Iowa State University Department of History

Cyclones: Where Are They Now?

Today we are spotlighting Melissa Cinca (’19, History & French).

Currently, Melissa is a middle school social studies teacher and uses her “love and passion for history to teach the future generations about our own country from more than just a textbook.”

Beyond the classroom, Melissa is involved in the school community through the student government club and co-leading the annual 8th-grade trip to DC. She is also the head coach of the volleyball team.  

Melissa’s favorite history classes at ISU would be Sports History and History of the Civil War. She encourages current and incoming students to “take the history classes that you wouldn’t think you are really into learning. It’ll help in the future by expanding your knowledge and getting comfortable with the professors. The department is such a small group of amazing staff. Get to know your other history students, as many will be in the same classes the entirety of school.”

The Iowa State University History Department is proud of you, Melissa!

In early May, Dr. Stacy Cordery took her Gilded Age class to visit the Farm House Museum. They studied how middle-class Americans might have lived here in Iowa. As a bonus, alumna and curator Allison Sheridan taught the class how to make a cyanotype, a decorative art popular among Gilded Age women and used in scientific investigations.

On June 10th, Dr. Jeff Bremer gave the opening talk at the State Historical Society of Iowa “Iowa History Institute”. The SHSI holds an annual teacher training, and each year covers one section of the book. In 2027, the portion covered will be 1870-1929.

If you are interested please visit, history.iowa.gov/events/iowa-history-institute-part-i-iowa-civil-war

Once again, a huge thank you to outgoing Chair of the History Department, Dr. Simon Cordery, who has spent the last decade tirelessly herding the cats, putting out the fires, and forging new paths for the department And once again, a huge welcome to Dr. David Hollander, the department's incoming Chair, who will (no doubt) do a wonderful job balancing the needs of faculty and students.

It’s Fun Fact Friday!

Did you know that Morrill Hall, a staple on Iowa State’s campus, used to house the library on campus, along with a museum and a chapel?

Cyclones: Where Are They Now?

Today we’re spotlighting Nathan Pattee (BS ’18, History & Anthropology).

Nathan’s favorite memory at ISU was his study abroad trip to Italy led by Dr. Hollander. He “...was able to not only travel internationally for the first time, but also experience an amazing array of museums, historic sites, and guided tours.”

His inspiration for his career as an interpretive park ranger was his environmental history class taught by Dr. Courtwright, which helped lay the foundation for ranger-led programs!

Currently, Nathan works for the National Park Service, where he is a ranger at Big Thicket National Preserve in Southeast Texas.

The Iowa State University History Department is proud of you, Nathan!!

It’s Fun Fact Friday: This Day in History Edition!

57 years ago, on July 24th, 1969, the Apollo 11 spacecraft safely returned to Earth. The first three astronauts to set foot on the moon were Neil Armstrong, Edwin Aldrin Jr, and Michael Collins. This mission was a breakthrough in space exploration!

For more information, visit our linktree in bio.

For Carter Wolbers (‘26 history), what began as a resume-building opportunity evolved into a chance to deepen his passion for history through involvement with the Ames Historical Society.

“There’s so much history in this small town that people don’t realize,” said Wolbers. 📚

Continue reading about Wolbers’ experience here: https://news.las.iastate.edu/2026/06/30/from-curiosity-to-connection/

Cyclones: Where Are They Now?

Today we’re spotlighting Dr. Matt Walsh (PhD ’15, History).

His article, “A Symbol of Hope: Robert Ray Welcomes Southeast Asian Refugees” (published in the Iowa History Journal), was just awarded the 2026 George Mills & Louise Noun Popular History Award by the State Historical Society of Iowa Board of Trustees.

This honor recognizes the year’s most significant popular history article on an Iowa topic. It celebrates the legacy of reporter and popular historian George Mills and women’s historian and philanthropist Louise Noun. This is Matt’s third time receiving an award from the Historical Society!

Currently, Matt teaches history at DMACC, where he co-founded and directs the War and the Human Experience Speaker Series.

Congratulations, Matt!

It’s Fun Fact Friday!

Founded in 1964, Iowa 80 is the world’s largest truck stop. It is located in Walcott, IA, and even has its own museum about the history of trucking!

For more information, visit our linktree in bio.