Find Academic Supervisors

Hans BeckView profile

Professor

• History and culture of ancient Greece
• Historical geography of Greece
• Historical environmental studies of ancient Greece
• +5 more

Hans Beck serves as Professor of Greek History at the University of Münster (Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität) since 2018, with an additional appointment as Adjunct Professor in the Faculty of Arts at McGill University. His academic career includes previous positions as Professor of Ancient History and Director of Classical Studies at McGill University (2005-2018), Heisenberg Fellow at Goethe-Universität Frankfurt (2004-2005), and Research Assistant at the University of Cologne (1997-2004). Beck earned his academic training through doctoral studies at the Universities of Erlangen, Canterbury, and Cambridge (1989-1996), followed by a fellowship at the Center for Hellenic Studies in Washington, DC (2001-2002). His educational background reflects a strong international foundation in classical studies. His research spans multiple interconnected fields within ancient history, with particular emphasis on the history and culture of ancient Greece, historical geography of Greece, environmental studies of the ancient Greek world, political culture of the Roman Republic, and ancient historiography. Beck's work consistently explores themes of localism, federalism, and political structures across ancient societies, with notable contributions to understanding Greek city-states, regional identities, and comparative political systems. His approach often bridges geographical, historical, and cultural perspectives to examine how ancient communities organized themselves politically and maintained regional identities within larger frameworks. Analyzing his recent publications reveals a sustained focus on local political structures within broader contexts, particularly examining how Greek city-states maintained autonomy while participating in federal leagues. His work increasingly incorporates comparative approaches, connecting Greek political structures with those of Rome and even ancient China, reflecting his editorial work on cross-cultural studies. Beck demonstrates particular expertise in analyzing how physical landscapes shaped political organization and how religious practices reinforced regional identities. Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada (2018) Anneliese Maier Research Award from Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (2014) Heisenberg Fellowship from Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (2004) Doctoral scholarship from German Academic Exchange Service (1995) Doctoral scholarship from Hanns Seidel Foundation (1994) Beck has supervised numerous doctoral students including Jordan Christopher (2022), Chandra Giroux (2021), Wentian Fu (2020), Rebecca Robinson (2017), Alex McAuley (2015), and François Gauthier (2015), covering diverse topics from ancient Qin and Macedon to cult practices in ancient empires. His academic leadership extends to directing research projects B3-49 'Belonging in/to Lakonia' and B3-40 'Localism and Religion in Ancient Greece' within the Excellence Cluster focusing on 'Religious Diversity and Legal-Political Unity.' As head of the project 'Belonging in/to Lakonia' and 'Localism and Religion in Ancient Greece,' Beck leads interdisciplinary research teams examining archaeological and historical evidence from the Sanctuary of Apollo at Amyklai and its surroundings. His work integrates textual analysis with material culture studies, creating comprehensive approaches to understanding ancient regional identities and religious practices. Beck's leadership in these projects demonstrates his commitment to bridging traditional disciplinary boundaries in classical studies.

Hillard von ThiessenView profile

Professor

• European History of Early Modern Period
• International Relations in Early Modern Period
• Norm Competition in Early Modern Period
• +4 more

