Travelling the road to Scotland

Chloe Wortman (’27 history) began her studies at Iowa State as an open options student. Unsure of what career to pursue, she spent a semester taking a range of courses, and it was the history classes that won her over.

“I really, really enjoyed them and decided that this was what I wanted to do,” Wortman said.

The history department is dedicated to supporting its students and providing them with opportunities for research and work experience. It was one such post on the department’s Instagram page that caught Wortman’s attention — a summer research program in Scotland.

“I thought, ‘Oh, that looks really fun,’” Wortman said.

Summer in Glasgow

For six weeks in the summer of 2025, Wortman participated in the International Summer School Program at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. While there, she researched and wrote a paper on the morality of fairies within the confessions of accused witches.

“Through the research program, I was able to use resources in the University of Glasgow library and archives, as well as the Scottish witchcraft database to look at and touch real witchcraft pamphlets from that time,” Wortman said. “It was so interesting to be able to see a witchcraft pamphlet firsthand, although the old English and Scottish took some decoding, which added to the mystery and fun of it.”

Wortman’s advice to anyone considering a trip like this is to always do it. She said you’ll meet lifelong friends, see places you may never see again, and experience new adventures. It was an experience she will never forget.

“It was the most fun I have ever had,” Wortman said.

Community in history

Wortman is grateful to the history department for giving her a chance to explore a unique research opportunity. She also appreciates how the history faculty members help open doors to new experiences and create a sense of community for their students. In addition, Wortman is grateful for the personal support she’s received from the faculty, from answering questions, to writing letters of recommendation, to pushing her to be a better student.

“You’re going to have people that you can rely on,” Wortman said. “The faculty will be there to support you.”