Kurien Thomas (BA ’21) has forged a career in public policy and now is blending his experience with his creative nature across the globe at the 2025 World Expo in Osaka, Japan. Having earned his Master of Public Service degree from the Clinton School of Public Service at the University of Arkansas, Thomas has worked with Meta, NASA, the U.S. Department of State, and the U.S. Air Force to translate complex ideas into compelling stories.
Outside of policy, he is an actor, songwriter, and content creator. That mix of skills is now at the center of his work as a Youth Ambassador at the USA Pavilion at the 2025 World Expo.
Held every five years since 1851, the World Expo is a traveling “world fair” designed to showcase international achievement among nations. During this year’s six-month event (which ends October 15), Thomas has been staffing the USA Pavilion featuring American culture, innovation, and more through exhibits, performances, and other programs led by U.S. citizens through the Youth Ambassador program.
“It’s challenging to describe a ‘typical’ day at the pavilion,” Thomas said. With nearly 10,000 visitors daily, 95% of whom are Japanese, each shift looks different, he said. Thomas greets guests in both English and Japanese, introduces them to various aspects of American culture and innovation, and answers a steady stream of questions about such varied topics as healthcare, agriculture, and space exploration.
He also helps produce explainer videos on space diplomacy, designs workshops for staff, and manages visits from ambassadors, CEOs, and foreign dignitaries. “Every day feels dynamic,” he said, “requiring flexibility, hospitality, and a genuine curiosity for cross-cultural exchange.”
Thomas’ decision to apply for the Youth Ambassador program came from a long-standing interest in cultural diplomacy. He first saw its power as a volunteer at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, where he talked with visitors about American scientific and technological advances. Later, as a State Department intern, he witnessed how international exchanges like the NATO summit built trust between nations. “The World Expo offered a chance to combine these passions on a global stage,” he explained.
Though it can be intimidating to interact with foreign dignitaries and CEOs, Thomas sees his youth as a strength. “It gives me the freedom to experiment with fresh, creative ideas,” he said. At the USA Pavilion, he has launched new initiatives ranging from yoga sessions to an Indian-classical fusion dance workshop. “Youth brings perspective, adaptability, and a spirit of innovation that shapes the Pavilion experience.”
Acclimating to a new culture
Despite the excitement the opportunity presents, moving to Japan has not been without its challenges — particularly the language barrier. At first, he struggled to read signs and communicate with guests, he said, but adapted by studying Japanese phrases, practicing greetings, and learning from fellow ambassadors. “Even small efforts were deeply appreciated by visitors,” he said. What once felt daunting became an opportunity to connect more authentically with guests and show respect for the host culture.
What has stood out to him most is the kindness and patience he has been given by his Japanese patrons. “Many even leave handwritten notes thanking us for our time,” he said. Their calm enthusiasm, even in long lines, set what he called “an incredibly high bar for hospitality.”
Reflections on the Batten School
Thomas credits his time at Batten with helping him develop many of the skills he uses daily. “My Batten training taught me to communicate effectively with diverse audiences,” he said. His policy courses gave him a global lens on issues like space exploration and climate change, while his time with the Social Entrepreneurship program at Batten (now the Center for Social Innovation) taught him how policy and innovation intersect.
“At first, I struggled to find my place in a public policy school,” he admitted, “but discovering the social entrepreneurship program made everything click.” Professors Christine Mahoney, Bala Mulloth, and others encouraged him to explore impact investing and social innovation. “Their mentorship helped me see how policy could be applied creatively to address real-world challenges,” he said.
Thomas hopes his Expo experience will open doors in media, events, and even space diplomacy. “This experience has solidified my interest in creating stories that connect global audiences and highlight innovation,” he said.
His advice to students interested in similar opportunities is to seek out cultural exchange programs, stay curious, and embrace discomfort. “Opportunities like this aren’t just about representing your country. They’re about learning from others and building the kind of global connections that shape the future.”
Thomas said he aims for his work to have left a lasting impression on visitors. “I hope guests leave with a deeper appreciation for the freedom and opportunities the U.S. provides. For me, it’s also a reminder not to take those freedoms for granted.”
###