Hillard von Thiessen is a full Professor of Early Modern History at the Historisches Institut of Universität Rostock, where he has held the chair since Summer Semester 2013. He served as Dean of the Philosophischen Fakultät from Winter Semester 2018/19 to Summer Semester 2022 and was previously acting chair at Universität zu Köln (2007-2012) and Universität Rostock (2012-2013). Currently, he is also a Fellow at the Käte-Hamburger-Kolleg "Einheit und Vielfalt im Recht" at the University of Münster. Professor von Thiessen completed his Magister Artium in 1995 at Freiburg with a thesis on witch hunts in Freiburg (1632-1677), for which he received the Waldseemüllerpreis in 1997. He earned his doctorate in 2001 with research on Capuchin friars as a reform order between confessionalization and everyday culture. In 2007, he completed his habilitation at the University of Bern with a study on cross-border patronage and diplomacy between Spain and the Papal States during Pope Paul V's pontificate (1605-1621). His research focuses on European Early Modern History, particularly international relations, norm competition, corruption and patronage cultures in the pre-modern era, religiosity, and the political culture of Habsburg Spain. His work often employs actor-centered perspectives to examine how individuals navigated complex normative frameworks during the Early Modern period. Recent publications demonstrate his interest in ambiguity as a historical phenomenon and how societies managed competing values and norms. His scholarly output reveals a consistent trajectory examining power structures, diplomatic networks, and cultural frameworks in Early Modern Europe, with particular attention to the intersection of religious, political, and social norms. The publications show increasing sophistication in analyzing how ambiguity functioned as a productive force rather than merely a problem to be solved in Early Modern governance and social relations. Waldseemüllerpreis der Universität Freiburg (1997) Professor von Thiessen has supervised numerous doctoral candidates through his habilitation and professorial positions, though specific student names aren't listed in the available documentation. His research has been supported by prestigious grants including the Gerda-Henkel-Stiftung post-doc fellowship, THEORIA Kurt von Fritz Science Program funding from the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Ministry, and Swiss National Science Foundation support for collaborative research projects. His current research activities are centered at the Historisches Institut of Universität Rostock, with additional collaborative work through the Käte-Hamburger-Kolleg at the University of Münster, where he explores legal frameworks and norm competition in historical perspective. His ongoing monograph project "Das Zeitalter der Ambiguität" represents a significant contribution to understanding how Early Modern societies managed conflicting norms and values.

• Medieval and Early Modern Literature
• 16th and 17th Century Theatre
• Stuart and Caroline Court Masque
• +7 more

Lynn S. Meskill is a Professor at Toulouse Jean-Jaurès University, affiliated with the Center for Anglophone Studies (CAS). Her academic work bridges literature, history of ideas, and translation, with a strong focus on early modern British culture. She teaches Medieval and Early Modern Literature and Translation. Her research interests include: 16th and 17th Century Theatre Stuart and Caroline Court Masque History of the Book History of Ideas Translation Studies Authorship in Early Modernity Ben Jonson and Shakespearean Drama Her publications reveal a deep engagement with themes of authorship, fame, religious symbolism, and cultural representation in Renaissance literature. She frequently explores the intersections of performance, politics, and print culture, particularly in court masques and tragedies. Her work often combines literary analysis with intellectual and cultural history. Her scholarly contributions include a monograph on Ben Jonson and numerous articles in leading journals such as Huntington Library Quarterly and English Studies . She has also contributed chapters to authoritative handbooks and translated significant works in print culture. She has supervised doctoral research and holds an HDR (Habilitation à Diriger des Recherches), qualifying her to direct research in France. While no specific grants are listed, her involvement in structured research axes at CAS suggests active participation in collaborative projects. Lynn S. Meskill is a core member of the Center for Anglophone Studies (CAS), contributing to its seminars, research programs (such as AXIS 1–3), and academic events. The center fosters interdisciplinary research in Anglophone cultures, and she plays a vital role in its scholarly community.

Kevin M. KruseView profile

Professor

• Political History
• Urban History
• Race and Ethnicity
• +5 more

Kevin M. Kruse is Professor of History at Princeton University and Director of Undergraduate Studies. Specializing in 20th-century U.S. political, social, and urban history, his research examines conflicts over race, rights, and religion. Kruse earned his B.A. from UNC Chapel Hill and Ph.D. from Cornell University, joining Princeton after positions at the University of Virginia. His scholarship explores the civil rights movement, religious nationalism, suburbanization, and modern conservatism. Recent books analyze the corporate invention of Christian America and historical myths in American political discourse. Current projects include studies of civil rights lawyer John Doar and 'law and order' politics in New York City. Honored as a Guggenheim Fellow and Smithsonian Innovator, Kruse has received the Francis B. Simkins Award and Best Book in Urban Politics award. He teaches courses on civil rights, suburban history, and modern U.S. politics, and advises graduate students in 20th-century U.S. history. Kruse frequently engages public discourse through media appearances and collaborative projects with documentary filmmakers.

