Find Academic Supervisors

Lorenzo MaininiView profile

Associate Professor

• Romance Philology
• Latin and Romance Manuscript Traditions
• Medieval Literature
• +7 more

Lorenzo Mainini is an Associate Professor at the Department of European, American and Intercultural Studies, Sapienza University of Rome. He holds a PhD from the University of Louvain and pursued postdoctoral research at Université Catholique de Louvain and École nationale des chartes. Research focuses: Latin and Romance manuscript traditions (9th-15th centuries), lyric poetry, narrative literature, philological theory, Dante studies Current projects: Origins of European Vernacular Law (9th-13th centuries) Teachings: Fundamentals of Romance Philology and Linguistics, Advanced Romance Philology His recent publications analyze medieval texts, Dante's library, and the intersection of legal, philosophical, and literary traditions. He contributes to the Centro Interdisciplinare Linceo Giovani and oversees internship documentation processes for students.

Donatella MontiniView profile

Associate Professor

• Stylistics
• Political Discourse
• History of the English Language
• +5 more

Donatella Montini is an Associate Professor of English Language and Translation at Sapienza University of Rome . She graduated in 1982 and earned her PhD in 1995 (Universities of Pisa and Florence) with a thesis on Renaissance kingship and Shakespeare. Her academic roles include Editor-in-Chief of Memoria di Shakespeare and editorial board membership for Fictions . Education: Degree in Foreign Languages and Literatures, Sapienza University (1982, cum laude) MA in Modern Philology, Sapienza University (1988, cum laude) PhD in English Studies, Universities of Pisa and Florence (1995) Research Focus: Montini’s work spans textual stylistics (e.g., The Language of Fiction ), history of English (early modern period, John Florio, Queen Elizabeth I), and political discourse (diachronic/synchronic analysis). She has pioneered studies on Florio’s bilingual dialogues, Shakespeare’s historical plays, and Samuel Richardson’s epistolary fiction. Article Trends: Her publications emphasize Shakespearean adaptations , multilingualism in early modern Europe, political rhetoric , and stylistic evolution in historical texts. Collaborations with Iolanda Plescia include Elizabeth I in Writing (Palgrave 2018), analyzing royal discourse. Grants & Leadership: She has coordinated research projects on Political Discourse (2008-2009), Epistolary Discourse (2005-2006), and Allocutionary Forms (2016). Conferences: Montini frequently presents at international venues, including ESSE, AIA, and IASEMS events, focusing on topics like Florio’s translations, Shakespearean kingship, and early modern letter-writing.

Manuel HoderView profile

Researcher

• Medieval Literature
• Cultural Semiotics
• German-French Literary Relations
• +5 more

Dr. Manuel Hoder is an academic researcher at the Chair of German Philology, Senior Department, within the Institute for German Philology at Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg. He holds a doctorate summa cum laude (2023) for his work on 'Wortgewandte Wappen. Inszenierungsformen des Heraldischen in der mittelalterlichen Literatur' and specializes in medieval German epic literature, particularly Arthurian romances and Konrad von Würzburg's works. His research integrates cultural semiotics, focusing on heraldic codes, intermediality, and medieval-future literary translation dynamics. Education: German Studies, Philosophy, and History at Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main (2010-2016) Current projects: Critical edition of Konrad von Würzburg's Turnier von Nantes with first-time translation Interdisciplinary conference co-organizer: 'Wigalois in Text und Bild' (Leidener Codex, 2023) His publications explore heraldic aesthetics , intermediality in medieval manuscripts, and textual compilation strategies . Recent work examines spatial translation in Matthias Ringmann's Caesar-Übersetzung and Arthurian narrative structures. Awards include the Mediävistikverband's 2nd Prize Dissertation Award (2025) and University of Würzburg's joint dissertation award (2024). Scientific affiliations include: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ästhetik Deutscher Germanistenverband Internationale Artusgesellschaft Mediävistenverband Oswald von Wolkenstein-Gesellschaft Wolfram von Eschenbach-Gesellschaft

Matthias HenzeView profile

Professor

• Hebrew Bible
• Judaism of the Second Temple period
• Apocalyptic Literature
• +5 more

