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Dear Future Grad Engineer, I stumbled into research by accident. It was just another way for me to make money during my sophomore year—so I figured, why not? Through my presentations and papers, I learned how powerful it is to be an expert in something and define the area of study for future scholars to follow. My PhD will enable me to become a thought-leader and create new narratives for what Mechanical Engineering research and researchers look like. I’m the first person in my family to pursue an advanced degree and the first to go to an elite institution. To say I had no clue what I was doing when navigating the graduate application process is an understatement. But with a supportive family, strong faith, and comfort with vulnerability, I have learned that it is absolutely doable for a person like me to thrive here. (Note: not easy, but very doable.) Stanford has forced me to dream bigger than I thought possible, because the people, access, and opportunities here are endless. I think I am a good fit for Stanford because I’m a calculated risk-taker. I love new concepts that radically shift the way we see the world. Stanford is a place for people who have ideas about how they want to change the world and aren’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and actually do it! Trust me, you belong here too. Cheers,
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Abisola C. Kusimo BS Mechanical Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park MS Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University PhD Candidate, Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University
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Dear Future Graduate Engineer, As a freshman in college, I didn’t know what it meant to “go to grad school.” Born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago, I rarely had conversations about higher education. I wasn’t given any prescribed checkboxes to get into a top-tier institution. And when my undergraduate career came to an end, the decision to apply to Stanford very much felt like standing at the edge of a cliff with no one beside me. But I decided to jump. Because I would never know if I could fly if I didn’t. I haven’t been a grad student for very long, but I’ve already run into an unexpected challenge. In academia, proportions of people of color and representation get worse the higher up you get. And this can be discouraging. But it’s also incredibly motivating. A huge problem that requires nothing less than the most daring and outstanding people to solve it. I’ve found true fulfilment in working to improve people of color (POC) numbers and the representation of our perspectives in graduate education. And you might too! It’s hard and scary, but that’s what makes it worth it. Despite the challenges, there have been so many high points to my short time here. Every single person at Stanford is phenomenal. To be surrounded by such a variety of exceptional, thoughtful, awe-inspiring, passionate people at one of the best resourced universities in the world has been an honor and a privilege unto itself. Every new challenge or success makes me a little bit better as a student, a researcher, a person. I’m so grateful for the decisions that brought me here, and I look forward to where I’ll go. And I hope that your decisions bring you to the crazy, wonderful world of Stanford as well. All my best,
Alexa M. Garcia BSc Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology PhD Student, Bioengineering, Stanford University
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Dear Future Grad Engineer, I remember being in your shoes and considering career paths after college, not exactly sure how to best make a difference in my own life or in the world. At the time, I was studying chemical engineering and knew I liked biology but wasn’t sure whether to go into research, industry, medicine or something else! What originally drew me to Stanford was the Chemistry, Engineering and Medicine for Human Health program, which brings together engineers, scientists and clinicians to better understand and treat human disease. When I was accepted, I was so excited to join. Currently, I research new types of antiviral drugs and their effects on cellular metabolism. At Stanford, there are so many diverse and collaborative communities built around everything from renewable energy to robotics to biomaterials. Whatever you’re interested in, it’s here! As you make your next step, contact people and professors whose jobs or research excites you! If you decide on grad school, I can’t imagine a better place than Stanford—cutting-edge technologies, opportunities in every field, a laid-back vibe and an innovative culture. Don’t be afraid to apply and never ever doubt yourself. You can and will succeed here. At times, I have felt nervous I didn’t belong or this path was too challenging. On those days, I am especially grateful for the warmth and beauty of the campus. I grew up in Tucson, Arizona, and there I learned to appreciate the feel of the sun on my face every single day. With help along the way, I have found a home here and I hope you will come here too! All my best wishes!
