Building bridges across the school community

According to Ethan Lopes’ parents, he first began talking about pursuing his doctorate in middle school.

He recently earned his PhD in geophysics at the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability – though the path wasn’t easy.

“There were moments, especially in undergrad, when I’d ask myself, ‘Am I really cut out for this?’” he said. As a first-year undergraduate, he was surprised to see classmates already applying for summer programs. “There are so many things people assume you know about how to succeed in school and work, but don’t tell you about. I became really interested in tackling those barriers and helping others so the process of following your passion is as smooth as possible.”

That goal, along with Lopes’ lifelong love for working with children and serving diverse communities, guided his efforts to mentor incoming graduate students and connect with K-12 students. 

“We have to bring all aspects of ourselves to campus and deliberately break down the barriers between academia and the outside world. Outreach is the only way to do that,” he said.

Showcasing science and sustainability careers to young people 

One of the most meaningful initiatives Lopes worked on was Pertenecer, which means “You Belong” in Spanish. The bilingual, student- and alumni-led program connects students in the Doerr School of Sustainability with K-12 students around the world, exposing them to Earth science concepts and building their confidence that they, too, can be scientists at places like Stanford.

“These students are so open to exploration, and they are developing their first passions and understanding of the world. That’s a critical part of why we’re interested in bringing science to them – we’re tapping into that primal sense of discovery,” Lopes said.

Connecting classmates within the Doerr School of Sustainability 

Lopes’ efforts extended across the school as well. Through programs like the Enhancing Diversity in Graduate Education (EDGE) Doctoral Fellowship, the Sustainability, Engineering, and Science – Undergraduate Research Program, the Sustainability Undergraduate Research in Geoscience and Engineering program, and the Access, Belonging, and Community office, Lopes served as a mentor and liaison for new students and built bridges between departments.

“Ethan’s gift for making others feel like they belong, through humor, conversation, and a strong understanding of Stanford, was immediate,” noted one nominator, who met him as a first-year student participating in EDGE. “His consistent, warm presence provides an environment that allows others to thrive. Ethan is an exemplary member of the Doerr School who has served as a catalyst for change throughout his five years at Stanford.”

One such environment was an event Lopes coordinated between the school’s Geophysics and Oceans departments, in which geophysics students and faculty visited the Hopkins Marine Station in Pacific Grove for a barbecue.

“It was amazing the amount of camaraderie we built in such a short amount of time. That intentional connection created a precedent that we need to be deliberate about having departments socialize and get to know one another,” Lopes said. 

Lopes was honored for his outreach efforts and community contributions with the Doerr School of Sustainability’s Excellence in Community Award in spring 2026. 

“I think Ethan represents the total package, with all the traits needed to become a successful community servant and professional scientist in the future. I believe his contributions to enhancing Access, Belonging, and Community in and around Stanford are among the most potent among his peer group,” another nominator wrote.

An ongoing commitment to community

Having earned his PhD in August, Lopes will soon begin a postdoc position at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in San Diego. Once there, he plans to begin reaching out to and addressing needs in his new community. 

“It’s really important to tailor your efforts to the community around you. That’s something I want to continue throughout my career – giving back, taking what I’ve learned and sharing it,” he said.