Matthias Henze is the Isla Carroll and Percy E. Turner Professor of Biblical Studies and Founding Director of Rice University’s Program in Jewish Studies, where he has taught since 1997. His work bridges Hebrew Bible scholarship, early Jewish literature, and Syriac studies, focusing on texts outside the canonical Bible such as the Apocrypha, Pseudepigrapha, and Dead Sea Scrolls. Ph.D., Harvard University (1997) M.A., Harvard University (1996) Master of Divinity, University of Heidelberg (1992) Research Interests Dr. Henze’s research centers on the literary history of early Judaism, apocalyptic literature, biblical ethics, textual transmission, and the history of biblical interpretation. He emphasizes the interconnections between canonical and non-canonical texts from the Second Temple period (4th century BCE–2nd century CE). Key Academic Contributions He has authored and edited nine major works, including a critical commentary on 2 Baruch and a three-volume analysis of the textual history of the Deuterocanonical scriptures. His publications reflect a commitment to making ancient texts accessible to modern audiences while maintaining scholarly rigor. Awards & Recognition George R. Brown Award for Superior Teaching (2009, 2010, 2015) Phi Beta Kappa Teaching Prize (2003) Graduate Student Association Teaching and Mentoring Award (2015) John Freeman Faculty Teaching and Mentoring Award (2022) Faculty Award for Excellence in Research, Teaching, and Service (2019) Leadership & Innovation In 2009, he founded Rice’s Program in Jewish Studies, fostering interdisciplinary research on Jewish cultures from antiquity to the present. He co-founded the Joan and Stanford Alexander South Texas Jewish Archives in 2017 to preserve regional Jewish heritage and has led initiatives on antisemitism studies.

Erik SmitterbergView profile

Professor

• Corpus Linguistics
• Historical Linguistics
• English Language History
• +4 more

Erik Smitterberg is Professor of English Linguistics at Uppsala University, appointed in 2022 after serving as Senior Lecturer since 2014. His research employs corpus-based methodologies to investigate Late Modern English syntax, language evolution, and learner language phenomena. Educational background: PhD in English Linguistics, Uppsala University Docent in English, Uppsala University (2008) His core research focuses on Historical Linguistics and Corpus Linguistics , specializing in Late Modern English (c. 1700-1900) syntax. Key investigations include colloquialization (spread of spoken features into writing) and densification (expressing meaning with reduced linguistic material), analyzed through idiolect-based frameworks to resolve the 'stability paradox'. Additional expertise spans punctuation evolution, partitive constructions, multal quantifiers, and prescriptive norms in language learning. Recent publications (2020-2025) reveal persistent exploration of syntactic change in English genres, with growing emphasis on pedagogical applications of corpora and critical analysis of learner grammar prescriptions. His 2021 monograph reconciles theoretical predictions of language change with historical stability observations. Scientific recognition: Royal Swedish Academy of Letters, History and Antiquities research fellowship (2009-2014) Professor Smitterberg supervises MA/PhD theses in historical linguistics and corpus methods. His research collaborations span international networks, notably with Peter Grund (University of Kansas) on conjunct usage and Merja Kytö on Late Modern English conferences. He maintains the Swedish-language blog 'Anglisten' and authored the learner-focused workbook 'Spotting the Error' (2007).

• Islamic History
• Persian Literature
• Religious Studies
• +4 more

Hossein (Kaveh) Kardgar is a research associate at the Department of Oriental and Islamic Studies within the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Tübingen, starting in October 2024. His academic focus lies in Islamic history, Persian literature, and the interplay of religion and political power in post-Safavid Iran. His educational background includes: BA and MA in Persian Literature and Language from the University of Tehran Second MA in Iranian Studies from the University of Göttingen, focusing on "Safavid Princes and Pretenders after the Fall of Isfahan" Dr. Kardgar's research examines legitimacy frameworks in post-Safavid Iran, religious-political dynamics under Nadir Shah, and Persian literary evolution across historical transitions. His work bridges textual analysis of primary sources with socio-political contextualization, particularly regarding minority communities and ideological shifts. Recent publications reveal consistent thematic threads: Safavid-era religious policies, literary responses to political upheaval, and cross-cultural narratives in Persian romances. These contributions demonstrate methodological rigor in analyzing how power structures shape cultural production and religious identity in Iranian history. As MA course advisor for Islamwissenschaft / Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies, he manages accreditation of academic achievements, internships, and examination office certifications while maintaining active research engagements through international symposia.

