David Friedman is a Researcher affiliated with the Faculty of Classics at the University of Cambridge and serves as Director of Studies in Classics at St Edmund's College. His research focuses on Judaism in the Greco-Roman world, particularly through the lens of ancient historians like Josephus. Fields of Interest: Judaism in the Greco-Roman world, Ancient History, Josephus Studies, Roman Imperialism, Religious Studies, Historiography, Classical Literature, and Cultural Exchange. Email: daf39@cam.ac.uk His recent work includes the 2024 edited volume Looking in, looking out: Jews and non-Jews in mutual contemplation , studies on Dionysius of Halicarnassus and Augustan Rome (2020), and analyses of Josephus's accounts of Jewish origins in Egypt (2017, 2014). No scientific awards or students are mentioned in the provided texts.
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.
M. Rahim Shayegan is a prominent scholar in Iranian and Near Eastern studies, specializing in Old and Middle Iranian philology, Achaemenid-Sasanian history, and Greco-Roman-Iranian cultural interactions. He holds a PhD from Harvard University and has conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Göttingen and Sorbonne. His work bridges philology, epigraphy, and historical analysis to explore ancient political ideologies, religious traditions, and cross-cultural exchanges. Education: PhD, Iranian Philology & Ancient History, Harvard University MA, Iranian Philology, Sorbonne University BA, Philosophy & Comparative Philology, University of Cologne Research Interests: Iranian epigraphy and royal inscriptions Political dynamics of pre-Islamic Iranian empires Greco-Roman and Iranian cultural dialogues Zoroastrianism and ancient Near Eastern religions His publications include seminal works like Arsacids and Sasanians: Political Ideology in Post-Hellenistic Persia (2011) and Cyrus the Great: Life and Lore (2019). He has held prestigious fellowships at the Guggenheim Foundation and is a member of the Austrian Academy of Sciences. Awards: Ehsan Yarshater Book Award (2012) Academia Europaea Membership (2019–) Courses Taught: Achaemenid Civilization Sasanian History Old Persian Cuneiform Zoroastrianism and Ancient Religions
Alexander Key is an Associate Professor of Comparative Literature at Stanford University, specializing in Classical Arabic literature and the intellectual history of Arabic and Persian-speaking worlds from the 7th century onwards. His scholarship focuses on the philosophy of language, literary theory, and cross-cultural translation. Ph.D. in Arabic and Islamic Studies from Harvard University (2012) Current research: Arabo-Persian linguistic intersections, poetics in translation, and pre-modern theories of syntax and affect His articles span diverse eras and topics, including: Medieval Arabic language philosophy (5th–11th century) Modern Arabic political poetry analysis (20th–21st century) Comparative methodologies bridging Islamic and Western traditions A key editorial role includes: Board Member of Stanford University Press Advisory roles at Habib University and Stanford’s Markaz Resource Center His work bridges academic publication with public discourse through: Contributions to Arcade Colloquy Interviews on poetics, religion, and contemporary politics Podcasts and literary salon discussions
Professor D Graham J Shipley is the Professor of Ancient History at the University of Leicester's School of Archaeology and Ancient History since 2002. His research focuses on Hellenistic and Classical antiquity, particularly on political landscapes, environmental studies, and urban planning. He holds a D.Litt. from the University of Oxford (2020) and is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2014). Education: Graduated in Classics from Oxford University. Academic roles include serving on the Oxford Classical Texts Committee and the UK Education Honours Committee. Previously chaired the Council of University Classical Departments and convened the Dorothy Buchan Memorial lectures. Research interests emphasize ancient geography, socio-political structures, and environmental interactions. His work spans studies of Sparta, Greek urban planning, and the cultural impact of Hellenistic expansion. Recent publications examine Pseudo-Skylax's geographical texts and post-Alexandrian political dynamics. Scientific Awards: Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2014) D.Litt. (Doctor of Letters) from University of Oxford (2020) Advising and Grants: No specific advisees listed, but supervises research in ancient history and archaeology. Active in collaborative projects such as the Laconia Survey. Grants have supported archaeological fieldwork and publication initiatives. Labs/Teams: Collaborates with the Oxford Classical Texts Committee and has led interdisciplinary teams in regional archaeological surveys.
