Distinguished Speaker Series

The Stanford Parents' Club Distinguished Speaker Series brings together renowned Stanford professors and experts to share their insights on academics, career success, research innovations, and global perspectives. These engaging talks provide parents with a deeper understanding of the Stanford experience, offering valuable knowledge and inspiration from some of the university’s brightest minds. Whether you’re looking to explore new ideas, gain expert advice, or stay connected with the Stanford community, we invite you to join us for these thought-provoking sessions.
📌 Missed a talk? Watch past recordings here: Distinguished Speaker Series Recordings
🗓️ Explore our 2024-25 Distinguished Speaker Series program.
Dr. Tamiko Katsumoto is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Division of Immunology and Rheumatology at Stanford University. Deeply committed to human and planetary health, she is passionate about educating her patients and colleagues on the merits of sustainable plant-rich diets as a strategy to both improve individual health and mitigate climate change and environmental degradation.
Friday, October 10, 2025
10 AM - 12 PM Pacific Time
10 AM - 11 AM
Teaching College 102: Citizenship in the 21st Century
Associate Professor of Geophysics, of Electrical Engineering and Senior Fellow at the Woods Institute for the Environment
11 AM - 12 PM
Imagining Tomorrow: Charting a Course for Student Life at Stanford
Vice Provost for Student Affairs
We’re thrilled to launch the 2025–26 Distinguished Speaker Series with two engaging perspectives on the Stanford experience. Associate Professor Dustin Schroeder, who teaches College 102: Citizenship in the 21st Century, will explore how ideas of belonging, responsibility, and inclusion shape what it means to be part of a self-governing community. Alongside him, Vice Provost for Student Affairs Michele Rasmussen will share insights into the programs, priorities, and student-centered initiatives that guide campus life. Together, their talks will spark thoughtful conversation about learning, leadership, and the student journey at Stanford.
Dr. Tamiko Katsumoto is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Division of Immunology and Rheumatology at Stanford University. Deeply committed to human and planetary health, she is passionate about educating her patients and colleagues on the merits of sustainable plant-rich diets as a strategy to both improve individual health and mitigate climate change and environmental degradation.
Friday, November 14, 2025
10 AM - 12 PM Pacific Time
10 AM - 11 AM
Topic: TBA
Cheriton Family Professor and Professor of Physics and of Education, Emeritus

11 AM - 12 PM
Topic: TBA
TBA
Carl Wieman is an emeritus Professor jointly in Physics and of the Graduate School of Education. He has done extensive experimental research in atomic and optical physics for which he received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2001. He has also carried out extensive research on undergraduate science education. He has pioneered the use of experimental techniques to evaluate the effectiveness of various teaching strategies and established the PhET project which provides online interactive simulations for learning science which are now used more than 1 million times a day. His education work has been recognized with numerous awards, including being named Carnegie US University Professor of the Year in 2004 and receiving the $ 4 M Yidan Prize for education research in 2020. He also led initiatives to bring about large-scale change in university teaching of science at the Universities of Colorado and British Columbia and published a book on that work “Improving How Universities Teach Science. From 2010-2012 he served as Associate Director for Science in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. At Stanford he has been actively involved in improving the teaching and curriculum in physics to allow more students to be successful, and his group has been involved in studying and improving the effectiveness of teaching in other science and engineering departments.
Dr. Tamiko Katsumoto is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Division of Immunology and Rheumatology at Stanford University. Deeply committed to human and planetary health, she is passionate about educating her patients and colleagues on the merits of sustainable plant-rich diets as a strategy to both improve individual health and mitigate climate change and environmental degradation.
