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Triple major latest Wildcat named Luce Scholar for internship in Asia

The Office of Fellowships is thrilled to announce that Gavin Brehm (BSOM '20) has been chosen for the 2020–2021 cohort of Luce Scholars! Next year, Gavin will travel to Japan for a full-time internship!

Hailing from Minneapolis, where he spent his childhood exploring the lakes and forests of central Minnesota, Gavin has pursued an interdisciplinary path at Northwestern, triple majoring in music performance, cognitive Gavin Brehmneuroscience, and human-centered product design and development. As a member of the Multisensory Lab, Gavin focuses on audio-tactile perception and works to apply generative artificial intelligence and emerging manufacturing technologies to traditional musical instrument design, a project that dates back to high school, when Gavin founded a company to build custom brass instrument components for local musicians. Outside of his endeavors on campus, Gavin has worked with Steven Haulenbeek Studio, Impossible Objects, and Conn-Selmer Music.

In addition to his efforts in design and research, Gavin maintains an active performing schedule as a trumpet player in the Chicago area. Often using performances as a testing ground for his instrument designs, Gavin can be heard and seen in works ranging from film scores to musical theatre. His recent performances include Guys and Dolls, A Chorus Line, Ein Heldenleben, and The Pines of Rome. In his free time, Gavin indulges in his love of cooking and fermenting, which inspires him to attempt brewing anything and everything for his friends and family.

Luce Foundation logoGavin is the 20th Northwestern student to win the Luce Scholarship, a nationally competitive fellowship program created by the Henry Luce Foundation in 1974 to enhance understanding of Asia among potential leaders in American society. Luce Scholars are provided stipends, language training, and individualized professional placement in Asia.

Two years ago, Rachel Stamler-Jonas (SOC '18) was placed in Bangkok, Thailand. In 2017, Christina Cilento (SESP '17) worked in Vientiane, Laos, and in 2016, Jessie Moravek (WCAS '16) traveled to Gatlang, Nepal.

Contact Amy Kehoe at amy.kehoe@northwestern.edu to learn more about the Luce Scholars program.