R&DE Sustainability Interns
Our Sustainability Internship Program offers students the opportunity to work on impactful projects that drive environmental change across campus.
As an intern, you’ll collaborate with Stanford staff while developing valuable professional skills. Interns will engage in impactful projects that promote resource conservation, energy efficiency, and sustainable operations within R&DE. From advancing water and energy-saving initiatives to optimizing facility usage and supporting eco-friendly programs, playing a key role in driving sustainability efforts across R&DE.
Learn about our past interns' impressive achievements and meet our present interns below to see how they're impacting change on campus. Applications for the 2026-27 cohort are open through February 23, 2026, apply here.
Aaron Fernandes
Energy Efficiency Data Analytics Intern – AWAIR Project
Residential & Dining Enterprises (R&DE) Sustainability
Undergraduate, Class of 2028
Mathematics and Political Science Major
Aaron Fernandes is a second-year student at Stanford pursuing majors in Mathematics and Political Science. He is passionate about the intersection of sustainability, technology, and policy, with prior experience in sustainable investment research, nonprofit data strategy, and energy policy. Outside of his academic and research commitments, Aaron is an avid Boston sports fan. Aaron is also involved in the Stanford Pre-Law Society, the Stanford Catholic Community, and violin performance. He enjoys playing soccer, learning new things, and exploring the Bay Area.
Anneli Chow
Water Efficiency Data Analysis Intern
Residential & Dining Enterprises (R&DE) Sustainability
Undergraduate Class of 2026
Earth Systems Major, Creative Writing Minor
Anneli Chow is a senior studying Earth Systems with a Biosphere focus and a minor in Creative Writing. She grew up in the Pacific Northwest, where her appreciation of the outdoors and passion for learning about the natural world began. Throughout her time at Stanford, Anneli has developed academic interests in terrestrial ecology, soil science, and storytelling, and she hopes to center wildland conservation, sustainable land-use, and community engagement in her work. Outside of working with R&DE, Anneli serves as co-artistic director of Stanford’s Cardinal Ballet Company and a Peer Writing Tutor with the Hume Center. Anneli loves spending Saturday mornings volunteering on the Stanford Farm, looking for wildlife around Lake Lag, enjoying live music at the Arbor with friends, and designing/writing cards for people.
Ash Galeana
Sustainability Technology Intern
Residential & Dining Enterprises (R&DE) Sustainability
Undergraduate Junior, Class of 2027
Ash Galeana is a junior majoring in Earth Systems on the Sustainable Food and Agriculture track, with a strong interest in sustainability. His passion began during the pandemic, when he became fascinated by sustainable living and how thoughtfully designed systems can help individuals become more aware of their environmental impact. Today, his academic and professional interests focus on strengthening sustainable food systems in equitable ways and protecting the rights of farm laborers and related communities. To drive meaningful change in this area, he hopes to deepen his expertise in history, economics, and policy. Outside of his academic and professional pursuits, Ash enjoys painting, taking spontaneous walks, and reading.
Ava DeConcini
Communications Intern
Residential & Dining Enterprises (R&DE) Sustainability
Coterminal student, class of 2026
Ava DeConcini graduated from Stanford in the spring of 2025 with a major in Materials Science & Architectural Engineering, and she is now pursuing a coterm Sustainability. In addition to serving as a Communications Intern, she also conducts research on cement-free concrete, volunteers with Camp Kaleidoscope, and works as a freshman RA in Branner Hall. In her free time, she loves listening (and dancing!) to live music, playing pickup beach volleyball, going surfing, camping, and chit chatting with friends.
Izabella Smolnicka-Dos Santos
Zero Waste Communications Intern
Residential & Dining Enterprises (R&DE) Sustainability
Undergraduate Class of 2026
Environmental Systems Engineering Major, Earth Systems Minor
Izabella Smolnicka-Dos Santos is a senior studying Environmental Systems Engineering with a focus on Urban Systems and a minor in Earth Systems. As a Zero Waste Communications Intern, Izabella works on the ground promoting annual and year-round reuse and sustainability strategies within student life. Besides her work with R&DE, Izabella is a Residential Assistant at Xanadu, a co-organizer of (The) Big Swap, a co-lead of the Stanford Girls Running Club, and social director of Stanford’s Rural Club. In her spare time, Izabella loves volunteering at the Stanford Farm, getting off campus for a hike with her friends, line dancing, and making frozen yogurt!
