Kristin Buhrow (USA)

Kristin Buhrow
MPhil in Tibetan and Himalayan Studies

In my two years of study as an Ertegun Scholar, I earned the title of Master of Philosophy in Tibetan and Himalayan Studies.  With a background in Mandarin Chinese language, sociocultural anthropology, and global policy studies, my research focused on literary representations of the seventh century Chinese Princess Wencheng, wife of Tibetan King and founder of the Tibetan Empire Songtsen Gampo, and the ways in which those literary representations affect public perception of Wencheng’s role in the Chinese occupation of Tibet.  Despite the extremely niche nature of my research, Ertegun House proved to be a home filled with supportive colleagues and friends able to offer insightful discussion on any topic imaginable.  In addition to my research, while at Oxford, I was a Co-organizer of the Tibetan Graduate Students’ Seminar and a classical dancer with the Oxford South Asian Arts Society— an organization and art form which I enjoyed introducing to many of my fellow scholars.

Life After Ertegun House

Still interested in the convergence point of Asian Studies, Anthropology, and International Affairs, I am currently preparing applications for doctoral study, as well as positions which would allow me to apply my regional and linguistic knowledge within US government agencies.

My time at Oxford and my experience as an Ertegun Scholar were nothing short of gifts.  I am extremely grateful for the friendship and intellectual generosity found in of my cohort of scholars and above all to Mrs. Mica Ertegun and the board for making my study at Oxford so enriching, let alone possible.