PhD Graduation Cohort 2024
HEIs: University of St Andrews & University of Edinburgh
Funding: AHRC DTP
Project Title: Faith and Feminism: Mysticism, Theology and the Bible in the Works of Moderata Fonte and Lucrezia Marinella
Supervisors: Dr Claudia Rossignoli & Professor Stephen Bowd
What was your research about?
The Venetian writers Moderata Fonte (1555-1592) and Lucrezia Marinella (c.1571/79-1653) fiercely contested the belief in woman’s place at the bottom of a divinely ordained gender hierarchy. Analysing the relationship between faith and feminism in their works, I explored each author’s dialogue with both the querelle des femmes (the early modern debate on woman’s status and nature) and the sacred sphere broadly construed, illuminating their engagement with the Bible, theology, and a female genealogy of martyrs, mystics, and foundresses of religious orders.
What made you apply for the SGSAH AHRC DTP?
I have always known that I wanted to dedicate my life to working with books. At the start of my BA degree, I discovered that such a career was possible – that I could read, write, and think critically about literature – and from that moment, I knew I wanted to pursue a PhD. My interest in Moderata Fonte and Lucrezia Marinella stems from my experience growing up in Italy, where women writers and the history of feminism were largely absent from educational settings. Although I was drawn to these topics, I explored them independently, without any formal guidance. Paradoxically, it was only while studying in Scotland that I first encountered these early modern pioneers of what we now call feminism and became aware of the lively scholarship surrounding them. It was then that I decided to contribute to shedding light on their work, as I believe that achieving gender equality requires recovering women’s voices and making the long history of resistance to patriarchy more widely known.
Which aspects of your PhD did you enjoy the most?
I cherished the privilege of having the time to read, think, write, and explore multiple lines of research (some unrelated to my PhD). Some of the most exciting moments happened in Italian libraries, particularly when I uncovered overlooked works and unexpected materials that added new dimensions to my study. Bringing the writings and ideas of early modern women to new audiences and readers was immensely rewarding.
How has your PhD helped you to decide on a career path?
My PhD has been essential in shaping the next stage of my career, equipping me with the skills and knowledge needed to further explore early modern feminist thought and, more broadly, women’s contributions to philosophy in seventeenth-century Italy.
And now?
I am currently working as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow on the wonderful project ‘Cultures of Philosophy: Women Writing Knowledge in Early Modern Europe’ at the University of Exeter.
One piece of advice you would give an incoming PhD researcher?
The doctoral journey offers an extraordinary degree of freedom and independence. My advice is to fully embrace this and take a proactive approach. Say yes to opportunities. Follow your questions wherever they lead, even if they take you down seemingly unrelated paths. If your objective is to pursue a career in higher education, seize every chance to engage with all aspects of academic life – not just your thesis, but also explore other forms of writing (articles, book reviews and beyond), attend conferences, teach, engage in outreach and impact projects. If you wish to have a chat about the highs and lows of the PhD experience, please send me an email!
CONNECT WITH CARLOTTA (she/her)
Email: Carlotta Moro