Amita Gupta BS Chemical Engineering & Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology PhD Student, Chemical Engineering, Stanford University
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Dear Future Grad Engineer, I didn’t think people like me made it to Stanford. I grew up in a low-income community, raised by an immigrant single mother, and didn’t even know what an engineer was until i was seventeen. While I was in undergrad at the University of Pittsburgh the goal was to graduate, get a nice steady job as an engineer, and spend thirty years at a company that paid the bills. That changed when I met a peer mentor in undergrad who believed I had the potential to pursue graduate school. Though he believed in me, I thought he was crazy. Come on. Have you ever met anyone that got into a top school with less than a 3.2 GPA? That leads to the first lesson I leave you: Don’t ever think you aren’t good enough. You are good enough to apply, to survive, and to thrive at Stanford. I never thought I would get in. Let alone survive my first year. Now, I’m thriving in my fourth year here. If I can do it, you can do it. It wasn’t easy though. Grad school is a different beast and I spent a lot of nights praying and crying to figure this out. Friends kept me busy, family kept me grounded, and my faith kept everything in perspective. That wraps up the second lesson: Maintain your emotional base no matter how tough things get. When you are inundated with work and forget who and what you do it for, your whole foundation can crumble. Finally: No matter your goal, run towards it. Even if it changes along the way. I wish someone had told me that it’s okay to adjust my plan. As I’ve spent more time at Stanford, I’ve realized more and more that I belong here. Everyone has a gift that’s independent of their academic abilities and being at Stanford helped mine. So, to my future colleague, don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it. If Stanford isn’t the right place for you, just remember that you are powerful beyond measure. A university name doesn’t define you and you were great before you got here. All the best,
Christopher P. Cameron BS Mechanical Engineering, University of Pittsburgh PhD Candidate, Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University
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Dear Future Grad Engineer, As a transfer student from a small community college, I could never have foreseen my aspirations to become a professor and leading researcher! I was never an academic in any sense, with my high school years characterized by trips to the principal’s office and barely passing classes. Honestly, I only had plans for a terminal associate’s degree. Engineering however, challenged me to think in a new way that was incredibly frustrating! I kept at it, realizing that understanding complex phenomena gave me a profound sense of purpose. It did not take long for me to view research as the natural extension to this. My PhD studies allow me to synthesize scientific, business, and societal networks in a way that leverages my natural and learned abilities. I’m the first person in my family to pursue a degree. I had no idea what I was doing, but I was fortunate enough for my family to have instilled in me a work ethic and grit that I used to seek supportive mentors who guided me through the intimidating maze that is academia. With a great deal of hard (but rewarding) work, I ended up at Stanford University: something I had thought impossible. In my quest to positively impact the world and make STEM accessible for people like me, Stanford does not disappoint: It is uniquely entrepreneurial in everything it does, offers amazing support (like diversity recruitment programs!), and fosters radical new ideas that encourage me to become the most imaginative version of myself. Coming from a large, public university in my undergrad studies (UCLA), I was delighted to see at Stanford the countless opportunities for anything you are passionate about: I just had to leave my hometown of LA to experience it for myself. This probably sounds like a place you would want to be, a place that you could see yourself contributing to the world and making a difference, right? It should be, because I genuinely believe you belong here as well. Best regards,
Chris Perez BS Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles PhD Student, Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University
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Dear Future Grad Engineer, When I first started my undergraduate studies at the University of Southern California, I had no clue what engineering was, let alone my selected major of Electrical Engineering. I was introduced to research my freshman year, and found the curiosity of exploring the unknown both intriguing and exciting. The pursuit of a graduate education was proposed to me by a faculty mentor during my junior year, which I saw as an opportunity to make an impact in my field of study. I was told that Stanford had a strong computer architecture program, so I decided why not apply? While almost all of my friends and colleagues were busy finding full-time jobs, I was busy navigating the graduate school application process. I relied on my faculty mentors to guide me through the process, since no one in my family had ever pursued a STEM degree, much less a graduate degree. In applying to Stanford, I was truly aiming for the stars, but I believed in myself, my preparation, and my work ethic. Being admitted to Stanford felt like a team victory for everyone who helped and encouraged me to apply. At Stanford, we are truly pursuing cutting-edge research problems that few other institutions in the world are tackling. The proximity to Silicon Valley’s top technology companies leads to an abundance of opportunities for collaborations and insights. The best part about Stanford, however, is the student body. Your peers will both challenge and help you grow intellectually, and will become lifelong resources. You have something to contribute to Stanford; I hope you choose to pursue your graduate studies here. Best, Francisco Romero BS Electrical Engineering, University of Southern California MS Electrical Engineering, Stanford University PhD Student, Electrical Engineering, Stanford University
