C. Michael Sampson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Classics at the Faculty of Arts , University of Manitoba . Holding a PhD in Classical Studies (2009) from the University of Michigan, an MA in Classics (2003) from Dalhousie University, and a BA (First Class Honours) in Classics and Early Modern Studies (2001) from the University of King's College, Sampson is a broadly trained philologist specializing in Greek and Latin literature with a focus on poetry, and a papyrologist working on fragmentary texts from Egypt. Research interests: Greek/Latin literature, papyrology, reception studies, Hellenistic literature Current project: The Books of Karanis (interdisciplinary study of Greek literary culture in Egypt) Awards: SSHRC Insight Grant (2021-2025), SSHRC Connections Grant (2020-2022), Community Engagement Award (2018) Editorial roles: Digital Corpus of Literary Papyri, Pylon: Editions and Studies of Ancient Texts Teaching: Courses on Ancient Greek culture, Roman comedy, Euripides, and Archaic poetry
Kerri Kotta is a Professor of Music Theory and Head of Musicology at the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre. She holds a PhD in Musicology (2004) and an MA in Composition (1997) from the same institution. Her research focuses on music theory, tonal analysis, Estonian music history, and contemporary composition, with special expertise in the works of Eduard Tubin and Dmitri Shostakovich. She coordinates the International Eduard Tubin Society and edits the composer's complete works. Her research interests span music theory , compositional techniques , Estonian cultural heritage , and interdisciplinary performance studies . Recent publications explore modernism in Estonian art music, Beethoven's structural rhetoric, and socio-psychological dimensions of contemporary opera. Kotta received the Reet Neimar Criticism Award (2023) for her contributions to music scholarship. She leads the project How to share the ardor? Conveying complex musical structures through animated scores (2024-2025), funded by the Estonian Ministry of Culture. Administratively, she chairs the Estonian Musicological Society (2013–present) and the International Eduard Tubin Society (2015–present), while serving on the board of the Estonian Composers Union (2022–present).
Mario Telò is a Professor of Ancient Greek & Roman Studies, Comparative Literature, and Rhetoric at the University of California, Berkeley, with an affiliation in the Program for Critical Theory. He serves as Chief Editor of the journal Classical Antiquity and sits on the editorial board of Representations . His work bridges antiquity and modernity through interdisciplinary lenses, focusing on psychoanalysis, queer theory, and political theory. Telò has authored monographs such as Archive Feelings: A Theory of Greek Tragedy (2020) and Resistant Form: Aristophanes and the Comedy of Crisis (2023), exploring themes like tragic aesthetics, crisis, and canonical reimagining. Recent projects include co-editing Reading Greek Tragedy with Judith Butler (2024) and organizing conferences on Jean-Luc Nancy and Classics. His research emphasizes textual form’s emancipatory potential, engaging with art, film, and architecture to deconstruct normative narratives. Education : His academic background is not detailed here, but his prolific publications reflect advanced expertise in Classics and interdisciplinary humanities. Research Interests : Telò’s work critically examines Greek tragedy and comedy through modern theoretical frameworks. He investigates the interplay between aesthetic form and political/social issues, leveraging psychoanalysis (Freud, Lacan) and queer theory (Judith Butler, Lee Edelman) to analyze ancient texts. His focus on 'resistant form' highlights how classical works challenge equilibrium and normativity, offering tools for contemporary critical discourse. Grants & Collaborations : He co-organizes international conferences (e.g., on Jean-Luc Nancy) and collaborates on interdisciplinary projects like a forthcoming book on artist William Kentridge. His editorial work spans special journal issues on topics like elemental objects and queer philology. Labs/Teams : He leads editorial initiatives and hosts academic events such as the Townsend Center book chats and Syndicate symposia, fostering dialogue between classicists and modern theorists.
