PhD in Classical Studies
About
Originally from Jonesville, Virginia, Brittany completed a distinguished BA in religious studies at the University of Virginia in 2014. She then spent several years working various jobs as she gradually fulfilled the prerequisites for a classics graduate program. Guided by extensive training in linguistics as well as graduate certificates in both cognitive science and performance studies, Brittany’s primary research focuses on Greek sound change and oral poetry. Her dissertation specifically examines quantitative metathesis both linguistically and in the composition-in-performance of Greek epic. She is currently exploring a genre-specific “epic accent” as a research fellow with UM’s Center for World Performance Studies. Brittany also prioritizes the theory and practice of pedagogy, on account of which she received the Outstanding Graduate Student Instructor Award in 2025. She tutors and mentors graduate students in the Department of Classical Studies and holds advocacy roles for both graduate students and environmental sustainability. Outside of her academic work, Brittany enjoys playing tennis, studying various types of dance, learning new-to-her musical instruments, and hiking with her dog and best friend, Rigby.
