Alessandro Sebastiani

Yesterday, at Michigan State University, Alexis Goots successfully defended her PhD dissertation on the medieval cemetery of Rusellae. As a member of her committee, I had the privilege of engaging with her research—a project I collaborated on alongside Prof. Todd Fenton.

Her dissertation presents groundbreaking and innovative data on human mobility, particularly between Late Antiquity and the central Middle Ages. Among the numerous studies on the city of Rusellae, this work stands out for its high scientific standards and the exceptional quality of its data—something rarely achieved at this site. Alexis’ ability to seamlessly integrate archaeology and anthropology is not only commendable but a true source of pride.

I extend my warmest congratulations to Alexis and wish her a brilliant future, one that matches her dedication to research and scholarship.