Marion Kruse is an Assistant Professor of Classics at the University of Cincinnati, specializing in Roman historiography and late antiquity. She also holds an adjunct position at The Ohio State University. Her research bridges ancient history, Byzantine studies, and economic thought in antiquity. Ph.D. in Classics from The Ohio State University (2015) B.A. in History from the University of Richmond (2008) Dr. Kruse explores narratives of Roman identity post-476 AD, focusing on Justinianic historiography, Cassius Dio's textual tradition, and the Roman military high command. Her work interrogates intersections between law, literature, and economic ideology in late antiquity. Recent publications analyze Procopius' agonistic authorship techniques, Roman economic discourse in the Secret History , and the evolution of the Notitia Dignitatum system. These works span subfields including military history, rhetorical analysis, and late antique historiographical methods. Her academic career includes peer-reviewed articles in Classical Quarterly , Studies in Late Antiquity , and Greek, Roman, and Byzantine Studies . She has also authored two seminal books: The Politics of Roman Memory (2019) and The Field Armies of the East Roman Empire (2023, co-authored with Anthony Kaldellis). Dr. Kruse remains active in revising Byzantine-era historiographical approaches and continues to publish on the role of Roman governmental structures in shaping Christian institutions.
Caroline Vout is Professor of Classics at the University of Cambridge, holding a Fellowship at Christ's College where she serves as Director of Studies for Prelims and Part 1A in Classics. She directs the Museum of Classical Archaeology (MOCA) and co-directs Cambridge Visual Culture. From 2019-2024, she held the Byvanck Chair of Classical Archaeology/Art History at Leiden University. Born in Durham, Vout completed her undergraduate studies at Newnham College, Cambridge, followed by an MA at the Courtauld Institute of Art in London, then returned to Newnham for her PhD. Before joining Cambridge in 2006, she taught at London, Bristol, and Nottingham Universities. Vout is a cultural historian and art historian specializing in the Roman imperial period and its reception. Her research explores power dynamics in classical art, erotic representation, and how antiquity has been reinterpreted through history. She examines how classical visual culture functions as both historical evidence and living cultural force, with particular expertise in body representation and political dimensions of reception. Her publication history reveals deep engagement with classical material across centuries - from detailed artifact studies (Peplos Kore, Discobolus) to broad cultural analyses. Recent work connects antiquity with modern contexts including the Olympic Games and Victorian reinterpretations, showing consistent interest in how classical art remains dynamically relevant. As Director of Studies at Christ's College, Vout mentors undergraduate Classics students while her MOCA leadership bridges academic research and public engagement. Her curatorial work, including the upcoming 'Paris 1924: the Art of the Olympics' exhibition with Chris Young, demonstrates commitment to making classical art accessible through innovative programming and digital initiatives like MOCA's video series. Vout's interdisciplinary approach through Cambridge Visual Culture and her editorial roles (Omnibus, Sculpture Journal advisory board) reflect her position at the intersection of traditional classical scholarship and contemporary visual studies, connecting ancient artifacts with modern cultural discourse.
Nephele Papakonstantinou, Ph.D. (Sorbonne), is an Assistant Professor of Latin Philology at National and Kapodistrias University of Athens (Department of Philology) and a Research Fellow at Julius-Maximilians-University Würzburg's Institute of Classical Philology. She holds dual affiliations in classical philology and legal medicine interdisciplinary research. Ph.D., Sorbonne University Evaluated by Conseil National des Universités de France (2023) for Maître de Conférences qualification Her research focuses on intersections between Roman legal rhetoric (particularly Quintilian and declamation traditions), Roman jurisprudence, Greco-Roman medical thought, and their Renaissance reception. Current work examines historical development of medical jurisprudence in classical Rome and late Renaissance Italy through the lens of case histories and consilia literature. Key publication trends include analysis of Pseudo-Quintilian's legal frameworks, trauma representation in classical texts, and Renaissance humanist adaptations of ancient medical-legal concepts. Her 2025 monograph on crimen raptus in Roman law and upcoming work on Paolo Zacchia's poisoning consilia demonstrate this interdisciplinary approach. Recipient of Alexander von Humboldt Post-doctoral Research Fellowship Co-editor of Narratio in Medicine and the Law (forthcoming, Palgrave Macmillan) Active in collaborative research projects, she directs initiatives connecting classical philology with legal medicine traditions across antiquity and the Renaissance, supported by ongoing institutional funding and international academic partnerships.
