David Lunt
Ph.D. Candidate in CAMS (Greece)
As a Ph.D. candidate studying ancient history, Penn State has offered me many resources and opportunities to facilitate my study of the ancient Mediterranean world. The ease with which I can learn from and work with scholars in multiple departments is one of the strongest characteristics of this program. When I was investigating graduate schools, I inquired about the possibilities of working with relevant faculty in other departments. Most schools considered this impossible. Only Penn State's History Department encouraged me to work with scholars from History, CAMS, and other departments. I am fortunate to have members of the History, CAMS, and Kinesiology departments on my committee as I prepare my dissertation on athletics and heroes in ancient Greece.
I am especially grateful for the continuous guidance I receive from my adviser, Professor Mark Munn. In close collaboration with the members of my committee and other faculty, he has helped me map out a comprehensive course of study uniquely tailored to my needs. This course of study has included many exciting and rewarding experiences, such as a summer session at the American School of Classical Studies at Athens and a year as a Research Assistant in Penn State's Pattee Library working with Classical texts. Dr. Munn and the other faculty of History and CAMS consistently provide both personal and professional support as I gain experience conducting research, teaching courses, and writing and presenting papers in professional contexts. In short, in addition to providing a rich education in history, the faculty of History and CAMS has trained me to research, write, and teach as I prepare to enter the historical profession.
Penn State's Graduate Program in History combines first-rate facilities with first-rate people. In addition to an excellent library, numerous opportunities to travel and research abroad, lecture series featuring current research, and stimulating seminars, the program's most valuable resource is its people - the students, faculty, and support staff - who make this program so rich and rewarding.