Get to know Lynette Haberman — Program Manager, Student Programs and Training

Meet Lynette Haberman, Program Manager for Student Programs and Training at Sarafan ChEM-H. When she is not using her wealth of experience and deep passion for guiding students through their academic journey at our institute, you can find her caring for her fermentation “pets” or her adorable corgi, Lottie.

We sat down with her to learn more about her background, what inspired her to join Sarafan ChEM-H, and her simple, yet effective life mantra.

Can you share a bit about yourself, including your professional background?  

I've spent a decade working in higher education administration because I have always been passionate about people getting access to education and supporting them through their educational journey.

My career began in the Enrollment Services Center during my undergrad at Southern Oregon University, where I focused on the financial aid side of things by helping students manage their Perkins loan defaults. I then pursued a PhD in Native American studies at UC Davis from 2015 to 2020, but I decided to leave the program in 2021 with a master's degree. While at UC Davis, I worked in various roles, including program management and as a graduate student assistant for the McNair Scholars Program, which was a great way to give back as a former scholar. I also worked as an associate instructor and  taught GRE verbal and analytical reasoning, first-year composition, and composition for English as a second language.

Being a member of the Yurok tribe from northwestern coastal California is a huge part of my identity. Representing the Native American community here is incredibly important to me, because, yes, we know that Stanford has a great pipeline for Indigenous students, but also employees as well. The whole point of change is being able to see people like us in positions where we’re not typically represented.

On a personal note, I'm married and have a three-year-old corgi named Lottie, who is basically my child. I love sewing, crocheting, cooking, baking—anything that involves using my hands.

What drew you to your role at Sarafan ChEM-H?

Carolyn Bertozzi's overall picture for the institute, especially how it would impact students, initially drew me in. I saw myself in a role that would involve working with students and providing support services, but I couldn't have fully anticipated the growth I would experience here. I started as the Academic and Student Services Coordinator in November 2020, and then,  in my current role as Program Manager for Student Programs and Training, managing the post-baccalaureate program became a major responsibility. I transitioned from simply creating content for students to managing and guiding them directly. This shift forced me to think more like a manager—not just focusing on what’s being taught, but also on how it’s received and how to navigate feedback effectively. Ensuring that the experiences align with the program’s intentions has been both challenging and rewarding.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Helping students succeed. Knowing that I can make a positive impact on their lives brings me immense satisfaction. Despite the hills and valleys, I truly cherish seeing everyone content, which makes it all worthwhile.

Tell us about a project you really enjoyed and what made it special.

I got to develop the Mentorship Development Plan (MDP), a workbook for the Chemistry/Biology Interface (CBI) Training Program faculty mentors that incorporated my months of research on mentorship and mentor development, especially in the context of graduate students and faculty. I focused on metacognition—the practice of thinking about thinking—and how we could apply it to mentorship. After conducting a thorough literature review, I created modules that addressed the needs of the CBI Program. The MDP serves as a tool for CBI faculty to assess their mentorship goals and track progress throughout the year.

This project took a lot of thought and effort, and it's one of my proudest achievements. Now, a year later, we’re planning next steps to check in on the effectiveness of this resource guide and find areas for improvement.

Do you have a favorite spot to grab a bite on campus?

Blend Eatery is delicious on campus – I absolutely love their tocino bowls.

What’s a fun fact about you?

I recently started a ginger bug, a wild ferment used to make prebiotic sodas. I named it Bugsy Malone, and it sits next to my sourdough starter on the counter. I feed them both regularly, and they’re my fermentation “pets.”

Lastly, what’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

I had a wonderful mentor during graduate school whose advice during one of the most stressful times of my life—preparing for qualifying exams—really resonated with me: "Just don't think about anything else. Just try and have fun with it." It sounds simple and is easy to forget, but it’s so powerful and has become a mantra for me. Whenever I'm stressed now, I think back to that advice, and it shifts my mindset. No matter how challenging something is, there's beauty in that space, and if you find a way to enjoy it, it makes the experience more manageable.