Seth Marshall

Can you tell us about your research focus or interests?

Japanese and Pacific Histories and Cultures

As a 2024 EASC Graduate Fellowship awardee, you were able to go to Japan and engage with the local rock-climbing communities. Could you tell us about your experience and how it supported your research?

My experience was life-changing. Since it was my first time traveling to Japan, I was able to fully immerse myself and visit the country that I’ve spent years researching and focusing on for the first time. I was also able to combine my academic and non-academic passions in a way that makes my project and research unique and close to me. Meeting climbers from all over the world while in Japan was amazing, but getting to interview Japanese rock climbers and gym owners was the most special part of my trip.

Do you have any advice for incoming students?

Take time to actually get to know your professors, and make your thesis something you’re interested in beyond academics. The more invested you are in the topic, the more interesting the project will be for you to work on.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation, I’m going to take time off of school to get married and support my fiance as they go through their own graduate program.