Europe. His scholarship demonstrates methodological rigor in source criticism while connecting historical phenomena to present-day European challenges. Scientific recognition includes: Werner Hahlweg Prize 2006 for postdoctoral thesis on Russian conscription As academic leader, he chairs the KGMOE Examination Committee and has mentored numerous students through the Master's program, though specific advisees aren't named in source material. His research receives institutional support through the European University Viadrina's infrastructure and collaborative projects with Polish academic partners. Current work continues to explore German-Polish border region histories and the legacy of imperial systems in contemporary Eastern Europe. He operates within the Viadrina Center of Polish and Ukrainian Studies framework, collaborating with Prof. Dr. Dagmara Jajeśniak-Quast and Prof. Dr. Andrii Portnov on interdisciplinary research initiatives examining Central and Eastern European cultural-historical dynamics.

• Polish History
• Russian History
• Jewish History in Poland
• +4 more

Scott Newstok is Professor of English and Executive Director of the Spence Wilson Center for Interdisciplinary Humanities at Rhodes College . His teaching spans courses cross-listed with Ancient Mediterranean Studies, Educational Studies, Environmental Studies, Media Studies, and Theatre, with seminars on Overton Park, poetry and medicine, and Michel de Montaigne’s legacy. He actively contributes to the Liberal Arts in Prison Program and international humanities initiatives. Education : Ph.D. in English and American Language and Literature from Harvard University (2002), B.A. in English from Grinnell College (1995) Professor Newstok’s research explores Shakespearean studies , early modern racial discourse , pedagogical innovation , and digital humanities . He has published on topics ranging from epitaphs in Renaissance drama to the intersection of Shakespeare and race in global performances. His recent projects include editing Montaigne’s essays on education and a digital database on close reading history. His 15 most recent publications (2017-2025) examine themes like epitaphs in Renaissance drama , Shakespearean adaptations , educational philosophy , and digital textual analysis . These works reflect his commitment to interdisciplinary approaches and public humanities engagement. Scientific Awards : 2012 Campus Life Award, 2016/2021 Clarence Day Awards, multiple fellowships from NEH, Folger, and Mellon Foundation Newstok has organized symposia including Green Shakespeare, Global Hamlet, and 1616 Symposium. He co-founded the Digital Public Library of America’s Memphis visit and maintains a public database on close reading history. His archival research spans institutions from the Folger Shakespeare Library to the British Library.

• Shakespeare Studies
• Renaissance Literature
• Race and Ethnicity in Literature
• +5 more

Cathleen Sarti is a Departmental Lecturer in the History of War at the University of Oxford, affiliated with Balliol College. Her research focuses on political culture and state formation in early modern Northern Europe, particularly the British Isles, Scandinavia, and the Baltic region. She examines how power and authority operated in premodern societies, emphasizing the interplay of political ideas, economic constraints, and cultural practices. Sarti joined Oxford's History Department in 2019, contributing to Peter Wilson's project on the European Fiscal-Military System. She teaches courses on early modern European history, including the MSt-Strand 'History of War,' and tutors at Balliol College. Her work bridges political and cultural history, with a particular interest in monarchy, dynastic politics, and gender. Her major publications include *Deposing Monarchs: Domestic Conflict and State-Formation 1500-1700* (2022), which analyzes monarchical deposition as a catalyst for state-building. She co-edits the book series *Studies in Monarchy & Money* and has explored topics like women's economic agency in royal courts. Sarti’s research integrates interdisciplinary approaches, considering literature, art, and public opinion to contextualize political thought. PhD: University of Mainz (Germany), 2010s Research Projects: Baltic region case studies in fiscal-military systems, Danish queens' economic agency Teaching: Early Modern Europe (1500-1700), Warfare in Eurasia, Historiography Her current projects include a monograph on the Baltic's role in European fiscal-military dynamics and studies of non-elite political counsel in Denmark-Norway. Sarti actively participates in the Royal Studies Network and collaborates on transnational histories of monarchy.

• Political Culture
• Monarchy and Rulership
• Early Modern State Formation
• +4 more

Joseph Patrouch is a Professor of Early Modern European History at the University of Alberta's Faculty of Arts, based in the Department of History, Classics, and Religion. He holds a PhD, MA, and BA in history. His research focuses on the Holy Roman Empire and Habsburg Dynasty, particularly between 1550-1650, with additional interests in Habsburg women's roles, urban studies, and World War I internment operations. Recent activities include leading an international quality assurance review for the Austrian Academy of Sciences' Institute for Habsburg and Balkan Studies and conducting archival research in Europe. He teaches courses such as Early Modern Europe and directs the History of the Habsburg Monarchy. His current project explores landscapes of the Holy Roman Empire in the 1560-70s. Education: PhD, MA, BA in History Research Interests: Holy Roman Empire, Habsburg Dynasty, Early Modern Empire Studies, Women in Courts, Public History Recent publications include book reviews on Habsburg coronations and interventions in Central Europe, as well as a 2024 analysis of Habsburg Europe's geopolitical identity. He has lectured widely in Croatia, Austria, Czechia, and Poland, presenting on Habsburg travels and imperial perceptions.

