The Wire
 November 5, 2025
Lane History Corner
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STS Events & News

STS Announces Leadership Transition

The Program in Science, Technology, and Society (STS) at Stanford University extends its deepest gratitude to Dr. Paul Edwards as he concludes his tenure as Director. A distinguished scholar of science and technology studies, Dr. Edwards’s leadership and scholarship have made lasting contributions to the program and the broader field.

The STS Program thanks Dr. Edwards for his exemplary leadership, scholarship, and service, and extends its best wishes as he retires from Stanford and enters a new chapter of his career. Dr. Edwards will continue his academic pursuits as Distinguished Professor at the Wits Institute for Social and Economic Research (WISER) at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg. Read the full article highlighting Dr. Edward's contributions to the program and field of STS here.

The role of Director of the STS Program will be assumed by Dr. Thomas Mullaney, effective January 2026. Dr. Mullaney joins us from the Department of History and has long been closely affiliated with STS, having co-taught STS 1 five times. A renowned historian of technology and China, Dr. Mullaney’s research explores the intersections of technology, culture, and society, with particular attention to the history of computing and information systems.

Science, Technology, & Smoothies Social

Wednesday, November 12, 2025
9:30 - 11:00 am
STS Lounge, Lane History Corner, Bldg. 200, Room 17


Join STS for a smoothie social in the STS lounge and hang out with your fellow STS peers, enjoy yummy treats, and fun activities! Smoothies from “Joe & The Juice” will be reserved for students who RSVP. Snacks will be available for those who don't RSVP, but attend the event. RSVP for this event here.

The Seduction of Detection: Automation and the Politics of Detection of Child Sexual Abuse Materials

Monday, November 10, 2025
4:30 - 6:00 pm
Building 260, Room 113


The detection of child sexual abuse materials (CSAM) has become a central focus of commercial content moderation, evoking strong emotions and a profound sense of moral duty. Technologies such as hash matching and machine learning classifiers promise certainty, justice, and protection, making the act of detection deeply compelling. This talk examines what is actually being detected, who benefits from these systems, and how framing abuse as “content” shapes a global infrastructure fixated on analyzing the pixels within an image. The talk will be presented by Dr. Kate Sim, a Policy Advisor at Google and a leading researcher, advisor, and convener specializing in the intersection of child safety, sexual violence, and technology policy.

Find out more information and RSVP here.

Jobs and Internships

Photo of computer keyboard with the words

Undergraduate Research Assistant


The Stanford Black Academic Development Lab is seeking a Research Assistant among current Stanford undergraduates for a study on Investigating Black Student Rationale and Satisfaction for College Enrollment at Stanford University.  Preference may be given to candidates who are residents of and/or have strong ties to Ujamaa House
The student would join our project team as a paid Research Assistant, earning $18.70/hour for up to 15 hours per week. This role would be an excellent fit for someone interested in learning or with experience in:

  • Interviewing and qualitative data collection
  • Thematic coding and qualitative data analysis
  • Research writing and synthesis
  • Survey Design and IRB experience
The start date would be ASAP until the end of the 2025-26 AY. The application period for this position is rolling and open until marked as filled. Interested students should apply by emailing a statement of interest and their résumé to miaharris@stanford.edu.

Stanford Center for Racial Justice 2025-26 Internship


Each year, the Stanford Center for Racial Justice invites applications for part-time internships from Stanford Law School 1Ls, other Stanford graduate students, and undergraduate juniors and seniors from across the university. Interns support our work to counter polarization through rigorous research and innovative policy solutions that address America’s most contentious racial issues.
Applications are due by 11:59 pm on Sunday, November 9, 2025

Student Intern


Since 1896, Silicon Valley Power (SVP) has provided electricity for residents and businesses in Santa Clara. The Electric Department has a budgeted staff of 198 employees who provide such diverse services as operating, maintaining and dispatching electric service, engineering, system planning, administrative and financial management, marketing, customer services, power trading, outdoor Wi-Fi services and dark fiber leasing services, all of which work together to make SVP successful for the City and its residents. Under immediate or general supervision, incumbents perform routine or general project-based tasks assigned by the department. Application packets may be submitted online through the “Apply Now” feature on the job announcement at www.santaclaraca.gov. This position is continuous or open until filled.

Find more internships on Handshake

Resources

books on shelves

Woods Institute’s 2026 Rising Environmental Leaders Program


The Stanford Woods Institute is working to develop the next generation of environmental leaders through its Rising Environmental Leaders Program (RELP).
This two-quarter program, initiated in 2011, helps graduate students and postdoctoral scholars hone their communication skills and delve into the policy sphere to maximize the public impact of their research. Participants also are extended professional development and networking opportunities including introductions to global leaders from government, NGOs, think tanks and business to:

  • complement students' formal education with hands-on, experiential learning;
  • provide knowledge on opportunities to maximize research impact;
  • build a network of peers and partners; and
  • provide exposure to career tracks outside academia.

Sociology Coterminal MA Program


The Department of Sociology welcomes coterminal MA applications from individuals with a broad range of life experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds who would contribute to our community of scholars. Review of applications is holistic and individualized, considering each applicant’s academic record and accomplishments, letters of recommendation, and admissions essays in order to understand how an applicant’s life experiences have shaped their past and potential contributions to their field. The next information session is scheduled for Thursday, November 6th 2025, from 4:00 - 5:00pm.
The 2025-26 application deadline is January 22, 2026 at 11:59 pm.

Schneider Summer Fellows


Schneider Fellows work at leading U.S. nongovernmental organizations in the sustainable energy field. The fellows spend a summer or full year tackling the world’s economic, environmental, social, and technical challenges associated with past, present, and future approaches of harnessing energy resources to deliver energy services.

Schneider Summer Fellows receive a stipend of $11,500 for a 12-week summer fellowship. In addition, funding up to $1500 is available for fellowship-related travel. The one-year program places fellows in a full-time role at a Natural Resource Defense Council location with competitive salary and benefits. Fellowship applications are due January 27, 2026.

Come to the DK Room at the Haas Center for Public Service to hear former Schneider Fellows discuss their experiences. Representatives from the Natural Resources Defense Council, the Environmental Defense Fund, and the U.S. Green Building Council  will present on their Schneider Fellowship positions. Lunch will be provided.
  • Wednesday, November 12, 2025, 12-1pm: Featuring NRDC staff
  • Thursday, December 4, 2025, 12-1pm: Featuring EDF and U.S. Green Building Council staff
This opportunity is open to all Stanford students (all degree levels), from any discipline, interested in sustainable energy.
  • STS Website: Visit our Internships and Careers pages.
  • H&S Career Toolkit on Canvas: A Career Toolkit on Canvas specifically for humanities, arts and sciences students! 
  • Interstride is an interactive career platform that enhances the career exploration and job search process for international students and alum.
  • Handshake: Updated listing for job search events. 
  • CareerEd: prepares students and recent alumni to pursue and secure fulfilling careers.
  • Idealist: Good ideas for taking action! 
650-723-2565
sts-advisors@stanford.edu
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