Durmuş GÜR , a Byzantine Art specialist, currently serves as an Assistant Professor at Karabük University within the Traditional Handicrafts Program at Safranbolu Şefik Yılmaz Dizdar Vocational School. He completed his PhD in Art History at Hacettepe University (2019) after MA (2015) and BA (2011) degrees from the same field. PhD: Hacettepe University, Institute of Social Sciences (2015-2019) MA: Hacettepe University, Institute of Social Sciences (2013-2015) BA: Trakya University, Faculty of Letters (2007-2011) His research focuses on Byzantine Art , Urban Archaeology , and Architectural History , particularly early Christian and Byzantine settlements in the Black Sea region. He has 67 publications including Medieval Archaeology and Cultural Heritage studies. Recent articles demonstrate expertise in: Pseudo-Kufic Ornamentation (intercultural design adaptation) Flabellum/Rhipidion (Byzantine liturgical objects) Urban Settlement Patterns (Late Antique/Byzantine) Recycling to Art (environmental art projects) He leads the Handicrafts Department since 2022 and participates in international archaeological missions like the Lystra Antik Kenti project.
Giuseppina Lenzo is Maître d’enseignement et de recherche (Lecturer) in Ancient Egyptian Religion at the University of Lausanne , Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies, attached to the Institute of Biblical Studies (IRSB) . From 2012 to 2024 she held the same rank within the Faculty of Letters, Institute of Archaeology and Ancient History. Education PhD in Egyptology – University of Geneva Habilitation à diriger des recherches (HDR) in Religious Sciences – École Pratique des Hautes Études, Paris (EPHE-PSL) Graduate studies in Egyptology – University of Geneva & University of Rome “La Sapienza” Research Interests Lenzo’s work centres on the history and religion of Egypt during the 1st millennium BCE . She explores funerary literature and its transmission , hieratic and hieroglyphic palaeography , temple and tomb rituals , and divine onomastics . Her long-term projects include the Papyrus Greenfield in the British Museum, the tomb of the High Priest of Ptah Sheshonq in Memphis, and the tomb decoration of King Osorkon II at Tanis. Recent Publications Over 2024-2025 Lenzo has co-edited or authored studies on solar hymns in funerary papyri, the evolution of First-millennium funerary texts, Ptolemaic royal iconography and divine queenship, and new epigraphic finds from Tanis. Her output demonstrates a steady focus on textual criticism, ritual practice and the intersection of religion and power in Late-Period and Ptolemaic Egypt. Scientific Awards & Recognition Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) Senior Research Fellowship (previous appointment) Invited scholar at Mainz, Lyon, London, Turin and Cairo Principal investigator in international collaborative projects with Paris-Sorbonne, IFAO Cairo, CNRS and the French Mission at Tanis Teaching & Supervision Lenzo lectures on pharaonic civilisation and ancient Egyptian religion, often in interdisciplinary settings that compare polytheistic religions of the ancient world. While no individual doctoral students are listed, she regularly supervises MA and doctoral research within UNIL’s programs. Laboratories & Teams She is an active member of the Institute of Biblical Studies (IRSB) and the Interdisciplinary Centre for the History and Sciences of Religion , and collaborates closely with the French Archaeological Mission at Tanis , the Institut français d’archéologie orientale (IFAO) in Cairo, and various European papyrological networks.
Dr Katherine Slinger serves as Lecturer in Egyptian Archaeology at the University of Manchester within the Department of Classics, Ancient History & Egyptology, specializing in distance-learning programs including Certificate, Diploma, and MA Egyptology courses since joining in summer 2023. Previously, she taught at Durham University, University of Sheffield, and University of Liverpool while excavating in Luxor. Her educational background includes: PhD in Egyptology (2020, University of Liverpool): 'Tomb Families: Private Tomb Distribution in the New Kingdom Theban Necropolis' MA in Egyptology (2015, University of Liverpool): 'Was the location and distribution of Theban tombs influenced by the evolving processional route of the Beautiful Festival of the Valley?' BA (Hons) Egyptology (2014, University of Liverpool): 'Tomb Decoration and Design at Deir el-Medina' PGCE Primary (2005, University of Chester) BA (Hons) English Language and Literature (2002, University of Liverpool) Dr Slinger's research centers on spatial analysis of the Theban Necropolis, investigating how sacred landscape features—including festival processional routes, proximity to royal temples, and topographical constraints—shaped non-royal tomb distribution during the New Kingdom. She extends this to examine Deir el-Medina's workmen's village, Amarna Period disruptions to funerary practices, and long-term evolution of tomb architecture/decoration across pharaonic eras. Her work integrates archaeological field data with textual analysis of Middle Egyptian sources. Her 2022-2024 publications reveal consistent methodological focus on spatial archaeology of Theban tombs, with increasing emphasis on post-Amarna landscape reactivation and elite burial patterns. Key trends include quantitative analysis of tomb clustering, ritual landscape theory application, and reinterpretation of tomb distribution through festival route dynamics rather than purely social hierarchy models. Dr Slinger currently accepts PhD students and serves as peer reviewer for Antiquity and Routledge publications. Her teaching portfolio spans undergraduate courses (Pre-Hyksos Egypt, Dynasty 18, Post-Amarna Egypt), Diploma programs, and public short courses (Queens of Ancient Egypt, Tutankhamen). She also contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals through Egyptology education accessibility.
