Abby M Schrader is a Professor of History at Franklin & Marshall College, specializing in Russian/Soviet history and 18th-19th century European history. Her research intersects with gender and sexuality studies, cultural studies, legal history, and imperial/colonial history. Ph.D. in History, University of Pennsylvania (1996) Dissertation: The Languages of the Lash: The Russian Autocracy and the Reform of Corporal Punishment, 1817-1893 Her work focuses on themes of corporal punishment, identity construction, gender roles, and colonial processes in Imperial Russia. Current projects include studies on Siberian colonization and the urban history of St. Petersburg. Recent publications explore bodily inscription through tattoos, social discipline in exile systems, and gendered discourses in 19th-century Russia. Awards include a Fulbright-Hays grant, NEH fellowship, and multiple IREX and SSRC grants. Former Chair of the History Department at F&M (2004-2007) Co-founder of the graduate Women's Research Colloquium at Penn Active in professional affiliations: AHA, AAASS, AWS
Brian J. Wright is an Adjunct Professor at Liberty Baptist College’s School of Bible & Ministry, specializing in New Testament studies, textual criticism, and early Christian practices. He holds a PhD from Ridley College (Melbourne, Australia) and a ThM from Dallas Theological Seminary. His research bridges ancient literacy practices with NT textual analysis, emphasizing communal reading traditions and manuscript studies. Wright’s scholarship spans over a dozen books and numerous peer-reviewed articles, including studies on first-century inscriptions, NT syntax, and early Christian literacy. He critiques methodological assumptions in NT studies and explores the intersection of faith and social justice, such as prison ministry and ethics. His pastoral work includes founding Redeemer Community Church in Pensacola, FL, and media contributions to Christianity Today, The Gospel Coalition, and Desiring God. His publications blend academic rigor with practical Christian living, addressing topics like small-group discipleship and theological education. Wright’s reviews cover a broad range of theological and historical texts, reflecting his expertise in biblical interpretation, early church history, and interfaith dialogue. Notable works include Communal Reading in the Time of Jesus (2017) and God’s Daring Dozen Box Set (2021–2024), which analyze prophetic literature and NT themes.
Amber Porter, PhD, is a Sessional Instructor in the Department of Humanities at Mount Royal University. Her academic background includes a PhD from the University of Calgary, an MA from the University of Western Ontario, and dual degrees (BA and BSc) from Memorial University of Newfoundland. She specializes in ancient medicine, history of emotions, and companion pets in antiquity, with research focusing on empathy in classical literature and funerary inscriptions of dogs in Greece and Rome. Teaching areas: Latin, Classical mythology, Greek/Roman history, art/architecture, and gender studies in antiquity Advocates for active learning and educational technology integration Creator of innovative assessment methods Her research bridges classical studies and medical humanities, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to understanding ancient medical practices and cultural attitudes. Publications explore compassion in medical texts like Soranus' gynecology treatises and Aretaeus of Cappadocia's works.
Dr. Edmund Thomas is an Associate Professor in Ancient Visual and Material Culture at Durham University's Department of Classics and Ancient History, and an Associate Fellow of the Institute of Advanced Study. His research focuses on Roman architecture, its sociocultural context, and its reception in later periods such as the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Baroque. Key interests include architectural aesthetics, sustainability in ancient design, and the interplay between architecture and philosophy. He has authored monographs like *Monumentality and the Roman Empire* (2007) and co-edited volumes on inscribed texts and human-animal interactions in antiquity. Current projects include a study on keystones in classical architecture and a collaborative project on ancient solar technologies. He has held fellowships at the British School at Rome (2016) and the University of Cincinnati (2022). His work spans archaeological fieldwork, textual analysis, and interdisciplinary research. Research highlights include studies on the Pantheon, Severan architecture, and the Baroque legacy of classical forms. Recent publications address sustainability practices in Roman provinces and seasonality in imperial urban design. He collaborates internationally, including with the University of Notre Dame on climate-related ancient technologies. Supervised students include Katerina Gottardo and Priscilla Buongiorno. Academic engagements range from excavations at Butrint to archiving architectural drawings. He is also involved in organizing conferences, such as one on solar technologies in 2024.
