House Leaders
Resident Leaders at Explore Energy House
2026-2027
Valeria Cartagena Vaca
Valeria is a senior studying Chemical Engineering and Computer Science with a minor in Energy Science and Engineering, and this will be her 4th year living in Explore Energy House! Growing up in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, shaped Valeria's interest in how energy systems affect economic development, and she hopes to work on technologies that expand access to affordable, clean energy around the world. Outside of research, Valeria enjoys reading, cooking, and discussing big ideas about the future of science and technology.
Melanie Robles
Melanie Robles is proudly a first-generation Mexican American student majoring in Public Policy and coterming in Earth Systems. Growing up in the Inland Empire, a Southern California community impacted by air pollution, she developed a strong passion for environmental justice organizing, focusing on policy development that centers the well-being and knowledge of frontline communities. Outside of work, she loves to go to Farillaga, thrift, and try new foods and coffee shops.
Annabelle Jayadinata
I am an Electrical Engineering undergraduate and coterm student at Stanford University, also pursuing a music minor, with a passion for the intersection of technology, creativity, and community. I’m originally from Indonesia and am deeply involved in engineering initiatives on campus including those associated with sustainability and energy. Outside of academics, I love being outdoors! Whether it’s hiking, skiing, or playing tennis, I’m excited to help create a fun, welcoming, and supportive house community!
Edward (Eddie) Chen
Edward (Eddie) Chen is a Taiwanese American rising junior from Irvine, California studying Energy Science & Engineering. Eddie serves as Co-Executive Director of Stanford Climate Week, former Shultz Fellow at the California Energy Commission, and researcher at the Hoover Institution focused on renewable energy integration in Taiwan’s grid. This is his 2nd year in the Explore Energy House, and Eddie is also an avid award-winning 14-year Hip Hop dancer, choreographing and performing shows on campus and across the Bay Area!
Simya Smith
I'm a rising senior from Los Angeles majoring in Earth Systems on the Sustainable Societies and Environment track. I'm passionate about the intersections of human and planetary health and investigating how sustainability can ease climate-driven burdens of illness on vulnerable communities! Outside of academics, I love to travel, read romcoms, and try new restaurants.
Carter Rosenthal
Carter is a rising senior/co-term studying Materials Science and Engineering from Maui, Hawai'i. Growing up in a rural area affected by poor grid infrastructure inspired him to pursue a career in the energy space, researching new Li-ion battery technologies at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. In his free time he works as a Student Manager for the Stanford Football team, watches the LA Dodgers, plays guitar/'ukulele, and enjoys taking photos with his Fujifilm camera.