Louise Gestermann serves as Associate Professor at the University of Tübingen's Institute for Ancient Near Eastern Studies within the Faculty of Humanities, while maintaining her primary position as Extraordinary Professor at the University of Bonn. Her scholarly work focuses on Ancient Egyptian funerary traditions and Middle Kingdom socio-political structures. Her academic formation includes: Magister Artium in Göttingen (1981) PhD at University of Tübingen (1985) on Middle Kingdom administration Habilitation at University of Bonn (1997) on late-period Coffin Texts transmission Professor Gestermann's research centers on the evolution of Egyptian funerary literature, particularly the Coffin Texts and Book of the Dead, examining textual transmission across historical periods. Her work bridges philological analysis with archaeological context, revealing how funerary practices reflected societal changes during the Middle Kingdom's political transformations. She has made significant contributions to understanding scribal traditions and religious syncretism in ancient Egypt. Her recent publications demonstrate sustained focus on Theban tomb complexes, especially the Monthemhet tomb (TT 34) decoration program, while maintaining scholarly engagement with Middle Kingdom political history and funerary text variants. This dual concentration reveals connections between administrative structures and religious expression in pharaonic Egypt. Research funding includes a two-year Fritz Thyssen Foundation grant (2012-2014) for the Monthemhet tomb project and a Lower Saxony state PhD scholarship (1990). She has directed fieldwork components for German-Spanish-Egyptian missions in Thebes and participated in Kōm al-ahmar excavations. Professor Gestermann has contributed to major collaborative projects including the Adolf Erman estate processing at University of Bremen (2002-2006) and co-edited significant Egyptological reference works. Her interdisciplinary approach connects textual analysis with material culture studies across multiple excavation sites.
Professor Ebba Koch is a leading authority in Mughal architecture and Islamic art history at the University of Vienna's Faculty of History and Cultural Studies, Institute of Art History. With office location 3F.EG.05 at Garnisongasse 13, University Campus Hof 9, Vienna, she maintains active research and teaching roles while serving as senior researcher at the Austrian Academy of Sciences. Her research focuses on Mughal palace and garden architecture , Taj Mahal studies , artistic relations between Mughal India and Europe , and art as expression of ruler ideology . Koch pioneered comprehensive documentation of Mughal sites through major surveys conducted since 1976 with architect Richard A. Barraud, creating extensive photographic and architectural drawing archives of South Asian Islamic architecture. Her publication portfolio demonstrates remarkable continuity in Mughal studies, spanning from her 1988 monograph Shah Jahan and Orpheus to the 2022 work The Planetary King . The articles reveal consistent methodological approaches combining formal architectural analysis with political and ideological interpretation, particularly examining imperial symbolism through architectural elements, garden design, and artistic production. Award highlights include: Hagop Kevorkian Lectureship at NYU (1998) Aga Khan Fellowship at Harvard (2002) FWF Austrian Science Funds project leadership (2009-2012) European Commission COST Action delegation (2005-2009) Koch's academic leadership extends to significant conservation initiatives, notably serving as architectural advisor to the Taj Mahal Conservation Collaborative since 2001 and directing the reconstruction of Mughal Agra as a riverside garden city. Her 2024 symposium at Vienna's Institute of Iranian Studies celebrated her scholarly contributions to Mughal studies.
