In this issue, we're pleased to spotlight our amazing Notation in Science Communication seniors, who completed their Notation coursework and ePortfolios during these past two pandemic-disrupted years. These students were honored at an in-person Showcase and Conferral Ceremony in mid-May.Read below to learn more about these incredible students.
May Aye majored in Environmental Systems Engineering who is currently pursuing a Master’s in Environmental Engineering. She is interested in anything and everything related to water and loves learning new skills. She joined the notation in science communication program to build her communication skills and learn different ways to communicate to reach a wider audience. May received a Notation in Science Communication with Distinction.
Citlali Blanco majored in Human Biology who also identifies as a salsa dancer and life-long runner. As a daughter of immigrant parents, she values diversity, integrity, and courage in all areas of her life. She is ever intrigued by the potential of nutrition, the food supply, and behavior change to ameliorate nutrition-related chronic diseases at scale. A fun project she co-created was a podcast for Stanford SciCast on alternative proteins and the Good Food Institute, which you can listen to using this link: on SoundCloud. As an SFI intern, Citlali is currently proposing her own impact project to increase vegetable consumption at Stanford, revamping the snacks that students are offered during finals week to include more nutritious options, and making a healthy snacking brochure for the student body. Citali received a Notation in Science Communication with Distinction.
Joshua Buchi majored at Stanford in Human Biology, concentrating on bioengineering throughout his coursework, trying to learn ways to explore and ethically adapt our body's natural systems to benefit human health. He notes that his work in the Notation in Science Communication has helped him towards that goal, as it's aided him in exploring ways to inform the communities that engineered interventions can best serve.
While at Stanford, Natalie Cross studied on the Oceans, Atmosphere and Climate track of Earth Systems along with a Notation in Science Communication. She's very passionate about marine conservation research, environmental justice and accessible and engaging scientific communication. She's planning to pursue a coterminal masters degree of science in Earth Systems next year.
Trudie Grattan is currently a coterminal student in the Earth Systems M.A. program at Stanford University. In 2021, she completed her B.S. in Human Biology with a concentration in Human-Environment Interaction from Stanford. Her interests sit at the intersection of policy, design, and justice relation to fisheries and the oceans. Outside of the classroom, she is a Captain on the Stanford Women’s Lacrosse team.
Vrinda Suresh received her bachelor's in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and is pursuing a master's degree in Earth Systems. Her interests in both art and environmental policy prompted her to apply for the Notation in Science Communication program. She is excited to use the communication skills she's developed in the NSC to help people connect with nature and motivate environmental action, policy, and stewardship. Vrinda writes the following of her experience: "The NSC is the one capstone that really allowed me to reflect on and make connections between everything that's happened over my academic career—interests that have emerged or been sustained, classes I've taken, internships I've completed, non-academic life events. That opportunity to synthesize my thoughts from so many different types of experiences, and visualize my whole academic journey, has been really valuable in guiding me on possible next steps post-graduation, and in thinking about what kind of work I find exciting and meaningful. Also, Emily and Jenne are the best." Vrinda received a Notation in Science Communication with Distinction.
Nuzhah Tarsoo majored in Earth Systems, with a concentration on land systems. She recently completed a research project funded through a major grant by VPUE, on the use of ecological substitutes to compensate for functions lost with key species extinctions worldwide. She pursued a Notation in Science Communication to learn how to communicate science effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences. In her free time, she enjoys reading and exploring new places.
You can view the student NSC ePortfolios in early July by visiting our ePortfolio archive.
