Brett Karpf, a member of the Bates College class of 2026, has been named a recipient of the Thomas J. Watson Fellowship, according to a March 26 announcement. Beginning in August, Karpf will spend a year traveling and studying the meaning of walking in various cultures around the world through his project “Seeking Meaning in Motion.”
The Watson Fellowship is given annually to students from participating colleges who propose independent projects abroad. This year, Karpf’s proposal was one of 39 selected out of 155 national finalists. His project will take him through Mongolia, Japan, Sweden, Australia, Norway, Nepal and India—countries with unique traditions connected to movement.
Karpf said that walking has always been an important part of his life and self-understanding: “When you’re moving slowly, you’re constantly being met with new stimuli, such that your mind is refreshing at a natural pace.” He credits his nightly walks across Lewiston while at Bates as helping him connect more deeply with his surroundings: “It grants you a level of intimacy that otherwise is kind of hard to reach… It also allowed me to find my own place within Bates.”
Faculty mentors played an important role in supporting Karpf’s application process. Andrew Mountcastle, associate professor of biology and former Watson Fellow himself, worked closely with Karpf throughout the process. Mountcastle said: “His research project was just totally organic to who he is as a person and authentic to him.” Associate Professor Sanford Freedman added: “Brett Karpf’s powerful ability is to speak to people at all levels… What may go unnoticed is the capacity of what he brings to these exchanges: friendship, hope, goodwill.”
Reflecting on his opportunity and privilege as an American passport holder able to travel widely for this fellowship year abroad, Karpf said he hopes other students will seek out similar opportunities: “Apply to stuff! One reason I got this Watson is because I had applied for other things at Bates… One experience leads to confidence for the next.” He also acknowledged support from previous fellowships like the Otis Fellowship which helped fund earlier experiences preparing him for this journey.
Looking ahead toward his travels exploring movement across continents—and perhaps seeking comfort in stillness—Karpf remains grateful for community encouragement during his time at Bates.
