Steven Martin Archives - Steven A. Martin

Mount Everest Photo Tibet 西藏

The trip began inauspiciously. As mandated by the Chinese visa restrictions in Beijing, I had booked through the China International Travel Service, CITS, for the hire of a Toyota Land Cruiser and local driver for two weeks, as well as a national guide and an international guide – not a cheap excursion by any means. I had paid in advance for what I hoped would be a relatively new model vehicle to get us over the mountains and difficult terrain ahead. What actually appeared outside the CITS office in Lhasa that morning was an ancient, battered truck with bald tires, stinking of fuel from what was clearly a leaking tank. The less said about the social skills of the Chinese driver, the better.

Within ten minutes of sitting in the fume-filled truck, I was physically sick. I made the decision that there was no way I was going to spend two weeks like this, and insisted that the driver turn around and head back to the CITS.

Smiling, but unyielding, I explained quietly and politely to a series of CITS officials that the truck was unsafe, and unlikely to get us to Everest.

After several hours of this, I was very relieved to see the arrival of Mr Quan, a distinguished-looking driver in a beautiful late-model Toyota Land Cruiser. We were back on the road.

With Mr. Quan at the wheel, we crossed though expansive valleys with fields of yellow rapeseed flowers and visited small traditional Tibetan villages. We cautiously drove up steep, dangerous switchback roads to high-mountain passes, some at 16,000 feet or more.

At each pass, we stopped to check the vehicle, especially the brakes, before descending to the next valley. I followed local tradition by tying prayer flags to shrines to thank the spirits for our safe passage, and send peaceful mantras in the wind.

South from the Rongbuck Monastery, across a glacial valley of naturally-crushed grey rock, I hiked to nearly 18,000 feet and stood at the foot of Everest. The north face of the mountain towered nearly 10,000 feet above.

The air was thin and the wind reddened my skin. I set up the camera and took pictures, in color slides and black and white prints, but Everest had a mind of its own.

As quickly as the summit appeared through the rapidly moving clouds, it was gone from sight. I had seen just enough to know it was there; but for several hours, until nearly dark, I saw only grey clouds breaking across the summit.

It was getting dark and dangerously late to return to camp, and I scrabbled down the glacier feeling somewhat defeated, reflecting on the stories I'd read of climbers who spent years planning and training, only to fail in their bid for the summit.

The truck started, and we drove away in the darkness with the mountain at our back. As I was reaching for something behind me, I caught from the corner of my eye the sight of a sudden change of wind. In seconds, the east wind whipped away the covering clouds from the mountain, revealing the full magnificence of Everest in crystal clarity.

Qomolangma, the legendary goddess of the mountain, was miraculously lifting her veil.

"Stop!" I told Mr. Quan. "Wait!"

I gathered my gear and launched out of the truck, fumbling to get a shot before the surreal moment was gone.

I knew it was the perfect photo of the top of the world.

Distinguished Taiwan Alumni Award Nomination 2018 | Steven A. Martin, Ph.D.

Steven’s outstanding achievements following his scholarship in the Taiwan Studies program at National Chengchi University, Taiwan

Steven’s experiences studying at National Chengchi University, Taiwan inspired him to become a lifelong learner and teacher. He has documented his personal journey in the form of a series of journals, videos, and Website instruction for his students. This has now grown to include a wide range of content: StevenAndrewMartin.com

Steven has dedicated several Web pages to his scholarship in Taiwan, including unique ethnographic fieldwork with the Bunun, fortunately being present at just the right time to document a traditional ethnic Taiwanese lifestyle and culture:

StevenAndrewMartin.com /Taiwan/

StevenAndrewMartin.com /Ethnographic-Research/

Ethnographic filmmaking and participation in the film industry of Taiwan led Steven to develop 3-online multimedia and educational resource agencies and consultancies, through which he continues to encourage others to follow a path of international education and learning:

StudyAbroadJournal.com/

UniversityFilmworks.com/

EducationAbroadAsia.com/

After graduating from National Chengchi University, Taipei, with a Master of Arts degree in Taiwan Studies, Steven was offered a lecturing position in the Faculty of International Studies, Prince of Songkla University in Phuket, Thailand. At this prestigious royal university, he incorporated Taiwan Studies into the curriculum for students of Eastern Civilization and Southeast Asian Civilization courses:

StevenAndrewMartin.com /Eastern-Civilization/

StevenAndrewMartin.com /Southeast-Asian-Civilization/

While teaching in Thailand, Steven also obtained a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) in Hospitality and Tourism Management, and received a full PhD scholarship in Environmental Management through Prince of Songkla University. For his PhD, Steven developed social, economic, and environmental sustainability indicators in Southeast Asia, and interviewed many of the world’s most famous surfers and surf research scientists, incorporating their insights into what became a ground-breaking study on SRSI (Surf Resource Sustainability Index). After being awarded the 2012 Best Paper Award in Green Tourism at the Asia Pacific Tourism Association (APTA) conference in Taipei, this work became a series of five published papers in international journals and one book chapter:

StevenAndrewMartin.com /Surf-Tourism-Research/

Steven received tenure in 2013 in the Faculty of International Studies, Department of Thai and ASEAN Studies, at Prince of Songkla University, Phuket, Thailand, based on his teaching experience and publication record. He has continued to publish research in various fields, and in recognition of his ongoing work he has been officially nominated for the position of Assistant Professor in Social Sciences and Anthropology, Prince of Songkla University:

StevenAndrewMartin.com /Awards-Scholarship/

Further ethnographic research at Academia Sinica

The personal relationships Steven forged in Taiwan as an international post-graduate student made for long-term opportunities in filmmaking, publishing and scholarship. At National Chengchi University, Steven studied with world-leading researchers such as Professor David Blundell, who opened doors to indigenous communities in Southern Taiwan, especially the Bunun, whose rapidly-disappearing cultural heritage Steven documented in a series of unique films. Steven also worked with other renowned academics, including Professor Peter Bellwood (Australia National University) who he first met at Academia Sinica.