Jaime Rodriguez Matos is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures at California State University, Fresno, where he has been employed since 2018. His academic career includes prior roles as Lecturer at Fresno State (2016-2018) and Assistant Professor at the University of Michigan (2007-2016). Education: Ph.D., Spanish and Portuguese, Columbia University M.Phil., Spanish and Portuguese, Columbia University M.A., Spanish and Portuguese, Columbia University B.A., Spanish Language and Literature, University of New Hampshire Rodriguez Matos specializes in Latin American poetry, nihilism, infrapolitics, and temporal theory. His work interrogates the intersections of philosophy and literary form, particularly focusing on the deconstruction of time in works by José Lezama Lima, Eduardo Lalo, and Álvaro García Linera. Current research explores neo-revolutionary rhetoric and anarchic political thought in Latin America. His published and forthcoming articles address themes such as Lacanian critiques of hegemony, the ontologies of the present, and the formless in Caribbean politics. Rodriguez Matos has presented at international conferences including the Latin American Studies Association and the University of California, Irvine Humanities Commons cluster. Selected Publications: Writing of the Formless: José Lezama Lima and the End of Time (Fordham University Press, 2017)
Professor Gerard Kilroy is a leading scholar in Early Modern English Literature and Religious Studies, currently serving as Professor of English Literature at Ignatianum University in Krakow. He holds Senior Research Fellowships at Campion Hall, University of Oxford and is an Honorary Research Fellow at University College London . Kilroy’s research focuses on manuscript transmission, the survival of Catholic ideas in Shakespeare’s works, and oral culture in early modern England. Classical Mods and English Literature, Magdalen College, Oxford Ph.D., Lancaster University His recent publications explore subversive publishing in the English and Polish-Lithuanian Counter-Reformation, Shakespeare’s theological contexts, and Joseph Conrad’s modernist fiction. Kilroy has held fellowships at the Folger Shakespeare Library , St Catherine’s College, Oxford, and Marsh’s Library, Dublin. Scientific Awards and Fellowships: Folger Shakespeare Library Fellowship St Catherine’s College, Oxford Fellowship Marsh’s Library, Dublin Fellowship St John’s College, Oxford Scholarship Grocers’ Company Scholar (2001–2014) ELR Prize (2011) Kilroy founded the Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution's Café Philo in 1997, fostering philosophical dialogue. His collaborative projects include studies on Jesuit school theaters in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and Catholic intellectual networks in England and Poland.
Robert R. Edwards serves as the Edwin Erle Sparks Professor of English and Comparative Literature at Pennsylvania State University within the College of the Liberal Arts. His office is located in Burrowes Building, where he maintains regular office hours including scheduled appointments for Fall 2025. As a distinguished scholar in medieval literary studies, Professor Edwards has established himself as a leading authority on Chaucer, medieval drama, and book history. Professor Edwards specializes in Book History and Textual Studies with particular expertise in Medieval Literature. His research focuses on Chaucer studies, continental and Latin literary relations, and authorship in trilingual England. His scholarly approach integrates historical context with literary analysis, examining how medieval writers engaged with classical traditions while developing innovative narrative forms. His work reveals the complex interplay between textual production, cultural identity, and literary innovation in the medieval period. His publication record demonstrates consistent scholarly productivity spanning several decades, with significant contributions to understanding medieval literary theory, authorship concepts, and cross-cultural literary relations. His works show an evolving trajectory from foundational studies of medieval poetics to more nuanced examinations of specific authors and textual traditions, particularly focusing on how medieval writers negotiated classical heritage with contemporary cultural concerns. Professor Edwards has edited significant works including John Lydgate's writings and essay collections on medieval love, desire, and sexuality. His scholarly editing demonstrates commitment to making primary medieval texts accessible while providing critical frameworks for contemporary interpretation. His research continues to influence how scholars understand the development of literary consciousness in the medieval period.
