Find Academic Supervisors

Susanne GöddeView profile

Professor

• Ancient Greek Religion and Literature
• Mythology and Modern Myth Theory
• Greek Tragedy
• +3 more

Prof. Dr. Susanne Gödde is a Professor of Religious Studies at the Free University of Berlin’s Institute for Religious Studies (WE 8) within the Department of History and Cultural Studies. She holds a W3-Professur since 2016 and serves as Principal Investigator in the Graduate College „Normativität, Kritik, Wandel“. Her academic journey includes habilitation at FU Berlin (2006) and professorships at LMU Munich (2008–2016). 1985–1993: Studied Greek Philology, German Studies, and Classical Archaeology at Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster 1999: PhD in Greek Philology from Münster 2006: Habilitation at FU Berlin Her research focuses on Ancient Greek Religion and Literature , Mythology , and its modern reception, with emphasis on tragedy, novels, and ritual practices. Current projects include DFG research groups on aetiological narratives and sacrificial theory. She explores foundation myths , sacrifice as cultural metaphor , and gender in religious contexts . Recent publications analyze themes such as mythological origins (2025), virginity and violence in Greek novels (2025), rituals in tragedy (2023), and narrative contingency (2022). Her work bridges classical philology, religious studies, and cultural theory. Heidelberger Förderpreis für klassisch-philologische Theoriebildung Lise Meitner-Habilitationsstipendium des Landes Nordrhein-Westfalen Promotionsstipendium der Westfälischen Wilhelms-Universität Münster As advisor, she has mentored PhD students Dr. Emrys Schlatter , Dr. Sebastian Zerhoch , and Dr. Stephanie Roberta Graf . Her outreach includes podcasts on ancient asylum, mythological themes, and public lectures on Homeric reception.

Simone MarinoView profile

Research Fellow

• Ethnic Identity Construction
• Dementia Care for Migrant Populations
• Music and Narrative Interventions
• +4 more

Dr Simone Marino is a Post Doctoral Research Fellow at Edith Cowan University's School of Education, collaborating with Professor Narelle Lemon on the Citizen Wellbeing Scientist Project. His interdisciplinary work bridges gerontology, anthropology, and music therapy to address migrant wellbeing, particularly focusing on dementia care through cultural engagement. His research centers on ethnic identity construction among Italian-Australian communities and innovative interventions like Comusichiamo —a music and narrative engagement program using home languages, life soundtracks, and storytelling to support migrants with dementia and their caregivers. As Music & Cultural Engagement Consultant for WA InCasa Aged Care, he implements culturally responsive care models informed by his ethnographic expertise. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals strong thematic continuity in migrant wellbeing , dementia interventions , and cultural identity transmission . His work increasingly integrates multi-modal approaches, with recent publications emphasizing practical applications in aged care settings amid contemporary challenges like pandemic restrictions. TASA Sociology in Action Bursary (2024) Inpress Magazine Autori in Viaggio Prize for ethnographic research (2020) ACIS Honorary Research Fellow Award (2020-2023) TASA Precarious Work Conference Scholarship (2019) Three Minutes Thesis Competition Finalist (2015) Marino co-leads major research initiatives including the $1.48M NHMRC-funded BEFRIENDING WITH GENIE project addressing dementia care for culturally diverse populations, and the Let's Sing Together intervention combating social isolation among older migrants. His community engagement extends through WA InCasa Aged Care and the SAGE Futures Lab, where he develops practical applications of his theoretical work on cultural wellbeing. As an Adjunct Research Fellow at ECU's SAGE Futures Lab, he contributes to collaborative research on social ageing while maintaining active roles in the Australian Association of Gerontology, Australian Anthropological Society, and Asian Australian Studies Research Network.

Daniel WojcikView profile

Professor

• Artistry & Expressive Culture
• Ethnology & Folklore Studies
• Mythology & Religious Culture
• +12 more