Mark AngusView profile

Lecturer

• Stained Glass Art
• Architectural Design
• Glass Painting
• +7 more

Mark Angus is a Visiting Lecturer at the Estonian Academy of Arts, Faculty of Design, and has been a pivotal figure in stained glass art since the 1970s. His work spans architectural commissions for churches and public spaces in the UK, Germany, and Ireland, alongside autonomous art in painting, printmaking, and artist’s books. He operates studios in Frauenau (Germany) and Graz (Austria). Education : Bristol Polytechnic (Chartered Surveyor, 1970), Swansea School of Art (Architectural Stained Glass, 1978). Research Interests focus on: Stained Glass as a medium for spiritual and secular narratives. Vitreography (glass-based printmaking) and its interplay with light and subtlety. Artist’s Books integrating letterpress and visual storytelling. Human Figure Representation in glass and paper, emphasizing dialogue and existential themes. Recent Publications include his 2018 artist’s book 80 Capriccios and the Turbulences of the Self , drawing on Goya’s Los Caprichos to critique modernity, and 2025’s KUNST. Kunst im Landkreis Passau, Bd. 70 , documenting regional art practices. His RED (2014) and Juvenescence (2014) explore color symbolism and eternal youth through acrylics and illustrated novels. Scientific & Artistic Awards : 1990: South West Arts & Crafts Fellowship 1984: South West Arts Major Craft Award 1979: Crafts Council Setting-up Grant 1978: Worshipful Company of Glaziers Travelling Scholarship Teaching & Collaborations : He has taught at the Estonian Academy of Arts, Penland School of Crafts (USA), and Bild-Werk Frauenau (Germany), including 2025’s masterclass Risk & Resonance – The Stained Glass Experience . His exhibitions, such as 80 Capriccios (2024, Neuburg am Inn), reflect interdisciplinary dialogues between glass, poetry, and theological themes.

• Late Medieval Ecclesiastical History
• Papal Administration
• Political Culture of the Avignon Papacy
• +3 more

Dr Melanie Brunner is a Lecturer in Medieval Studies at the University of Leeds, affiliated with the School of History and the Institute for Medieval Studies. She holds a PhD in Medieval Studies from the University of Leeds and an MA in History and English from Universität Augsburg. Her research focuses on late medieval ecclesiastical history, papal administration, and the history of mendicant orders, particularly the Franciscans. She has contributed to major projects like the International Medieval Bibliography and led research networks such as the DFG-Netzwerk Imitation and Stilus Curiae. Her work explores political culture of the Avignon papacy, canon law dynamics, and religious reform movements. Education: PhD (Medieval Studies, University of Leeds), MA (History and English, Universität Augsburg). Professional affiliations include the Ecclesiastical History Society and Mediävistenverband. She supervises doctoral students in areas like Franciscan history, papal politics, and medieval book culture. Current projects include editorial direction of the International Medieval Bibliography and leadership of the MA Medieval Studies program. Research Interests: Late medieval papal governance, mendicant orders' institutional development, theological debates on poverty, and decision-making mechanisms in the Avignon Curia. She examines how theology, law, and political strategy intersected in medieval church administration. Advising & Grants: Supervises 4 current PhD students and has completed 6 theses. Involvement with EU-funded COST Action IS1301 and White Rose Collaboration Fund projects. Collaborates internationally with institutions like the Sächsische Akademie der Wissenschaften and Universität Zürich. Labs/Teams: Core member of research groups including Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums (GLAM) and Politics, Diplomacy, and International History at Leeds. Active in interdisciplinary medieval studies networks.

