The Sustainable Stanford Fellowship

Lead a real sustainability transformation right here on campus.

As a Sustainable Stanford Living Lab Fellow, you work at the intersection of research, operations, and real-world change. Fellows lead applied, cross-disciplinary projects that advance Stanford’s sustainability goals and deliver measurable impact. This is a chance to influence systems, policy, and culture while gaining hands-on experience, strategic insight, and leadership skills as a sustainability change-maker.

More about the program’s origins can be found in its launch article in the Stanford Report.

Available Fellowship Projects for Academic Year 2026-2027

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Topic Area: Climate Action

Building an AI Assistant to Support Sustainable Supercomputing Jobs

Topic Area: Climate Action & IT (Sustainable Research Computing, Emissions Management)

Collaborating Unit: Stanford Doerr School of Sustainabilty – Center for Computation

This project will enhance an existing AI-powered assistant used for supercomputing job requests by embedding sustainability intelligence into how compute resources are requested and allocated. The fellow will test real and synthetic job configurations, identify inefficiencies such as conflicting or redundant parameters, and help train the assistant to flag energy-intensive requests and suggest more efficient alternatives. Additional work includes user testing and feedback collection to improve usability and adoption. Preferred skills include data processing, familiarity with AI or computing systems, analytical thinking, and interest in the intersection of research computing and energy efficiency.

Developing an Electrification Strategy in Faculty & Staff Housing

Topic Area: Climate Action (Degasification/Electrification)

Collaborating Unit: Bill Lane Center for the American West; Land, Buildings & Real Estate – Office of Sustainability

Stanford University has over 850 on-campus residences housing its faculty and staff. As part of Stanford’s strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, electrifying these homes is a key priority. Building off of existing progress, the fellow will collaborate with the Office of Sustainability and the Stanford Campus Residential Leaseholders (SCRL) to advance electrification efforts by promoting available incentives and programs to faculty and staff residing on campus.

Nature-Based Climate Solutions

Topic Area: Climate Action (Emissions Management, Conservation And Biodiversity, Land Use, Water)

Collaborating Unit: Land, Buildings & Real Estate – Land Use and Environmental Planning – Conservation

This project builds on past Living Lab work exploring the role of Stanford’s natural lands in climate adaptation, carbon sequestration, and ecosystem restoration. The fellow will co-develop a research project focused on one or more areas: restoration’s effect on water supply, carbon accounting in aquatic systems, or evaluating nature-based carbon solutions in local habitats. Depending on outcomes of current funding proposals, the project may also involve designing and supporting implementation of Stanford’s Restoration and Invasive Weed Control Plan. Ideal candidates will have experience with fieldwork, local ecology, and self-directed research, with strong quantitative or project management skills considered a plus. Preference may be given to students with availability to begin project work during the summer months.

Pollution-Free Backup Generation: Feasibility Research with the Microgrid at the Educational Farm

Topic Area: Climate Action (Emissions Management, Resilience)

Collaborating Unit: Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability – Stanford Educational Farm

This project explores the feasibility of a pollution-free backup power solution for Stanford facilities using solar, battery, and hydrogen fuel cell technology. Focused on Stanford’s microgrid at the Educational Farm, the fellow will perform computer simulations and analytic modeling to assess system sizing, cost-benefit tradeoffs, and deployment potential across campus. Key goals include reducing reliance on diesel generators, informing design of future resilient infrastructure (e.g., the Sustainability Commons), and evaluating integration with priority emergency circuits. Fellows should have strong systems modeling, energy analysis, and data synthesis skills. Support will come from Energy Operations, LBRE, and the Educational Farm.

Salvage vs. Recycling on Stanford Campus

Topic Area: Climate Action (Construction)

Collaborating Unit: Land, Buildings & Real Estate – University Architect

This project supports Stanford’s embodied carbon and zero waste goals by advancing design-for-disassembly and strategic deconstruction practices. The fellow will evaluate the reuse potential of construction and demolition materials, identify gaps in current demolition workflows, and help inform policies that recover embodied carbon through material salvage. Deliverables may include pilot analyses, policy recommendations, and stakeholder engagement to promote reuse across capital projects. This project is best suited for a graduate student or PhD candidate. Ideal candidates are self-directed, curious, and passionate about reuse, with a willingness to learn tactical, field-based skills.

