In a quiet office at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska, Michele Curran Cornell spends her weekdays immersed in history — not the kind found in textbooks, but the kind that impacts families and honors those who gave everything for our country. As a historian at the Department of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), Cornell is on a mission to identify fallen heroes, providing answers to families who have waited generations for answers.
Cornell’s path to this vital work began at Kent State University, where she honed the skills that would ultimately lead to her meaningful career. From her undergraduate years, to earning a Ph.D. in history, Cornell’s journey is a testament to the power of mentorship, the support of a dedicated academic community and a deep, personal commitment to honoring the sacrifices of U.S. service members.