Helle Hochscheid is a University Lecturer in antiquity and heritage at University College Roosevelt, a Liberal Arts & Sciences college within Utrecht University in Middelburg. She holds an affiliation with the Humanities Research Institute for History and Art History and the Department of Ancient History and Classical Civilization. Her academic roles include coordinating the Archaeology in the Classroom project and serving on the Scientific Advisory Board of the Netherlands Institute in Athens, the Editorial Board of PHAROS: Journal of the Netherlands Institute at Athens , and the Advisory Board of Theran Press. Her research expertise spans Greek archaeology, ancient history, cultural heritage, and women’s history, with a focus on craft production (particularly sculpture and musical instruments like auloi) in ancient Greek societies. She investigates social contexts of craftsmanship, including the roles of non-elite groups and women in Athenian artistic networks. Key themes include gender diversity, migration’s societal impact, and the intersection of craft labor with early knowledge economies. Hochscheid regularly collaborates with undergraduate students, co-editing volumes such as The World on Walcheren (2024). She teaches courses including Academic Internship , Greek Art & Archaeology , and Making Society in Archaeology , emphasizing interdisciplinary education and community-engaged learning. Her work bridges academic research and public heritage through projects like Archaeology in the Classroom , which introduces transferable skills via archaeology to primary school children. Her professional contributions include organizing sessions at the EAA Annual Conference (2024) and presenting on topics like women’s work in ancient Athens. She is a member of the Engendering Ancient Economies Network (EAEN) and the TEXNH research collaboration, exploring economic and social dimensions of ancient Mediterranean crafts.
Simon Shogry is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Philosophy at the University of Oxford and a Tutorial Fellow at Brasenose College. He specializes in Ancient Philosophy, with a focus on Stoicism, Hellenistic ethics, and epistemology. His research explores topics such as Stoic moral psychology, the rationality of perception, and the interplay between logic and ethics in ancient thought. Shogry earned his Ph.D. from Princeton University’s Program in Classical Philosophy and holds a B.A. from Claremont McKenna College. Before joining Oxford, he held postdoctoral and lecturing positions at Princeton University, the University of Pennsylvania, and the College of New Jersey. His research interests include Stoic and Epicurean ethics, ancient logic, and moral psychology. He has published extensively on figures like Seneca, Epictetus, and Chrysippus, with a recent monograph Stoic Eros (CUP, 2024). His work bridges ancient philosophical debates with contemporary epistemology and ethics, emphasizing the relevance of Hellenistic thought to modern discussions. Shogry teaches undergraduate courses on ancient philosophy and ethics at Oxford. His scholarship is accessible via his personal webpage, Google Scholar, and PhilPeople profiles.
Prof. Dietrich Erben holds the Chair of Theory and History of Architecture, Art and Design at TUM since 2009. He specializes in art/architecture history from the early modern period onward, focusing on political iconography and architectural theory. His career includes teaching at Ruhr-Universität Bochum (2003–2009) and research fellowships in Paris, Florence, and Venice. He earned his PhD (1994) and habilitation (2002) in art history. Research interests: Interplay between architectural forms and societal structures Global art relations and transnational architecture Baroque/Rococo cultural dynamics Publications highlight theoretical frameworks for architectural analysis and historical studies of built environments. Recent works explore transformation processes in modern societies and the role of humanistic values in architecture. Awards include DFG Fellowship (1998) and prestigious research grants from Max Planck Institute (Florence) and German Study Center Venice.
