Hayden McGrath is from Grandview, Texas, and is a Senior at The School of General Studies majoring in History of Latin America and International Conflict. He is currently researching and pursuing a senior thesis on the Militarization of the U.S. Mexico Border and the Subterranean effects. Hayden is a Marine veteran of nine years. He has traveled extensively to various global locations, is passionate about international diplomacy, global security, and intends to continue working internationally after his Columbia education. Hayden volunteers as an associate at Next Step Inbound and Special Operations Medic Coalition, assisting transitioning veterans in pursuing higher education. In his spare time, Hayden is an avid mountaineer and a member of the Rock climbing club at Columbia, where he enjoys experiencing and studying the natural world.