Friday, February 13, 2026
10 AM - 12 PM Pacific Time
10 AM - 11 AM
Topic: TBA
K. K. Lee Professor, Senior Fellow at the Precourt Institute for Energy and Professor, by courtesy, of Materials Science and Engineering and of Chemistry
11 AM - 12 PM
Topic: TBA
Freeman-Thornton Chair for the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education, Hearst Professor and Senior Fellow at the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research
Professor Bao, a pioneering leader in chemical engineering and materials science, is renowned for her groundbreaking work in flexible electronics and bio-integrated devices that are shaping the future of technology and medicine. Vice Provost Hamilton, an esteemed scholar and university leader, brings a wealth of insight into academic innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the student experience at Stanford. Together, they offer an inspiring look into the cutting-edge research and forward-thinking vision that define Stanford’s global impact.
Dr. Tamiko Katsumoto is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Division of Immunology and Rheumatology at Stanford University. Deeply committed to human and planetary health, she is passionate about educating her patients and colleagues on the merits of sustainable plant-rich diets as a strategy to both improve individual health and mitigate climate change and environmental degradation.
Friday, March 13, 2026
10 AM - 12 PM Pacific Time

11 AM - 11:30 AM
Topic: TBA
TBA
Michael Fischbach is the Liu (Liao) Family Professor of Bioengineering, studying the human microbiome and its impact on health and disease. His work combines biology and engineering to uncover how microbes influence immunity, metabolism, and overall well-being.
Dr. Tamiko Katsumoto is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Division of Immunology and Rheumatology at Stanford University. Deeply committed to human and planetary health, she is passionate about educating her patients and colleagues on the merits of sustainable plant-rich diets as a strategy to both improve individual health and mitigate climate change and environmental degradation.
Friday, April 10, 2026
10 AM - 12 PM Pacific Time

11 AM - 12 PM
Topic: TBA
TBA
Jonathan Gienapp is an Associate Professor of History and Law, specializing in early American history and the origins of the U.S. Constitution. His research explores how ideas, institutions, and political practices shaped the nation’s founding.
Dr. Tamiko Katsumoto is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Division of Immunology and Rheumatology at Stanford University. Deeply committed to human and planetary health, she is passionate about educating her patients and colleagues on the merits of sustainable plant-rich diets as a strategy to both improve individual health and mitigate climate change and environmental degradation.
Friday, May 8, 2026
10 AM - 12 PM Pacific Time

10 AM - 11 AM
Topic: TBA
TBA
11 AM - 12 PM
Topic: TBA
Shirley J Everett Ed.D., MBA
Senior Associate Vice Provost for Residential & Dining Enterprises (R&DE)
Dr. Shirley J. Everett is Stanford’s Senior Associate Vice Provost for Residential & Dining Enterprises, where she leads initiatives that enhance student living and dining experiences. She has spearheaded sustainability programs and innovations in campus services.
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Online Meetings
Stanford Parents’ Club hosts club-wide meetings so you can hear about our upcoming events and updates. Meetings are held virtually on Zoom to accommodate our global membership. To attend a General Meeting, you need to be a member of the Stanford Parents' Club. Dates and Zoom links are provided in our monthly newsletters. If you are not yet a member of the club, please JOIN today!
GOLD FORMAT TEMPLATE - Thursday, February 13, 2025
10 AM - 11:30 AM Pacific Time
10:05 - 11 AM
Food’s Protective Power Against Disease
Clinical Associate Professor, Immunology and Rheumatology
Dr. Tamiko Katsumoto is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Division of Immunology and Rheumatology at Stanford University. Deeply committed to human and planetary health, she is passionate about educating her patients and colleagues on the merits of sustainable plant-rich diets as a strategy to both improve individual health and mitigate climate change and environmental degradation.
Dr. Tamiko Katsumoto is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Division of Immunology and Rheumatology at Stanford University. Deeply committed to human and planetary health, she is passionate about educating her patients and colleagues on the merits of sustainable plant-rich diets as a strategy to both improve individual health and mitigate climate change and environmental degradation.