Jessica Piccinini is an Associate Professor in Greek History (STAN-01/A) at the University of Macerata , specializing in Ancient Greek History , Epigraphy , and Oracular Sanctuaries . She earned her D.Phil. from the University of Oxford (Wolfson College) and holds a postgraduate course from the British School at Athens. Education: D.Phil. in Greek Ancient History (Oxford), Master of Studies (Oxford), Degree in Classics (Macerata) Affiliations: University of Macerata, University of Vienna, Harvard University Center for Hellenic Studies Her research focuses on Greek religious practices , political institutions , and Mediterranean cultural exchange , particularly through the Dodona Project and Axon – Sylloge Italiana di Iscrizioni Greche . She has led excavation campaigns in Albania and Italy. Recent publications highlight her expertise in ancient soundscapes , Greek tragedy , and textile studies , with keywords spanning archaeology, epigraphy, and Mediterranean economies. She co-organized the photography exhibition 'Hadrianopolis: Exploring an Ancient Town in Epirus' and serves on editorial boards like the Journal of Religion, Film and Media . Scientific Awards Rientro dei Cervelli (Rita Levi Montalcini) Onassis Scholars' Fellowship Margo Tytus Fellowship Ernst Mach Fellowship Jessica has taught courses on Greek Religion and Sanctuaries , Democracy in Ancient Greece , and Magna Graecia and Sicily at institutions including the University of Vienna and University of Reading. Current research projects include the Dodona Project and Adriatlas , with a focus on digital epigraphy and ancient cultural networks.
Miguel Carrero-Pazos is a permanent faculty member and Professor at the University of Santiago de Compostela, affiliated with the Department of History within the Faculty of Geography and History. He is a core member of the GEPN-AAT research group (Grupo de Estudios para la Prehistoria del Noroeste Ibérico. Arqueología, Antigüedad y Territorio) and associated with the Centro de Investigación Interuniversitario das Paisaxes Atlánticas Culturais (CISPAC). His doctoral thesis (2017) explored megalithic tomb patterns in Galicia using GIS and spatial statistics. His research focuses on computationally-informed landscape archaeology, emphasizing GIS applications, spatial statistics, and 3D imaging techniques. Key areas include megalithic landscape analysis, rock art documentation (using photogrammetry and digital enhancement), and Neolithic settlement patterns. He has published extensively on topics like burial mound distribution modeling, visibility analysis of megaliths, and digital methods for preserving epigraphic heritage. Recent work highlights include developing hybrid machine learning algorithms for detecting archaeological tumuli, analyzing the 'Coast of Death' dolmen topographies, and advancing open-source computational tools in archaeology. He collaborates internationally, contributing to projects like Epigraphica 3.0, which digitizes Roman inscriptions, and the IFRAO 2018 rock art congress proceedings. His research integrates cutting-edge technologies with traditional archaeological questions, prioritizing reproducibility and interdisciplinary methods. He actively engages in heritage preservation efforts, particularly in Galicia, addressing challenges posed by rural depopulation and demographic changes. Carrero-Pazos is a leading voice in applying computational approaches to understand prehistoric and early medieval human decision-making in landscape contexts.
Dr. Ben Dewar is an Early Career Research Associate at the Institute of Classical Studies (ICS), part of the School of Advanced Study, University of London. Previously, he served as an Associate Lecturer in the Department of History at University College London (2022–2024). His research focuses on the intellectual, literary, and political history of ancient Mesopotamia, with an emphasis on the late 2nd and early 1st Millennia BC. Combining social science theory and literary criticism with close analysis of cuneiform texts, his work explores themes such as moral-religious-political thought, imaginative geography, and the role of history/geography in Mesopotamian historiography. Education: PhD in Assyriology (University of Birmingham) – Thesis: Representations of Rebellion in the Assyrian Royal Inscriptions . Current research at the ICS investigates the construction of historical knowledge in Mesopotamia, particularly how historical knowledge was transmitted through cuneiform literature and studied by ancient scholars in Assyria and Babylonia during the 1st millennium BC. This work highlights the interplay between textual analysis and ancient scholarly practices.
Colton Grant Siegmund is a Post-Doctoral Research Associate in the Faculty of Classics at the University of Cambridge, specializing in Sumerology and Assyriology. He holds a PhD from the University of Chicago (2023), an MA in Cuneiform Studies (2018), and a BA from Cornell University (2016). His research focuses on Sumerian modality, cuneiform grammar, and computational approaches to ancient languages. Education: Bachelor of Arts in Classics & Near Eastern Studies, Cornell University (2016) Master of Arts in Cuneiform Studies, University of Chicago (2018) PhD in Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations, University of Chicago (2023) Research interests include mood/modality in Sumerian, socio-historical linguistics, bilingualism in ancient Mesopotamia, and digital humanities applications in Assyriology. He has served as Assistant Curator of the Oriental Institute Tablet Collection and contributed to projects like CEDAR and OCHRE. Recent work includes analyzing Sumerian modal prefixes, investigating graphic pareidolia in cuneiform texts, and exploring divine communication in royal inscriptions. His publications span scholarly articles, conference proceedings, and edited volumes. Grants & Projects: Involved with an NEH grant project and contributed to the ISACMP volume on Old Babylonian education.