Fabio Coden is an Associate Professor at the Department of Cultures and Civilizations (Università degli Studi di Verona). His primary academic role focuses on medieval art history and architecture, with a specialization in Romanesque and Byzantine artistic traditions. He is a member of several academic bodies including the Faculty Board of PhD in Archaeology, Art History and History and the Collegio Didattico of various degree programs in art and cultural heritage. Research Interests: Medieval architecture (4th–14th centuries), Byzantine art, and medieval sculpture techniques. Teaching: Leads courses on medieval art history across multiple degree programs, including master’s and PhD levels. Committees: Active in academic governance, including curriculum and quality assurance committees. His research explores architectural techniques, liturgical objects, and the interplay between Eastern and Western artistic influences. Key projects include studies on Verona’s medieval architecture, San Zeno Basilica’s Carolingian graffiti, and Byzantine artistic heritage in Italy. Labs/Teams: Involved in research groups analyzing Gothic architecture in eastern Alpine regions and medieval sanctuaries in Veneto. Publications: Over 30 peer-reviewed articles focusing on Romanesque building practices, liturgical artifacts, and medieval burial sites.
Dr. Jan L. de Jong is a Senior Lecturer in Art History of the Early Modern Period at the University of Groningen's Faculty of Arts, specializing in Early Modern Italian art with a focus on Rome. His research explores tomb monuments, papal propaganda, antiquarianism, and travelogues, particularly the 1587–88 travelogue of Aernout van Buchel. He has held academic positions since 1987, including visiting roles at the University of Minnesota and fellowships at NIAS (Wassenaar). He earned his doctoral degree from Leiden University in 1987 with a dissertation on classical themes in Italian frescoes. His editorial roles include Editor-in-Chief of Incontri. Rivista Europea di Studi Italiani and contributions to journals like Visual Resources. Education: Leiden University (Doctorandus 1981, PhD 1987). Awards include the Jan van Gelder Prize (1987) and Onderzoeksprijs Italië Studies (2015). Research interests span classical mythology's survival in art, papal art patronage, and early modern intellectual networks. He has authored/co-edited over 150 publications, including volumes on Dutch-Italian artistic relations and Renaissance art themes. Professional service includes roles on the boards of the Netherlands Art History Institute in Florence, Royal Netherlands Institute in Rome, and Society of Dutch Art Historians (V.N.K.). His work bridges interdisciplinary studies, emphasizing art's role in cultural exchange and historical documentation.
Mareike Wagner is a researcher affiliated with the Institute for Ancient Near Eastern Studies at the University of Tübingen, Faculty of Humanities. Her work focuses on Late Period Egyptian culture, religious concepts, and funerary texts, particularly within the Theban necropolis. PhD in Egyptology (University of Tübingen, 2012) Doctoral studies at University of Bonn (2002–2008) Her research examines the intersection of religious iconography , funerary literature , and archaeological documentation , including detailed studies of sarcophagus inscriptions, coffin texts, and astronomical symbols like the h3-b3=s stars. She has contributed to projects such as the excavation of Monthemhet’s tomb (TT 34) and the analysis of Ibi’s sarcophagi in Thebes. Recent publications highlight her expertise in textual evolution from Coffin Texts to the Book of the Dead and the liturgical functions of funerary inscriptions. She collaborates with institutions like the German Archaeological Institute (DAI Kairo) and has secured funding from the DFG and Fritz-Thyssen Stiftung. 2009–2011: Promotionsstipendium (Landesgraduiertenförderung Baden-Württemberg) 2015–2018: Forschungsstipendium (Fritz-Thyssen Stiftung) Grants include multiple DFG projects (2012–2023) focused on Late Period tombs in Thebes, and she has contributed illustrations to studies on Late Egyptian religious canons.
Louise Gestermann is an Associate Professor at the University of Bonn , Egyptological Department. Her research focuses on Ancient Egyptian funerary texts , transmission of funerary traditions , and Cultural history of the Middle Kingdom . She has held visiting professorships at the University of Heidelberg, Tübingen, and Munich. Education: Studied Egyptology, Sociology, Classical Archaeology, and Near Eastern Archaeology (Mainz, Göttingen, Tübingen) MA in Göttingen (1981) PhD in Tübingen (1985): "Politics and Administration of the Middle Kingdom" Habilitation in Bonn (1997): "Late period transmission of the coffin texts" Her research includes a Fritz Thyssen Foundation -funded project (2012-2015) on tomb decoration programs in Thebes-West. She has collaborated on the Adolf Erman estate project (2002-2006) and German-Spanish-Egyptian tomb excavations (2006-2012). Recent publications analyze: Coffin Texts diachronic transmission Decorative programs in Osireion at Abydos Divine wrath/mercy in Egyptian theology Textual evolution from Pyramid Texts to Book of the Dead Narrative structures in Egyptian letters Scientific affiliations include the International Association of Egyptologists . She has co-edited critical series including Manuscripts of Ancient Egyptian Funerary Texts and Studies on Ancient Egyptian Funeral Texts .
