Maria Koutsouris

Maria Koutsouris is a fifth-year Ph.D. Candidate in Medieval and Early Modern History at Boston University. Her dissertation focuses on Marsilio Ficino’s esoteric experiences of divine Eros and the connection between these experiences with the larger platonic corpus. Furthermore, she explores how Ficino’s platonic thought shaped his life, writings, and public role as a healer and philosopher. Examining how Ficino embodied his philosophy for the betterment of himself and his community, Koutsouris emphasizes the continued importance of Ficino’s work in our modern day.

Koutsouris received her BA in History and German from the University of Vermont and an MA in Theological Studies from Boston College. Her broader research interests include the history of magic and esotericism, Platonic and Neoplatonic thought, and the study of ritual practice including its textual, material, and performative elements. 

As an educator, Koutsouris is passionate about student-centered learning. She draws inspiration from Plato’s dialectical methods to create engaging, participatory classroom environments. She is proud to have helped establish and teach an interdisciplinary class on Game of Thrones that explored medievalism in popular culture, showcasing her ability to connect historical scholarship with contemporary media. Koutsouris has also received recognition for her teaching excellence, earning an award for her innovative and inclusive methodology.