Stephanie M. Lim

Stephanie M. Lim

Oceanographer

Outreach & Mentoring

I am passionate about increasing recruitment and retention in STEM and higher education through mentorship and public outreach. I have specifically tried to invest my time and energy in longitudinal programs.

Future Advancers of Science and Technology (FAST)

FAST is a program in which graduate students mentor high school students in brainstorming a novel and original STEM project, executing the project, and sharing the results with the larger community. During 2019-2023, I served as a primary mentor for 4 students, each over the course of 6 months, on projects ranging from bacterial growth on components of coffee to student opinions on policing. FAST serves historically disenfranchised or under-resourced schools, so our program goals include increasing feelings of ownership and belonging in STEM, providing long-range mentorship (that often continues for years beyond program completion), and supporting college application and attendance.

I have held several leadership positions in FAST, but I am most proud of our work establishing the Grant Imahara FAST Scholarship in 2023, in partnership with a local nonprofit, the Grant Imahara STEAM Foundation. The scholarship provides $10k over 2 years to FAST alumni in college! Over 8 months, I co-led a wonderful team team in proposing, designing, and rolling out the scholarship. The scholarship is now established as an ongoing annual award entering its third year. More than 75% of recipients are first-generation college students, and the scholarship has enabled some recipients to attend a four-year school instead of community college. I continue to co-lead the scholarship application and review process and to serve as a mentor resource for current recipients navigating their college experience.

How you can be involved:

  • FAST is looking to launch new university + high school partnerships and to increase support and resources for our student projects. Please see the FAST website or I can get you connected via email.
  • If you are a graduate student at Stanford or UC Berkeley, you can be a FAST mentor! Please see the Stanford FAST website or email berkeleyFAST (at) gmail.com

Sustainability Undergraduate Research in Geoscience and Engineering (SURGE) Program

I have had the fortune of mentoring several undergraduate students prior to and during my time at Stanford! Most recently I served as the primary research mentor for a student through the SURGE REU program in 2022.

artwork with several scientific icons (atom, lightbulb, etc.) and several people

Public Talks

I am always open to giving talks in public or educational settings. Please get in touch if you are interested! Past audiences and venues include:

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