Alex Markham is the 2010 Winner of the William W. Whitley Citizen Scholar Prize

Alex Markham (BS and MS ’10) was named the 2010 Whitley Scholar for his international leadership and research efforts aimed at protecting some of the world’s most biodiverse regions.  While pursuing two degrees at Stanford, Alex helped direct a non-profit conservation organization, conducted several environmental research projects, and created an interdisciplinary summer research program for Stanford students in Peru. 

Alex received his BS in Earth Systems with a focus on ecology and conservation.  During his undergraduate years, he received several grants to conduct bio-inventories of rainforest stream fish while serving as a Resident Naturalist at the Explorer’s Inn lodge in the Peruvian Amazon.  As the Resident Naturalist, Alex conducted environmental monitoring projects and led tours as part of a general education program.  As an undergraduate, Alex also traveled to Southeast Asia and Africa to investigate bio-control strategies for preventing the spread of Panama’s Disease in commercial bananas. 

During his senior year, Alex worked to merge his non-profit management experience with his passion for environmental education.  He led a group of Stanford students to the Amazon to conduct environmental and public health related research as part of the Fauna Forever Stanford Summer Program.  At the same time, he conducted research for his MS degree on a Payment for Ecosystem Services strategy to link protected areas bisected by the Interoceanica Sur highway. 

While at Stanford, Alex was a member of the Ultimate Frisbee Team, the Rugby Team, and the Triathlon Club.  He was also an active member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity, and he was a Student Advisor for the Earth Systems Program.

Alex’s other awards and honors include the 2010 Lorry I. Lokey Fellowship, the Dean’s Award for Undergraduate Academic Achievement, the Albert J. Hettinger Award for Scholarship, Athletics, and Service, the Woods Institute for the Environment's EURP Award, the Landreth Family Scholarship, the Monica Miller Walsh Award, a VPUE Major Grant, multiple VPUE Quarterly Grants, and two Earth System’s UPS Grants.

Next year, Alex will be working for the Environmental Defense Fund’s Ocean Ecomarkets program in San Francisco.  He will begin his MBA at the Stanford Graduate School of Business the following year, focusing his degree on non-profit management and conservation finance.