C. (Kees) DekkerView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Old English philology
• Middle English philology
• medieval literature
• +3 more

Dr. C. (Kees) Dekker is a Senior Lecturer in Older English Literature and Culture at the University of Groningen's Faculty of Arts, specializing in Old and Middle English philology, medieval literature, and manuscript studies. He holds a tenured position and has been affiliated with the University since 2000. His research focuses on the transmission of encyclopaedic knowledge in the early medieval period, the history of Germanic languages, and the cultural contexts of Old English and Old Frisian studies. **Education & Employment**: Dekker has held various academic roles since 1993, including post-doctoral research on Old Frisian loanwords and a doctoral thesis funded by NWO. He has taught at the Universities of Groningen and Leiden, balancing research and teaching responsibilities. **Research Interests**: His work explores medieval manuscripts, glossaries, and the cultural significance of encyclopaedic texts. Key themes include the role of early medieval scholars in preserving and disseminating knowledge, the evolution of Germanic languages, and the intersection of religion and literacy in Anglo-Saxon England. **Professional Activities**: Dekker is a member of the editorial board of Neophilologus and the Richard Rawlinson Center. He has contributed to numerous academic committees, including the Netherlands Society for Old Germanic Studies and MasterLanguage's national council. His international collaborations include directing the Storehouses of Wholesome Learning project. **Teaching**: He teaches courses on Old and Middle English literature, medieval drama, and book history, emphasizing textual analysis and cultural context. Notable courses include Old English Literature and Culture and Medieval Drama . **Labs/Teams**: Leads the Storehouses of Wholesome Learning initiative, exploring medieval knowledge transfer. Collaborates with institutions like the Arizona Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies.

• Ancient Near Eastern Studies
• Cultural History
• Religious History
• +4 more

Rosel Pientka-Hinz is an Associate Professor of Ancient Near Eastern Studies at the Center for Religious Studies (CERES) at Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Germany. She holds adjunct professorships and has held visiting roles at institutions like the University of Vienna and Philipps University Marburg. Her research focuses on the cultural and religious history of the Ancient Near East, particularly exploring animal symbolism, architectural knowledge, color semiotics, and textual traditions from the 2nd millennium BCE. Education: Studied Assyriology and Ancient Near Eastern Archaeology at the Universities of Münster and Marburg. Earned her PhD with a thesis on the Old Babylonian Period and completed a habilitation on scorpion symbolism in Ancient Near Eastern literature. Research interests include ritual practices, environmental interactions, and the intersection of mythological narratives with historical contexts. Her work bridges textual analysis (Akkadian/Sumerian) with interdisciplinary approaches, such as zooarchaeology and comparative religion. Recent projects investigate cross-cultural contacts between Iran and Mesopotamia, serpent cults, and aquatic symbolism. Leadership roles include Principal Investigator of CRC 1475 'Metaphors of Religion' and Project Leader of Subproject C02. She actively engages in academic outreach, presenting at international workshops and contributing to public exhibitions on light/color symbolism and ancient religious practices. Labs/Teams: Integral member of CERES Research Department and affiliated with the Käte Hamburger Kolleg. Her research integrates archaeological findings, philological analysis, and cultural theory to reinterpret ancient religious phenomena.

Johannes HacklView profile

Professor

• Akkadian Linguistics
• Ancient Near Eastern History
• Cuneiform Studies
• +5 more

Johannes Hackl serves as Professor of Ancient Near Eastern Studies at the University of Jena's Institute for Oriental, Indo-European Studies & Prehistoric and Early History Archaeology since December 2021. Previously, he held academic positions at the University of Leipzig (2015-2021) and University of Vienna (2006-2013), culminating in his habilitation with venia legendi from Leipzig in 2021. His research centers on the linguistic evolution of Akkadian during the first millennium BCE, particularly examining language contact with Aramaic and the socio-economic contexts of Babylonian legal documentation. Specializing in charter studies, seal analysis, epigraphy, and paleography, Hackl investigates Babylonian economic, social, and legal history during the late Achaemenid and Hellenistic periods through cuneiform archives. His publication portfolio demonstrates expertise in Late Babylonian textual analysis, with significant contributions to understanding administrative practices, temple economies, and linguistic transitions. Recent work includes editorial leadership on the Achaemenid History series and critical editions of Babylonian legal texts. International Association for Assyriology Prize for Best First Assyriological Article Written after PhD (2017) Hackl directs the Chair of Ancient Near Eastern Studies at Jena, supervising research on Babylonian cuneiform documentation and linguistic history. His current projects include analyzing the Professor Hilprecht Collection of Babylonian Antiquities and investigating scribal practices in Hellenistic Babylonia through archival materials. He regularly presents at international conferences on topics including diplomatics, sealing practices, and multi-ethnic societies in ancient empires. Hackl maintains active research collaborations across European institutions, frequently working with scholars like M. Jursa and J. Oelsner on Babylonian economic history and textual analysis. His work bridges linguistic, historical, and archaeological methodologies to reconstruct Babylonian societal structures during imperial transitions.

