Advising and Student Support

Peer Advisors Student Services

Active, engaged advising is a hallmark of the Earth Systems Program. Our advising network brings together Peer Advisors, staff, and faculty to provide students with thoughtful, individualized guidance and support throughout their Earth Systems journey.

Peer Advisors

Interested in Earth Systems? Meet with a Peer Advisor!

Our Peer Advisors are upperclassmen who are excited to meet with students at any stage of their Earth Systems journey. Whether you’re exploring the major or minors, newly declared, or well along your way, Peer Advisors can answer questions from a student’s perspective, discuss course selection and sequencing, and share their own experiences and insights. Peer Advisors hold weekly office hours in the Earth Systems Lounge (Y2E2 131) throughout the academic year and are available during autumn (Weeks 3–10), winter (Weeks 2–10), and spring (Weeks 2–10) quarters. Our doors are always open!

Jessie Bough (she/her)

jbough@stanford.edu

I’m senior from Montana pursuing the Sustainable Food and Agriculture track in Earth Systems. I grew up spending summers working on my family’s wheat and barley farm, which sparked my interest in agriculture, but at Stanford that’s grown into a broader focus on environmental challenges, food systems, and how ecosystems support both people and the environments we depend on. I also studied abroad in Australia, where I explored ecosystems from mangroves to coral reefs and how they connect to human communities. I’m happy to chat about course selection, shaping the major to fit your interests, study abroad, or planning your personal path through Earth Systems! Outside of academics, you can usually find me line dancing with Rural Club, at a bonfire, watching beach volleyball, or spending as much time outside as possible.

Amanda Cheng (she/her)

ajycheng@stanford.edu

I'm a senior on the Human Environmental Systems track with a minor in English literature. I'm interested in sustainable natural resource policy and environmental justice, particularly as they relate to agriculture and the oceans. Some of my most impactful experiences at Stanford have come from experiential learning opportunities, including the Exploring Monterey Sophomore College course and studying abroad through the BOSP program at the University of Queensland in Australia. Previously, I've researched fertilizer pollution policy at the Natural Resources Defense Council and explored biomethane pathways at the Center for European Policy Studies. Come chat with me about environmental policy, ecology, making the most of Stanford's off-campus opportunities, and ES courses! In my free time, you can find me dancing ballet at Roble Gym, hiking or backpacking, or spending time with friends at the Arbor.

Diego Garcia (he/him)

dgarci43@stanford.edu

I'm a senior from Laredo, Texas, on the Energy, Science, and Technology track. I'm interested in the transition to clean energy and how engineering, policy, and sustainability come together to shape more resilient power systems. At Stanford, I've explored both biological and energy systems through research and project work. I previously conducted bioengineering research focused on genome editing and viral vector development, and more recently I've shifted toward energy, working on sustainability-focused projects and gaining experience in the field. During my most recent internship, I built data-driven models to evaluate how battery storage influences grid emissions and decarbonization outcomes. I'm currently planning to pursue a coterm in Energy Science & Engineering to build a strong technical foundation in sustainable energy. As a peer advisor, I enjoy supporting students who are exploring different paths or considering a pivot within Earth Systems. Outside of academics, you can find me going to the movies, playing basketball or pickleball with friends, or trying every flavor at Salt & Straw.

Lena Hoover (she/her)

lhoover@stanford.edu

My name is Lena Hoover and I'm a senior on the Human Environmental Systems track. I’m passionate about environmental justice, renewable energy, and sustainable urban development (always excited to talk about walkable cities and public transportation)! I plan to go to law school and pursue a career in environmental law and policy. I have interned at various NGOs and nonprofits including the Environmental Defense Fund as a Schneider Fellow, the Environmental Working Group, and the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice. I also studied abroad in Cape Town, South Africa so I’m more than happy to chat about my experience there and how you can fit study abroad into your time at Stanford. Outside of class, you’ll find me laying out in the sun, spending too much money on Philz coffee, reading, or on a run around Lake Lag.

Dora McCotter-Hulett (she/her)

doramh@stanford.edu

I'm a junior from Seattle, Washington, double majoring in Earth Systems (Biosphere) and Economics. I'm interested in the conservation of our public lands, environmental economics, and using policy mechanisms to encourage more sustainable lifestyles. I love finding any excuse to get outside, so last summer I worked in remote Alaska on climate education as a People, Politics, Place Fellow, and this summer I'll be working as an ecological monitoring technician with the JMT Wilderness Conservancy. I also spent fall quarter studying abroad in Australia through the BOSP program. On campus, I conduct research on the carbon storage capacity of biochar. Come chat with me about conservation, finding ways to get outside, or studying abroad! Outside of class, you can find me playing ultimate frisbee, taking photos of the natural world, playing Bananagrams, or planning my next adventure.

Earth Systems Administrative Staff

Do you have questions? We can help.

Student Services

For information about our academic programs, applications, deadlines, department resources, and policies, please contact:

Anahid Babekian
Assistant Director of Student Services
anahids@stanford.edu; (650) 725-7427
Slack: Anahid Babekian
Schedule a meeting
Coterm Advising and Degree Progress, MA and MS Admissions, TAships

LaShanette Breazell
Assistant Director of Student Services
lbreazel@stanford.edu; (650) 498-5506
Slack: LaShanette Breazell
Schedule a meeting
Undergraduate Advising and Degree Progress (Majors & Minors); Course Scheduling