In 2014, Steven presented his research: “Contextualizing island Formosa through cultural heritage, digital mapping, and museology: A new trial for the journey home to the Bunun villages of old Laipunuk, Taiwan” at the 2014 International Conference on Formosan Indigenous peoples held at Academia Sinica, and was subsequently invited to National Chengchi University as an alumnus and guest speaker at the International Doctoral Program in Asia-Pacific Studies (IDAS).

The relationships formed in Taiwan’s research institutes led to the production of ethnographic films and research publications in peer-reviewed academic journals, and recently producing a chapter for a new publication coordinated and edited by Academia Sinica commemorating the 20th Anniversary of the Shung Ye Museum of Formosan Aborigines:

Martin, Steven Andrew, and David Blundell. 2017. “Cultural Continuum among the Bunun of Laipunuk (Nei Ben Lu), Southern Taiwan.” Religion, Law, and State: Cultural Re-invigoration in a New Age. Hsun Chang and Chih-wei Tsai, eds. Chapter 8. Taipei: Academia Sinica and Shung Ye Museum of Formosan Aborigines. Pp. 217-248. [Refereed]

More than a decade since graduating from NCCU, Steven is very active in international academic conference presenting, filmmaking, and publishing:

Stevenandrewmartin.com /Publication/

Stevenandrewmartin.com /Video-Film/

Experiences in Taiwan Studies and Steven’s development through the years

Steven has often commented that one of the most outstanding aspects of being a graduate student in Taiwan was the way in which the experience opened his heart to research and learning.

Taiwan set him on a path of lifelong learning, and he still embraces this philosophy in the Chinese context of “Huo dao lao, xie dao lao” (活到老学到老), “Live arrive old, study arrive old”, an idea which is particularly relevant to the synergy of Taiwan’s unique academic culture and Taiwanese hospitality.

Steven has always been very open to communicating and collaborating with other students and scholars across disciplines and fields of study.

Today, Steven shares the intellectual curiosity and enthusiasm gained in Taiwan with his international undergraduate and graduate students from Thailand, Southeast Asia and beyond, as well as with the global audience of his many journal articles, conference proceedings and book chapters.

Steven’s success in Thailand links well the new Taiwan southbound initiative for progressively interacting with ASEAN countries in terms of economic and cultural exchanges.

Academic Publications and proceedings in Taiwan Studies

Martin, S. A. (2006). Ethnohistorical perspectives among the Bunun: A case study of Laipunuk, Taiwan. Master’s thesis. National Cheng-Chi University, Taipei, ROC.

Martin, S. A. (2010). Laipunuk (Nei Ben Lu)—The last frontier of the Bunun during the Japanese occupation on Taiwan: Ethnographic narratives of an Isbukun elder. Scholarly presentation [PowerPoint]. 3rd Annual PSU Phuket Conference: Multidisciplinary Studies on Sustainable Development. Nov. 17–19. Prince of Songkla University, Phuket, Thailand.

Martin, S. A. (2011). Laipunuk (Nei Ben Lu)—The last frontier of the Taiwan aborigines during the Japanese occupation on Taiwan: Ethnographic narratives of a Bunun elder. The International Journal of Asia Pacific Studies (IJAPS), 7(1) 123–142.

Martin, S. A. (2011). Music, marriage and adaptation among the Bunun from lost Laipunuk, southern Taiwan. CD Proceedings of the 4th Annual PSU Research Conference: Multidisciplinary Studies on Sustainable Development(p. 46). Prince of Songkla University, Phuket, Thailand, November 16–18.

Martin, S. A. (2011). Rebuilding mama’s house—An ethnohistorical reconstruction and homecoming of the Bunun on Taiwan. Journal of International Studies, 1(2) 61–78. Phuket, Thailand: Faculty of International Studies, Prince of Songkla University.

Martin, S. A., & Blundell, D. (2014). Contextualizing island Formosa through cultural heritage, digital mapping, and museology: A new trial for the journey home to the Bunun villages of old Laipunuk, Taiwan. Proceedings of the 2014 International Conference on Formosan Indigenous peoples: Contemporary Perspectives (p. 89). Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC, September 15–17.

Martin, S. A., & Blundell, D. (2014). Marginalization, social change, and heritage: A continuum of Bunun in southern Taiwan. Proceedings of the 20th Indo-Pacific Prehistory Association Congress Cambodia 2014 (p. 210). Siem Reap, Cambodia, January 12–18.

Martin, S. A., & Blundell, D. (2017). Cultural continuum among the Bunun of Laipunuk (Nei Ben Lu), southern Taiwan (pp. 215–246). In H. Chang and A. Mona [C. Tsai] (Eds.), Religion, law and state: Cultural re-invigoration in the new age. Shung Ye Museum of Formosan Aborigines and SMC: Taipei.

Environmental Studies & Our Food Environs

Welcome to "Food Environment", an emerging paradigm in Environmental Studies – A new way to think about food.