Prof. Dr. Asghar Seyed-Gohrab is a leading scholar in Persian and Iranian Studies at Utrecht University’s Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies. His academic career spans over two decades, including roles as Chairman of Persian Studies at Leiden University and Principal Investigator of the ERC-funded 'Beyond Sharia' project examining Sufism’s role in Islamic intellectual history. He holds a PhD from Leiden University and has authored over 50 monographs and edited volumes on Persian poetry, Sufism, and Iranian cultural history. Education: B.A. in English (Vrije Universiteit), M.A. in Persian Studies (Leiden University), PhD (Leiden University) Research Focus: Medieval Persian poetry’s modern political and cultural relevance, Sufi movements, and the interplay between mysticism and state power in Iran. Grants: ERC Advanced Grant (2021), NWO VIDI/VENI (2009-2014), KNAW Fellow (2023). His research highlights how classical Persian poetry shapes modern Iranian identity, including its use in the 1979 Revolution and Iran-Iraq War. He has supervised 43+ students and edited journals like Iranian Studies and Persica .
Rosa Andujar is a Senior Lecturer in Liberal Arts at King's College London, where she is affiliated with both the Department of Liberal Arts and the Department of Classics within the Faculty of Arts & Humanities. She serves as Editor of the American Journal of Philology and holds positions on the editorial boards of Brazilian journals Nuntius Antiquus and PhaoS - Revista de Estudos Clássicos. Dr. Andujar was elected to the Program Committee of the Society for Classical Studies for a three-year term (2022-2025), serving as Vice President for Program and Chair from 2023-2025. Her research focuses on two complementary areas: Ancient Greek tragedy, particularly the tragic chorus and its performance capabilities Global receptions of Greek drama, with special emphasis on Latin America and the Caribbean Dr. Andujar's work examines how engagements with Graeco-Roman antiquity intersect with questions of gender, race, class, and national identity. She has particular expertise in Cuban adaptations of Greek tragedy and Latinx receptions of classical drama, exploring how these cultural encounters create new narratives that challenge traditional understandings of classical reception. Her research has been recognized with prestigious awards including the 2020 London Hellenic Prize for 'The Greek Trilogy of Luis Alfaro' and the 2022 AJP Best Article Prize. She has secured significant research funding from the Loeb Classical Library Foundation, British Academy, A. G. Leventis Foundation, Harvard Center for Hellenic Studies, Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and Fundación BBVA. Dr. Andujar's current research projects include 'The Cambridge Companion to Classics and Race' (edited volume), 'La Puerta Electra/The Electra Door' (critical bilingual anthology of Cuban rewritings), and 'Tragedy and Revolución' (monograph on Greek drama in Caribbean cultural history), supported by recent fellowships from the Loeb Classical Library Foundation and British Academy. She is actively involved in academic service as Editor of the American Journal of Philology, co-editor of the 'Classics and the Postcolonial' book series for Routledge, and Advisory Board member of 'Hesperides: Classics in the Luso-Hispanic World.' Her external examining work for the University of Birmingham (2018-2023) demonstrates her commitment to academic standards across institutions.
Professor Alberto Rigolio is a scholar of Classics and Ancient History at Durham University, specializing in the Eastern Mediterranean during the Roman and Late Antique periods. He focuses on Syriac literature, Greco-Roman intellectual traditions, and the reception of classical texts in early Christian and Islamic contexts. Rigolio holds a D.Phil. from Oxford University and has held prestigious fellowships at Harvard, Princeton, and All Souls College, Oxford. He serves as Chair of the Board of Examiners at Durham and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. His research explores the transformation of classical dialogue forms in late antiquity, the transmission of Greek texts into Syriac and Arabic, and the cultural intersections between Greco-Roman, Christian, and Islamic traditions. Key works include Christians in Conversation (Oxford UP, 2019), which examines late antique dialogue literature, and a forthcoming book on the emergence of Syriac literature supported by British Academy and Princeton IAS fellowships. Education: BA/Milan, D.Phil./Oxford, Postdoctoral Fellowships at Harvard and Princeton Affiliations: Institute of Medieval and Early Modern Studies, Durham Rigolio's articles analyze Syriac translations of Aristotelian works, Plutarch, and Themistius, revealing how Greco-Roman thought was adapted to meet religious and cultural needs. His projects include studies on Syriac rhetoric, the Roman household in late antique conflicts, and para-biblical narratives. He supervises postdoctoral researchers and PhD students on topics ranging from Syriac literary culture to late antique religious identity. Awards: British Academy Mid-Career Fellowship (2024), All Souls College Visiting Fellowship (2024) Grants: Leverhulme Trust, British Academy, American Philosophical Society He directs research labs examining Syriac intellectual culture and co-ordinates interdisciplinary projects on late antique translation movements. Rigolio is actively involved in public outreach, offering talks on Roman religion, Palmyrene military identity, and the Graeco-Syro-Arabic textual tradition.
