John Taylor, Professor of Economics at Stanford University and developer of the "Taylor Rule" for setting interest rates | Stanford University
John Taylor, Professor of Economics at Stanford University and developer of the "Taylor Rule" for setting interest rates | Stanford University
Ahmad Koya, a Stanford University student majoring in environmental engineering, describes his field as one focused on "saving the world." When discussing his travels, he emphasizes a desire to understand global issues firsthand. “When people ask me, ‘Why are you doing what you’re doing?’ I can say, ‘Because I went to that community over there, saw how they’re struggling, and want to help them solve their problems,’” Koya stated. He believes that direct experiences with communities worldwide provide compelling reasons for his chosen path.
Koya's journey towards a globally minded education began at age 10 when he attended school in Nigeria for two years. Upon returning to Chicago, which he calls “the best city in America,” he was eager to continue learning and sharing knowledge with his younger brothers.
Several interests led him to Stanford Engineering: a lifelong commitment to vegetarianism due to environmental concerns, an enjoyment of STEM subjects, and a fascination with water's essential role in life. His professor and mentor Jeffrey Koseff is the founding co-director of the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment.
Koya refers to himself as a “waterbender,” inspired by the show Avatar: The Last Airbender. His significant project involved designing water filters through Engineers for a Sustainable World. During winter and spring 2023 at Stanford, Koya’s team developed these filters before traveling to Malawi in summer 2023. There, they built their system using local materials and gathered feedback from residents. “I learned so much more when I was on site in Malawi,” Koya said. The exchange of knowledge between him and the local community helped refine their solutions.
Koya has also studied abroad in Santiago, Chile; Oxford, England; and plans further studies in Jordan this summer. On campus, he engaged in various activities including being a tour guide, participating in Arts Immersion programs both locally and in New York City, and performing with the Stanford Improvisors.
An avid performer involved in musicals, films, plays, and staged readings at Stanford, Koya credits improvisational theater with helping him approach engineering problems creatively. After completing his coterminal degree in environmental engineering in 2025, Koya aims to continue solving global water issues: “I want to find projects where I can lend my expertise, collaborate, and uplift communities around the world.”
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