Daniel Wojcik is a Professor in the Department of English and Folklore Program at the University of Oregon , where he teaches courses on Apocalypse Now and Then , Folklore and the Supernatural , and Visionary Experiences . Holding a PhD from UCLA , his work bridges art, religion, and cultural theory with particular focus on outsider art , apocalyptic movements , and vernacular spiritualities . Education: PhD, University of California, Los Angeles Key Research Areas: Visionary art and art brut Modern mythologies and alternative religions Apocalyptic beliefs and millenarian movements Urban ethnology and cultural theory Trauma, grief, and creativity Notable Awards: Fulbright Scholar (2023) Fellow of American Folklore Society (2023) Coleman-Guitteau Professorship (2014-2015) His publications analyze intersections of creativity and crisis , including Outsider Art: Visionary Worlds and Trauma (2016) and The End of the World As We Know It (2003). Recent projects document magico-religious re-enchantment in Central/Eastern Europe and UFO cosmologies . As advisor to the Folklore and Public Culture Program , he mentors students in ethnographic research and public folklore applications. Article Trends show consistent exploration of apocalyptic themes (2003-2025), outsider art analysis (2016-2025), and vernacular spirituality (1996-2021). His work connects trauma studies with artistic expression while mapping millenarian belief systems across religious and pop culture contexts. Teaching Legacy includes courses on Folklore theory , Religion and folklore , and Subcultures . He has directed fieldwork projects and public folklore initiatives at the Randall V. Mills Archives and Oregon Folklife Network.

• Religious Anthropology
• Urban Anthropology
• Social Exclusion
• +3 more

Manuel Delgado Ruiz is a University Professor at the University of Barcelona's Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology. He specializes in Religious Anthropology, Urban Anthropology, and studies of Social Exclusion. His research focuses on public space dynamics, cultural memory, and urban sociology, particularly in Barcelona and Catalonia. He leads the Research Group on Social Exclusion and Control (GRECS) and has been Principal Investigator in numerous projects including 'An overflowing diversity' (2023-2024) and 'Subaltern medicine and gender in abused Catalonia' (2022). His work explores themes like urban mobilities, Franco-era resistance, and the intersection of religion and public space. Delgado has authored over 50 books and articles, including seminal works like El animal público (1999) and Ciudad líquida (1999). His recent publications analyze pandemic-era urban hygienism, festive traditions, and the symbolic dimensions of public space. His funded research includes comparative studies of urban mobilities (2020-2024), cultural heritage in marginalized neighborhoods, and the role of festivals in urban identity. He teaches Religious Anthropology and Urban Anthropology in graduate programs.

Pam J. CrabtreeView profile

Professor

• Zooarchaeology
• Medieval Archaeology
• Later Prehistoric Europe
• +3 more

Pam J. Crabtree is a Professor of Archaeology at New York University, specializing in zooarchaeology and medieval archaeology. She holds affiliations with the Center for the Study of Human Origins, the Institute for the Study of the Ancient World, Medieval Studies, and the Kevorkian Center. Her research focuses on reconstructing past animal husbandry practices, hunting, and diets, with particular emphasis on early medieval Europe, the Near East, and later prehistoric societies. Crabtree is co-director of the Dún Ailinne excavations in Ireland and has participated in projects across Europe and the Near East, including Antwerp, Armenia, and Turkey. Crabtree earned her Ph.D. (1982) and M.A. (1975) from the University of Pennsylvania and a B.A. (1972) from Barnard College. Her work integrates zooarchaeological methods to investigate topics such as urbanization in medieval towns, the transition to agriculture, and ritual practices. Recent projects include studies of faunal remains in Antwerp, Kinik Höyük, and Kamyana Mohyla I (Ukraine). Crabtree has received numerous awards, including election to the International Council for Archaeozoology’s Committee of Honor (2018) and grants from the Rust Family Foundation and British Academy. Her publications span zooarchaeological analyses, medieval urbanization studies, and interdisciplinary volumes on European archaeology. She actively collaborates with international teams and mentors students through fieldwork and academic programs.

• Jewish History
• Early Modern History
• Modern European History
• +7 more

Cornelia Aust is a Research Fellow at the University of Duisburg-Essen , affiliated with the Salomon Ludwig Steinheim Institute for German-Jewish History since 2023. Previously, she served as a Research Associate at Bielefeld University (2018-2024) and the Leibniz Institute of European History (2013-2018). Her work focuses on Jewish history from the Early Modern period to modernity, with particular emphasis on Central and East Central Europe. Education MA in History, Eastern European History, and Religious Studies (Free University of Berlin, 2003) PhD in Jewish History (University of Pennsylvania, 2010) Research interests include: Jewish economic history and mercantile networks Analysis of Jewish communal autonomy structures Transcultural historical perspectives Cultural history of clothing and material culture Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth studies Early modern sumptuary laws and body politics Publication trends show consistent focus on Jewish commercial practices, material culture analysis, comparative methodologies, and visual representations of Jewish identity across Europe. Her work frequently employs interdisciplinary approaches combining economic, cultural, and social history. Awards and fellowships : Katz Center Affiliated Fellow (2020) Louis Apfelbaum Fellowship (2008/09) Social Science Research Council IDRF (2006/07) Memorial Foundation for Jewish Culture Fellow (2006/07) DAAD Stipend (1999/2000) Professional memberships encompass major scholarly organizations including the European Association for Jewish Studies , Association for Jewish Studies , and Collaborative Research Center 1288 at Bielefeld University. She also serves as a co-editor of WerkstattGeschichte since 2019.