Thursday, February 13, 2025
10 AM - 12 PM Pacific Time
10:05 - 11 AM
Food’s Protective Power Against Disease
Clinical Associate Professor, Immunology and Rheumatology
11 AM - 12 PM
Panel on Pre-Professional Advising
Assistant Vice Provost and Executive Director, Career Education
Director, Alumni Career Connections and Student Programs
Director, Pre-Professional Advising, Academic Advising Operations
Dr. Tamiko Katsumoto is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Division of Immunology and Rheumatology at Stanford University. Deeply committed to human and planetary health, she is passionate about educating her patients and colleagues on the merits of sustainable plant-rich diets as a strategy to both improve individual health and mitigate climate change and environmental degradation.
Dr. Tamiko Katsumoto is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Division of Immunology and Rheumatology at Stanford University. Deeply committed to human and planetary health, she is passionate about educating her patients and colleagues on the merits of sustainable plant-rich diets as a strategy to both improve individual health and mitigate climate change and environmental degradation.
Thursday, October 10, 2024
10 AM - 11:30 AM Pacific Time
10:05 - 11 AM
Electoral Reform in the United States: Proposals for Combating Polarization and Extremism
Senior Fellow, Freeman Spogli Institute
11 - 11:30 AM
Q&A Moderator - A Conversation with President Levin
Vice Provost for Institutional Equity, Access & Community
Dr. Tamiko Katsumoto is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Division of Immunology and Rheumatology at Stanford University. Deeply committed to human and planetary health, she is passionate about educating her patients and colleagues on the merits of sustainable plant-rich diets as a strategy to both improve individual health and mitigate climate change and environmental degradation.
The Stanford Parents' Club proudly kicks off the year with a special event featuring Stanford President Jonathan Levin in a moderated discussion with Patrick Dunkley, Vice Provost for Institutional Equity, Access & Community.
We are also honored to welcome Professor Larry Diamond, a leading scholar on democracy, renowned author, and Senior Fellow at both the Hoover Institution and Stanford's Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies.
Thursday, November 14, 2024
10 AM - 11:45 AM Pacific Time
10:05 - 11 AM
Margaret Jacks Professor of Education, Emeritus
What is it about the Internet that spins smart people around in circles?
11 - 11:45 AM
Senior Director of Student Engagement
Assistant Vice Provost & Deputy Dean of Students
Director of Facilities, Operations and Student Unions
Associate Dean for Residential Academic Advising
Panel on Student Life
Dr. Tamiko Katsumoto is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Division of Immunology and Rheumatology at Stanford University. Deeply committed to human and planetary health, she is passionate about educating her patients and colleagues on the merits of sustainable plant-rich diets as a strategy to both improve individual health and mitigate climate change and environmental degradation.
Sam Wineburg is the Margaret Jacks Professor of Education and, by courtesy, of History & American Studies, Emeritus, at Stanford University. He is the co-author with Mike Caulfield of "VERIFIED: How to think straight, get duped less and make better decisions about what to believe online"
Thursday, February 13, 2025
10 AM - 12 PM Pacific Time
10:05 - 11 AM
Food’s Protective Power Against Disease
Clinical Associate Professor, Immunology and Rheumatology
11 AM - 12 PM
Panel on Pre-Professional Advising
Assistant Vice Provost and Executive Director, Career Education
Director, Alumni Career Connections and Student Programs
Director, Pre-Professional Advising, Academic Advising Operations
Dr. Tamiko Katsumoto is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Division of Immunology and Rheumatology at Stanford University. Deeply committed to human and planetary health, she is passionate about educating her patients and colleagues on the merits of sustainable plant-rich diets as a strategy to both improve individual health and mitigate climate change and environmental degradation.
Dr. Tamiko Katsumoto is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Division of Immunology and Rheumatology at Stanford University. Deeply committed to human and planetary health, she is passionate about educating her patients and colleagues on the merits of sustainable plant-rich diets as a strategy to both improve individual health and mitigate climate change and environmental degradation.