Marwa Elkady is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of History at Seattle University within the College of Arts & Sciences. Previously, she served as Professor and Chair of the Department of Tourist Guidance at Alexandria University in Egypt and was a Fulbright Visiting Scholar at the University of Denver (2018/2019). Her expertise spans Graeco-Roman Egypt, Mediterranean antiquity, and cultural heritage conservation. She holds a PhD in Graeco-Roman Egypt’s history and archaeology from Alexandria University. Education: PhD in History & Archaeology of Graeco-Roman Egypt, Alexandria University Masters in History & Archaeology of Graeco-Roman Egypt, Alexandria University Bachelor’s Degree in History, Alexandria University Research focuses on ancient Egyptian and Graeco-Roman civilizations, including archaeology, mythologies, art, and cultural heritage management. She authored Words from Life in Ancient Egypt (2016), an educational book on hieroglyphs and ancient Egyptian culture, and contributed to open-access chapters on heritage conservation frameworks. Her publications explore topics like Nilometers in Egyptian temples, divine iconography, and cultural hybridity in religious art. She actively participates in international conferences and advises on museum studies programs.
Royal Holloway, University of LondonUnited Kingdom
Joshua Thomas is a Lecturer in the Archaeology of the Ancient Mediterranean at the Department of Classics, Royal Holloway, University of London. Previously, he held positions at the University of Oxford and Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, where he was an Alexander-von-Humboldt Research Fellow. His research focuses on ancient Mediterranean art and visual cultures, with specialties in animal representations, Hellenistic mosaics, and archaeological site analysis. Education: DPhil in Classical Archaeology, University of Oxford (2013–2016) MSt in Classical Archaeology, University of Oxford (2011–2012) BA in Classical Archaeology and Ancient History, University of Oxford (2008–2011) Research Interests: Thomas explores how artworks and monuments functioned in their original contexts. Key areas include: Animals in Art : Intersections of art and natural science in the Hellenistic world, with a focus on animal statues and their cultural significance. Aphrodisias : Sculptural analysis of the Roman-era city in Türkiye, including the Place of Palms and Tetrapylon Street excavations. Hellenistic Mosaics : Pioneering studies on mosaics like the Wrestlers Mosaic from Ptolemaic Alexandria. Metropolis Tomb Complex : Collaborative archival work on a Hellenistic tomb in Thessaly using legacy data from early 20th-century excavations. Publications and Awards: Author of Art, Science, and the Natural World in the Ancient Mediterranean (Oxford University Press, 2021). Recipient of the Alexander-von-Humboldt Research Fellowship (2020–2022). Contributor to major archaeological projects at Aphrodisias and Metropolis. Advising and Collaborations: Thomas collaborates with Prof. Maria Stamatopoulou on the Metropolis tomb project. While no formal advisees are listed, his fieldwork roles involve mentoring archaeological teams.
Dr. Alex Woods is a Lecturer in Egyptology at Macquarie University's Department of Ancient History within the Faculty of Arts. Their research focuses on ancient Egyptian art, tomb iconography, and Middle Kingdom Egypt, with notable contributions to studies of Beni Hassan necropolis and Old Kingdom marsh scenes. Woods has conducted extensive work on tomb decoration techniques, including analyses of figural proportions and hunting/fowling imagery. Teaching focuses on integrating hands-on research methods and innovative pedagogy. They have published widely on topics ranging from ancient Egyptian administrative roles to modern mental health predictors. Woods is currently on research leave (Outside Studies Program) and has undertaken fieldwork at the Sackler Library in Oxford. Their academic journey includes involvement with Macquarie University's excavations at Meir and interdisciplinary collaborations. Research interests bridge art history, archaeology, and social sciences, evidenced by works like “The” Overseer of Works in Memphis and Thebes (2023) and A Day in the Marshes (2018). Teaching practices emphasize active learning and authentic research experiences for students.