Josie Amoo
Living Lab Fellow, Environmental Art & Design
Residential & Dining Enterprises (R&DE) Sustainability
Coterm, Class of 2026
B.S. Environmental Systems Engineering
B.A. African and African American Studies
M.S. Candidate: Civil Engineering
Josie is a coterm studying civil engineering on the atmosphere and energy track. Her research focuses on the intersections of sustainable urban development, public health, and air quality. She hopes to work in equitable infrastructure to help vulnerable communities combat pollution and environmental hazards. As a Living Lab fellow, she recognizes the importance of scientific and ecological communications with her projects and research, and wants to help create and facilitate environmental and sustainability narratives on campus. In her free time, she likes to knit, lift weights, sew, and cook.
Kim Nguyen
Water Efficiency & Data Analysis Intern
Residential & Dining Enterprises (R&DE) Sustainability
Undergraduate, Class of 2028
Undeclared
Kim Nguyen is a sophomore interested in Civil Engineering and Data Science but still exploring the many options out there. She took an interest in sustainability after moving from Ho Chi Minh City to Portland, Oregon, and experiencing the contrast in air quality and greenery. Drawing from her experience bushwacking in waders through the riparian forest to assist in fish habitat restoration, she’s ready to tackle conservation challenges for the place she currently calls home–Stanford. Kim is excited to continue researching vegetation to help mitigate water usage. She enjoys planning events for Students for a Sustainable Stanford, walking when there’s no rush to be somewhere, and cooking with people.
Madeline Hodge
Operational Waste and Emissions
Residential & Dining Enterprises (R&DE) Sustainability
Environmental Systems Engineering Major, class of 2027
Madeline is an undergraduate junior studying Environmental Systems Engineering with a focus on Coastal Systems. Her coursework interests stem from her passion for the ocean, from coastal ecosystems to erosion control to surfing. As a previous Zero Waste Intern at Sustainable Stanford, she has worked on reducing waste in scientific research and improving sorting behaviors in labs while also conducting research herself on wastewater treatment. She currently works as a Residential Assistant at the frosh dorm Schiff. Madeline is also minoring in Music and enjoys playing in the Stanford Symphony Orchestra as well as chamber music groups.
Parker Veravanich
Zero Waste Intern
Residential & Dining Enterprises (R&DE) Sustainability
Undergraduate Sophomore, Class of 2028
Parker Veravanich is a sophomore intending to major in mechanical engineering. His interest in sustainability stemmed from his time in high school, working at a seal and sea lion rescue center, educating and advocating for sustainability in his local community. He wants to gain experiences in sustainable design and engineering through his career, and is passionate about operations and sustainable systems. Outside of academics, Parker is involved with Stanford Solar Car, Stanford Space Initiative, and the run club. He enjoys long hikes, public transport, and concerts.
Tung Nguyen
Energy Efficiency & Data Analysis Intern
Residential & Dining Enterprises (R&DE) Sustainability
Undergraduate Sophomore, Class of 2028
Electrical Engineering Major, Energy Science and Engineering Minor
Tung Nguyen is a sophomore planning to major in Electrical Engineering with a minor in Energy Science and Engineering. His interest in sustainability began in his home city, where worsening air quality and polluted rivers motivated him to lead student efforts in raising awareness of the local community on environmental issues, as well as researching and assessing approaches to addressing air pollution problems. At Stanford, besides working with R&DE, Tung is involved in research in the Wetland Ecosystems Group, Stanford Solar Car, and Stanford Students in Biodesign. Outside of academics and work, Tung enjoys photography and going on trips with friends around the Bay Area.
Yanliang Huang
Water Efficiency Data Analysis Intern
Residential & Dining Enterprises (R&DE) Sustainability
Environmental Engineering Graduate Student, Class of 2026
Yanliang Huang is a Master’s student in the Environmental Engineering program within the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department. Her research focuses on nanomembrane development, the water–energy nexus, and wastewater treatment engineering. She is particularly interested in integrating resource recovery into wastewater treatment and water supply systems to promote circular and sustainable infrastructure. Outside of her academic and research work, Yanliang enjoys photography, hiking, and baking, which allow her to express creativity and balance her technical pursuits with artistic exploration.