Food Environment is a concept which expresses a wide-range of topics and system boundaries related food production, distribution and consumption. Students learn from the personal perspective – That is, how human relationships with the environment are most intimate in our choice of what we put into our bodies.

Class projects and presentations develop an understanding of personal and social food environments as we explore how the environment flows into us in the food we choose to eat. The topic expands through class discussion to include contemporary dimensions, such as sustainable, toxic, local, or regional food environments, including private and public food networks and food deserts.

In 2014, Hollywood super star, Leonardo DiCaprio, was appointed as a United Nations representative on climate change. Dedicated to shedding light on global environmental issues, his works include The11th Hour and Before the Flood.

As our class works together to uncover global environmental issues, we learn about the individual scholars featured in these and other films produced by DiCaprio. Representing social, economic, political and scientific interests and communities, experts lead us through stories and examples from around the world, sharing personal insights, history, scientific data and innovative solutions.

Students in 805-283 Environmental Studies are asked to select one of the scholars featured in any of these movies for an in-depth report and presentation on their life, education, and the events leading to the position they defend in the film. Scholars' current projects, research, challenges, and advancements in the field are discussed.

The project is designed so that student projects can bring to light, in their own words, the interdisciplinary context of Environmental Studies in social, physical, and applied sciences.

NATIONAL PARKS OF THAILAND

Taking into consideration that 805-283 Environmental Studies is taught in Phuket, Thailand, course content includes contemporary local and regional issues concerning national and trans-boundary park systems and management.

Students are encouraged to gain personal experience and conduct field research at terrestrial and marine national parks. Nearly any topic is worth sharing with our class, including history, current events, successes, failures, and challenges in park management.

The sport of surfing is fundamentally dependent on limited coastal resources which are more than physical and tangible settings—they encompass the people who interact with the coastal environment and each other.

From the perspective of sustainability and conservation, coastal resources are normally discussed in the scheme of Coastal Resource Management (CRM).

CRM is an increasingly in-style field of study which integrates our understanding of natural and human elements, much like the discipline of geography includes physical and human geography (Martin, 2010).

Surf Resource System Boundaries

A ‘system boundary’ is a theoretical concept in environmental science representing the intersecting and interrelated human and physical elements in the natural world at a given site. This lecture, based on Martin and O'Brien (2017), develops a system boundary discussion on surf sites, recognizing ‘surf system boundaries’ as more than the beach and sea; they encompass numerous stakeholder interests and factors related to the scope of the ‘whole’ surf system as a sustainable and dynamic model.

Martin, S. A., & O'Brien, D. (2017). Part 2: A systems approach – Chapter 2. Surf resource system boundaries. In G. Borne and J. Ponting (Eds.), Sustainable surfing. Routledge: London.

Thailand Case Study

The tropical resort island of Phuket Thailand has exotic beaches, a dynamic tourism economy, and a distinct new surfing culture. In recent years, recreational surfing in Phuket has gained rapid popularity—It has also gained attention in domestic and international magazines and on the internet. Nonetheless, Thailand’s Andaman Coast remains a mysterious and nostalgic place—in the minds of the people who make up the tapestry of coastal cultures—and in the memories of the tourists who come each year (Martin, 2010).

Martin, S. A. (2010). Coastal resource and surfing in Thailand. Thailand Surfrider, (1) (pp. 42–50). Thalang, Phuket: Purple Diamond Ltd.

AMAZON RAINFOREST AND GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

One of the most rewarding experiences that I have had in Environmental Studies was the opportunity to visit the Tiputini Biodiversity Station in the Amazon Basin, and the Galapagos Islands in the Pacific in 2004. The research was supported in part by the University of San Francisco De Quito (USFQ), Ecuador, and the Study Abroad Journal.

Through sharing my photos and National Geographic videos with students, key topics and issues are open for discussion.

Eastern Civilization & Chinese Culture

In 1995, I applied to Peking University (北京大学) and the University of Hawaii at Hilo (UHH) to study Chinese philosophy after a professor captured my imagination when he said:

"Go to China – learn many things – change your life."

He was right; it did!

Since that time, I have been fortunate to study with outstanding Chinese professors, such as Yang Xin and John H.L. Cheng during summer study abroad programs with the Department of Philosophy at Peking University, widely considered to be China's top university in Humanities and Social Sciences, earning the nickname "Bei Da" (北大), literally "North Big".

One lifetime is not long enough to allow for a complete understanding of Chinese culture. Once a student, always a student – As reflected in the Chinese proverb: "Huo dao lao, xue dao lao," that is, "Live arrive old, study arrive old," an age-old Chinese belief in life-long learning.

Combining 20 years of academic experience with 5 University of Hawaii and Peking University Chinese Culture Study Tours, and as many accredited independent study travels in mainland China, I am happy to share my personal and practical knowledge with students through several introductory presentations featured here.

The topics and links provided are intended to guide open discussions and encourage active learning among students.

PROJECT TYPE | ACADEMIC POSTER PRESENTATION

Develop an academic poster using PowerPoint or other software which can incorporate images, maps, tables, and text boxes.

PROJECT THEME | ARCHAEOLOGY IN EAST ASIA

Choose an archaeologist with deep experience in East Asia and discuss his/her education and personal background leading to their fieldwork. Emphasize the archaeological site or group of sites where s/he conducted fieldwork and research.

Note: Archaeology is the study of the ancient and recent human past, cultures, and civilizations through material remains and may include Cultural Resource Management (CRM) concerning the measures related to handling recovered materials.

