Student and Alumni Profiles
Western Journeys: Get to Know Our Students
Read profiles of our alumni to learn more about their journeys through the West when they were students with us. What courses and programs did they participate in at the Bill Lane Center? How did the Center support their academic, research and career goals? Why were they interested in exploring the West? From researchers to denim enthusiasts to musicians and beyond, Lane Center students showcase their talents and share their Western journeys.
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Sydney Schmitter talks about what it was like to be a remote intern with the Henry’s Fork Foundation.
"The BLC has provided an academic community that I haven't found elsewhere on campus.”
After completing a BLC summer internship with the Washington Water Trust, Stanford senior Naomi Ray says she wants to pursue a career working on water issues.
Stanford rower Sophia Boyd-Fliegel finds an academic community at the Bill Lane Center for the American West.
At Stanford, Aja Two Crows ’21, found a new appreciation for the American West and its indigenous communities. During her time at the Bill Lane Center, she co-produced a podcast about modern Native American experiences.
“I stayed because of the people; I was surrounded by brilliant peers and supportive faculty!”
“I got so many opportunities through the Bill Lane Center, and a nice support group for all of my academic endeavors.”
A connection made through the Bill Lane Center helped Makena Wong, MS ’20, land a job in environmental planning after graduation.
Stanford alum Ron Pritipaul, ’19, shares how the Bill Lane Center helped him land a dream job with an iconic Western clothing brand.
Stanford alumnus Nick Mascarello shares how the Bill Lane Center for the American West helped broaden his understanding of what a career in the environmental sciences can be.
Stanford alumna Victoria Mao reflects on how the Bill Lane Center has shaped her career in the energy sector.
Fiona Noonan '17 credits her summer internship at Yellowstone National Park with helping her understand how important “place” is to understanding issues that cross the West.
Stanford alumnus Caleb Smith shares how his time on the Farm helped propel him into a career in local government.
Christina Morrisett '15 spent a summer working at the Henry's Fork Foundation, an experience that reinforced her desires for a career serving rural communities.
Stanford Alum Connie Huynh Fife says the connections she made at the Bill Lane Center helped guide her to a career in local government. Today she works for her hometown of Chula Vista, California.