Brent Horning

Name: Brent Horning

College: College 9

Department: Anthropology

What Award/ Scholarship did you receive? The Jeremy Demian Marx Award for Cultural Anthropology, and a Deans award for undergraduate thesis research

What year do you expect to graduate? Spring 2023

Where do you call home? Solvang, in Santa Barbara county

With all of the choices for college, what made UC Santa Cruz stand out? The tranquility of the redwood forest was a no-brainer for me, there’s nowhere else quite like it. I also appreciate the diversity, quirkiness, and history of feminism and activism.

What is your field of focus? Cultural anthropology with a regional focus on India.

What do you hope to do once you graduate from UC Santa Cruz? This August I’ll return to India to work with UCSC Professor Pandey and attend some anthropology conferences, and continue my own research. I hope to start a combined Masters/Ph.D. program in Ethnomusicology or Anthropology next Fall.

What is one memorable moment that stands out for you as a student here? One warm summer full moon night, I was chatting with a friend in a grove of trees near McHenry library. Suddenly we heard two coyotes barking and fighting, really close by. We stayed still and waited for a while as they continued the showdown. It sounded so close and loud! Eventually, someone scared them away with their car headlights. It was exhilarating to feel so close to the rawness of nature under the full moon.

What is your one piece of advice for incoming students about life at UC Santa Cruz? If you’re not already a nature lover, consider becoming one! I don’t think there are any other campuses with as much natural beauty as we have here. Take breaks from your phone to gaze at the sky, trees, and wildlife.

How will this scholarship impact your academic life /research? This award will enhance my academic record, which will help me get accepted to competitive graduate programs. Also, I plan to publish some iterations of my thesis research. As a new scholar, any recognition could help the publishing process.