• Bilingual Education
• TESOL
• Educational Linguistics
• +3 more

Diana L. Schwinge serves as Associate Professor and Chair in the Ruth S. Ammon College of Education and Health Sciences at Adelphi University, specializing in bilingual education, TESOL, and educational linguistics through research and leadership. Her academic background includes: Ph.D. in Educational Linguistics, University of Pennsylvania (2003) MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), Teachers College, Columbia University (1998) BA in International Relations, Tufts University (1992) Dr. Schwinge investigates bilingual learning environments, biliteracy development, and teacher preparation, with focus on how students forge cross-linguistic connections through hybrid literacy practices like fractured fairy tales. Her work examines policy implementation challenges faced by bilingual educators navigating federal, state, and local mandates. Publication analysis (2000-2011) shows evolution from foundational biliteracy frameworks toward action research methodologies and creative pedagogical strategies for reflective teaching. Recent work emphasizes intertextual connections using folk narratives in multilingual classrooms. Professional service includes Peace Corps Master's International Program Coordination and Fulbright application reviewing for Thailand, reflecting leadership in international education despite no listed scientific awards.

Andreas EfflandView profile

Researcher

• Archaeology
• Egyptology
• Social History
• +5 more

Dr. Andreas Effland is a Researcher at the Department of Egyptology and Coptic Studies at Georg-August-University Göttingen since 2020. He specializes in Archaeology, social/cultural history, religion, concepts of the afterlife, Egyptian language/writing, and research history. His work focuses on ancient Egyptian religious practices, particularly the Osiris cult in Abydos, and the Ptolemaic Temple of Edfu. Education: Master’s (1996) and PhD (2004) in Egyptology from the University of Hamburg. Extensive collaboration on major projects like the Edfu Project (since 1996) and the German Archaeological Institute's Osiris cult research (since 2003). Holds memberships including Corresponding Member of the German Archaeological Institute (2021) and Senior Member of the Göttingen Graduate School of Humanities (2021). Research interests center on ritual landscapes, sacred space, and the evolution of religious practices in Abydos. Key publications analyze Osiris cult artifacts, temple inscriptions, and Graeco-Roman influences. Recent work explores late antique pilgrimage traditions and Romanization effects on Egyptian cults. Publications span 30+ years, including co-authored books on Abydos and Edfu, journal articles on cult imagery, and contributions to archaeological methodologies. Active in fieldwork, excavating Umm el-Qaab/Abydos since 2003, uncovering ritual deposits and votive offerings dating from the Middle Kingdom to Late Antiquity.

Brendan S. GillonView profile

Professor

• Semantics
• Pragmatics
• Formal Methods in Linguistics
• +4 more

Brendan S. Gillon is a Professor in the Department of Linguistics at McGill University, Montreal. His research focuses on semantics, pragmatics, and formal methods in linguistics, with notable contributions to the study of classical Indian logic and Sanskrit grammar. He holds a PhD in Philosophy from MIT (1984) and has taught at MIT, University of Alberta, University of Toronto, and McGill since 1991. His work bridges linguistics and philosophy, addressing topics like the semantics of noun phrases, context sensitivity, and cross-cultural language studies. Education: PhD in Philosophy (MIT, 1984), MA in East Asian Studies (University of Michigan, 1975), MA in Sanskrit/Indian Studies (University of Toronto, 1979) Fellowships: Senior Research Fellow at American Institute of Indian Studies (1986-1987), Numata Fellow at Ryokoku University (2006) Research interests include the semantics-pragmatics distinction, mass-count noun distinctions, and formal methods applied to syntax and semantics. Collaborations include projects on lexical semantics and brain-language interactions. He has advised numerous PhD students on topics ranging from comparative linguistics to historical theories of language. Publications span over 50 articles and edited volumes, including Semantics: A Reader (Oxford UP, 2004) and works on Dharmakīrti’s logic and classical Sanskrit grammar. His lectures have been delivered globally, emphasizing interdisciplinary connections between linguistics, philosophy, and cognitive science.