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Topic Area: Energy & Water

A Stanford Template for Building Airflow Management Plans (BAMPs)

Topic Areas: Energy & Water (Facilities Energy Management, Building Performance)

Project Host Department: Land, Buildings & Real Estate – Facilities Energy Management

This project will develop and operationalize a Building Airflow Management Plan (BAMP) for a laboratory building, using the Shriram Center (BioE/ChemE) as a pilot. Building on Stanford’s Laboratory Ventilation Management Program, the fellow will translate campus-wide ventilation standards into a building-specific operations manual that supports safe, reliable, and energy-efficient lab ventilation. This project is best suited for a graduate student or PhD candidate. Preferred skills include systems thinking, familiarity with organizational or change management, and comfort working across databases or information systems.

Decarbonization Plan for a Single Residence Hall

Topic Areas: Energy & Water (Decarbonization, Energy Systems, Efficient Buildings)

Project Host Department: Residential & Dining Enterprises with Explore Energy

This project will develop a prototype decarbonization plan for Sterling Quad, a Stanford residence hall served by gas-fired water and space heating. The Fellow will investigate how to electrify hot water, dryers, and heating systems using commercially available heat pump solutions, and evaluate indoor air quality impacts with support from the Jackson Lab. The site includes Explore Energy House, providing synergy with residential education. Working closely with R&DE Facilities and Explore Energy faculty, the Fellow will produce a replicable decarbonization roadmap for older dorms across campus, supporting Stanford’s goal of 100% clean energy buildings.

Flexing Power on the Stanford Campus

Topic Areas: Energy & Water (Energy Systems, Efficient Buildings)

Project Host Department: Department of Energy Science & Engineering (Benson Lab)

This project will expand Stanford’s capacity to flex building energy demand to reduce emissions and support grid stability. Building on recent campus temperature setback trials, the fellow will analyze building-level flexibility, coordinate trials with LBRE and Facilities Energy Management, and evaluate integration with Stanford’s district energy system and emerging smart panel technologies. Deliverables include building response profiles, emissions modeling, and a replicable framework for campus-scale demand flexibility. This work supports Stanford’s decarbonization goals and provides a scalable model for other institutions. Ideal candidates will have experience in energy systems, building operations, and data analysis.

Microgrid Education at the Educational Farm

Topic Areas: Energy & Water (Energy systems, Communications, Community Engagement)

Project Host Department: Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability – Energy Science & Engineering (Benson Lab); O’Donohue Family Stanford Educational Farm

This project will activate Stanford’s newly commissioned microgrid at the O’Donohue Family Stanford Educational Farm as a living laboratory for energy education and community engagement. The fellow will develop educational resources and experiences that translate the microgrid’s operations into accessible learning opportunities for students, staff, and visitors, including signage with QR-linked content, short instructional videos, guided and self-guided tours, and integration into campus energy education programming and courses. The fellow will coordinate with farm managers, faculty, and research teams optimizing the microgrid, while tracking engagement metrics and visitor feedback to refine educational strategies and demonstrate impact. Preferred skills include strong communication and storytelling, project management, data tracking and visualization, and an interest in energy systems, sustainability education, and community engagement.

Student-Led Building Energy Audits Using SWARM

Topic Areas: Energy & Water (Energy Systems, Efficient Buildings)

Project Host Department: Stanford School of Engineering & Doerr School of Sustainability – Civil & Environmental Engineering

This project will enable a Living Lab Fellow to lead student-led energy audits of smaller campus buildings (e.g., Row Houses) using the SWARM app, a tool developed at UC Davis to streamline low-cost building assessments. Priority will be given to buildings still burning fossil fuels on-site. The fellow will work closely with R&DE and engage students from courses such as CEE 176B and SUSTAIN 119, and coordinate with Sustainability Ambassadors to identify savings and upgrade opportunities. This work supports Stanford’s decarbonization and student engagement goals and may inform future campus-wide retrofits. Ideal candidates will have experience with energy auditing and/or relevant coursework.

Visualizing Stanford’s Energy Use Through an Independent Building Operations Data Layer

Topic Areas: Energy (Energy Systems, Data & Analytics)

Project Host Department: Stanford School of Engineering & Doerr School of Sustainability – Civil & Environmental Engineering – Stanford Urban Informatics Lab

This fellowship will design and deploy real-time visualizations of Stanford’s energy use by integrating data from campus systems, the OT IDL, and external grid sources. Working with Facilities Energy Management, Utilities, R&DE, and the Urban Informatics Lab, the fellow will analyze and visualize energy data to support operations and education. Deliverables include screen-based dashboards, pilot installations (e.g., Explore Energy House), and analytics aligned with Stanford’s 24/7 clean power goals. Ideal candidates have skills in data analysis, visualization, or energy systems and can collaborate across technical and operational teams.

