For our Spring issue, we're thrilled to have the opportunity to spotlight our Notation in Science Communication and Notation in Cultural Rhetorics seniors, who completed their Notation coursework and ePortfolios. These students were honored at an in-person Showcase and Conferral Ceremony in mid-May led by NCR Coordinator Harriett Jernigan and NSC Coordinator Emily Polk. Read below to learn more about these incredible students and their future plans!
Notation in Cultural Rhetorics Seniors
“Temi” Temiloluwa Babalola is graduating with a BSH in Science, Technology, and Society and a Minor in Global Studies. They plan on working at a nonprofit as a Stanford Community Impact Fellow.
Ashton Berg is graduating with a BA in Communication. This summer, she will be spending three weeks in South Korea as part of a BOSP Global Seminar program. After, she hopes to continue exploring new opportunities to discover the overlap of food, technology, and storytelling. She says, “The Notation really allowed me a space to connect the different worlds of Stanford that I made my home over the last four years and helped me to spotlight them in a way that involved my creativity and personality.”
Susan Lee is graduating with a BA in Political Science. She plans to pursue a Coterminal Masters in Sociology at Stanford.
Briana Maytee García is graduating with a B.A.H. and M.A. in English. She will be pursuing an English P.h.D. program at USC. She says, “NCR has been such a wonderful addition to my Stanford undergrad career. Dr. J is an absolute star who has led the notation with so much love and support that created the optimal environment for learning. Dr. J and NCR gave me the confidence to pursue research that mattered to me and understand how to combine my personal and academic identities. I am so grateful for the community of NCR and this is an experience I will always cherish. Thank you Dr. J and NCR!”
Brittany Ozioma (“Ozi”) Linus is graduating with a BAH in African & African American Studies and a Minor in Digital Humanities. In reflecting on their experience with NCR, Brittany wrote, “Dr. B and Dr. J deserve a resounding shoutout for not only kickstarting my notation journey but also witnessing its fruition. Funkentelechy, led by Professor Adam Banks, served as my gateway to the captivating world of Black digitality, where afrofuturism finds its expressive voice in digital technology. Under the guidance of Professor Harriet Jernigan, I honed my skills to nurture and translate afrofuturism into a compelling design motif for my portfolio. Together, with a dedicated team of faculty and peers, we embarked on a transformative journey, weaving together threads of innovation and cultural resonance to create something truly remarkable—and it all stems from this notation.”
Emily Rodriguez is graduating with a BA in Comparative Studies in Race & Ethnicity. She is hoping to get a job working in a school district or at a college supporting students in reaching their goals in higher education. She plans to return home to North Carolina to spend time with her family.
Notation in Science Communication Seniors
Mia Celeste Cano is graduating with a BS in Engineering Physics. She plans to pursue her Masters and Ph.D. in Applied Physics at Rice University! She says, “This program restored my faith in the future of science, showing me the depth of care for accessibility and communication that my peers have across so many disciplines!”
Brianna Gamble is graduating with a BS in Human Biology. She plans to work as an ER Tech in a local hospital while applying for medical school.
Shreya Garg is graduating with a BS in Bioengineering and plans to pursue a PhD in Bioengineering at Stanford to study tissue engineering (and hopefully pick up a Masters in Education too!) She says, “The NSC has taught me how to deconstruct the silos that isolate communities from science and instead replace them with bridges. Science communication empowers diverse audiences to make informed decisions about how and whether to incorporate our sciences into their lives– it treats science as a tool for public good to be engaged with democratically, rather than as a barrier reinforcing existing divisions. Through the NSC, I have learned how to utilize communication to make my science equitable, impactful, and relevant.”
Emily Gurwitz is graduating with a BS in Biology (Cellular, Molecular, and Developmental Biology) with Honors. She plans to work on her medical school applications and hopes to begin medical school in the fall of 2025.
Dylan Hyun is graduating with a BS in Biology and is pursuing a Coterminal Masters in Biology.
Tatum La is graduating with a BS in Human Biology and plans to go to medical school.
Megan Loh is graduating with a BS in Physics with Honors. She will be pursuing a Physics PhD at Stanford.
Ivy Manna is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Economics and Psychology and a Minor in Data Science and Master of Arts in Public Policy with a concentration in International & National Security Policy. She says,: "I cannot say enough about how transformative the NSC has been for me at Stanford! From AI to environmental policy to biosecurity, I've been immensely fortunate to explore so many domains where science communication is absolutely critical through the NSC — and the intellectual journey that this has encompassed has defined my Stanford experience. The sense of community I've gotten from my classmates and collaborators in the NSC is incredible, and I am so thankful for their support every step of the way. The most heartfelt gratitude goes to my brilliant NSC advisor Dr. Emily Polk, who has been the kindest and most amazing mentor. The NSC has been one of the highlights of my time at Stanford, and I am so thankful for every experience this program has given me!"
Ella Norman is graduating with a BA in Human Biology. She plans on working on equitable renewable energy implementation as a fellow at the Natural Resources Defense Council and applying to medical school. She says, “I’m so grateful for everything I’ve learned about science communication through the Notation and for the amazing NSC community! I’m also so thankful for the mentorship and support I've received from Dr. Emily Polk and Dr. Jenne Stonaker!”
Annie Ostojic is graduating with a BS in Electrical & Biomedical Engineering and Entrepreneurship (Individually Designed Major in Engineering) and an MS in Electrical Engineering She plans to work full time in a role that utilizes her engineering and communication skills. She says, “I enjoyed the natural progression and increased learning experiences through my PWR 1, PWR 2, and subsequent writing courses. I appreciated the ability to learn about a variety of genres for science communication, and this program helped me achieve an op-ed publication in the San Francisco Chronicle about medical deepfakes and ABC 7 Bay Area interview regarding my op-ed.”
Aiyana Washington is graduating with a BS in Earth Systems, and a Minor in Theater and Performance Studies. She plans to finish her Coterm M.A. in Environmental Communication. She says, “The Notation has been an incredible space to grow as a storyteller and reflect on the work I've done throughout my time at Stanford. Thank you to Emily Polk and Rodolfo Dirzo for their guidance and to the NSC community for so many inspiring and hilarious moments!”
Valeria Alejandra Vega Yañez is graduating with a BS in Earth Systems. She will be working with the environmental justice nonprofit Nuestra Casa on issues related to groundwater rise and saltwater intrusion.
Sarah Yribarren is graduating with a BS in Chemical Engineering.