POSTER SIZE | INTERNATIONAL A3

Set slide dimensions for international A3, portrait or landscape (297 x 420 mm) (11.7 x 16.5 in)

National Geographic | Treasure Seekers: China's Frozen Desert

Based on the lives of Sir Aurel Stein and the 7th century Buddhist Monk, Xuanzang: "As commerce flourished along the Silk Road, Central Asia became a melting pot of cultures. Here on the edges of the Taklmakan Desert, an exotic blend of Indian, Mongol, Chinese, and European influences fueled an astonishing cultural Renaissance. In the 7th century, a Chinese monk, Xuanzang, plunged into the desert while on a Buddhist pilgrimage to India...

...His descriptions of the oasis-cities he encountered would prove invaluable to another explorer, more than a thousand years later. 20th century archeologist Sir Aurel Stein took on the deadly Taklamakan to prove his own theories about Western China's lost civilization. Again and again Xuanzang's writings led him to archeological treasure - once thriving cities now buried in the sand. On their monk's trail, Stein made his greatest discovery, a thousand-year-old Buddhist library in near-perfect condition " (National Geographic, 2001).

In recent years, the Taiwan (ROC) - China (PRC) relationship plays out on the geopolitical stage. However, Taiwan has its own rich history, which I have generally organized into six sections.

Early indigenous Austronesian-speaking peoples inhabited the island for an estimated 5,000 years.
Dutch, Spanish, French, British, and other cultures prior to Chinese colonization of the Taiwan.
A loosely administered territory of China during the Qing Dynasty.
The island's annexation by Japanese after the treaty of Shimonoseki in 1895.
Post WWII period, as Taiwan became a stronghold for the Chinese Nationalist regime supported by the USA, and the economic miracle which catapulted the country into the 21^st century.
Democratic Taiwan, including the indigenous rights movement.

Why this film is appropriate for students in Eastern Civilization

In this film, the ancient art of Chinese cuisine connects with the personal lives of a contemporary Taiwanese household. Through watching the film, students realize that the thinking, detail and complexity of cooking mirrors Chinese life and philosophy as intricate and integrated processes. In Eastern civilizations, food is prepared and served in accordance with age old traditions – socially, culturally and politically.

The way we eat is the way we think.

Choose a key word from the list below and develop a 15 minute PowerPoint presentation with text, images, maps and one video link.

Key words offered here reflect a variety of concepts, including art, civilization, culture, dynasty, empire, geography, language, literature, people, politics, and religion.

Key words: Indus Valley, Harappa, Dravidian, Aryan, Sanskrit, Vedas, Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Maurya, Ashoka, Taxila, Kushan, Bactria, Gandhara, Gupta, Islam, Sikhism, Mughal, British Raj, Scheduled Tribes, Pakistan, Bangladesh

PROJECT TYPE | ACADEMIC POSTER PRESENTATION

Develop an academic poster using PowerPoint or other software which can incorporate text, maps, tables, and images.

PROJECT THEME | ANTHROPOLOGY, ETHNICITY, AND LANGUAGE IN EAST AND SOUTH ASIA

Choose an anthropologist with deep experience in living among, or studying, an ethnolinguistic group in East or South Asia.
Discuss the events or interests which led the anthropologist to study the ethnic group or culture.
Emphasize the language, culture, history, and location of the ethnic group.
Identify the significance of the ethnic group in terms of East Asian civilization.

POSTER SIZE | INTERNATIONAL A3

Set slide dimensions for international A3, landscape (297 x 420 mm) (11.7 x 16.5 in)

Art Institute of Chicago – Artworks
Art Institute of Chicago – Chinese Art
Columbia University – Asia for Educators
Dharma Documentaries – Dharma, Culture, Ecology
Early Branches of Islam – Shi'a / Sunni Infographic
Essential Humanities – World History – East Asia
Getty Conservation Institute – Cave Temples of Dunhuang – Buddhist Art on China's Silk Road
International Dunhuang Project – The Silk Road Online
Khan Academy – East Asia – Geography Shapes Culture and History in the Far East
PAHAR – Mountains of Central Asia Digital Dataset
Scheduled Tribes of India – The Khasi of Meghalaya (PDF)
Smithsonian Libraries – Origin of the Far Eastern civilizations no.1
The British Museum – Sir Aurel Stein – Colleagues and Collections
The Great Courses – Foundations of Eastern Civilization
University of Kansas – Eastern Civilization

Research Methodology

Given the importance and complexity of understanding, developing and applying research methodology, it is inevitably one of the least welcomed or understood courses among undergraduate and graduate students alike.

However, Research Methodology is one of the best courses to take at university! It opens the mind to the ways and means of deep learning, and opens the door to the meaning and experience of science, including the scientific method, that is, exploring our observations, and carrying out experiments in order to address the mysteries of life, and answer important and meaningful questions.

Social science research methods are no exception – they are profoundly significant life-long skills.

Learning how to engage in academic discourse and innovate original work are dynamic life-long skills. In this way, conducting research strengthens and validates the objective mind while gaining self-respect and self-confidence.

Publishing opens doors to other professional opportunities.
Research increases graduate school and scholarship prospects.
Research provides the practical ability to meet personal and professional needs.
Understanding research methods and publishing are key to individual and academic development.

A research adviser provides structure and guidance throughout the research process, including topic selection, identifying appropriate methods, and helping you to organize field results into narrative discussion worthy of publication.

A research adviser may also help to:

Open doors to local organizations and businesses.
Inspire field experiences and arrange personal interviews.
Forge life-long networks leading to future academic accomplishment.
Develop and outline the publication process across fields and disciplines.
Receive feedback from other scholars, reviewers and conference participants.