Thursday, March 13, 2025
10 AM - 11:30 AM Pacific Time
10:05 - 11 AM
Sweet Revenge on Cancer
2022 Nobel Laureate and Baker Family Director of Sarafan ChEM-H, Anne T. and Robert M. Bass Professor in the School of Humanities and Sciences
11 - 11:30 AM
Student Affairs - Observations, Updates and Priorities
Vice Provost for Student Affairs
Dr. Tamiko Katsumoto is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Division of Immunology and Rheumatology at Stanford University. Deeply committed to human and planetary health, she is passionate about educating her patients and colleagues on the merits of sustainable plant-rich diets as a strategy to both improve individual health and mitigate climate change and environmental degradation.
Winner of the 2022 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, Professor Carolyn Bertozzi is known for her wide-ranging work spanning both chemistry and biology. Her research includes synthesis of chemical tools to study cell surface sugars called glycans and how they affect diseases such as cancer, inflammation, and viral infections like COVID-19.
Michele Rasmussen became Stanford University’s Vice Provost for Student Affairs on September 10, 2024. As vice provost, she oversees the Student Affairs division that manages residential life and student experiences outside the classroom. She is a member of the University Cabinet.
Thursday, April 10, 2025
10 AM - 11:45 AM Pacific Time
11 - 11:45 AM
Bing Overseas Study Program -Overseas Opportunities for Students
Dr. Tamiko Katsumoto is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Division of Immunology and Rheumatology at Stanford University. Deeply committed to human and planetary health, she is passionate about educating her patients and colleagues on the merits of sustainable plant-rich diets as a strategy to both improve individual health and mitigate climate change and environmental degradation.
A distinguished scholar of American culture, Professor Alexander Nemerov explores our connection to the past and the power of the humanities to shape our lives. Revered for his breadth of scholarship and celebrated for his eloquent public speaking, Nemerov inspires audiences with his belief in the affirming and transfiguring force of art.
Thursday, May 8, 2025
10 AM - 11:30 AM Pacific Time
10:05 - 11 AM
Are Our Federal Officials Becoming Less Accountable?
Kenneth and Harle Montgomery Professor of Public Interest Law
Co-Director, Supreme Court Litigation Clinic
11 - 11:30 AM
Support and Resources When Students Are in Distress
Senior Associate Dean of Students
Dr. Tamiko Katsumoto is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Division of Immunology and Rheumatology at Stanford University. Deeply committed to human and planetary health, she is passionate about educating her patients and colleagues on the merits of sustainable plant-rich diets as a strategy to both improve individual health and mitigate climate change and environmental degradation.
A productive scholar and an award-winning teacher, Professor Pamela Karlan is co-director of the school’s Supreme Court Litigation Clinic, where students litigate live cases before the Court.
10:00 - 10:05 AM
Welcome and Announcements by Club President, Susan MacKay
Thursday, October 12, 2023
10 AM - 12 PM (Pacific Time)
10:00 - 10:05 AM
Welcome and Announcements by Club President, Susan MacKay
10:05 - 11:00 AM
Adjunct Professor in Genetics, Stanford School of Medicine; Visiting Fellow, Stanford Center for the Study of Languages and Information, President, R42 Group
Professor Ronjon Nag
Entrepreneurship Opportunities in A.I.
11:30 - 12 PM
Social Time
10:00 - 10:05 AM
Welcome and Announcements by Club President, Susan MacKay
Thursday, October 12, 2023
10 AM - 12 PM (Pacific Time)
10:05 - 11:00 AM
Adjunct Professor in Genetics, Stanford School of Medicine; Visiting Fellow, Stanford Center for the Study of Languages and Information, President, R42 Group
Entrepreneurship Opportunities in A.I.
11:30 - 12 PM
Social Time
10:00 - 10:05 AM
Welcome and Announcements by Club President, Susan MacKay
Thursday, October 12, 2023
10 AM - 12 PM (Pacific Time)
11:30 - 12 PM
Social Time
10:05 - 11:00 AM
Adjunct Professor in Genetics, Stanford School of Medicine; Visiting Fellow, Stanford Center for the Study of Languages and Information, President, R42 Group
Entrepreneurship Opportunities in A.I.
