Anna Babchanik

Anna Babchanik

Hi! My name is Anna, and I am a second-year master's student in Mechanics and Computation. I hold a double bachelor's in Civil Engineering and Mathematics from CSU Sacramento. My fascination lies in the logical and precise nature of mathematics, and the challenges that come from solving real-world problems–a passion that has carried into my current work.

Through my research and industry experiences, I've worked on projects in geotechnical earthquake engineering, dam safety, and numerical modeling, which have deepened my appreciation for computational geomechanics and how simulation can help us better understand and improve geotechnical systems. I'm currently part of Professor Ronaldo Borja's research group, working on a project that combines deep learning with constitutive modeling for shale, which is an exciting opportunity to explore how physics-informed methods can enhance geomechanical simulations. I am excited to keep learning and advancing geomechanics through computational and experimental approaches to improve prediction, modeling, and decision-making in the field, whether in academia or industry.

This year, l've had the privilege of serving as President of the EERI Stanford Student Chapter, where l've enjoyed building community, organizing events, and leading outreach efforts in earthquake engineering. I've learned and grown so much at Stanford, both through classes and from the amazing mentors and friends in our SEM cohort. Beyond academics, I find peace in the outdoors through hiking in the mountains, taking long scenic road trips, biking, and photographing nature. Those quiet moments outside remind me why I love what I study, as I notice the patterns, layers, geologic formations, and how everything holds together in nature. I also enjoy discovering new coffee spots, playing violin, and singing on my church worship team.