The Maragrita Philosophica [pdf] (the philosophic pearl) is an outstanding starting point to understanding the disciplines of study and from where methods of research developed. The book provides deep historical perspective and imagination into the seven Liberal Arts, featured as seven angels on the cover (see below).

The Margarita is a magnificently illustrated encyclopedia compiled in 1503 by a Carthusian monk named Gregor Reisch (c.1467-1525). Reisch produced what is essentially the world’s first interdisciplinary textbook, covering all seven liberal arts and providing appropriate background across disciplines and courses.

Widely used as a university textbook in the early sixteenth century, particularly in Germany, it is a book of historical significance and sheds light on university curriculum and collective scientific knowledge at the close of the Middle Ages, 500-600 years ago.

Separated into twelve chapters, Maragrita Philosophica covers traditional subjects of the trivium (grammar, logic, rhetoric) and quadrivium (arithmetic, music, geometry, astronomy); and four chapters address natural philosophy, including the elements, meteorology, alchemy, the plant and animal kingdoms, optics and memory. The final sections and topics include heaven, hell, purgatory; and the book concludes with a chapter on moral philosophy, reflecting the period when church, state and education were closely integrated.

For the scholar who studies or works in a university, doing scholarly research and publishing the findings in the form of articles in peer-reviewed international journals are some of the most important academic activities. It is important to learn how to do it yourself so you can set-up your own career.

This workshop includes a number of advanced topics regarding how to publish a paper in international journals. It is very good opportunity for learning from the experience and techniques of an experienced publisher of papers. Emphasis is on practical information on how to do it, and what Dr. Ritchie has leant from experience, that is, what works and what does not.

Aim and content of the workshop

The aim of this workshop is to teach students and staff how to publish papers in international journals rather than simply writing in English. The complete procedure of getting a paper published will be covered step by step. Conceiving the paper, getting organized, how to use references and choosing the most suitable journal. The problem of nefarious journals will be discussed, including the use of Beall’s List and the Thomson-Reuters ISI rating to identify journals which you should, or should not, submit papers to.

Choosing a journal and developing the paper

The core of the workshop will consist of choosing a journal that you judge to be suitable, how to write the introduction, how to write the materials and methods, how to describe your results with its graphs, tables and captions for figures, and how to write a proper discussion of your results and their implications from what the results show and compared to what was already known. The critical importance of using and formatting references correctly, and making sure that all references are included, will be discussed.

Academic Profile

An international academic, and a native speaker of English, originally from Cleveland, Ohio, USA, I have written over 50 published articles in research areas including environmental resource management, surf tourism, Thai geography, and the history of the indigenous peoples of Taiwan.

I have a proven track record of conducting high-level multidisciplinary research, including systematic literature reviews, as well as popularizing difficult subjects through my lectures and online articles for a wide range of audiences.

2007 – 2022: Lecturer and Assistant Professor Emeritus (retired) of Asian Studies in Sociology and Anthropology at the Department of Thai & ASEAN Studies, Faculty of International Studies (FIS), Prince of Songkla University (PSU), Phuket Campus, Thailand.

I have designed and delivered many courses in the fields of environmental studies, geography, ancient civilizations, interdisciplinary studies, qualitative research methodologies, and English language acquisition.

As an enthusiastic supporter of the movement towards digitization and globalization of education, I have developed a range of online learning materials, including professionally produced videos and other multimedia, complete university courses and my Learning Adventures series. These are all curated on my bio website and YouTube channel at:

Page/ Courses ; Page/ Learning-Adventures ; YouTube/ University-Filmworks

In 2013, I earned my PhD in Environmental Management from Prince of Songkla University by developing an index for coastal management. The surf resource sustainability index (SRSI) I developed is a methodology which is now used for assessing the conservation aptitude of surfing areas globally.

In 2010, I obtained my MBA in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Prince of Songkla University (PSU) in Phuket, and subsequently received a full scholarship for PhD research in Environmental Management.

Through the support of a Taiwan Scholarship from the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Los Angeles, I completed a Master's of Arts in Taiwan Studies (currently Asia-Pacific Studies) in 2006 at National Chengchi University (NCCU), Taipei, ROC.

I graduated with a Bachelors of Arts in Liberal Studies (Chinese Culture & Philosophy) with the University of Hawaii at Hilo (UHH) in 2001, after earning my Associate in Arts degree from the Hawaii Community College (HCC) in 2000.

The study abroad programs listed below all counted towards either my BA degree from the University of Hawaii or my MA degree from the National Chengchi University, Taiwan. Full details of each of these courses, including the relevant accreditations and my photo journals, are available at: Page/ Study-Abroad

1995-2002: University of Hawaii – China (summer abroad). Participation in 5 accredited certificate programs, Peking University (PKU), Beijing, PRC.
1996: University Study Abroad Consortium (USAC) – Costa Rica (summer abroad). National University of Costa Rica at Heredia.
1997: School for International Training (SIT) – South Africa (semester abroad – fall). University of Cape Town, South Africa.
1998: College Consortium for International Studies (CCIS) – Spain (semester abroad – spring). International College of Seville (ICS), Spain.
2003-2004: University of Hawaii – Taiwan (academic year abroad). Ming-Hsin University of Science and Technology (MUST), Taiwan, ROC.

When I was living in Taiwan, I was approached by an agent for a Taiwanese film production company. They recruited me to appear in various TV commercials, including some for blue-chip companies such as Nissan. This led to my being offered a leading role in the successful made-for-TV Taiwanese drama film Numbers.