Devin Stauffer is a Professor and Associate Chair in the Department of Government at the University of Texas at Austin . Holding a Ph.D. from Boston College, he specializes in classical and early modern political philosophy, with a focus on Plato, Thomas Hobbes, and Leo Strauss. His career spans teaching roles at Kenyon College and St. John's College prior to joining UT Austin in 2004. Education: Ph.D., Boston College Professor Stauffer's research explores intersections of ancient and modern political thought, examining themes like justice, rhetoric, democracy, and the theological-political problem. His recent scholarly work continues to engage deeply with Strauss's interpretations of Hobbes, Locke, and classical texts. Key trends in his publications include: Interpretations of Strauss's correspondence and lectures Critical analyses of Hobbes's ethical and theological foundations Comparative studies of Socratic thinkers in classical texts Reconsideration of Locke's political conscience Debates on classical vs. modern approaches to natural right Scientific Awards : Two Teaching Excellence Awards at Kenyon College Three Teaching Awards at University of Texas Carl Friedrich von Siemens Foundation Fellowship (2013-14, Munich) He has taught courses including Machiavelli's Discourses , Socratic Political Philosophy , and Classical Quest for Justice . His visiting appointment at Harvard (2018) underscores his scholarly impact in political philosophy circles.
Vicente Cervera Salinas is a Professor of Spanish Literature at the University of Murcia, affiliated with the Faculty of Arts and Humanities and the Department of Spanish Literature, Literary Theory and Comparative Literature. He has been a full professor since 2004 and specializes in Latin American literature, intertextuality, and literary theory. His research interests include: Spanish and Latin American Literature Comparative Literature and Intertextuality Poetry and the Essay as Literary Genres Classical Mythology and its Modern Reinterpretations Aesthetic Criticism and Cultural Memory Philosophical Dimensions in Literature His scholarly and creative work reflects deep engagement with figures like Jorge Luis Borges, Dante Alighieri, and George Santayana. His publications span poetry, critical essays, and editorial projects, often exploring the intersections between literature, philosophy, and cultural identity. The themes across his recent articles reveal a consistent focus on myth, authorship, and transatlantic literary traditions, particularly in Hispanic contexts. He has received recognition including the Second Prize in the America Poetry Prize (1993). He co-directs the journal Cartaphilus: Revista de investigación y crítica estética and has directed the Humanities Classroom at the University of Murcia. He served as president of the Association of Hispanic American Literary Studies (2014–2018). He has supervised at least one doctoral thesis and has been a visiting professor at institutions in Havana, San José (Costa Rica), Buenos Aires, and Vienna. His academic leadership includes editing multi-volume works on literary figures and movements, contributing significantly to the study of Hispanic intellectual and aesthetic traditions. He leads the research group Plural Scriptures: Intertextuality and Interdisciplinarity , continuing to influence both literary scholarship and creative writing in Spain and Latin America.
Wolfgang R. Mann is a Professor of Philosophy and Director of Undergraduate Studies at Columbia University. He joined the Philosophy Department in 1992 and holds degrees from Princeton University (A.B., 1978; Ph.D., 1987). His research spans Ancient Philosophy, German Idealism, and Metaphysics, with a focus on theories of argumentation (logic/rhetoric), metaphysical contrasts in antiquity, and ethical concepts of freedom. He also explores English/German Romanticism (Wordsworth, Hölderlin) and the reception of classical antiquity in 19th-century thought. His work frequently bridges philosophical analysis with historical and literary methodologies. Professor Mann’s publications include The Discovery of Things: Aristotle’s Categories and Their Context (2000) and co-edited volumes like Oxford Studies in Ancient Philosophy (2011). His articles address topics such as Stoic paradoxes, Seneca’s ethical writings, and the intersection of ancient philosophy with political figures like Helvidius Priscus. His research emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, blending metaphysics, ethics, and classical textual analysis. Though no specific awards are listed, his contributions to ancient philosophy and historiography reflect sustained scholarly engagement. His advising and grants focus on mentoring students in these areas, though specific grant details are not provided. His work contributes to both academic philosophy and the broader humanities through its rigorous historical contextualization.
Alexander Tulin is an Associate Professor in the Department of English at Howard University, within the College of Arts & Sciences. He has been a faculty member at Howard since 1990, originally in the Department of Classics, which he chaired from 2017 to 2021 before its closure led to his transition to the English Department. Institution: Howard University School: College of Arts & Sciences Department: Department of English Academic Rank: Associate Professor Email: atulin@Howard.edu Education: PhD in Classics, Columbia University, 1990 Dr. Tulin's research and teaching span classical antiquity and modern literature. His primary scholarly interests include Ancient Greek Philosophy, Plato, Ancient Law, and Rhetoric, with a current focus on the interstices between Antiquity and Modernity. In the English Department, his teaching centers on Modernism, modern art from 1870–1950, and the 20th-century novel in Europe and America. His publications reflect a deep engagement with classical philosophy and textual analysis. The most recent works show a sustained interest in Platonic dialogues, Socratic method, philosophical rhetoric, and the interpretation of ancient legal and literary texts. He has also contributed numerous scholarly reviews, demonstrating active participation in the academic discourse of classical studies. Scientific Awards: No specific awards or honors are mentioned in the provided text. Advising and Grants: There is no information available regarding students advised, research grants, or funding received. Labs and Research Teams: No information is provided about laboratories, research groups, or collaborative teams associated with Dr. Tulin.
