Student Spotlight: Ellie Churchill

Photo Credit: Ellie Churchill
by Nichole Brady Wed, 04/22/2020 - 09:34

Major(s): History, Classics and Religious Studies
Year in School: Junior
Hometown: Lincoln, NE

Why did you choose Classics?
I've always loved history and learning about it, and during my senior year of high school, I was thinking about committing to studying it for university. It's my passion, and I have a particular interest in the Ancient Greek and Roman world, and I was convinced when I did a research paper on an Ancient Roman topic-- I haven't looked back since! (Well, except metaphorically, since I look at things back in time).

What is your favorite Classics course?
One of my favorite courses was "Classical Roots of English Literature," co-taught by Dr. Lippman and Dr. Loar in the Classics department. We read several ancient texts such as Homer's Iliad and Odyssey and Vergil's Aeneid and discussed how works like these survived 2000+ years and went on to influence western literature.

Who have been some of your strongest mentors or role models here?
I've been extremely fortunate to have several mentors here at UNL. Dr. Gorman and Dr. Tschetter of the History department have been some of the most supportive, helpful, and caring professors, and have helped me decide what I want to do and have stood with me when I've needed support. Additionally, Dr. Lippman in Classics has given me many opportunities outside of the classroom and has been a good mentor for my extra-curricular activities.

Do you have any research experience?
 I was part of a UCARE project this past summer about the performance of the classical Greek play Antigone, and we visited the Archive of Performances of Greek and Roman Drama at Oxford University to collect data and start creating a multimedia e-book about the history of this play. Additionally, this year I am organizing the Classics department's third-annual Homerathon as my UCARE project, where we will be reading and performing Homer's Iliad all day, from start to finish.

Do you have work or internship experience?
I work at Morrill Hall on campus, and I've had to talk to many people and learn how to present ideas through my various programs and activities, which has actually helped me when I engage with visitors at my job.

Have you studied abroad?
I went to Oxford, England over the summer as part of my UCARE program, and it was an incredible experience. I was part of a group of students that worked in an archive to collect data, and after we were done for the day, we could explore the town! It was a tremendous trip with a lot of experience, and I'd love to return.

What are you involved in on campus?
I'm very involved with the student Classics Club, as well as my UCARE project.