Climate and sustainability are the defining challenges of the 21st century, and the newest graduates of the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability are uniquely prepared to meet the moment.
That was the message of Dean Arun Majumdar as he congratulated the third class of graduates from Stanford’s newest school during its diploma ceremony, held on the Mitchell Patio June 15.
“The challenges ahead are immense, but so are the opportunities,” Majumdar said.
He reminded the graduates that it’s natural to feel uncertainty, and to always be open and curious. He encouraged them to carry the spirit of Stanford – curiosity, courage, and service – into everything they do.
“Climate change and sustainability isn’t just a problem to solve; it’s a chance to reimagine the world,” Majumdar said. “And you – armed with knowledge and Stanford’s unique DNA – are equipped to serve.”
In the 2024-25 academic year, the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability awarded 391 degrees: 65 Bachelor of Science, 270 Master of Science or Master of Arts, 2 Engineer, and 54 Doctor of Philosophy degrees, from the departments of Earth & Planetary Sciences, Earth System Science, Geophysics, Energy Science & Engineering, and Civil & Environmental Engineering (CEE, joint with the School of Engineering), and from three interdisciplinary programs: the Emmett Interdisciplinary Program in Environment and Resources (E-IPER), the Change Leadership for Sustainability Program, and the Earth Systems Program. An additional diploma ceremony was held at Memorial Auditorium for graduates from the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering.
Excellence in teaching
Before beginning the conferral of diplomas, Majumdar took a moment to acknowledge the recipient of the school’s 2025 Excellence in Teaching Award.
The award went to Diana Moanga, a lecturer in the Department of Earth System Science. Moanga received several nominations from students, who applauded her passion and dedication to investing in their success. Moanga teaches Fundamentals of Geographic Information Science, Advanced Concepts in Geographic Information Science, and Remote Sensing of Land.
Majumdar read excerpts from a student nomination that noted Moanga “remains a beacon of everything teaching should be.” Another called out the investment she puts into each student: “She never says no to a project idea, but rather asks how she can support, and goes above and beyond to make each project come to life.”
Student awards
The Centennial Teaching Assistant Awards were presented at a ceremony on May 28 to seven graduate students for their tremendous service and dedication in providing excellent classroom instruction as teaching assistants: Terachet Rojrachsombat (Earth Systems Program), Ralph Piazza (Energy Science & Engineering), Ryan O’Connor (Emmett Interdisciplinary Program in Environment and Resources), Monica Tavassoli (Sustainability Science and Practice), Anna Gomes (Earth System Science), Jood Al Aswad (Earth & Planetary Sciences), and Joe Stitt (Geophysics).
In May, the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability Excellence in Community Award was given to Natalie Herbert, a staff member in Earth System Science, and Camila Van Oost, a PhD student in Civil & Environmental Engineering.
Earth & Planetary Sciences
- Harriet Benson Fellowship Award: Kemi Ashing-Giwa, Xueyao Cheng
- Earth & Planetary Sciences Outstanding Undergraduate Senior Student Award: Euclid Ibarra Soringa
- Earth & Planetary Sciences Outstanding Graduate Student Award: Andrea Zorzi
Energy Science & Engineering
- Henry J. Ramey Fellowship Award: Dhruv Suri
- William H. Brigham Memorial Award: Mofopefoluwa Ajani
- ESE Outstanding TA Award: Xunfeng Lu
Earth System Science
- Earth System Science Award for Scholarly/Research Achievement: Andy Garcia
- Earth System Science Award for Community-Engaged Science: Sierra Castaneda
- Earth System Science Award for Excellence in Community: James Lauer
Geophysics
- Department Citizenship Award: Margariete Malenda
- Exceptional Thesis Award: Taiyi Wang
- Undergrad Best Thesis/Paper Award: Chloe Cheng
Sustainability Science and Practice Coterminal Master’s Program
- Pamela A. Matson Award for Outstanding Achievement in Sustainability Leadership: Layton Rosenfeld
Earth Systems Program
William W. Whitley Citizen Scholar Prize: Pearl Shing
Miller-Marsden Prize for Innovative Research on the Environment: Chrysanthe Frangos
Firestone Medal for Excellence in Undergraduate Research & Honors Thesis: Diego Gutierrez
Earth Systems Award for Outstanding Research: Kiara Fufunan, Rebecca Monge, Autumn Parrott, Chloé Romero, Sophia Siegel
Earth Systems Excellence in Community Award: Morgan Tarpenning
Excellence in the Senior Capstone: Sebastian Andrews, Gabriel Machado, Calista Ordas, Anika Quon, Tom Ramsay, Kawther Said, Brydie Sigg, Jaden Southern
Award for Outstanding Service to the Earth Systems Program: Hope Adhanom-Shipman, Nazli Dakad, Diego Gutierrez, Anika Quon, Faith Riensche, Bailey Sellfors, Kaylee Shen, Pearl Shing, Varun Shirhatti, Sarah Yribarren
Director’s Award for Undergraduate Academic Excellence: Camden Burk, Kylie Creighton, Gianna Dugan, Kate Esbenshade, Chrysanthe Frangos, Diego Gutierrez, Anastazja Krostenko, Charles Lamb, Gabriel Machado, Rebecca Monge, Calista Ordas, Anika Quon, Chloé Romero, Pearl Shing, Jaden Southern, Morgan Tarpenning, Emily Zhao
Civil & Environmental Engineering
CEE students have been recognized with awards from campus units, including the School of Engineering, the Stanford Alumni Association, and the Vice Provost for Graduate Education, in addition to various external organizations.
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This story was originally published by Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability.
Writer
Savannah Tranchell