Ricardo Augusto Caminos (1915–1992) was an Argentinian-American Egyptologist holding positions at Brown University as Assistant Professor (1952), Associate Professor (1957), and Wilbour Professor (1972–1979). He conducted seminal work in hieratic palaeography and epigraphy, specializing in ancient Egyptian texts and inscriptions. His academic affiliations included the Oriental Institute of Chicago, Oxford University, and the USSR Academy of Sciences as a Visiting Professor (1973–1974). Education: BA (1932), MA (1938) from University of Buenos Aires; PhD (1947) from Oriental Institute Chicago; DPhil (1952) from Oxford under Sir Alan Gardiner. His fieldwork spanned Gebel es-Silsila, Qasr Ibrim, Buhen, and Wadi el-Shatt el-Rigal, contributing to Nubian Rescue Campaign efforts. Retired in London, he bequeathed his house to the Egypt Exploration Society, now housing the Ricardo A. Caminos Memorial Library. Research focused on epigraphic methods and ancient Egyptian religious architecture, with notable publications analyzing temple structures, rock inscriptions, and literary fragments. His work integrated historical linguistics with archaeological context, establishing foundational studies in hieratic script analysis. Key excavations: Gebel es-Silsila (1955–1960, 1975–1982), Qasr Ibrim (1960–1965) Publications: Ancient Egyptian Epigraphy , New Kingdom Temples of Buhen , and Gebel es-Silsilah I
Dr. Daniela Williams is a Researcher in the Department of Numismatics at the Austrian Academy of Sciences (Vienna). Her work focuses on the history of numismatic scholarship, ancient coin circulation patterns, and the intersection of numismatics with archaeological and historical methodologies. She leads projects such as Reproducing Antiquity: Casts of Ancient Coins and Fontes Inediti Numismaticae Antiquae (FINA) , which explore archival materials and unedited sources related to early modern numismatic practices. Her research interests include Greek and Roman coinage, Italian coin finds, and the historiography of numismatics. Notable projects involve analyzing Joseph Eckhel's contributions to 18th-century numismatics and investigating historical coin collections like Queen Christina of Sweden's Roman holdings. Williams also studies forgery practices, such as those of Osman Bey in the 18th century, and collaborates on excavations like the coin finds at Ferento (Etruria) and Monte Iato in Sicily. Her publications span over two decades, examining topics from Renaissance coin-gem interactions to crusader coinage in Vienna's collections. She actively engages with both primary sources and modern archaeological data, contributing to interdisciplinary discussions in numismatic studies.
Laurence Gillot is a Lecturer at Paris Diderot University and head of the Master's program 'City, Architecture, Heritage.' She teaches heritage history and sociology across disciplines, including at the Université Libre de Bruxelles. Her research focuses on archaeological site management in Syria and Morocco, socio-economic impacts of tourism in Arab-Muslim regions, and colonial/post-colonial archaeology. She conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Cambridge on 20th-century archaeological practices. Key projects include studies on the Figuig Oasis (Morocco) for UNESCO inscription and Bosra (Syria) urban archaeology. Her work bridges heritage conservation, territorial development, and cultural policies, emphasizing interdisciplinary and global perspectives. Education & Professional Background PhD in Archaeology/Socio-History (details unspecified). Postdoctoral research at University of Cambridge (social history of archaeology). Research Themes Her expertise includes: Heritage management and tourism in Mediterranean/Arab regions GIS applications for heritage preservation Colonial-era archaeological practices and their legacies Cultural policies in post-colonial contexts Publications emphasize methodological innovations (e.g., GIS use) and socio-political dimensions of heritage. Professional Activities Organized sessions at ACHS 2016 on heritage conflicts and World Heritage inscription processes. Collaborates with international institutions on heritage safeguarding initiatives.