Anthony F Lang JrView profile

Professor

• Global Constitutionalism
• Human Rights
• International Legal Theory
• +5 more

Anthony F Lang Jr is Professor of International Political Theory at the University of St Andrews , affiliated with the School of International Relations and the Centre for Global Law and Governance . His work bridges politics, law, and ethics in global contexts. PhD, MA - Johns Hopkins University BA - University of Notre Dame Research focuses on global constitutionalism , human rights , and just war theory , with historical influences from Aristotle, Hugo Grotius, and 20th century thinkers like Hannah Arendt. Recent publications include analyses of Alasdair MacIntyre's moral philosophy and normative frameworks in global ethics. Current projects examine universality in narratives of global politics, with future research plans spanning science-policy intersections, literary IR analysis, and military ethics. He has advised institutions like the UNODC, UK Ministry of Defense, and church groups on ethical frameworks. 2021 : ISA Ethics Section Distinguished Scholar As Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of International Political Theory , he shapes discourse in the field. His career spans roles at American University in Cairo, Carnegie Council for Ethics, and multiple UK universities as external examiner.

• Islamic Architecture
• North African Urbanism
• Material Culture Studies
• +3 more

Dr. Simon O'Meara is a Professor at SOAS University of London , serving as Reader in the History of Architecture & Archaeology of the Islamic Middle East and Department Student Support and Experience Convenor. He holds a PhD from the University of Leeds (2004) in Arabic and Islamic Studies, following BA and MA degrees in Art History with a focus on visual theory. Key research areas: Islamic architecture , North African urbanism , material culture , and Islamic visual theory Specializes in analyzing how Islamic religious/legal discourses shape urban spaces and visual culture His publications include two monographs: Space and Muslim Urban Life (2007) on Fez's party walls, and The Kaʿba Orientations (2020) on Mecca's spatial symbolism. Current work examines Quranic exegesis through architectural lenses (2024) and Sufi cosmological centers (2023). PhD supervision topics include: Charlie Oubridge: The Nation in Egyptology Aydin Ozcandan: Ottoman fountains and epigraphs Contact: so20@soas.ac.uk | Office: Room 558, Russell Square: College Buildings

Mary Catherine HilkertView profile

Professor

• Theological Anthropology
• Fundamental Theology
• Christology
• +5 more

Professor Mary Catherine Hilkert holds a position in the Department of Theology at the University of Notre Dame’s College of Arts and Letters. Her research focuses on theological anthropology, fundamental theology, Christology, feminist theologies, and the interplay between theology, preaching, and spirituality. A member of the Dominican Sisters of Peace, she has received four honorary doctorates and prestigious awards recognizing her contributions to integrating academic and pastoral theology, particularly through feminist frameworks. Education: B.A., University of Dayton; M.A. and Ph.D., Catholic University of America. Her work centers on Edward Schillebeeckx’s theology, medieval mystics like Catherine of Siena, and sacramental imagination in preaching. She has lectured globally and served on international theological commissions for the Order of Preachers. Awards include the Sophia Award and Yves Congar Award for theological excellence. Her publications explore themes like the Reign of God, liturgical spirituality, and the role of women’s voices in theology. She has advised students through her academic leadership and has been a key figure in ecumenical theological dialogues across continents.

Ronald J. ColomboView profile

Professor

• Corporate Law
• Securities Regulation
• Financial Regulation
• +7 more

Ronald J. Colombo is Professor of Law and Associate Dean for Distance Education at Hofstra University's Maurice A. Deane School of Law. He teaches courses in Business Organizations, Securities Regulation, Contracts, and corporate law seminars. He has been on the faculty since 2006 and previously served as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs (2013–2015). Education: JD, New York University School of Law (magna cum laude, Order of the Coif), 1998 BS, Cornell University, 1994 Clerkship: Judge Jerry E. Smith, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit Professor Colombo’s research focuses on corporate law, securities regulation, financial regulation, and the constitutional rights of corporations, especially First Amendment protections. His work explores the moral and philosophical underpinnings of corporate personhood, religious liberty in business, and the role of trust in financial systems. He is particularly known for bridging legal doctrine with ethical and theological perspectives. His recent scholarly publications reveal a strong thematic trend: the intersection of religion, corporate governance, and constitutional law. He has also contributed to legal education, especially in online teaching methodologies, and continues to publish on financial regulation and corporate ethics. Scientific Awards: Stessin Prize for Outstanding Scholarly Publication Lawrence A. Stessin Prize for Outstanding Scholarly Publication (2008) Professor Colombo has been actively involved in professional service, including serving on the editorial review board of the Review of Business and as an arbitrator for the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). He has not listed any formal research grants or PhD students, but his influence extends through media engagement—quoted in The New York Times , Wall Street Journal , and Bloomberg —and through his widely read op-eds in The Financial Times and Huffington Post . He has held leadership roles in academic administration and is a recognized expert in both practitioner and scholarly legal communities. His treatise Law of Corporate Officers and Directors is republished annually by Thomson Reuters, indicating sustained scholarly and practical impact.

