The Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment’s Rising Environmental Leaders Program (RELP) is equipping future experts to address complex environmental challenges through interdisciplinary approaches. The 2025 cohort of fellows reflects this diversity, drawing from fields such as engineering, biology, business, and law.
Chris Field, director of the Woods Institute, explained the program’s approach: “Most people start with the assumption that good policy automatically follows good science. RELP provides Stanford students pursuing advanced degrees an out-of-classroom opportunity to get a more nuanced view, learning directly from policymakers.”
A key feature of RELP is its “boot camps” in Washington, D.C., and Sacramento, California. These intensive sessions allow fellows to engage with federal and state-level policymakers, agency officials, and environmental advocates. Such experiences are designed to offer insights into environmental governance and influence pathways.
The program aims to equip fellows with skills and networks necessary for navigating the intersection of science and policy. Participants learn to communicate complex ideas effectively to non-specialist audiences while developing strategic leadership capabilities.
Since its inception, RELP has supported over 200 Stanford scholars in transitioning into influential roles across academia, government, nonprofits, and private sectors. Alumni often credit RELP for providing essential skills and connections crucial for their careers. The program has also facilitated placements in policy fellowships at both federal levels through AAAS and state levels via the California Council of Science and Technology (CCST).
Lea Rosenbohm from Woods noted: “Many researchers want their work to have an impact beyond academia but they don’t always know how to connect with policymakers or the private sector. RELP gives them the tools and confidence to make those connections.”
This year’s cohort includes researchers like Edward Apraku on energy systems sustainability; Safari Fang on corporate sustainability; Bruno Garcia da Silva on biodiversity conservation; Metta Nicholson on water resource management; and Noelle Eveland focusing on climate adaptation strategies.
Further details about the 2025 RELP cohort can be explored through their individual research projects.
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