10:00 - 10:05 AM
Welcome and Announcements by Club President, Susan MacKay
Thursday, November 9, 2023
10 AM - 12 PM (Pacific Time)
11:30 - 12 PM
Social Time
10:05 -11:00 AM
Professor Anne Friedlander
Movement for Healthy Aging
11:00 - 11:30 AM
Director of Student Engagement
Student Engagement as we Emerge from the Pandemic Together
10:00 - 10:05 AM
Welcome and Announcements by Club President, Susan MacKay
Thursday, November 9, 2023
10 AM - 12 PM (Pacific Time)
11:30 - 12 PM
Social Time
10:05 -11:00 AM
Movement for Healthy Aging
11:00 - 11:30 AM
Director of Student Engagement
Student Engagement as we Emerge from the Pandemic Together
10:00 - 10:05 AM
Welcome and Announcements by Club President, Susan MacKay
Thursday, February 8, 2024
10 AM - 12 PM (Pacific Time)
10:05 -11:00 AM
Associate Professor of Bioengineering and one of the founders of the field of Synthetic Biology; runs the Endy Lab at the Shriram Center.
Synthetic Biology:
From the Arts to Application
11 - 12 PM
Social Time
10:00 - 10:05 AM
Welcome and Announcements by Club President, Susan MacKay
Thursday, March 14, 2024
10 AM - 12 PM (Pacific Time)
10:05 - 11:00 AM
Adjunct Professor of Neurosurgery, Stanford Medicine
Director and Founder of Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education
Compassion is a Key Correlate of Mental and Physical Health
11:00 - 11:30 AM
Unleashing the Full Potential of the Arts at Stanford
11:30 - 12 PM
Social Time
10:00 - 10:05 AM
Welcome and Announcements by Club President, Susan MacKay
Thursday, March 14, 2024
10 AM - 12 PM (Pacific Time)
10:05 - 11:00 AM
Adjunct Professor of Neurosurgery, Stanford Medicine Director and Founder of Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education
Compassion is a Key Correlate of Mental and Physical Health
11:00 - 11:30 AM
Vice President for the Arts
Unleashing the Full Potential of the Arts at Stanford
11:30 - 12 PM
Social Time
10:00 - 10:05 AM
Welcome and Announcements by Club President, Susan MacKay
Thursday, March 14, 2024
10 AM - 12 PM (Pacific Time)
10:05 - 11:00 AM
Adjunct Professor of Neurosurgery, Stanford Medicine
Director and Founder of Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education
Compassion is a Key Correlate of Mental and Physical Health
11:00 - 11:30 AM
Vice President for the Arts
Unleashing the Full Potential of the Arts at Stanford
11:30 - 12 PM
Social Time
Starting at 10 AM
Annual Club Elections
Thursday, April 11, 2024
10 AM - 12 PM (Pacific Time)
Annual Meeting
10:30 - 11:30 AM
Osgood Hooker Professor of Fine Arts in Art Department's Film and Media Studies Program and the Department Chair
Early Cinema:
Poetics and Politics
11:30 - 12 PM
Social Time
10:00 - 10:05 AM
Welcome and Announcements by Club President, Susan MacKay
Thursday, May 9, 2024
10 AM - 12 PM (Pacific Time)
Annual Meeting
10:05 - 11:00 AM
Science Director of the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education at Stanford University
Dr. Seppala is also the co-creator of the most popular class in history at Yale University on Happiness, is the acclaimed author of The Happiness Track, and has a new book coming out April 23rd called Sovereign: Reclaim Your Freedom, Energy, and Power in a Time of Distraction, Uncertainty, and Chaos. Sovereign is available for pre-order on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
The Art and Science of Emotional Intelligence - Research Findings from her Two Books - Happiness Track and Sovereign
11:00 - 11:30 AM
Social Time