One of my classmates introduced me to American filmmaker Tommie Williamson, who invited me to fly to Taitung in southeastern Taiwan, to work as a researcher and writer on an oral history project. We would be documenting on film the life-histories of a unique indigenous people who were among the last to be contacted and subjugated by the Japanese colonists.

The project changed the direction of my life, and I spent the next four years making ethnographic films for the Bunun, an ethnolinguistic group who had lost their traditional lands during the Japanese Colony on Taiwan (1895-1945).

In recent years, I worked with Edward E. Vaughan (1942-2018), an accomplished Associate Director (CBS News) and Assistant Director, Production Manager, Producer and Director on many popular TV shows and movies. The work focused on creating educational content including Course Portraits®, education media, and personal video-taped interviews of students and professors, exploring the diverse range of leadership and international education experiences currently available in Asia, particularly in Hong Kong, as well as Cambodia,Thailand and Vietnam.

Through Ed Vaughan's mentorship, I was able to develop University Filmworks Production and Learning, a video production entity offering educational film production and learning opportunities for students through workshops and short courses.

Inspired by reading the Swiss Family Robinson, I left home in the Ohio rustbelt in 1978, at 15 years old, and flew to Hawaii, where I planned to live in a treehouse. I found work as a cook, and trained to become a chef. At the same time, I discovered Hawaii's big waves and surfing. Over the next few years, I learned American Red Cross lifesaving skills, became a County of Hawaii Water Safety Officer, and went on to start a surf school. I taught water safety and surf skills to hundreds of people including international celebrities, movie stars and astronauts from NASA.

My love for traveling, learning, and meeting new people led me to the University of Hawaii's Chinese culture summer program at Peking University. It was a great way to travel and earn a B.A. at the same time. This path led to study abroad in China, Costa Rica, South Africa, and Spain.

After graduating, I was fortunate enough to obtain a prestigious Taiwan Scholarship to study for a Master's degree. My research took me to the mountains of Taiwan to live among the world's last headhunters, the Formosan aborigines, and document their lives in ethnographic films.

Surfing remained my true passion, and after discovering perfect uncrowded waves on the Andaman Coast, I moved to Phuket, Thailand, to join the Faculty of International Studies at Prince of Songkla University. My ongoing research on surf tourism and the environment has led to an MBA, a PhD, and a growing list of publications.

I hope others can benefit from my story and find success in their own lives.

Thailand

Personal Interviews

Interview with Prof Kaye Chon | School of Hotel and Tourism Management | Steven Martin

Dr. Steven Martin interviews Prof. Kaye Chon from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM), after a recent lecture at the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism, Prince of Songkla University, Phuket, Thailand. Interview topics include the meaning of hospitality, the prolific growth of the industry in Asia, and the experience of studying in Phuket. Prof. Chon describes the significance of the "Asian Paradigm".

Interview with Anna Nilsson | Thai-Swedish Student | Phuket, Thailand | Steven Martin

Representing Education Abroad Asia, Dr. Steven A. Martin interviews Anna Nilsson, Thai-Swedish student at Prince of Songkla University, Phuket Campus. The video looks at the student who returns to the island after ten years abroad. Anna reflects her perspective on the experience of studying in Phuket, Thailand, and shares her feelings on the importance of study abroad, learning, and appreciating and respecting local culture.

Interview with Kay Kay Zanonh | American Student | Phuket, Thailand | Steven Martin

Dr. Steven A. Martin interviews American education abroad student Kay Kay Zanonh, who has been studying at the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism, Prince of Songkla University, Phuket. Kay Kay shares her personal experience on the cost and quality of studying in Phuket compared with her home and friends in the United States. The film is intended for Education Abroad Asia students and academic purposes, fostering international education awareness.

Professor Dr. Wilhelm Solheim II was instrumental in developing the Archaeological Studies Program at University of the Philippines, Diliman (UPD) campus. Interviews took place at his UPD apartment on the morning of 9 April, and the evening of 22 April, 2006. Wilhelm shares his personal experience in archaeology, years of work in Southeast Asia, and his views on the cultural history of Austronesian-speaking peoples. Prof. Solheim died on July 25, 2014, at the age of 89. It was an honor to have met him and I hope viewers can appreciate his humanity in these short interviews. To learn more about Austronesian prehistory and archaeology in the Philippines, visit my online article: Chasing Jade – Archaeology and the Batanes Islands Cultural Atlas.

Peter Bellwood, renowned archaeologist and scholar of Austronesian Studies, shares his personal and professional background, including his personal story of attending Cambridge University, lecturing in New Zealand. The interview took place at the Bosco Pier, Batanes Islands, Philippines, and was conducted by Steven Martin and David Blundell. Peter discusses the "Out of Taiwan" expansion of Austronesian-speaking peoples, suggesting research in linguistics, archaeology, and human genetics.

From Peter we learn about the unique history and archaeological evidence of the Batanes Islands, Philippines. Peter Bellwood is an accomplished professor of archaeology at the School of Archaeology and Anthropology of the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra, he is a leading specialist in Southeast Asian and Pacific prehistory.

For more on this story, including how I met and came to interview Peter in Batanes, visit my Learning Adventures page Chasing Jade: Archaeology and the Batanes Islands Cultural Atlas. To learn more about Austronesian Taiwan, visit my personal Taiwan Studies page or watch the Taiwan Video Playlist on YouTube.