Rhenish Friedrich Wilhelm University of BonnGermany
Dr. Julio César Ruiz Rodríguez is a Research Associate in Classical Archaeology at the Institute of Archaeology and Cultural Anthropology, University of Bonn, where he leads the MSCA-IF project 'LIVING WITH ART – Domestic Decorative Sculpture in the Western Roman Empire.' His work focuses on reconstructing display practices, sociocultural dynamics, and economic processes related to domestic art in Roman provinces. Education: Ph.D. in Classical Archaeology, Autonomous University of Barcelona & Rovira i Virgili University (2022), thesis: 'Free-standing and Relief Roman Sculptures from Tarragona.' Master's in Classical Archaeology, Autonomous University of Barcelona & Rovira i Virgili University (2016), thesis: 'The Epigraphic Environment of the Colonial Forum of Tarraco during the Julio-Claudian Period.' Bachelor's in Humanities and Origin Studies, University of Castilla-La Mancha (2014), thesis: 'The Private Cult in the Roman Domestic Sphere.' His research interests span Roman sculpture, epigraphy, domestic and funerary landscapes, and cultural identity in Roman Hispania. He employs interdisciplinary methods, including archaeometry, to analyze marble provenance and statue reconstruction. His work bridges art historical analysis with socio-cultural interpretation, particularly in provincial urban centers like Tarraco (modern Tarragona). The most recent publications reflect a strong focus on Roman sculptural displays in public and domestic contexts, funerary iconography, and the material culture of religious practices. His articles frequently analyze artifacts from Tarraco, highlighting its role as a provincial capital and cultural hub. There is a clear trend toward integrating scientific analysis with traditional archaeological methods, as seen in co-authored archaeometric studies. Scientific Awards: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Individual Fellowship (MSCA-IF) for project LIVART (no. 101207732) Dr. Ruiz has advised and tutored students through distance learning programs at UNED, Madrid. Although no specific grants are listed beyond the MSCA-IF, his project is funded by a competitive European fellowship. He has not listed formal advisees, but his academic roles suggest mentorship experience. He is actively involved in collaborative research, contributing to corpora such as the Corpus Signorum Imperii Romani . He is affiliated with research teams working on the archaeological heritage of Tarragona and participates in interdisciplinary projects combining art history, archaeology, and materials science. His work at the Museu Nacional Arqueològic de Tarragona and collaborations with institutions in Spain and Germany indicate strong integration into international scholarly networks.
Professor Tuna Şare Ağtürk holds the position of Professor of Classical Art and Archaeology at Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University (Türkiye). He also serves as a Departmental Lecturer at the Ioannou Centre for Classical and Byzantine Studies, University of Oxford. His academic journey includes fellowships at Harvard University’s Radcliffe Institute (2018–2019) and the University of Oxford (2019–2021), and research positions at NYU’s Institute of Fine Arts (2013–2014). Since 2015, he has directed the Nicomedia-Çukurbağ Excavation, yielding groundbreaking discoveries of Tetrarchic-era imperial complexes. Education: BA in Archaeology and History of Art from Bilkent University (Türkiye), MA and PhD in Art History from Rutgers University (USA). His PhD dissertation explored dress and identity in Western Anatolia’s arts from the Archaic to Roman periods. Research focuses on ancient Greek/Roman art and archaeology in Asia Minor, especially cross-cultural interactions, imperial iconography, and material hybridity. Key themes include Tetrarchic imagery, ancient polychromy, and Anatolian cultural identity. His excavations at Nicomedia revealed a major imperial complex with preserved marble friezes and statues from Diocletian’s era. Publications span monographs (e.g., the award-winning 2021 book on Nicomedia’s painted reliefs) and peer-reviewed articles on topics like Etruscan-Anatolian fashion links, archaeological fingerprint analysis, and Lycian tomb reliefs. His work bridges material culture analysis with broader cultural and political narratives. Recipient of the 2023 AIA James R. Wiseman Book Award for his monograph on Nicomedia’s reliefs. Active in archaeological preservation and has pioneered forensic approaches to studying ancient artifacts. Leads international teams in fieldwork, conservation, and interdisciplinary research projects.
The Courtauld Institute of Art, University of LondonUnited Kingdom
Reza Daftarian is a PhD Researcher and Associate Lecturer at The Courtauld Institute of Art, London. His research focuses on the sensory and socio-historical dimensions of ayeneh-kari (mirror-work) in Iranian palaces and shrines from 1612–1919, supervised by Dr. Sussan Babaie. He holds an MSc from MIT’s Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture and a BA from Bard College. Education: PhD candidate at The Courtauld (2022–), MSc from MIT (2019–2021), BA from Bard College (2015–2018), Certificate from Bard College Berlin (2016–2017) His research interests include early modern Islamic urbanism, Shi’i shrine culture, and phenomenological approaches to art. He has curated exhibitions at the High Museum of Art and served as a research assistant at MIT. His awards include the CHASE Fellowship and MIT’s Thesis Prize. Key Research Themes: Mirror-work aesthetics, sensory experience in sacred spaces, Safavid to Qajar architectural transitions, Islamic material culture.
/0x62:1600x1938/prod01/channel_34/media/seattle-university/directory/faculty-amp-staff-directory/images/artsci/MarwaElkady_yk_CAS_005-c4X5-mw.jpg)
