Tori Lee

My interest in the ancient world centers around the tradition of ancient literature and its reception in contemporary society–that is, what and how did ancient Greeks and Romans read and write, and how does that influence what and how we read and write today? Although my research questions are rooted in Latin poetry, they range from questions of translation–can you give a new voice to the words of Catullus even if you don’t know Latin?--to obscenity–what is taboo for us now but wasn’t for the ancient Romans, and vice versa?--to reception–how does Dark Academia affect how we think about the ancient world? 

My current book project uses an ecofeminist lens to explore violence in ancient Greek and Latin pastoral literature, looking at how women, animals, and nature are all subjugated in order to create and maintain “paradise.” I am involved in a number of organizations aimed at expanding access to and community in the study of global ancient civilizations. As Assistant Editor of the Society for Classical Studies blog, and formerly for Eidolon Journal, I promote writing about the ancient world for a broad audience both within and outside of academia. As a leader of the Asian and Asian American Classical Caucus, I work to maintain a community of classicists who identify as Asian or Asian American, as well as those whose research extends beyond the Mediterranean into ancient and/or modern Asia. As Secretary of CripAntiquity, I aim to make the field more welcoming for classicists who are disabled, chronically ill, or neurodivergent. 

Outside of work, I enjoy crossword puzzles, dance fitness classes, and food documentaries. I’m also an avid fan of the New York Mets and Duke basketball.