Stephan Graham in Turkey

Professor Stephan Graham, MS ’74, PHD ’76, joined the Stanford faculty in 1980 and served as dean of the School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences from 2017–2022. In addition to teaching earth sciences courses, he conducts field research around the globe with his graduate students. His research interests include sedimentary geology, tectonics, climate change over geologic time, and energy resources.

During this program, Professor Graham’s lectures will uncover the geological wonders of Turkey—from the volcanic origins of Cappadocia's surreal rock formations to the plate tectonic forces that created the Mediterranean and Black Sea. Learn how climate change over millennia influenced ancient civilizations around the Mediterranean, and discover the earthquake risks that connect Turkey and California across continents.

• Chester Naramore Dean of Stanford’s School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences, 2017–2022

• Welton Joseph and Maud L’Anphere Crook Professor, Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability

• Transitional Vice Dean, Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability

• Professor, of earth and planetary sciences

• Professor, by courtesy, of geophysics since 1989 and of energy science and engineering since 1993

• Co-director, Stanford Project on Deep-water Depositional Systems, 1992–2022

• Co-director, Basin Processes and Subsurface Modeling Group, 2007–2025

• Co-director, Stanford Geologic Hydrogen Program, 2026

• Associate dean for academic affairs, School of Earth Sciences, 1999–2007 and 2009–2016; acting dean, 2000

• Dean’s Discretionary Award for Distinguished Service, 2016

• Pettijohn Medal, Society for Sedimentary Geology, 2017

• Twenhofel Medal, Society for Sedimentary Geology, 2025

• Robert Mitchum Award, European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers, 2016

• Richard Owen Distinguished Alumni Award, Indiana University, 2014

• BA, geology, Indiana University; MS and PhD, geology, Stanford