Professor Dr. Jessie Degrado

Biography

Jessie DeGrado is an Assistant Professor specializing in Ancient Middle East Studies. Her work examines the intersection of gender, empire, and religion in ancient societies, particularly focusing on postcolonial theory to explore the dynamics of the Neo-Assyrian empire and its client states. DeGrado's research engages deeply with the Hebrew Bible, analyzing textual representations and their implications within a modern context. Recently, she has published analyses of Assyrian art and co-authored studies exploring ancient Mesopotamian folklore. Her current project involves a book titled 'Authors of Empire: Assyria, Judah, and the Dynamics of Imperial Exchange,' investigating how ancient texts create a unique lens on cultural exchange and the challenges posed by transhistorical reception of these narratives. She also teaches courses on Ancient Middle Eastern history, archaeology, and the Hebrew Bible, creating a dialogue between past and contemporary issues of gender and authority in religion.

Research Interests