John H. Starks, Jr.

John H. Starks, Jr. serves as Associate Professor in Middle Eastern and Ancient Mediterranean Studies at Binghamton University, with additional appointments in Residential Life and as Collegiate Professor of Newing. His scholarly work bridges classical studies with critical examinations of ethnicity and performance in antiquity.

His academic credentials include:

• BA from Washington and Lee University
• MA and PhD from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Starks specializes in Greek and Roman Comedy, examining theater history through gendered and performative lenses. His research on Non-"Western" Ethnicity pioneers studies of African and Levantine identities in the Ancient Mediterranean, while his epigraphic work reveals social structures through Greek and Latin inscriptions. Additional expertise spans Hellenistic social history and Roman historiography, particularly Greek perspectives on Rome.

Publication trends show interdisciplinary innovation: combining literary analysis with social anthropology (Terence in political context), challenging Eurocentric narratives (beauty standards in Vandal Africa), and recovering marginalized voices through material evidence (pantomime actresses in inscriptions).

His accolades include:

• Binghamton University Council/Foundation Award for Faculty Service
• Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching
• CAAS and New York Classical Club grants for "The Ghoul Next Door" musical comedy project
• Vassar College's Blegen Research Fellowship
• Two Women's Classical Caucus Best Article Awards (2010, 2015)

Starks has secured significant grant funding for creative scholarship like "The Ghoul Next Door" adaptation, while his teaching excellence award reflects commitment to courses spanning Cleopatra studies, ancient satire, and race/ethnicity in antiquity. Though student advising details aren't publicized, his curriculum vitae indicates extensive mentorship in Latin/Greek language instruction and specialized seminars on women in ancient theater.

No dedicated research labs or institutional teams are documented in available materials.