Brasin Benjamin, a first-generation Marshallese student at Eastern Washington University (EWU), has been accepted to the University of Washington’s highly regarded Master of Arts in International Studies program. As a McNair Scholar majoring in International Affairs, with minors in Communication Studies and Sociology, Brasin’s academic journey is defined by leadership, service, and a passion for advancing global equity.
Throughout his undergraduate years at EWU, Brasin distinguished himself as President of the Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander Club and as a member of the College Success Foundation. His role as a Community Advisor in Housing Residential Life showcased his dedication to supporting students from all backgrounds, demonstrating exceptional cross-cultural communication and leadership skills.
Brasin’s research, mentored by Dr. Kristin Edquist, centers on the legacy of U.S. nuclear testing in the Marshall Islands. His project, “The Legacy of US Nuclear Testing on the Marshall Islands: Environmental & Political Impacts,” employs qualitative comparative case study methods to investigate the long-term effects of nuclear colonialism on Marshallese communities. Integrating indigenous knowledge, environmental justice, and post-colonial theory, his work emphasizes the resilience and agency of the Marshallese people through activism, legal advocacy, and cultural preservation.
Brasin’s acceptance to the University of Washington’s International Studies MA Program marks an important step toward his goals of advancing a career in diplomacy, international policy, and research on global security and environmental sustainability. He remains steadfast in his commitment to advocating for communities affected by climate change and nuclear policies, aiming to contribute to scholarship and policy that foster justice, resilience, and international collaboration.
For more information visit: https://inside.ewu.edu/mcnair/brasin-benjamin/