Course Portraits

Course Portrait is a template-based virtual course description innovated by Steven A. Martin and Edward E. Vaughan at University Filmworks, which provide cinematic, colorful and resourceful ways to present, promote and increase interest in a given university course.

As educational systems strive to keep up with digital transformations in media and technology, particularly the increased reliance on smart phones, Course Portrait videos visually communicating important information to students and stimulate intellectual curiosity. Visit University Filmworks on YouTube.

Introduction to Indonesian Music and Dance | Southeast Asian Civilization | Dr. Steven Martin

This class music video features students from the Thai and ASEAN Studies program at Prince of Songkla University (PSU) learning contemporary Indonesian dance (Kalau Bulan Bisa Ngomong by Doel Sumbang and Nini Carlina) and traditional Balinese Pendet from the Mekar Bhuana School of Balinese Music and Dance. As part of our Southeast Asian Civilization course, we invited Imam Wahyudi Karimullah and his wife, Sari Kurnia Rahmawati, from University of Islam Malang (Unisma), Indonesia, as guest lecturers. Their visit was made possible in part by the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Indonesia, Scheme Academic Exchange Mobility Program (SAME).

Burmese Thanaka Culture | Southeast Asian Civilization | Dr. Steven Martin

THANAKA features students in my Southeast Asian Civilization course, which is part of the Thai and ASEAN Studies Program at the Prince of Songkla University, Phuket, Thailand, and guest lecturer Dr. Aye Nu Khai, from the Myanmar Language Dept, Dagon University, Myanmar. Students learn how to make and use the herbal cream of that name, made from the wood of indigenous trees, which Myanmar women apply to their faces to prevent damage from the tropical sun.

Cooking, the Art of Thai Cuisine | Certificate in Culinary Arts | Dr. Steven Martin

Cooking, the art of Thai cuisine, features international students at Prince of Songkla University (PSU), in an elective course earning certificates in Thai cultural arts and cuisine during their semester study abroad program. Ajarn Pathummalai Pattaro, with the PSU Lodge, shares her experience in preparing well-known Thai meals, such as pad Thai with shrimp and massaman curry with chicken. The video was filmed in the new training facility at the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism for Education Abroad Asia.

A Day In the Life of Our School | School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) | Dr. Steven Martin

Produced by Steven A. Martin, and directed by Edward E. Vaughan in conjunction with University Filmworks, A Day in the Life of Our School, features the brilliant faces of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s interconnected School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) and Hotel ICON. We chose the timeless music of 18th century German composer Johann Sebastian Bach to represent harmonic form and excellence, and to compliment the accomplished learners and educators at this globally acclaimed institution. Visit our SHTM Playlist on YouTube.

Education Media

In association with Education Abroad Asia, this video was produced for the International Hospitality Management MicroMasters Program at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM). The program consists of four MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) courses aimed at management skills for hospitality and tourism students and professional around the world.

Phuket Interns introduces three SHTM students in Phuket, Thailand, gaining personal and practical experience in their chosen profession, hospitality and tourism. We learn that the internship is not only fun and exciting, but provides a strong career boost and allows the students to reach their full potential. The video presents the appeal of the school’s internship programs and the potential they unleash, including diverse opportunities for international exposure.

Hong Kong Education Venue | 1:47 | Dr. Steven A. Martin Productions | University Filmworks

University Filmworks and Education Abroad Asia present this high-impact video illuminating Hong Kong’s image as a vibrant international city where “East Meets West” and where the best of both worlds meet. The video introduces The Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) and the state-of-the-art Hotel ICON, the School’s pioneering research and teaching hotel.

What Makes a University Great? | University Filmworks | 3:01 | News Report | Dr. Steven Martin

In University Filmworks' What Makes a University Great, journalist Steven Martin examines the Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) and Hotel ICON complex. He discovers a little universe where students, teachers and industry professionals come together with outstanding synergy. Dr. Martin uncovers a story of high-quality educators and leadership with the Dean of School, Prof. Kaye Chon, at the top of his game. The video was directed by Edward E. Vaughan.

Produced by Steven A. Martin and directed by Edward E. Vaughan in conjunction with University Filmworks, a day in the life of our school, features the brilliant faces of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s interconnected School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) and Hotel ICON. We chose the timeless music of 18th century German composer Johann Sebastian Bach to represent harmonic form and excellence, and to compliment the accomplished learners and educators at this globally acclaimed institution.

Future leaders | Dr. Steven A. Martin Productions | 2:01 | University Filmworks

In Future leaders, we hear what students, alumni and industry professionals have to say about The Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM). Through interviews conducted by journalist Dr. Steven Martin with these outstanding individuals, we learn that SHTM forms an important student-centered network in the global hospitality and tourism industry.Interviews were conducted by Dr. Steven A. Martin under the direction of Edward E. Vaughan.

Leading the Way | Dr. Steven A. Martin Productions | 2:38 | University Filmworks

A university is only as great as the people who comprise it. In Leading the way, we meet executive staff and outstanding students close-up to gain heart-felt insight to The Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM). Candid answers are received based on a key question posed during personal interviews: “Why is this school leading the way in hospitality and tourism education and research.” Interviews were conducted by Dr. Steven A. Martin under the direction of Edward E. Vaughan.

Joint Conference Teaser | 1:05 | Dr. Steven A. Martin Productions | 2019 APacCHRIE & EuroCHRIE | University Filmworks

University Filmworks and Education Abroad Asia present this high-impact video to promote the 2019 Joint Conference theme: “East Meets West in Hospitality and Tourism Education”, and to illuminate Hong Kong’s image as a vibrant international city where “East Meets West” and where the best of both worlds meet. The video introduces The Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM), highlighting the Joint Conference and the state-of-the-art Hotel ICON, the School’s pioneering research and teaching hotel.

