Marvin Sterling

Marvin Sterling is an Associate Professor affiliated with the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures and the Anthropology program at Indiana University Bloomington. His academic work bridges cultural anthropology, African diaspora studies, and transnationalism.

• Ph.D. in Anthropology from UCLA (2002)
• M.A. in Cultural Anthropology from UCLA (1996)
• B.S. in Communications Studies from New York University (1991)

Sterling's research focuses on the global influence of Jamaican cultural forms like roots reggae, dancehall, and Rastafari in Japan, examining intersections of race, performance, and social identity. He also explores Japanese communities in Jamaica and grassroots human rights discourse in Jamaica.

His notable awards include the IU Overseas Research Grant, Trustees' Teaching Award, and fellowships from Sasakawa and Kyoto University. He has taught courses on race, human rights, and cultural anthropology.

• Scientific Awards
  • IU Office of the Vice President for International Affairs Overseas Research Grant (2011)
  • Trustees' Teaching Award (2010)
  • Kyoto University Visiting Professorship (2008)
  • Sasakawa Fellowship (1998)
  • Hiroshi Wagatsuma Fellowships (1998, 1996)
  • UCLA Research Grant (1997)