Santa Casciani

Santa Casciani is Professor of Italian in the Department of Classical and Modern Languages and Cultures at John Carroll University. She serves as Director of the JCU in Rome program and founded the Bishop Anthony M. Pilla Program in Italian American Studies, Bishop Pilla Summer Institute, and Bishop Pilla Spring Break initiatives.

Her educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Italian from University of Wisconsin - Madison
• M.A. in Italian from Ohio State University
• B.A. in Italian and English from St. John Fisher College
• A.A.S. in Marketing from Monroe Community College

Professor Casciani specializes in medieval and early modern Italian literature with emphases on Dante Alighieri, Michelangelo, and Italian American cultural studies. Her research integrates literary analysis, historical context, and pedagogical innovation in language education.

Her publications explore 13th-14th century Italian translations, Franciscan influences in Dante's work, and Sienese cultural history, reflecting interdisciplinary approaches across literary theory, religious studies, and translation scholarship.

Her scholarly recognition includes:

• American Philosophical Society research grants
• Gladys Krieble Delmas Foundation / ACLS fellowship

She actively develops academic programs supporting student engagement in Italian studies and study abroad, while securing external funding for specialized research in medieval literature. Current projects include editorial work on Late Medieval and Early Modern Siena.