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Dear Future Grad Engineer, I am originally from Cusco, Peru, and moved to New Jersey to finish high school. I attended Rutgers University and graduated with a BS in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. I was originally going to stay at Rutgers to pursue a graduate degree; however, during the SHPE Conference I was told by university representatives that I should strongly consider applying to other universities. After doing some research I found Stanford and was very impressed. I decided to apply and now I am here! At Stanford the challenge that I encountered was the notion of imposter syndrome. My first year I was constantly worried about whether I was good enough to be here. To make things more difficult, the quarter system was new to me. Now I can see that I was good enough and I love quarters! Throughout my time at Stanford I have dealt not only with real technical and research aspects of engineering alongside professional engineers, but also with the social, political, economic, and cultural constraints involved in successfully implementing engineering projects. This extraordinary opportunity taught me that the world’s problems are vast, but if we combine forces and overcome our differences, great things can be accomplished. For that I am thankful to my graduate education. Best regards,
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Herbert Silva BS Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Rutgers University MS Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University PhD Candidate, Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University
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Dear Future Grad Engineer, My name is Isa, and I originally hail from Puerto Rico. I did my undergrad at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez. Due to the economic instability in my island, I pursued higher education as a guarantee of a stable career. In high school, I learned that a PhD was the highest achievable degree and set my sights on that. As a senior applying to grad school, I was looking for application fee waivers (coming from a low-income family) and since Stanford gave me one, I applied. To be honest, I wasn’t particularly excited when I found out I got in since I didn’t know much about Stanford, other than it was in California and it was famous (I only commented on Stanford’s good weather in my application essay because I thought everywhere in California was like that). But all that changed thanks to Grad Diversity Day! It quickly became one of my top two choices, and my chosen program due to its effort in recruiting diverse graduate students, the friendliness of my eventual advisor, and the financial aid package I was offered. Grad school has been a challenging but rewarding experience. I’ve come a long way from that first year full of all-nighters, p-sets, group projects, and trying to get used to a new place. Since then, there have been many research pitfalls but many accomplishments too! I’ve also made many friends, discovered new pastimes, and met my significant other. After passing my qualifying exams, I got involved in student government and female engineering associations to make Stanford’s vision for diversity a reality at the PhD level. Right now, there are not that many underrepresented PhD students, but you can change that! And have fun while doing it! The thing I would say that all Stanford students have in common is their boundless curiosity, so come join us and take part in whatever projects or classes strike your fancy! Personally, I think five years is too little time to spend here, so I’m going for six :D See you around! Isa Rosa BS Civil Engineering, University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez MS Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University PhD Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University
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Dear Future Grad Engineer, If I were to identify myself in terms of a particular student group, it would be predominantly as an underserved student. If you were to ask me 10 years ago if I was going to graduate school, I would have replied back with, “What’s graduate school?” Since neither my mom or dad completed high school, I had no direct resources in terms of how to succeed in my educational pursuits. Although their education was minimal, they always told me “echale ganas a la escuela mijo,” which translates to “give it your all in school.” I knew from that, that if I wanted to change my path I had to continue my education. After high school, I decided to go to community college and there I found my interest in physics, chemistry, and math, which ultimately led to transferring to UC Riverside, where I completed my BS in Chemical Engineering. During my time at UC Riverside I had the privilege to partake in research in my department. There I learned to develop my critical thinking skills, and it was not until my mentor decided to push me to apply to graduate school that I learned what graduate school entailed. I thank my mentors in pushing me to apply and that has led me to be here at Stanford. Here, I research the synthesis of materials that produce renewable fuels and chemicals from renewable energy and I love it! We all have our own struggles, mishaps, and misfortunes that make up our unique story as individuals. I’ve had my own fair share, but my one piece of advice if you’re thinking about pursuing graduate school would be to believe in yourself! I was inundated by my own thoughts if I would ever be good enough for Stanford or why I should even apply. Do not let yourself be the one who tells you no. Believe in yourself! Apply and when you get in, you will not make the wrong choice in matriculating! I hope you choose to come to Stanford because you will find that this is an excellent place to make a difference! Best, Joel Sanchez AS Mathematics, Modesto Junior College BS Chemical Engineering, University of California, Riverside MS Chemical Engineering, Stanford University PhD Candidate, Chemical Engineering, Stanford University
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ENGINEERING
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Dear Future Grad Engineer, I am originally from Antigua and Barbuda in the Eastern Caribbean, but I immigrated to the USA when I was 16. I attended Howard University and graduated with a BS in Chemical Engineering. When I discovered that I was passionate about medical device innovation, I decided to switch fields and purse a career in Bioengineering/Biomedical Engineering. To help facilitate the transition from ChemE to BioE, I completed a two-year postbaccalaureate program at MIT and Novartis. This helped me gain a background in the biological sciences and provided me with some much-needed relevant research experience. This program helped immensely with my transition to grad school academically. Socially, transitioning was another story, especially coming from an HBCU. At first finding a sense of community was difficult for me, but once I got involved in student groups like
Black Grad Students Association and Stanford Black Bioscience Organization, I felt more at home.