Jessica MeyerView profile

Professor

• Gender history
• First World War
• Medical history
• +8 more

Jessica Meyer is a Professor of British Social and Cultural History at the School of History within the University of Leeds' Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures. She specializes in intersections of gender history (particularly masculinity), First World War studies, medical history, disability history, and cultural analysis of war and popular media. Education: BA (Liberal Arts) from Yale University, MPhil in European Studies, PhD in Modern History from the University of Cambridge Research Focus : Her work examines how warfare and medical practices shaped gender identities, particularly British masculinity, during and after the First World War. She has authored two monographs: Men of War (Palgrave Macmillan) and An Equal Burden (Oxford University Press, open access). Current Projects : Researching post-WWI social reintegration, disability pensions, domestic care provision, and gender dynamics in Britain. Past projects include Men, Women and Care (ERC-funded) and Masculinity and Medical Care (Wellcome Trust-funded). Teaching & Supervision : Offers undergraduate courses and supervises postgraduate research in modern British history, gender studies, war history, and popular culture.

C. Lynn CarrView profile

Professor

• Sociology of Religion
• Gender Studies
• Sexuality Studies
• +5 more

C. Lynn Carr is a Professor of Sociology at Seton Hall University, specializing in contemporary identity formations with a focus on religion, gender, and sexuality. She holds a Ph.D. and teaches courses on sociological topics ranging from qualitative methods to American societal structures. Her research examines how individuals navigate religious practices within multicultural contexts, particularly in Jewish Reconstructionist communities and Afro-Cuban Lukumi traditions. Carr has authored two major books: Facing Death Together: Shiva in a Jewish Reconstructionist Community (2023) and A Year in White: Cultural Newcomers to Lukumi and Santería in the U.S. (2016), which explore mourning rituals and religious boundary-crossing respectively. Her scholarly work spans three decades, addressing intersections between gender, sexuality, and identity through qualitative methodologies. Carr has reviewed over 20 books for venues like Reading Religion and H-Net , critically engaging topics such as modern Jewish identity, Orthodox Jewish conversion, and Afro-Caribbean religious practices. Awards include the prestigious Jack Shand Research Grant. Carr’s teaching portfolio includes courses on deviance, race/ethnicity, and social inequalities. While no lab affiliations are explicitly noted, her fieldwork-based research demonstrates deep engagement with community ethnography. Her work consistently bridges theoretical frameworks from social constructionism to emotion sociology with empirical case studies.

Tania Al SaadiView profile

Associate Professor

• Narratology
• Modern Arabic Literature
• Arabic Novels
• +7 more

Tania Al Saadi is an Associate Professor of Arabic at Stockholm University's Department of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, where she has taught Arabic language and modern Arabic literature since 2007. She received her PhD in Arabic from Sorbonne-Nouvelle University (Paris III) in 2008. Her primary research focuses on narratology in modern Arabic literature, with particular attention to narrative techniques in Arabic novels. She has conducted extensive research on the beginnings of novels across various 20th century works, examining how narrative openings function within the broader structure. Her scholarly interests also include exile literature, representations of despotic figures, gender and feminism in literature, and contemporary representations of death and cemeteries in Iraqi novels. Dr. Al Saadi's recent publications demonstrate a growing interest in food representation in Arabic literature, culminating in her forthcoming edited volume 'Eating Words: Food in Modern Arabic literature' (2025). Her research shows a consistent pattern of examining how cultural and political realities are reflected through narrative structures and thematic concerns in Arabic fiction, with particular attention to Iraqi and Egyptian literary traditions. Current research project: 'Death in contemporary Iraqi novels' Active contributor to Encyclopaedia of Islam, THREE As an educator, she teaches Arabic language and modern Arabic literature at both undergraduate and advanced levels. Her supervision of student theses demonstrates her commitment to mentoring the next generation of scholars in Arabic studies, with students working on topics ranging from identity in Iraqi literature to food representation in Lebanese young adult fiction.