Héctor Uroz Rodríguez is a Part-time Professor of Ancient History at the University of Murcia, affiliated with the Department of Prehistory, Archaeology, Ancient History, Medieval History and Historiographic Sciences and Techniques within the Faculty of Arts and Humanities. He earned his PhD from the University of Alicante with a thesis on religion and iconography in Southeastern Iberia. His academic work focuses on the intersection of Iberian and Roman archaeology, particularly examining the complex processes of Romanization in the Iberian Peninsula. Dr. Uroz's research interests span Iberian Archaeology, Roman Archaeology, Romanization processes, History of Religion, and Iconography. His work demonstrates particular expertise in the archaeology of the Iberian Peninsula, with a focus on sacred spaces, ritual practices, and the cultural transformations during the Iberian-Roman transition period. His research combines material culture analysis with historical context to illuminate the complex interactions between indigenous Iberian societies and Roman influences. The publication record shows a consistent focus on the Libisosa archaeological site, representing a rich corpus of closed-context material from the Iberian-Roman transition period destroyed during the Sertorian War. His articles demonstrate methodological diversity, combining traditional archaeological analysis with numismatic, epigraphic, and iconographic approaches. The research reveals patterns of early Romanization, elite strategies of cultural adaptation, and the complex religious transformations occurring in indigenous Iberian societies prior to formal Roman conquest. As co-director of the Libisosa Project, Dr. Uroz has led extensive archaeological excavations at this significant site since 1996, producing numerous publications and contributing substantially to our understanding of Iberian-Roman interactions. His fieldwork extends beyond Libisosa to include important sites such as Pompeii, Pliny the Younger's villa 'in Tuscis,' and La Alcudia de Elche, demonstrating his broad expertise across Mediterranean archaeology. Dr. Uroz's collaborative work with institutions across Europe has established him as a significant contributor to Iberian archaeology. His research integrates multiple lines of evidence to reconstruct social, economic, and religious practices in ancient Iberia, with particular attention to how material culture reflects cultural identity and transformation during periods of contact and conquest.
Domingo Beltran Corbalan is an Adjunct Professor (part-time) at the University of Murcia's Faculty of Arts and Humanities, within the Department of Prehistory, Archaeology, Ancient History, Medieval History and Historiographic Sciences and Techniques. He holds a PhD from the Universidad de Murcia (2014), supervised by Dr. Francisco Reyes Marsilla de Pascual, focusing on the archival history of the House of Vélez. His research group, 'Paleography and Literacy. Documentation and Archives,' explores topics such as noble archives, heraldic representation, and classical antiquity in noble contexts. His work spans 18th-century noble documentation practices, Spanish aristocratic families like the Vélez and Alba, and the intersection of material culture with historical memory. Notable contributions include studies on the centralized organization of noble archives (e.g., Villafranca, Vélez, and Medina Sidonia), the role of libraries in aristocratic intellectual life, and the preservation of inscriptions in historical foundations. His research bridges archival science, paleography, and the socio-political dynamics of noble families in early modern Spain. His publications reflect a focus on archival analysis, historical documentation, and the cultural practices of Spanish nobility. Key themes include clientelar service networks, heraldic symbolism, and the interplay between classical antiquity and aristocratic identity.
Tania Notarius is a faculty member in Hebrew Linguistics at the University of the Free State. Her research focuses on Northwest Semitic languages, particularly Ugaritic and Biblical Hebrew, with expertise in historical linguistics, syntax, and semantics. She has published extensively on topics such as passive voice constructions, stative verbs, and diachronic language development. Education: Ph.D. in Linguistics (2007) with a study on verbal tense semantics in Biblical poetic texts. Research Interests: Northwest Semitic languages (Ugaritic, Canaanite, Aramaic), diachronic syntax, language contact, and ancient inscriptions. Notable contributions include co-editing Brill's special issues on Biblical Hebrew Linguistics and analyzing Iron Age alphabetic inscriptions from Tell eṣ-Ṣâfi/Gath. Publications span peer-reviewed articles in journals like Journal of Semitic Studies and ZAW , as well as book chapters on ancient texts and linguistic theory. She actively participates in academic conferences, including presentations on Aramaic ostraca from Idumea and theoretical linguistics approaches to Biblical Hebrew. Affiliations: Involved with the Polis Institute of Languages and Humanities in Jerusalem, focusing on Coptic studies and ancient language pedagogy. Engaged in teaching Hebrew language methodologies and curriculum development for university-level instruction.
Gareth James Wearne is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Theology within the Faculty of Theology and Philosophy. His research focuses on ancient religious texts, particularly the Dead Sea Scrolls, Hebrew linguistics, and scribal practices in the ancient Near East. He has contributed extensively to understanding the social and historical contexts of Second Temple Judaism through analysis of legal texts like 4QMMT and inscriptions like the Kuntillet ʿAjrud blessings. His work bridges biblical studies and archaeology, examining how oral and written traditions intersect in texts such as the Deir 'Alla Plaster inscriptions. Key themes include textual criticism, intertextuality between Habakkuk and Deuteronomy, and the role of scribes in ancient Israelite correspondence. Wearne's publications span book chapters, journal articles, and collaborative research, often addressing methodological approaches to reconstructing ancient religious communities and linguistic evolution in Hebrew. His analyses frequently engage with material culture, epigraphic data, and sectarian dynamics in early Jewish and Christian traditions. Notable contributions include reinterpreting 4QMMT as a letter to the Yaḥad community and challenging traditional views of Habakkuk's textual divisions. His interdisciplinary approach integrates philology, historical context, and literary analysis to illuminate ancient religious practices and thought.
