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The Moment: March 2026
In this issue
Spring break is upon us—mediocre karaoke, amazing sunburns, forfeited rental house deposits.
And while The Moment likes a week of sun and hijinks as much as the next newsletter, we’re also fans of the student-led Alternative Spring Break program at Stanford’s Haas Center for Public Service. For nearly 40 years, participating students have traded beach chairs for community partnerships, and this very moment are working alongside local organizations on issues like climate, housing, public health, and education. The premise of this tradition: Renewal isn’t only personal. It can be civic, too.
Our stories this month march to a similar beat, as Stanford minds turn to overlooked problems: Wastewater reimagined as a resource. Early-warning systems for warming seas. Pigeon peas upgraded into food security. Students finding their public voice. And more! Read on, and happy spring!
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Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering William Tarpeh. Photo: Jess Alvarenga, Design: Jonathan Chaves
Waste, reconsidered
As an undergraduate, William Tarpeh found possibility in sanitation—and the freedom, through financial aid, to follow that instinct to a MacArthur Fellowship.
Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering William Tarpeh. Photo: Jess Alvarenga, Design: Jonathan Chaves
Waste, reconsidered
See how philanthropy helped turn an overlooked problem into breakthrough science.As an undergraduate, William Tarpeh found possibility in sanitation—and the freedom, through financial aid, to follow that instinct to a MacArthur Fellowship.
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Before the tipping point
See how Stanford is building an early-warning system for the seas—and working to scale it.As oceans warm and ecosystems shift, Stanford’s Hopkins Marine Station is helping scientists detect trouble early and prevent collapse before it begins.
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Diego Gutierrez taking soil samples in the Salinas Valley for Stanford's Sustainability, Engineering, and Science Undergraduate Research program. Photo courtesy: Diego Gutierrez
Give peas a chance
Read how one recent grad is turning soil science into a tool for food security.A Stanford alum’s undergraduate research transformed a childhood aversion to pigeon peas into a low-cost strategy for strengthening Puerto Rico’s fragile food system.
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Sofia Williams, ’28. Photo: Jess Alvarenga
Finding her voice
Meet the sophomore who’s discovering that telling the truth can be its own form of public service.Sofia Williams, ’28, went from phone-shy high schooler to intrepid reporter at The Stanford Daily, using journalism to engage civic issues and catalyze change.
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Kory’ien Taylen, ’26. Photo: Jess Alvarenga
The power of small things
Meet the student turning quiet service into a lifelong commitment to his community.Kory’ien “Boomer” Taylen, ’26, a member of the Oglala Lakota Sioux Nation, is studying bioengineering with plans to return home as a physician. He's guided by a belief that even small acts of care can leave a lasting mark.
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