Spotlight Jacob Totaro
Jacob's mission is to build more equitable and efficient transit and energy infrastructure systems. Since starting at Stanford, he's served as a critical member of the Sustainable Design & Construction (SDC) Program's student organization, Leaders of the Built Environment. Whether he's running happy hours and student retreats, helping to organize SDC's first Professional Development Day, or advising first years on life in SDC, he believes that the most meaningful way to succeed is by helping others succeed.
Earlier this year, he competed alongside his amazing team led by Yuuki Tanaka and won first place in the 2023 Associated Schools of Construction Integrated Project Delivery Competition in Reno. Last quarter, he designed a new undergraduate course in the Doerr School of Sustainability called "Sustainable Innovation for Disaster Resilience" which he is excited to be teaching alongside Professor Khalid Osman and co-TA Laura Vanderweyen. He was also awarded the Dean’s Graduate Student Advisory Council Exceptional Master’s Student Award for the 2022-2023 academic year.
Before graduating next Winter, Jacob has his eyes set on creating a new student group within Stanford CEE dedicated to queer representation and professional development in the Architecture, Engineering, and the Construction industry. He plans to join Arup's Project Management Team in NYC next summer, working under the extraordinary mentorship of Pepe Alcalde, a former SDC graduate.
Jacob's active involvement in student organizations, academic achievements, and dedication to mentorship and community exemplify his passion for driving positive change in the built environment.
