Conversations with Ashton:
You interned in Tokyo in 2024 (Dassault Systems) and in New York City in 2025 (Nomura). What were your responsibilities at both of those companies?
At Dassault Systèmes in Tokyo, it was more of a training experience since it came right after my first year of college. I was technically part of their R&D group, but my role was mostly focused on learning the basics and getting exposure to software tools, workflows, and how a large tech company operates. It gave me a foundation that I was able to build on later.
At Nomura in New York City, I was on the Global Markets IT team for Flow Equity Derivatives. I helped create a test automation framework for the firm’s order management system, focusing on equity derivatives workflows. The goal was to give developers better tools for testing their changes and refactoring. It was a great way to learn C# in depth while also getting exposure to financial trading systems. And I got to spend the summer in NYC, living with a teammate from UR soccer!
What Has Been Your Favorite UR Course through Spring ’25 – and why?
I’d say CSC240 - Data Mining. It combined statistics, algorithms, and real-world applications in a way that was both technical and hands-on. I really enjoyed how the course tied theory into projects, which made the material click for me.
You played with clubs in London, England and Tokyo, Japan helping earn Youth Club Team Success before arriving at UR. How much international play was there?
In the UK, I got to play against many different teams and even competed in the Gothia Cup in Sweden, which brought together youth clubs from all over the world. In Japan, I had the chance to play some of the best academies and high schools in the country. The styles were very different. UK soccer was more physical, while in Japan the game was very technical. Both experiences pushed me to adapt and grow as a player.
How was the connection with UR established?
Through soccer. Coming from Japan, I wasn’t able to visit before committing, but what drew me in was UR’s incredible research opportunities and strong academics, as well as a competitive soccer program. Once I arrived on campus, it confirmed everything and I knew I had made the right decision. I realized the balance between academics and athletics was exactly what I was looking for. The coaches and players made it feel like the right fit.
What’s the most challenging part of playing midfield?
The mental side. You’re constantly scanning the field, making quick decisions, and balancing offense with defense. Physically, it means covering a ton of ground, but mentally it’s about anticipating the game.
Is there a heritage connection to your middle name (Junnosuke)?
My mom is Japanese, and so my parents wanted to give me a traditional Japanese name like my brother. His name is three characters and mine is too. “Jun” comes from the character meaning pure and “suke” is something like to help or mediate. I'd like to think it encourages me to be a team player.
How did you get started in your sport?
I first started playing in Pittsburgh when my older brother got into the sport. But I really got hooked after we moved to Japan when I was around 6 or 7 years old, where I was selected for an academy called Tokyo Verdy in Japan's J League. That’s when the sport became a big part of my life.
Japan has developed into a world power in both men’s and women’s soccer. How passionate are the Japanese fans when the national team plays?
Japanese soccer fans are renowned for their intense and disciplined passion. These fans, known as the "Samurai Blue" supporters, are celebrated not only for their unwavering loyalty and elaborate visual displays but also for their widely respected tradition of cleaning up the stadium after a game, regardless of the outcome. This deep-seated respect and pride, combined with their enthusiastic support, have made Japanese fan culture a globally recognized symbol of dedication and sportsmanship.
