This summer, Professor Cathy Keane traveled to Coimbra, Portugal, with support from the Penelope Biggs Travel Award to participate in the Celtic Classics Conference—an international gathering of approximately 600 scholars. The conference, known for its intimate and focused multi-day panels, provided Professor Keane with a unique opportunity to engage deeply with fellow researchers specializing in Roman satire.
During the conference, Professor Keane presented her latest research in a paper titled “Epigram’s Unfinished Business in Juvenal Satire 4,” which explores Juvenal’s adaptations of Martial’s Epigrams. Her panel included scholars from over half a dozen countries, fostering rich discussions and new collaborations.
Beyond the academic exchange, Professor Keane enjoyed her first visit to Portugal. She found Coimbra—a historic town nestled along the Mondego River—both charming and accessible. The city’s university, prominently situated atop a steep hill, offered daily exercise and a vivid presence of Classics throughout its campus. Between sessions, she explored the university’s botanical garden and observed local birdlife, adding a peaceful dimension to her scholarly journey.
The conference concluded with a celebratory dinner at a local winery, attended by hundreds of participants. Reflecting on the experience, Professor Keane described the trip as “splendid” and expressed hope to return when the conference reconvenes in Coimbra in two years.
The Department of Classics congratulates Professor Keane on her successful presentation and thanks the Penelope Biggs Travel Award for making this enriching experience possible.