• North American social and cultural history
• Marxism
• Anarchism
• +5 more

Todd McCallum is an Assistant Professor in the Department of History at Dalhousie University . His research focuses on North American social and cultural history , particularly intersections with Marxism, anarchism, and working-class movements . He also explores themes of gender and sexuality within historical contexts. PhD in History from Queen’s University MA in History from Simon Fraser University BA in History from Queen’s University McCallum’s recent publications analyze transient worker communities, labor activism, and spatial marginalization during economic crises. His work critically examines how categories like “tramp” evolved alongside industrial capitalism and social policy, often incorporating interdisciplinary lenses such as eugenics, documentary photography, and urban sociology. Key trends in his research include the dialectic of mobility and marginality, gendered interpretations of transient life, and the role of radical ideologies in shaping worker identities. He has contributed extensively to journals like Labor/Le Travail and BC Studies , with a particular focus on Vancouver’s Depression-era hobo communities. His teaching portfolio includes courses on the history of the future , conspiracy theories , and gender formation in North America . Office hours are held in the Marion McCain Building, Halifax.

• Medieval Ecclesiastical History
• History of the Papacy
• Mendicant Orders
• +4 more

Dr. Melanie Brunner is a Lecturer in Medieval Studies at the School of History, University of Leeds, and has served as Editorial Director of the International Medieval Bibliography since October 2024. She studied at the University of Augsburg and the University of Edinburgh before completing her part-time PhD at the University of Leeds (2006). Her roles at Leeds include Project Editor of the IMB (2007–present) and teaching in Medieval Studies (2013–present). Education MA in Medieval History, Modern History, and English Language, University of Augsburg PhD in Medieval Studies, University of Leeds (part-time) Melanie's research focuses on late medieval ecclesiastical and religious history, particularly the intersections of theology, canon law, and papal administration. Her work explores the mendicant orders (especially Franciscans), voluntary poverty, religious reform, and papal court dynamics in Avignon (1305–1378). She has contributed to collaborative projects such as Imitation: Mechanismen eines kulturellen Prinzips im Mittelalter (DFG-funded) and Stilus Curiae (DFG), and previously participated in the EU COST Action New Communities of Interpretation . Her recent publications analyze decision-making in the Avignon papal curia, Franciscan polemics, and ecclesiastical authority structures. She supervises PhD students in areas including mendicant orders, bishop administration, and medieval religious discourse, often in co-supervision with colleagues.

