Four Stanford students and four recent alumni are among the members of the latest class of Schwarzman Scholars. The graduate fellowship program provides full funding for students to pursue a one-year master’s degree at Schwarzman College in Beijing, China.

The program’s newest cohort includes 150 scholars from 40 countries and 83 universities. They will join a network of more than 1,500 Schwarzman Scholars who tackle pressing issues globally.

Emily Deng, ’26, is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in symbolic systems, a minor in international relations, and a master’s in computer science. As a Schwarzman Scholar, she plans to study the intersection of artificial intelligence, public policy, and social systems. Growing up in both San Francisco and Beijing, she has firsthand experience of the United States and China as complex, internally dynamic states. “By understanding how they differ culturally, economically, and institutionally, I hope to better understand each country’s approach to AI development and governance,” she said. “I am excited to live in Beijing again and learn from global business leaders and diverse peers to help build a human-centered future.”

Divya Ganesan, ’26, is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in computer science. As a Schwarzman Scholar, she plans to study the governance of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, focusing on how digital and physical infrastructure is built, regulated, and scaled through public–private partnerships. “My long-term career goal is to work at the nexus of technology, policy, and leadership, helping governments and companies responsibly build critical infrastructure that shapes economic competitiveness and security,” she said.

Truc Cam Nguyen, ’25, holds a bachelor’s degree in symbolic systems and a minor in human rights. She is excited to explore entrepreneurship as a Schwarzman Scholar. “I am so impressed by how tech-enabled services have become part of daily life in China in ways that feel ahead of even the environment we’re surrounded by at Stanford, especially in areas like legal, health care, and finance where the U.S. is still cautious,” she said. “I want to understand what makes that possible and think about how to build in regulated spaces to create the largest impact.”

Patricio Ortiz, ’26, is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in economics and a master’s degree in statistics. As a Schwarzman Scholar, Ortiz will study China’s local credit markets, including the transition from state-owned enterprises issuing corporate bonds on behalf of local governments to a more market-based framework, and how that shift has affected credit risk premiums. “It’s a fascinating transition and one that has affected all layers of the capital stack – precisely the kind of complexity I hope to build a career navigating.”

Kristine Pashin, ’26, is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in symbolic systems, a minor in art history, and a master’s in public policy. At Schwarzman College, she will study technology governance and public policy, focused on biotechnology, health systems, and emerging fields like AI-driven biomedical research. Long-term, she’d like to work with governments, research institutions, and health-focused organizations to help shape frameworks that guide scientific innovation responsibly.

Ethan Sperla, ’24, holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and an MS in management science and engineering. He plans to study how competition shapes technology, trade, and economic security, especially between the U.S. and China. Building on his work at the U.S. Department of Commerce, he hopes to deepen his understanding of how innovation and emerging technologies translate into enduring advantage. After the program, Ethan intends to bring that perspective to revitalizing economically dislocated communities, like his hometown of Flint, Michigan.

Noah Tan, ’25, holds a bachelor’s degree in international relations and plans to pursue a career in international trade law. As a Schwarzman Scholar, he will study international security and economic statecraft and explore China’s culture, technology, politics, and manufacturing. He’s also interested in building a community, trying new foods, and connecting with people from all over the world.

Yujing Zhang, ’24, holds a master’s degree in East Asian studies. As a Schwarzman scholar, she plans to deepen her understanding of how China engages with emerging economies and translate market insight into meaningful policy and partnership frameworks. “Beyond the program, I aspire to design and implement financial initiatives that build lasting, equitable systems of growth.”