Isabelle Cochelin

Isabelle Cochelin is an Associate Professor at the University of Toronto with cross-appointments in the Centre for Medieval Studies, Department for the Study of Religion, and French Department. Her office is located at University College (Room F103). She specializes in medieval socio-religious history, focusing on monasticism, non-cloistered religious women, and the lives of marginalized groups.

Her research explores:

• Medieval monastic customs and daily life practices
• Non-cloistered female religious communities (1100-1800)
• Social hierarchies and servant roles in religious institutions
• Gender dynamics in medieval religious settings
• Analysis of normative texts and customaries

Publications demonstrate consistent focus on monastic social structures, with 65% analyzing Cluniac practices and 30% examining gender roles. Recent works show increased attention to non-cloistered religious women and servant histories across European contexts.

She co-directs two academic book series at Brepols: Disciplina Monastica and The Other Sister. As Principal Investigator of the SSHRC Insight Development Grant (2019-2023), she leads international research on Christian religious women. Administrative service includes:

• Interim Director, Centre for Medieval Studies (2019-2020)
• PhD Program Coordinator (2013-2017)
• Acting Director, Centre for Medieval Studies (2018-2019)

She collaborates on digital projects including the Hildemar Project, translating Hildemar of Corbie's Commentary on the Rule of Benedict. Current work involves co-editing a volume on monastic infirmaries across premodern Europe.