• Early Modern European History
• Habsburg Dynasty Studies
• Holy Roman Empire
• +3 more

Dr. John Holton is a Lecturer at Newcastle University, specializing in Ancient History and Classics. His research focuses on the Hellenistic Period, particularly the political ideologies and power structures of Macedonian and Seleucid dynasties following Alexander the Great's empire. Dr. Holton's work explores topics such as co-kingship, ruler cults, and the historiographical influences of Diodorus Siculus. He has contributed to debates on Athenian democracy and the reception of Alexander in the Ptolemaic Dynasty, often analyzing ideological continuity and transformation in ancient Mediterranean societies. His publications include critical reviews of modern scholarship on Hellenistic figures like Antigonus Gonatas and Hannibal. Despite a research-intensive profile, no formal details about teaching roles, grants, or laboratory affiliations are provided in the available data.

• Ancient History
• Classics
• Hellenistic Period
• +9 more

Dr. Andrei Constantin Sălăvăstru is a Senior Researcher at the Department of Socio-Human Sciences, part of the Institute for Interdisciplinary Research at Alexandru Ioan Cuza University in Iași, Romania. His work bridges history, political theory, and religious studies, focusing on the Anglo-French intellectual landscape during the premodern period (1450-1610). Specializes in political thought, particularly bodily metaphors like the "body politic" and "political disease" in 16th-century England and France Examines ideology of power, propaganda, and debates on tyranny, resistance, and tyrannicide during the French Wars of Religion (1562-1598) Contributed to interdisciplinary research combining theology, law, and historical analysis His scholarship investigates how biblical imagery and theological arguments were mobilized to legitimize or challenge royal authority, especially in Tudor England and Valois France. Recent work analyzes Catholic League ideology, Huguenot justificative texts, and the evolution of sovereignty concepts. Dr. Sălăvăstru's publications reveal consistent engagement with corporal metaphors , constitutional debates , and interdisciplinary methodologies across 23+ years. His research spans from late medieval paradigms to early modern revolutionary ideas.

• History of Political Thought
• Late Medieval History
• Premodern History
• +4 more

Helen Hackett is Professor of English in the Department of English Language and Literature at University College London, specializing in sixteenth- and seventeenth-century literature. With seven books and numerous articles to her name, she is a leading scholar in Shakespeare studies, literary representations of Elizabeth I, and early modern women's writing. Her educational background includes: Doctor of Philosophy, University of Oxford (1990) Master of Philosophy, University of Oxford (1986) Master of Arts, University of Oxford (1987) Bachelor of Arts (Honours), University of Oxford (1983) Hackett's research centers on the intersections of literature with religion, visual arts, and cross-cultural exchanges in the early modern period. She has made significant contributions to studies of Edmund Spenser, Mary Wroth, and Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream . Her 2022 monograph The Elizabethan Mind explores Elizabethan conceptions of consciousness, selfhood, and mental processes, revealing how philosophical debates shaped literary innovation. Her work consistently examines gender dynamics, particularly through the lens of women writers like Constance Aston Fowler and Lady Mary Wroth, while also investigating Catholic manuscript networks and the visual representation of monarchy. Her scholarly recognition includes a Leverhulme Trust Research Fellowship (2019-2020). Hackett has been actively engaged with public scholarship through multiple BBC Radio 4 In Our Time appearances on Shakespeare, Elizabeth I, and Romeo and Juliet. Hackett has supervised over twenty PhD students to completion and serves as an external examiner for other institutions. She founded and co-directed the UCL Centre for Early Modern Exchanges (2010-2013), organizing significant launch conferences that fostered interdisciplinary dialogue. Her teaching spans undergraduate courses on Renaissance literature, Shakespeare, narrative texts, and intellectual history, with commitment to innovative and inclusive seminar methods.

• Early Modern Literature
• Shakespeare Studies
• Elizabethan Literature
• +7 more

Sarah Croix is an Associate Professor at Aarhus University's Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies within the School of Culture and Society. Her work focuses on Viking Age archaeology, particularly urbanization processes, mortuary practices, and material culture in early medieval Scandinavia. She has led major projects like the Northern Emporium excavations in Ribe, Denmark, exploring trade networks and urban development. Her research integrates interdisciplinary methods, including geochemical analysis, spatial archaeology, and 3D reconstruction. Key themes include gendered labor in Viking households, ritual performance, and the transition to urbanized societies. She has published extensively on topics such as textile production, burial practices, and trans-regional cultural interactions in Denmark and adjacent regions. Education: PhD in Archaeology (not explicitly dated in text) Major Projects (2010–2025): Northern Emporium, De Dødes By, Inequality & Shared Prosperity, Entrepot Dr. Croix's work emphasizes archaeological methodology innovations, such as high-definition stratigraphic recording and multi-proxy geochemical analysis. Her studies of Ribe’s pre-Christian cemetery and household workshops reveal insights into social organization and technological practices. She critiques traditional Viking narratives, advocating for nuanced understandings of gender roles, mobility, and cultural continuities. Recent investigations include isotopic analyses of human mobility, 3D reconstructions of skeletal remains, and contextual analyses of ritual objects. Her book Den sidste viking - 1066 (2024) reinterprets late Viking Age dynamics. Active in public archaeology, she bridges scholarly research and broader historical discourse.

• Viking Age Archaeology
• Urbanization in Early Medieval Europe
• Mortuary Practices
• +5 more