Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability
Showing 1-10 of 10 Results
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Siyuan (Simon) Xing
Visiting Associate Professor, Energy Science & Engineering
BioSiyuan (Simon) Xing is a Visiting Associate Professor in the Department of Energy Science & Engineering at Stanford University, hosted by Prof. Daniel Tartakovsky. He is also an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering Department at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly). His research focuses on nonlinear dynamics and scientific machine learning, with an emphasis on developing computational tools to uncover governing equations, predict complex patterns, and analyze bifurcations in nonlinear systems. His recent work explores interpretable neural networks to accelerate scientific discovery and advance our understanding of complex phenomena.
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Flora Jiaxuan Xu
Ph.D. Student in Environment and Resources, admitted Autumn 2023
BioFlora Jiaxuan Xu is a PhD candidate in the Emmett Interdisciplinary Program in Environment and Resources (E-IPER) at Stanford University, working at the intersection of environmental psychology, civil and environmental engineering, urban design, and behavioral science. Her research investigates how people define, experience, and internalize “nature” as part of the self, and how psychological, cultural, and built-environment factors shape human–nature relationships in contemporary cities.
Drawing on theories of identity, perception, cultural psychology, and ecological systems, Flora proposes Nature Identity as a new interdisciplinary framework for understanding how nature becomes woven into self-concept and everyday meaning-making. She employs a broad mixed-methods approach—including qualitative interviews, quantitative modeling, ecological momentary assessment, photovoice, and human-centered design—to examine how urban nature influences wellbeing, identity formation, and environmental behavior. In parallel, she develops creative, design-driven solutions such as immersive installations, biophilic illusions, narrative and sensory interventions, and technology-enabled building features that aim to strengthen nature connection and promote climate engagement in urban settings.
Flora works with the Social Ecology Lab and the Billington Lab, as well as external partners in urban design, behavioral science, and immersive storytelling. Her work seeks to bridge scientific research with real-world application, advancing strategies that integrate psychology, culture, and design to foster healthier and more nature-responsive cities.
Prior to Stanford, Flora completed an M.S. in Environmental Health at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and holds B.A. degrees in Sustainable Environmental Design and Cognitive Science from the University of California, Berkeley.