Olehile BuffelView profile

Associate Professor

• pastoral care and counselling in a context of poverty
• preaching in the context of poverty
• theology and development
• +8 more

Olehile Buffel serves as Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology and the Fred W. Meuser Professorship in Church History/Homiletics at Trinity Lutheran Seminary, Capital University. An ordained Lutheran minister since 1986, he brings extensive pastoral and administrative experience across multiple dioceses and parishes, and has conducted workshops for diverse denominations including Lutheran, Assemblies of God, and Dutch Reformed churches. His educational background includes: Bachelor of Theology (University of South Africa) Bachelor of Theology Honours in Practical Theology (University of South Africa) Master of Theology in Practical Theology (University of South Africa) PhD in Practical Theology (University of Pretoria) Buffel's research centers on pastoral care and homiletics within contexts of poverty, HIV/AIDS, land reform, and black liberation theology. He explores the therapeutic value of cultural rituals, the church's role in xenophobic contexts, and theology of vocation, emphasizing contextual and liberating approaches that address systemic injustice and human dislocation. His work consistently integrates Clinical Pastoral Education with community-based practices to serve marginalized populations. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2010-2022) reveals three dominant trajectories: pandemic-related theological responses (2020-2022), land justice and black liberation theology (2014-2021), and HIV/AIDS pastoral care models (2005-2014). These intersect through a consistent liberationist framework applying practical theology to South Africa's socio-economic crises, with increasing focus on vaccine nationalism and Covid-19 impacts in his latest work. His recognition includes: Fred W. Meuser Professorship in Church History/Hom Research Fellow appointment (2024) in Christian Spirituality, Church History and Missiology Buffel has supervised Master's and Doctoral students to completion at the University of South Africa and serves as external examiner for multiple South African universities. His editorial leadership spans Theologia Viatorum, HTS Theological Journal, Missionalia, Studia Historiae Ecclesiaticae, and the Journal of Theology in Southern Africa, where he regularly reviews submissions. He actively contributes to academic communities through memberships in Practical Theology in South Africa, South African Missiological Society, Theological Society in South Africa, Society for Pastoral Theology, and the International Association of Practical Theology, bridging scholarly work with practical church leadership across denominational lines.

Francesco BorriView profile

Associate Professor

• Medieval History
• Early Middle Ages
• Post-Roman Europe
• +3 more

Francesco Borri is an Associate Professor at the Department of Humanities , Ca' Foscari University of Venice , and a member of the Interuniversity Center for the History and Archaeology of the Early Middle Ages (SAAME) . His office hours are held at Malcanton Marcorà campus. Academic Affiliation : Department of Humanities Research Focus : Medieval History (SSD HIST-01/A) Research Interests include: Post-Roman Identity Formation Carolingian-Byzantine Relations Adriatic Maritime Networks Medieval Cultural Memory Historiography of Early Medieval Italy Recent Publications (2024–2023) explore topics such as: Carolingian Frontier Dynamics Medieval Paganism and Rituals Lombard Italy's Political Structures Adriatic Trade and Geopolitics Teaching Activities encompass: Medieval History (12 credits) History of the Early Middle Ages (6 credits) Historical Institutions and Cultural Heritage Current Projects include participation in PNRR_CHANGES - Cultural Heritage Active Innovation for Sustainable Society (2023–2026), focusing on historical landscapes and cultural identities.

Rebecca A. NedostupView profile

Associate Professor

• Modern Chinese History
• Displacement Studies
• Death Studies
• +3 more

Rebecca A. Nedostup is an Associate Professor of History and East Asian Studies at Brown University. She holds a PhD from Columbia University and is a Fellow at Princeton University's Shelby Cullom Davis Center for Historical Studies. Her research focuses on displacement, the social roles of the living and dead amid mass violence, and the critical analysis of state structures in modern China and Taiwan. She is currently writing Living and Dying in the Long War , examining communities displaced by conflicts from the 1930s–1950s. Her first book, Superstitious Regimes: Religion and the Politics of Chinese Modernity , analyzes modern categorization of religious practices. She co-leads the Magpie project for standardized digital source sharing in Chinese studies and directs Brown’s Choices Program for history education. Her research interests span East Asia, the history of science/medicine, and death studies. She co-organizes the Brown Legal History Workshop and the Modern Asian History Working Group. Her work bridges disciplines, addressing themes like migration, transitional justice, and spatial memory in Taiwan. Recent publications include analyses of wartime burial practices and the role of the dead in modern China, published in Journal of Chinese History and collaborative volumes. She has contributed to podcasts and media discussions on Chinese religious governance and historical representation.

