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Department of History

Department Spotlight

Meet Our Graduate Assistants

The History Department occasionally showcases some of their faculty, staff, or teaching assistants. Currently, there are five graduate assistants that the department would like to recognize:

  • Headshot of Trevor Shields

    Trevor Shields

    Hometown: Pekin, Illinois

    Where do you see yourself in 5 years?: In five years I will hopefully be teaching middle or high school social science, or going towards earning my Ph.D. in History in order to work in a university.

    Favorite period in history: Civil War Era to the Civil Rights Era

    Favorite historical figure: Abraham Lincoln

    What do you like about being a GA: My favorite aspect of being a GA is that it allows me to work with the next wave of history-social science teachers.

    What advice would you give to undergraduates: Start off on the right foot. In other words, if you want to graduate with a good GPA at the end of your college years make sure you don't slack at the beginning. It's really difficult to recover from a poor semester or two.

  • Headshot of Erin Barr

    Erin Barr

    Hometown: Buffalo, New York

    Where do you see yourself in 5 years?: In the middle of completing my PhD. in History and hopefully living in or around Boston.

    Favorite period in history: American Civil War

    Favorite historical figure: Benjamin Franklin

    What do you like about being a GA: The chance to connect with students and really see their improvement throughout the semester. I also like the sense of comradery with other GAs.

    What advice would you give to undergraduates: When you do something, in or out of school, go all out and put in your full effort or don't do it at all. You are worth the full 100%.

  • Headshot of Rachel Lawrence

    Rachel Lawrence

    Hometown: Bartonville, IL

    Where do you see yourself in 5 years?: I hope to be working toward my doctorate but I may also seek a position in a museum.

    Favorite period in history: Roman Empire and medieval period, especially Eastern Europe

    Favorite historical figure: Emperor Vespasian, Stefan the Great, and Vlad Dracula

    What do you like about being a GA: I like giving undergraduates someone else to ask for advice, just in case they need another opinion. If I change their views on history and they realize history is not dull, I consider it a job well done.

    What advice would you give to undergraduates: Study hard but make time for yourself, too. You do not want to burn out too soon. Get involved and make a difference. Study abroad, if you can, and do what interests you. Importantly, do not just read: learn!

  • Headshot of Mark Stephen Adams II

    Mark Stephen Adams II

    Hometown: Easton, Pennsylvania

    Where do you see yourself in 5 years?: Working on my Doctorate somewhere in the Midwest

    Favorite period in history: The Early 1960′s

    Favorite historical figure: Martin Luther King Jr.

    What do you like about being a GA: I really enjoy getting to know the awesome faculty here at ISU, who have made me feel welcome. I also greatly appreciate the experience of working in the college classroom, which will surely benefit me later down the road.

    What advice would you give to undergraduates: Balance is key to a fruitful and positive collegiate journey, especially at the Undergrad level. Definitely make sure you organize a schedule to ensure you have designated times to study, as well as times to socialize and enjoy yourself.

  • Headshot of Matt Caputo

    Matt Caputo

    Hometown: Tinley Park, IL

    Where do you see yourself in 5 years?: Seek a PhD or join a Non-Profit Organization

    Favorite period in history: Cold War, Contemporary

    Favorite historical figure: Che Guevara, Jimmy Carter

    What do you like about being a GA: I love being around others that share the same passions as me. I thoroughly enjoy the social and intellectual connections I have made with both students and staff. Being a GA has also been crucial in my development as a scholar and an educator.

    What advice would you give to undergraduates: Choose to study what you are passionate about. My least favorite phrase when talking about a career choice is “It’s good money.” Life is not about the accumulation of wealth. Do what makes you happy and in the end you will have lived a fulfilling life.