Twelve members of Washington University in St. Louis’ John and Penelope Biggs Department of Classics attended the 2025 Annual Meeting of the Classical Association of the Middle West and South (CAMWS), held March 19-22 in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois. The conference showcased WashU’s strong presence, with faculty, graduate students, and undergraduates contributing to the scholarly dialogue.
Faculty and Students Share Research
Four members of the WashU community presented papers on a range of classical topics:
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Maria Eugenia Bonaparte Gimenez (PhD student, Classics) – “Emotion and Narrative in Sophocles’ Electra and Tyro: Compassion and the Rescue Pattern.”
Maria Eugenia Bonaparte Gimenez -
Davis Holden (MA student, Classics) – “Homo Sacer: Tabooed Exile or Human Sacrifice.”
Davis Holden -
Claire E. Lyman (PhD student, Art History & Archaeology) – “Scaenae Frons: The Roman House as Stage.”
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Tim Moore (John and Penelope Biggs Distinguished Professor of Classics) – “Why We Shouldn’t Use the F Word: Two Case Studies in What it Means that the aulos/tibia is Not a Flute.”
In addition to the paper presentations, Vedul Palavajjhala (undergraduate major, Classics) presented a poster entitled “A Statistical Exploration of Tacitus and his Relationship to Livy.”
Recognition and Leadership
WashU faculty were also highlighted in special moments at the conference. Tom Keeline (Associate Professor of Classics) delivered three speeches in Latin, demonstrating both linguistic mastery and his dedication to the classical tradition.
Student Travel Awards
Four students from the Biggs Department of Classics received travel grants from CAMWS, highlighting their commitment to advancing their studies:
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Vedul Palavajjhala (undergraduate major)
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Bayla Kamens (PhD student)
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María Eugenia Bonaparte Gimenez (PhD student)
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Sarah Mason (MA student)
The John and Penelope Biggs Department of Classics’ strong showing at CAMWS 2025 underscores its dedication to advancing classical scholarship and supporting the next generation of scholars.