Andrew SmithView profile

Professor

• Gothic Literature
• Literature and Science
• 19th-Century Literature
• +4 more

Professor Andrew Smith holds the position of Professor of Nineteenth-Century English Literature at the School of English, University of Sheffield. He specializes in Gothic literature, literature and science, and critical theory, with a focus on the long nineteenth century. His research explores the intersections of Gothic traditions with philosophy, medicine, and cultural history. He co-directs the Centre for the History of the Gothic and oversees the PhD programme in English Literature. Smith earned his MA and PhD at the University of Southampton, with his doctoral work focused on eighteenth- and nineteenth-century Gothic literature. He has published extensively, including monographs like Gothic Death 1740–1914 and Gothic Fiction and the Writing of Trauma , and edited volumes such as The Cambridge Companion to Frankenstein . He serves as a series editor for multiple academic presses, including the Gothic Literary Studies series with UWP and the Edinburgh Companions to the Gothic . He has been recognized with prestigious fellowships: Royal Society of Arts (2007), English Association (2008), and Royal Historical Society (2015). His professional roles include past presidency of the International Gothic Association and editorial board memberships for journals like Gothic Studies and Journal of Literature and Science . Teaching focuses on Romantic and Victorian literature, including modules on fin-de-siècle Gothic and interdisciplinary themes. He has supervised numerous PhD theses and acted as an external examiner at multiple institutions. Smith collaborates on interdisciplinary projects, such as the Rethinking the Nineteenth Century series, and leads initiatives like the Edinburgh Companions to the Gothic . His work bridges literary analysis with historical, scientific, and cultural contexts, shaping contemporary Gothic scholarship.

Natasha HellerView profile

Associate Professor

• Chinese Buddhism
• Religious History
• Literature and Religion
• +3 more

Natasha Heller is an Associate Professor in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of Virginia. Her research focuses on cultural history of Chinese Buddhism, spanning premodern (10th-14th centuries) and contemporary eras. She explores uncharted perspectives in religious history, emphasizing intersections between religion and literature. Her first monograph, Illusory Abiding: The Cultural Construction of the Chan Monk Zhongfeng Mingben , examines Yuan dynasty Buddhist practices through poetry and calligraphy. Her second book, Literature for Little Bodhisattvas , analyzes Buddhist children’s literature in modern Taiwan. Current projects include a study on trees in Chinese Buddhism, addressing environmental history and arboreal temporalities. Dr. Heller is a Faculty Fellow at UVA’s Institute for Humanities and Global Cultures (2023–2025) and teaches in the First Year Engagements program. Her work bridges religious studies, literary analysis, and environmental humanities. She advises graduate students on topics like Buddhist Modernities and Religion-Literature-Culture intersections. Her research outputs include over 20 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, with a focus on Chan Buddhism, religious pedagogy, and material culture. She has reviewed major scholarly works and contributed to encyclopedic projects such as Brill’s Encyclopedia of Buddhism. Upcoming projects aim to redefine Buddhist historiography through environmental frameworks, challenging anthropocentric approaches. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates textual analysis with socio-cultural contexts, offering innovative insights into East Asian religions.

Maggie JonesView profile

Teaching Professor

• Journalism
• Social Issues
• Death Rituals
• +4 more

Maggie Jones is a Teaching Professor in the Department of English at the University of Pittsburgh’s Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences. She is a prominent contributing writer for The New York Times Magazine , focusing on social issues including youth culture, immigration, gender dynamics, racial justice, and death rituals. Her reporting spans global locations like Japan, Thailand, South Korea, Myanmar, Guatemala, and across the U.S., emphasizing intersectional narratives. Her research interests revolve around the sociocultural dimensions of mortality, aging, digital identity, and marginalized communities’ struggles. Notable works include explorations of pandemic-era funeral practices, online pornography’s impact on adolescents, and adoptee repatriation movements. Jones holds a 2012 Nieman Fellowship from Harvard University and a 2014 Senior Ochberg Fellowship from Columbia University’s Dart Center, reflecting her expertise in trauma-informed journalism. Her articles critically examine contemporary societal challenges, blending investigative rigor with humanistic storytelling. Awards include National Magazine Award finalist status. While no formal advising roles are listed, her journalism often engages with educational themes through public discourse. Jones maintains active participation in literary and journalistic communities via platforms like The Smithsonian , Smithsonian Magazine , and the Pittsburgh Contemporary Writers Series.