Jørgen Bakke is an Associate Professor in History of Art at the Department of Linguistic, Literary and Aesthetic Studies, University of Bergen. His academic work spans classical archaeology, Byzantine studies, and visual culture with a particular focus on ancient Greek art, landscape archaeology, and the cultural history of the Mediterranean region. Bakke has been actively involved in archaeological research in Greece, particularly in the Tegea region of Arcadia. His research interests encompass a broad range of topics in art history and classical studies. Bakke specializes in visual culture of ancient Greece, Byzantine garden traditions, landscape archaeology, and the intersection of art with memory and knowledge representation. His work often bridges disciplines, connecting classical literature with visual analysis and exploring how ancient visual culture functioned within historical and religious contexts. Bakke's research demonstrates particular expertise in the interpretation of ancient texts related to art (ekphrasis), the visual poetics of ancient Greek culture, and the reception of classical themes in later periods. Bakke's scholarly output reveals a consistent focus on Mediterranean cultural landscapes, particularly examining the Tegea region through multiple historical periods from classical antiquity through the Byzantine era and into the Ottoman period. His work shows a progression from early studies on ancient Greek visual culture toward more specialized research on Byzantine visual traditions and garden culture. A notable thread throughout his publications is the examination of how visual culture functions within religious and devotional contexts across different historical periods. His recent work increasingly engages with digital humanities approaches to art historical analysis. Bakke is actively involved in multiple research groups at the University of Bergen, including the Images of Knowledge Research Group, the Antiquity and the Classical Tradition Research Group, and the Literature & Religion Research Group. These affiliations reflect the interdisciplinary nature of his work, which bridges art history, classical studies, religious studies, and literary analysis. His research demonstrates how visual culture serves as a critical lens for understanding historical, religious, and philosophical developments across different eras.
Colin Smith is a Visiting Assistant Professor in the Department of Philosophy at Ohio State University (2024–present). He previously held positions at Penn State and the University of Colorado Boulder. His research focuses on ancient Greek philosophy, particularly metaphysical questions in Plato, the Presocratics, and Aristotle. He explores how ancient concepts of being and reality inform contemporary ethical and existential frameworks. Education: PhD (2019) in Philosophy from University of Kentucky, MA (2013) from Boston College, BA (2011) in Philosophy and Classics from Temple University (summa cum laude). Research emphasizes Plato's theory of forms as metaphysical ground, Parmenides' Fragment 2, and dialectical methods in dialogues like Sophist and Meno . Current projects include a monograph on Meno 's distinction between 'being' and 'having,' and studies on Aristotle's theory of recollection and Democritus' understanding of the soul. He also examines the reception of Plato's 'unwritten teachings' in modern philosophy. Published in Ancient Philosophy , Review of Metaphysics , and edited volumes like Inquiring into Being: Essays on Parmenides (SUNY Press, 2025). Guest edited a special issue on Presocratic metaphysics ( Dialogoi 3:1, 2021). Teaching and research interests extend to medieval philosophy, German idealism, phenomenology, ethics, and philosophy of race. Committed to inclusive pedagogy and advocacy, he co-founded Penn State's Coalition for a Just University and organized free philosophy programs for underprivileged students.
Carsten Hjort Lange is a Professor in the Department of Politics and Society at Aalborg University, Denmark. He specializes in Roman history, focusing on civil war, political/military history, and ancient historiography. His work extends to comparative studies of the American Civil War and contemporary US politics. He co-edits Brill's Historiography of Rome and Its Empire and De Gruyter's Studies in Ancient Civil War . Lange has authored three monographs, including From Hannibal to Sulla: The Birth of Civil War in Republican Rome (2024). He holds editorial roles for multiple journals and participates in international research networks like PortCityFutures. His awards include the 2017 Choice Outstanding Academic Title Award and Teacher of the Year accolades in 2021 and 2022. Education: Ph.d. in Classics/History. Research Interests: Late Roman Republic, civil war dynamics, Cassius Dio's historiography, naval history, and conceptual history. Key areas include stasis theory, Augustan propaganda, and the intersection of ancient and modern political conflict. Publications & Projects: Over 100 peer-reviewed outputs, including monographs, edited volumes, and journal articles. Active in projects such as Responses to Imperialism in Roman Historical Writing and International/European Network on Roman Republican History . Awards: Recognized for academic contributions and teaching excellence, including the prestigious Choice Award and two consecutive Teacher of the Year prizes. Media Engagement: Regular contributor to Danish media, analyzing parallels between ancient and modern political crises (e.g., Trump's presidency compared to Augustus).