2019 APacCHRIE & EuroCHRIE Joint Conference | 4:33 | Dr. Steven A. Martin Productions | University Filmworks

Asst Professor Dr Steven A Martin

QOMOLANGMA | SNOW GODDESS OF MOUNT EVEREST, TIBET (西藏 Xīzàng)

This is the story of the most spectacular photo I have ever taken.

In the summer of 2000, I made an agreement with the University of Hawaii at Hilo (UHH) to conduct independent research in Tibet after my summer study abroad at Peking University (北京大学). I proposed to travel overland from Lhasa to Kathmandu, Nepal.

My Liberal Studies Adviser, Prof. John Cheng, agreed, providing I kept a detailed photo journal of my travels.

Ancient Buddhist rock art near Lhasa | 1066 AD | Click to enlarge

Lhasa, Tibet, and the journey ahead

Potala Palace, former residence of the Dali Lama | Lhasa, Tibet

Tibetan village | En route to Xigazê | Tibet

Getting petrol in our Toyota Land Cruiser in Lhasa before the trip to Mount Everest

Mr. Quan (right) and Tibetan villagers at the window of our Toyota Land Cruiser

Valleys, villages, and mountain passes

Prayer flags at a mountain pass on the way to Xigazê

Fields of Tibetan barley (qingke) in a picturesque valley

Tibetan farmer standing in a green field of 'qingke' barley on the way to Xigazê

Visiting a rural Tibetan village

Meeting an elderly Tibetan woman

Prayer stones at the Tibetan village

Tibetan scriptural texts stored in a rural monastery

Mount Everest and the Qomolangma National Nature Preserve

Entering the Qomolangma National Nature Preserve

Supply truck on the Tingri Plain

Sheep crossing the Rongbuck glacier and stream

Everest towers above the Rongbuk Monastery

Rongbuk glacial valley at the foot of Everest

View of Mount Everest near the Rongbuk glacier base camp

At the foot of Everest, June 2000

Story of most spectacular photo I have ever taken – Qomolangma, the snow goddess of Mount Everest

Mount Everest from the Rongbuk Glacier | June 2000 | Click to enlarge

Thank you for visiting my Tibet Learning Adventure Page.

I hope you enjoy my photos and the information in the links provided. If you feel motivated to travel to Tibet, or would like to arrange a public talk, please let me know – I’d love to hear from you.

Other Learning Adventures

Amazonia | Batanes Islands | Cambodia | Galapagos Islands | Great Wall | Jewel of Travel | Mekong Delta | Pakistan | Silk Road | South Africa | Spain | Surf Experience | Surfing Thailand | Taiwan Studies | Tibet | Water Safety

Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, Los Angeles

Distinguished Taiwan Alumni Award Nomination 2018

全球留臺傑出校友獎選拔作業推薦表

Taiwan Ministry of Education

Achievements Highlights

Steven A. Martin, Ph.D.

Steven’s outstanding achievements following his scholarship in the Taiwan Studies program at National Chengchi University, Taiwan

Further ethnographic research at Academia Sinica

Experiences in Taiwan Studies and Steven’s development through the years

Academic Publications and proceedings in Taiwan Studies

Taiwan Scholarship Program | Taiwan Studies Graduate Alumni Friends |Steven and Chris in Phuket, Thailand

Catch the Environmental Studies wave with Dr. Steven Martin | Click to visit the Surf Tourism Research Page

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

Home | Food Environment | Environmental Videos | Amazon Rainforest | Galapagos Islands | Surf Resource Conservation | Thai Geography

STUDENT POSTER PROJECTS – ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCHERS

Student Research Poster | Environmental Studies

ENVIRONMENTAL VIDEOS AND TRAILERS

Jeremy Jackson | How we wrecked the ocean

FEATURED TOPIC – "FOOD ENVIRONMENT"

Food Environment | Central Ohio, USA

ENVIRONMENTAL WORKS OF LEONARDO DICAPRIO

Leonardo DiCaprio at the United Nations Climate Change Summit with Ban Ki-moon

DiCaprio's UN Speech

Before the Flood

The 11th Hour Movie Trailer

NATIONAL PARKS OF THAILAND

Ao Phang Nga Marine National Park, Thailand | Click to visit my Karst Topography Research PDF

Khao Yai | Thailand's first national park

Deer | Khao Yai National Park, Thailand

Monkey | Khao Yai National Park, Thailand

Landscape | Khao Yai National Park, Thailand

Haew Narok Waterfall | Khao Yai National Park, Thailand

SURFING AND COASTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

La'a Loa, Hawaii – Surf Resource System Boundaries | Click to learn more...

Kalim Beach, Phuket, Thailand | Click to learn more about surf tourism research...

AMAZON RAINFOREST AND GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

Moi Enomenga, Huaorani Indian | Amazon eco-warrior and environmental celebrity | Click to learn more about Moi's story...

Amazon River House | Rio Napo

Quechua guides | Tiputini, Ecuador

Napo River | Coca, Ecuador

Parrot | Coca, Ecuador

San Cristobal Island | Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) and Study Abroad Journal | Click to learn more...

Seals on the beach | San Cristobal

Galapagos Brown Pelican | San Cristobal

Galapagos Tortoise | San Cristobal

Galapagos Marine Iguana | San Cristobal

Thank you for visiting the Environmental Studies Page.