The most challenging thing about Stanford for me was that I entered with some serious imposter syndrome. My first year I constantly worried about whether I was good enough or whether I belonged here. Did they make a mistake? Save yourself the heartache! When you get in, know that you belong here and that you will succeed. Also, if you are considering a dual-degree program, please think carefully about it. Stanford can be challenging and adding more to your plate could just lead to unnecessary stress. Whatever your career aspirations and goals are, Stanford Engineering will provide a nurturing environment to help you achieve them. Hope to see you on campus soon! Best, Kaisha N. Benjamin BS Chemical Engineering, Howard University MS Medicine, Stanford University MS Bioengineering, Stanford University PhD Student, Bioengineering, Stanford University
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Dear Future Grad Engineer, From outside, it was hard to think that Stanford was the place for me. I didn’t have the best test scores, I wasn’t a pilot (like most of my peers), nor were my parents financially able to support my endeavors. Born and raised in Barbados, diversity has always been a part of my life. To me, the Caribbean islands are vibrant, hardworking, and culture-rich communities, overflowing with success stories in areas such as music and athletics, but not much in STEM. Coming from Howard University, a small undergraduate institution, I couldn’t help but feel out of place. With long nights spent in the library, transitioning to graduate school wasn’t easy. Three years later and slightly wiser, I struck the epiphany—Stanford wasn’t interested in how affluent I seemed on paper, but in my tenacity to overcome socio-economic barriers to solve challenging problems. With its vast breadth of multidisciplinary research and commitment to encouraging creativity and independent thought, Stanford cemented my desire to continue after my master’s and pursue a PhD. In my community on campus, I’ve met so many students with similar backgrounds who share my values. Had I known the existence of such a supportive family years ago, I wouldn’t have hesitated in applying. Like each of them, in pursuing my dreams, I want to inspire minority students to pursue fields in STEM. I know that you have what it takes not only to be a successful graduate student but also a light for others to follow. You belong here too. Cheers,
Matthew A. Clarke BS Mechanical Engineering, Howard University MS Aeronautics & Astronautics, Stanford University PhD Candidate, Aeronautics & Astronautics, Stanford University
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Dear Future Grad Engineer, When I was an undergraduate at Spelman College, I studied math and computer science but I had no intentions on going to graduate school. I didn’t think there were any more math or computer science techniques I wanted to learn. My professors then challenged me to actually research the types of things I could do as a grad student, and I discovered a lab that studied food trucks in San Francisco and how they used social media to build thriving communities. When I saw that, I thought, “Wow, now that sounds pretty interesting.� During the application process, I decided not to apply to any pure math or computer science programs. I discovered it is totally OK to switch gears and pursue programs that aligned more with my passions. I was pretty nervous when I applied to Stanford, but I was so excited when I got in! One of the best parts about Stanford is the culture. The students are both passionate and hard-working but also friendly and down-to-earth. In addition, Stanford really cares about the holistic health of its graduate students. From promoting wellness to designating students to foster a sense of community, Stanford invests in the well-being of each of its graduate students. Overall, I am so happy I chose Stanford and I hope you choose Stanford, too! Sincerely,
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Mya Pless Havard BS Computer Science and Mathematics, Spelman College MS Candidate, Management Science and Engineering, Stanford University
ENGINEERING
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Dear Future Grad Engineer, Coming from Yuma, Arizona, a rural border city, I began my undergrad at Rice University knowing that I enjoyed math and science, but I had no idea what research was or that going to graduate school was even a possibility. It wasn’t until my junior year that I sat down with two of my closest professors and mentors at Rice to discuss my future career plans, and they not only encouraged me to apply to graduate programs, but also helped me present myself as the best applicant possible for Stanford. While my biggest worries in applying were that I was not good enough, that I was not smart enough, and that I didn’t have the research skills or experience to do this, I was resolved to honor their confidence in me and gave my best effort in applying. As the first person in my family to study engineering and to go to graduate school to pursue a doctoral degree, everything was completely new to me and my family. At Stanford, one of the biggest challenges that I have personally faced is the feeling that I don’t belong and that I am an “imposter.” I have learned the term for this feeling of “imposter syndrome,” and while it still occurs, I tell myself that I do belong here. By having a “growth mindset,” I have navigated graduate study at Stanford by remembering that I am my toughest critic, and that through effort and persistence I can develop the skills necessary to succeed. Finally, I remind myself that my family, friends, and advisor are all here to support me. My happiest and biggest surprise at Stanford has been meeting my amazing advisor, and as a last piece of advice, I wish I had known the importance of contacting and meeting with the graduate students in the lab, in addition to the professor, during the visit days to get a real feel for what they are like as a team. For example, I didn’t realize you should look for professors to work with before applying and arriving, so I initially struggled with finding an advisor in my first year; save yourself that trouble. With that, I encourage you to believe in yourself and apply to Stanford, because we believe in you. Best wishes, Sean Peters BS Electrical Engineering, Rice University MS Electrical Engineering, Stanford University PhD Candidate, Electrical Engineering, Stanford University
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