Dr. Maxine Burkett

Professor

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Biography

Maxine Burkett is the Emerson Collective Professor at Stanford University’s Doerr School of Sustainability, specializing in Climate, Environment, and Society. Her research critically examines the intersections of environmental change and inequity, particularly how these impacts affect frontline communities both domestically and internationally. She possesses a robust background in law and diplomacy, with her expertise encompassing climate change law and policy, ocean and coastal law, climate-related migration, and human security issues. Burkett has held significant academic positions, including a professorship at the William S. Richardson School of Law and served in various senior roles at the White House and State Department. Notably, she oversaw the formulation of U.S. policy on international issues involving oceans and polar affairs as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State and was a Senior Advisor to the Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, John Kerry. Her recent academic endeavors included a visiting professorship at Harvard Medical School’s Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, focusing on climate justice and public health. Burkett has received numerous accolades, including the Distinguished Public Service Award from the United States Coast Guard in 2023 and the Individual Superior Honor Award from the Department of State in 2022.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

2024-01-01 — Present

Stanford University • Stanford, CA

Emerson Collective Professor of Climate, Environment, Society at the Doerr School of Sustainability.

Deputy Assistant Secretary

2022-01-01 — 2023-01-01

State Department • Washington, D.C.

Oversaw U.S. policy regarding oceans, fisheries, and polar affairs.

Senior Advisor

2021-01-01 — 2022-01-01

Office of Special Presidential Envoy for Climate • Washington, D.C.

Focused on climate-related migration and climate security.

Awards

#2023

Distinguished Public Service Award

#2022

Individual Superior Honor Award

#2022

President's Leadership Workshop

#2016

Bicentennial Medal

#2010

Wayne Morse Chair in Law and Politics

Requirements for Stanford University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:26
Reading
Required:26
Writing
Required:26
Speaking
Required:26
Total
Required:100
GRE General
Verbal
Required:160
Quantitative
Required:165
Analytical Writing
Required:4.5
Overall
Required:4.5
Prerequisites
Bachelor degree from an accredited institution Strong background in mathematics and programming
Application Checklist
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Official transcripts
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

The Computer Science department emphasizes research potential. GRE General is currently optional but recommended for some tracks.