I was Assistant Professor and Postdoctoral Fellow at the Centre for Urban Network Evolutions between 2018 and 2021. During my stay at UrbNet, I explored the evolution of urban networks and exchange in the Black Sea region between late antiquity and the early medieval period. I also conducted archive archaeology research at Münster in collaboration with former UrbNet Assistant Professor Dr Michael Blömer and investigated ancient economic circularity at the fringe of the Roman Empire in Syria. In January 2022, I was appointed tenure-track Assistant Professor at the Università degli Studi di Milano, where I now teach Christian and Medieval Archaeology.

My employment at UrbNet has fundamentally changed the way I approach the study of ancient societies. UrbNet was a fertile ground for some of the exciting and innovative research themes that I am now exploring in my new job in Milan, including urban networks and economic circularity. The high-definition and interdisciplinary approach of UrbNet is now at the very core of my studies. Besides research, the many events devoted to professional development at Aarhus have contributed considerably to shaping my current teaching philosophy, which values students’ active participation and technology-enhanced learning. The experience gained at UrbNet has allowed me to tackle with confidence my new teaching obligations and has made me capable of delivering lectures effectively and in a diverse array of situations (from seminars with one or two students to frontal lectures in large lecture theatres).

My stay at UrbNet was guided by incredibly supportive and knowledgeable management and administration, who always did their very best to help me pursue my research objectives. At UrbNet, I also benefited from a collegial and friendly academic environment, which not only has made my time at Aarhus pleasant and enjoyable but has also practically supported me in times of need, therefore giving me the necessary peace of mind to conduct my research and grow professionally. In addition, the numerous opportunities offered by this centre of excellence to promote my projects and exchange ideas with colleagues worldwide have contributed dramatically to expanding my professional network and increasing the visibility of my research in other academic environments. Looking back at 2018–2021, I believe that those were truly formative years for me and have greatly shaped the way I now conduct my research and teach in my new position.