Orisa Coombs

Orisa Coombs is a PhD Candidate in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and a member of the Tarpeh and Majumdar groups. Her research at the water-energy-food nexus investigates systems that decarbonize fertilizer production and manage water and electricity in remote regions. Specifically, she develops systems that recover valuable nitrogen from wastewater using solar electricity. Through partnerships in Alabama, Mexico, and South Africa, she and her colleagues use community-engaged approaches to translate technology out of the lab to the real world.

Prior to attending Stanford, Orisa completed her bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering at MIT. At the MIT Media Lab, she designed wearable medical devices to continuously monitor biomarkers like cortisol in astronauts on the International Space Station. She transitioned into climate change research in the Rosenhow Kendall Lab, where she researched efficient water desalination methods for long-term water sustainability.

Orisa is a National Science Foundation GRFP Fellow, Knight-Hennessy Fellow, and Research, Action, and Impact through Strategic Engagement (RAISE) Doctoral Fellow. She seeks to serve communities both in her research and personal life, and has worked to eliminate food insecurity through food pantries at MIT, sat as the Chair of the MIT Black Students’ Union, and served as the President of the Stanford Graduate Workers Union.