Richard H. Fallon Jr.View profile

Professor

• Constitutional Law
• Federal Courts Law
• Constitutional Theory
• +3 more

Richard H. Fallon Jr. is the Story Professor of Law at Harvard Law School and an Affiliate Professor in Harvard University's Government Department. He joined Harvard's faculty in 1982 as an Assistant Professor, became a full Professor in 1987, and holds dual academic appointments. Fallon graduated from Yale University (History, 1975), Yale Law School (1980), and Oxford University (B.A. in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics, 1977 as a Rhodes Scholar). Before academia, he clerked for Judge J. Skelly Wright and U.S. Supreme Court Justice Lewis F. Powell. His research focuses on Constitutional Law, Federal Courts, and related jurisprudential issues. Notable works include Implementing the Constitution (2001), The Dynamic Constitution (2013), Law and Legitimacy in the Supreme Court (2018), and The Nature of Constitutional Rights (2019). Fallon co-edits Hart & Wechsler’s The Federal Courts and the Federal System and Constitutional Law: Cases-Comments-Questions . He has received the Sacks-Freund Teaching Award twice (2001, 2006) and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Fallon’s recent scholarship examines non-Article III tribunals, judicial review’s legitimacy, and administrative law’s evolution. His work bridges historical analysis and functionalist approaches to constitutional interpretation.

Francesco ErspamerView profile

Professor

• Renaissance Culture
• Intellectual History
• Modern and Contemporary Italian Novel
• +3 more

Francesco Erspamer is a Professor of Romance Languages and Literatures (Italian) and Section Leader at Harvard University's Department of Romance Languages and Literatures. He holds a Laurea in Lettere and a Diploma di perfezionamento from Università di Roma "La Sapienza". His research focuses on Renaissance culture, intellectual history, modern/contemporary Italian novels, and the intersection of literature and politics. He contributes to Harvard Diary (Rai International) weekly and organizes the Zerilli-Marimò Prize for Italian Fiction. He teaches courses like ITALIAN 201R (De Bosis Colloquium) and ITALIAN 111 (Italian Cinema) in Spring 2026. His publications span critical editions of Renaissance texts, analyses of Italian literary history, and explorations of cultural modernity. Erspamer’s work bridges textual scholarship with broader cultural critiques, emphasizing historical context and interdisciplinary approaches. Key Contributions: Founded and oversees the Zerilli-Marimò Prize for Italian Fiction Regular contributor to Rivista dei libri Edited major works by Pietro Aretino and Sannazaro Research Trends: His scholarship spans 16th-century Italian literature, cultural history, and modern Italian narratives. Recent works (2010–2009) address cultural critiques and modernity, while earlier studies (1982–1998) focus on Renaissance epistolary forms, Petrarchan influence, and Arcadian lyricism.

Luca MessarraView profile

Lecturer

• Book History/Bibliomania
• Contemporary American Literature
• Cultural studies
• +8 more

Luca Messarra is a Lecturer in the Faculty at Stanford University. His research focuses on Book History/Bibliomania, Contemporary American Literature, Cultural studies, Digital Humanities, and Postcolonial Literature, with specializations in artists' books, game studies, Marxisms, and print on demand literature. He earned a B.A. in English from UCLA in 2018 and is part of the 2020 Cohort. His work bridges traditional literary studies with digital innovation, exploring intersections between material culture, postcolonial theory, and modern publishing trends. Education: B.A. English, UCLA, 2018 Research Interests: Messarra’s interdisciplinary research spans the evolution of literary forms from the 16th century to today, emphasizing how technology and cultural shifts reshape textual production and consumption. He examines marginalized voices in postcolonial literature and the impact of digital platforms on contemporary publishing, including print-on-demand systems and artists’ books as avant-garde mediums. His work in game studies explores narrative structures in interactive media and their relationship to traditional poetic theory. Grants & Advising: No grants or advisee records are listed in the provided information.