Student Spotlight: Emily Lu

Emily Lu is a fifth-year doctoral student pursuing a degree in history through the Florida State University Department of History, part of the College of Arts and Sciences. Funded by the 2023 Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad Fellowship and the 2024 Jerry Bentley World History Travel Grant, Lu has spent seven months at Waseda University in Tokyo, Japan, conducting research for her dissertation, tentatively titled "Toward an East Asian Utopia,” which examines how military music shaped perceptions of race and identity in Imperial Japan. Lu has presented her work at events including the annual conferences of the Association of Asian Studies and the Society of Ethnomusicology. She plans to graduate in Summer 2025.

Tell us a little about your background. Where are you from, and what initially brought you to FSU?

I'm from New York City, but I moved around a lot growing up. I earned my bachelor’s degree in dramatic writing from New York University - Tish School of the Arts in 2015 and my master’s in history from East Tennessee State University in 2020. I came to FSU specifically for the Department of History; it’s beyond what any other institution offered. My adviser and professor of East Asian history Annika A. Culver showed genuine interest in mentoring students. Professor of history Suzanne Sinke, who served as the graduate coordinator at the time of my first visit, created a detailed itinerary to ensure I truly got to know the department. The graduate students were welcoming and professor of history Kurt Piehler toured me around campus.

What inspired you to focus on modern East Asian history?

Coming from a performing arts background, I initially took history classes as electives, but a late modern Korean history class I took during freshman year sparked my interest. I was inspired by the resilience of the Korean people during a turbulent period in East Asia, particularly during the Japanese colonial rule from 1910 to 1945 and later the Korean War that started in 1950. Growing up in an immigrant family, I was always drawn to borderlands, so I chose to study transnational history with a focus on modern East Asia. My true passion lies in engaging with world history through art and culture.

Could you share more about your dissertation?

My dissertation examines how art and propaganda, particularly the intersection of music and politics, address issues of identity on both the private and national levels in Imperial Japan — a period spanning the Meiji Restoration in 1868 through Japan's surrender in World War II in 1945. I focus on how music, known as “gunka,” produced by the Japanese military depicted non-Japanese residents in Japanese colonies, and the ways in which musicians and the intelligentsia helped promulgate the status of music in the Japanese empire. There was a rich musical exchange between the Axis powers during the war: Japan sent music students abroad to Germany, invited German musicians to visit and teach in Japan, and celebrated German-speaking music composers and their work while ignoring others and banning Anglo-American music. Gunka’s creation, popularization, and consumption in mainland Japan shaped perceptions of Japanese identity that reinforced imperial ideology. For example, some songs would convey themes of heroism and sacrifice while others would evoke nostalgia and yearning, reflecting the complex emotions experienced by both soldiers on the battlefield and their families at home. Additionally, I compare similar music cultures in other wartime nations, including Germany, the Soviet Union, China, France and Brazil.

Can you tell us more about your experience as a Fulbright-Hays Fellow?

I’m incredibly grateful to be part of the program; writing the application helped me develop my research proposal, and the funding has eased financial stress, allowing me to focus on my dissertation while connecting me to a network of professionals. Keith McCall, Office of Graduate Fellowships and Awards assistant director, also offered invaluable support throughout the process.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of your time in Japan?

I really enjoyed traveling to different places within Japan and meeting new people. The most memorable trip was to Hiroshima for the 79th memorial ceremony of the atomic bombing. We sent paper lanterns off into the river, commemorating the loss of lives and calling for peace. The trip deeply shifted my perspective — I realized I’d viewed the music I study solely as propaganda, rather than as a source of emotional comfort for some people at the time. It showed me the importance of empathizing with those I'm writing about in historical narratives, even if I disagree with them, to understand human consciousness beyond facts.

What do you want the public to know about your research? Why are your topics important?

I hope the public becomes more aware and critical of our cultural consumption. My research shows music can serve as a historical source in shaping memory, emotions and identity. Music’s profound impact on beliefs and behavior is why it’s widely disseminated as a psychological tool in pivotal junctures of history. I aim to raise awareness of the origins and production of the music we encounter and how, beyond artistic value, it can influence our relationships with authority and/or community.

What on-campus resources have helped you achieve success?

In addition to OGFA and McCall’s support in landing the Fulbright-Hays DDRAF, FSU’s campus is one of the most beautiful I’ve seen. The architecture and diverse natural environment have been a significant source of inspiration.

Are there any faculty or staff who have helped or inspired you, and how did their mentorship influence your career decisions and opportunities?

Suzanne Sinke’s course, Teaching History at the College Level, exposed me to different educational methodologies and gave me the toolkit to be an efficient educator. My adviser, Annika Culver, serves as an overall career inspiration. Professor of history Ben Dodds ignited my interest in music history. These are just a few of many FSU faculty and staff who have been instrumental in my scholarly and personal development.

What are some current goals or projects that you’re working on?

I’m involved in exciting side projects, including being a contributing writer to the Birthplace of Country Music Museum’s blog, which highlights how the rich musical heritage of Bristol, Virginia, still thrives in the Appalachian region and beyond.

Following your graduation, what are your plans?

I’ve dreamed of becoming a history professor since I was 20, but I’m also interested in pursuing a postdoctoral position first to refine my dissertation. Additionally, I look forward to teaching opportunities and improving my French and Portuguese skills for future projects.