Head Teaching Assistants
Masters Student in Earth Systems
tluthin@stanford.edu
Tim originally began Stanford as a Human Biology major with a focus on sports medicine. After sophomore year, however, he was able to participate in a Bing Overseas Seminar studying coral reef biogeochemistry in the Republic of Palau. Since then, Tim has pivoted towards a focus on oceanography and biogeochemistry. The summer after, he was fortunate enough to participate in kelp forest research in Monterey Bay under the tutelage of Stanford PHD candidate Dave Koweek. Tim's interests are diverse and lay in human health, marine ecosystems, and the future of energy in the United States. As a Head TA, he hopes to become more involved in the culture of Earth Systems and bring a diverse academic background to his sections and interactions with students as well as convey the plethora of research opportunities available to undergraduates. Interests outside of academia include running, hiking, golfing, and spending time with his family.
Masters Student in Earth Systems
smccurdy@stanford.edu
Sarah McCurdy spent her childhood on Long Island with a head full of dreams about food and her future. That future would include time as a scholar-athlete at Stanford University where she ran competitively while also pursuing a degree in Earth Systems. Searching for studies that provided a holistic approach to science and culture, her interests were sparked in a course on soil quality, which led to a research position in the Soil and Biogeochemistry lab, and concluded with a trip to collect soil and rice samples in Cambodia. Learning about soil, coupled with the on-the-ground experience in Cambodia convinced Sarah to pursue a career in telling the story of science through the power of food. After completing her undergraduate degree, Sarah explored the world of food beyond the classroom by becoming a server at the nationally acclaimed restaurant Blue Hill at Stone Barns in Pocantico Hills, New York. While there, Sarah watched her passion for food science, business, and culture grow. This passion led her back to Stanford where she is currently pursuing a master’s degree in food system science. She is working on a vermiculture project at the new Stanford Farm and an individual research project on food security within the US. When she’s not in class or geeking out about compost, Sarah can often be found discussing her newest butternut squash recipe over a glass of wine with her friends. With all of the ingredients in place, Sarah’s dreams of a food career seasoned with just the right amount of science are quickly becoming her reality.