Professor Michael Burke holds a full professorship in Rhetoric at Utrecht University (Faculty of Humanities) and teaches at University College Roosevelt (UCR) in Middelburg. Previously, he served as UU Honours Dean (2016–2021). His research focuses on rhetoric, stylistics, cognitive aspects of language, and education. He earned his Ph.D. in English Language and Literature from the University of Amsterdam, where he also completed his undergraduate studies. Research interests span written, oral, and digital rhetoric, emphasizing pedagogical, cognitive, stylistic, and neuroscientific dimensions. He has held visiting roles at institutions like the University of Cambridge and University of Bologna. Editorial roles include series editor for Routledge’s 'Research Monographs in Linguistics' and board memberships with journals like Language and Literature . Teaching includes undergraduate courses on classical rhetoric, argumentation, and public speaking at UCR, plus leadership and interdisciplinary research modules for Utrecht’s Honours College. He supervises PhD students in the UiL-OTS linguistics research school. Notable publications include The Routledge Handbook of Stylistics (2023) and studies on critical thinking, digital literacy, and cognitive literary science. Professional activities include keynote speaking at conferences like PCST and EARS, and contributions to projects such as ‘Undergraduate Research in the Netherlands’. His work bridges rhetoric, cognitive science, and education, emphasizing practical applications for students and educators.
Casey Boyle serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Rhetoric and Writing at the University of Texas at Austin's College of Liberal Arts, where he also directs the Digital Writing & Research Lab. His academic profile demonstrates significant contributions to digital rhetoric, accessibility studies, and posthuman theory through both research and teaching. Boyle's research interests span Rhetorical Theory, Digital Rhetoric, Accessibility, Aesthetics, Digital Humanities, Media Studies, AI & Reading/Writing, Techno-poetics/ethics, and Posthumanism . His work explores how digital technologies reshape rhetorical practices, with particular attention to accessibility as both ethical imperative and theoretical framework. His book Rhetoric as a Posthuman Practice examines information as embodied material practice, arguing that digital rhetoric concerns how bodies become informed through practice that includes not only traditional communication but also how information technologies organize those bodies. Analysis of Boyle's recent publications reveals consistent engagement with posthuman and material approaches to rhetoric, with increasing focus on accessibility, digital environments, and the intersection of rhetoric with environmental concerns. His work demonstrates interdisciplinary reach across philosophy, media studies, and digital humanities, with recurring themes of embodiment, materiality, and the ethics of digital communication. Through his teaching, Boyle offers courses such as RHE 330C (Access Designed), RHE 391 (Rhetoric and Aesthetics), and RHE 325M (Advanced Writing), with course descriptions emphasizing experiential learning and practical application of accessibility principles. His Racing to Empathy project (with Terrance Green) develops immersive digital environments to address implicit bias against Black girls in primary education, while A Version to Access (with Nathaniel Rivers) explores accessibility ontologically through the concept of nonequal design.
Anne-Lise François is an Associate Professor in the Departments of English and Comparative Literature at the University of California, Berkeley. She earned her PhD in Comparative Literature from Princeton University. Her work bridges 18th- and 19th-century British literature with contemporary environmental humanities, focusing on themes of ecological ethics, literary minimalism, and non-productive temporalities. Current research explores pastoral worldliness and commons-based economies in Romantic and modernist texts. Key scholarly contributions include her prize-winning book *Open Secrets: The Literature of Uncounted Experience* (2007), which examines 'affirmative reticence' in works by Jane Austen, Mme de Lafayette, and Emily Dickinson. Her recent projects address climate crisis narratives, food politics, and the intersection of aesthetic theory with ecological urgency. Teaching emphasizes transhistorical literary studies and environmental criticism Active in interdisciplinary collaborations across literature, philosophy, and environmental science Current book project: *Provident Improvisers: Parables of Subsistence from Wordsworth to Benjamin* Her writing synthesizes close textual analysis with broader socio-ecological frameworks, challenging Enlightenment models of productivity and advocating for 'recessive fulfillment' in both art and life.
