Debra Trusty

Dr. Debra Trusty is an Associate Professor in the Department of Classics at the University of Iowa, where she has been teaching since 2017. She is affiliated with the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and has served as the Director of Undergraduate Studies for the Classics Department from 2019 to 2022. Her work bridges academic scholarship and public engagement, particularly through digital platforms like Twitch.

Education:

• B.A. in Archaeology, University of Evansville
• M.A. in Classics, Florida State University
• Ph.D. in Classics, Florida State University

Dr. Trusty's research focuses on innovative approaches to teaching Classics, with a strong emphasis on how ancient Greek and Roman cultures are received and reinterpreted in modern media such as video games, board games, fiction, comics, and film. She also conducts specialized archaeological research on Bronze Age Greece, particularly Mycenaean ceramics and their role in political economy. Her interdisciplinary interests include ancient foodways, craft technologies, and material culture analysis.

Although no recent publications are listed in the provided text, her scholarly trajectory centers on pedagogy and material culture studies, with fieldwork experience in Greece through excavations at Mycenae and Korfos. Her research is informed by both hands-on archaeological practice and theoretical frameworks in cultural transmission.

Scientific Awards:

• National Science Foundation Dissertation Improvement Grant

Dr. Trusty has been deeply involved in mentoring undergraduate students, curriculum development, and experiential learning. She led a study abroad program to Athens and teaches a wide array of courses ranging from Classical mythology and literature to Greek archaeology and ancient languages. She has received grant funding for her dissertation research, demonstrating her ability to secure competitive academic support. Her advising efforts are closely tied to undergraduate education and student engagement in Classics.

She is actively involved in outreach, maintaining a presence on Twitch (@doctordebitage) to connect with broader audiences interested in archaeology and ancient history. Her work exemplifies a commitment to making Classics accessible and relevant in contemporary contexts.