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Topic Area: Sustainable Purchasing

Packaging Waste Characterization in Stanford Health Care Operating Rooms

Topics Areas: Sustainable Purchasing (Healthcare, Zero Waste)

Project Host Department: Stanford Health Care – Sustainability Program Office

This project will characterize mixed-material packaging waste generated in Stanford Health Care operating rooms to identify feasible recycling and waste diversion opportunities. The fellow will catalog packaging types, materials, vendors, and disposal pathways, engage manufacturers and recyclers, and assess logistical and financial feasibility for targeted recycling streams. Outcomes include a packaging materials database, prioritized recycling opportunities, and a pilot-ready implementation plan. Preferred skills include Excel and data management, comfort with materials research, systems thinking, and interest in healthcare waste operations and circular economy solutions.

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Topic Area: Zero Waste

Advancing Sustainability at Stanford Redwood City Cardinal Cafe

Topics Areas: Zero Waste (Sustainability Culture & Behavior, Communications)

Project Host Department: Land, Buildings & Real Estate – Office of Sustainability & Stanford Redwood City

This project will advance sustainability outcomes at the Stanford Redwood City Cardinal Cafe by designing, testing, and refining behavior-based interventions focused on food waste reduction and waste diversion. Building on prior pilots, the fellow will collaborate with operations staff, custodial services, vendors, and customers to evaluate intervention effectiveness and integrate successful strategies into standard practices. Deliverables include analysis, recommendations for scaling, and guidance for application beyond Cardinal Cafe. Preferred skills include behavioral psychology, qualitative research, stakeholder engagement, and graphic or communications design. Preference may be given to students with availability to begin project work during the summer months.

Battery Recycling: Scaling Beyond the Li-ion Battery Recycling Pilot

Topics Areas: Zero Waste (Battery Recycling)

Project Host Department: Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability – Precourt Institute for Energy

This project will build on a successful 2025–26 pilot to expand lithium-ion battery recycling infrastructure across Stanford’s campus. The fellow will coordinate with campus partners (e.g., EH&S, Waste Management) and Redwood Materials to install additional fire-safe collection bins, develop communications to increase participation, and create a how-to guide for replication at other universities and corporate campuses. This initiative supports circular economy goals by reducing electronic waste and the need for new metal mining. Ideal candidates will be strong communicators and organizers, with interest in waste systems and sustainable materials.

Tresidder Student Union Waste Reduction and Diversion

Topics Areas: Zero Waste (Behavior / Culture Change, Purchasing, Community Engagement)

Project Host Department: Land, Buildings & Real Estate – Office of Sustainability

This project will focus on improving waste diversion and reducing contamination at Tresidder Student Union through data-driven analysis and hands-on engagement. The fellow will assess waste generation patterns, collaborate with vendors and facilities staff, and design interventions such as signage, bin placement, and user education. Outcomes include measurable diversion improvements and a playbook for application in other high-traffic campus venues. Preference may be given to students with availability to begin project work during the summer months.

Waste Data Analytics and Automation

Topics Areas: Communications; Information Technology / Computing; Zero Waste

Project Host Department: Office of Sustainability, Land Buildings & Real Estate

This project will improve how waste data is collected, analyzed, and reported by developing more automated and reliable data workflows. The fellow will assess existing data sources, identify inefficiencies, and help design dashboards or automation tools that support decision-making and transparency. Outcomes may include standardized datasets, visualization tools, and recommendations for scaling analytics across programs. The ideal fellow will have experience with AI and data analysis, be comfortable using data visualization tools, and be familiar with integrating, cleaning, and organizing large datasets.

Waste-Free Workspaces: Piloting Office Food Recyclers

Topics Areas: Zero Waste (Sustainability Culture & Behavior, Communications)

Project Host Department: Land, Buildings & Real Estate – Office of Sustainability & Stanford Redwood City

This project will pilot office-scale food recyclers at Stanford Redwood City to reduce landfill-bound food waste and improve convenience for staff. The fellow will support installation, develop communications and signage, assess user behavior and system performance, and evaluate diversion outcomes. Findings will inform recommendations for scaling food waste solutions across Redwood City and potentially the main campus. Preferred skills include familiarity with behavior change principles, communications or graphic design, data tracking, and interest in zero waste systems and workplace sustainability. Preference may be given to students with availability to begin project work during the summer months.

Testimonials