• Ancient History
• Classics
• Late Antiquity
• +7 more

Dr. Fabian Schulz is a Senior Researcher in Ancient History at the University of Tübingen, where he works in the Department of History within the Faculty of Humanities. He leads a prestigious Junior Research Group under the Emmy Noether Programme of the German Research Foundation (DFG), titled 'Power and Influence: Influencing Emperors between Antiquity and the Middle Ages.' His academic profile also includes association with the Collaborative Research Center (SFB) 923 'Threatened Order - Societies under Stress' and active participation in the 'Tübingen Theosophy' research group. Previously, he contributed to the Heidelberg Academy of Sciences and Humanities project on John Malalas' Chronicle and the University of Tübingen's DFG project 'East and West 400-600 AD.' Dr. Schulz earned his PhD in Classics from Freie Universität Berlin (2006-2010), where he also served as a teaching assistant. During his doctoral studies, he was a Pensionnaire étranger at the École Normale Supérieure Paris. Prior to that, he completed an MA equivalent degree in Classics at Freie Universität Berlin, with time spent as a visiting student at the University of Oxford (1999-2005). His early career included teaching Latin and Greek at a grammar school in Lübeck (2006). His research specializes in power structures and influence mechanisms in ancient societies, with particular focus on how advisors shaped imperial decisions in Late Antiquity. He has made significant contributions to understanding councils of elders in Archaic Greece (especially the Spartan Gerousie), Byzantine chronography (particularly John Malalas' works), and the complex dynamics between Eastern and Western Roman empires during the 5th and 6th centuries. His methodological innovation lies in applying modern sociological models of interpersonal influence to historical analysis of ancient political culture, bridging literary representation with political reality in pre-modern monarchical states. Young researchers award for 'Ratgeber, Experten, Manipulatoren: Einfluss als Machtfaktor und Diskursobjekt in der Antike' As principal investigator of his Emmy Noether project, Dr. Schulz has secured substantial research funding from the German Research Foundation. His collaborative work includes multiple edited volumes on Late Antique history and Byzantine chronography, reflecting his strong international scholarly network. He currently serves as a deputizing member (non-professorial academic staff) on the faculty board of Humanities at the University of Tübingen. His research often intersects with contemporary concerns about power dynamics, political influence, and historical memory, as evidenced by his work on video game representations of ancient history. Dr. Schulz is an active contributor to the online commentary project on John Malalas' chronicle, specifically editing sections of Book XVIII. His work frequently involves detailed textual criticism and analysis of historical sources, with particular attention to how narratives are transmitted and reinterpreted across different cultural contexts. His scholarly approach combines philological precision with broader historical and sociological perspectives.

• Legal History
• Global Legal History
• Colonial Law
• +7 more

Prof. Dr. Thomas Duve is a Director at the Max Planck Institute for Legal History and Legal Theory and holds the Professorship for Comparative Legal History at Goethe University Frankfurt am Main. His research focuses on global legal history, particularly the interplay between secular and religious knowledge in the Iberian empires of the early modern period, and the method of legal history and comparative law. Director, Max Planck Institute for Legal History and Legal Theory Professor of Comparative Legal History, Goethe University Frankfurt Co-editor of 'The School of Salamanca Working Paper Series' Duve’s research explores normative knowledge production, colonial law, and the glocalization of legal norms. He has led projects such as 'Glocalizing Normativities' and 'Mapping Conflicts in Iberian Worlds', emphasizing cross-cultural legal exchange and historical normativity regimes. His recent publications (2018–2025) address global legal history, transnational legal practices, and the role of canon law in colonial settings. Key themes include legal pluralism, indigenous rights, and the translation of legal norms across cultures, with methodological innovations in comparative and transnational legal studies. Duve collaborates extensively with international scholars and institutions, including the Max Planck Partner Group and the Oxford Handbook of Legal History. His work bridges European and Latin American legal traditions, offering critical insights into legal globalization and postcolonial legal analysis.

Zaur GasimovView profile

Lecturer

• Eastern European History
• Russian-Turkish Relations
• Nationalism and Transnationalism
• +3 more

Zaur Gasimov is a Lecturer at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz and currently serves as DAAD Departmental Coordinator and Co-Head at the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Turkish-German University. He holds a habilitation in Modern History and Eastern European History, with a focus on Eastern European History, political science, and sociology. Education : B.A. in International Relations from Baku State University; M.A. from Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt; Doctorate in Eastern European history Research : Concentrates on Russian-Turkish relations, nationalism in Eastern Europe, cultural transfer processes, and historical narratives. His habilitation thesis analyzed Polish-Turkish anti-Soviet alliances. Publications : Authored monographs on Prometheism, Azerbaijani historiography, and Russification policies. Collaborated on comparative studies of cultural transfer and Ottoman-Russian entanglements.