Siddhartha Daswani is a junior at The Harker School in San Jose, CA. He is passionate about foreign policy, international political economy, and environmental governance. He has served as a Congressional Intern in the Office of U.S. Representative Ro Khanna and was a research intern at the Bill Lane Center for the American West, where he worked with Derek Fong on wildfire policy research presented at the American Geophysical Union, MIT, the United Nations, and Stanford. He is the founder of SmokeSignal AI, an early wildfire detection company piloting with the Santa Clara County Fire Department, and an honorary board member of the Santa Clara FireSafe Council — its only student member. He competes in Lincoln-Douglas debate on the national circuit, where he is ranked #1 internationally.
2024 – 2025
Office of U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17)
Conducted legislative research on technology regulation, economic competitiveness, and U.S.–China policy; drafted proposed EPA amendments expanding prescribed burn flexibility under the Clean Air Act.
2024
The Bill Lane Center for the American West, Stanford University
The only high schooler among Stanford undergraduate students. Geospatial analysis of wildfire fuel-treatment zones using satellite-derived variables to assess the policy effectiveness of federal prescribed burn programs; worked with Derek Fong. Presented at the American Geophysical Union, MIT, the United Nations, and Stanford.
2023 — Present
The Harker School · Climate Ed Green Team
Led peer education initiatives on campus through the Climate Education Green Team, organizing 25+ events and workshops that brought environmental awareness into everyday school life. Coordinated campus-wide campaigns on sustainability, waste reduction, and climate action, engaging 1,000+ students and training 40+ student leaders in climate education.
2023 — Present
Organized large-scale letter-writing campaigns engaging over 800 young people in advocating for stronger climate policies and wildfire prevention measures with their elected representatives. Produced over 5,000 letters to Congress, teaching students how their voices can influence policy decisions and making civic engagement accessible to youth.
2024 — Present
Santa Clara County, CA
Santa Clara FireSafe Council
Only student member. Contributes to wildfire mitigation policy strategy and legislative advocacy; supported grant development totaling $7M+ in federal and state funding.
2024 — Present
Bay Area, CA
AI early-detection platform for wildfires; pilot agreement with Santa Clara County Fire Department. Finalist, Conrad Challenge.
Champion of the Jacobson Institute BizInnovator Competition — a national high school entrepreneurship competition run by the University of Iowa, judged by leading entrepreneurs and faculty on innovation, market viability, and venture execution.
2022 — Present
The Harker School · National Circuit
Team Captain
Ranked #1 internationally; winner of 12 national tournaments; TOC qualifier. Original policy cases on UNCLOS, sovereign wealth taxation, carbon pricing, nuclear nonproliferation, and trade sanctions.
Presenting at Stanford's Big Earth Hackathon
Leading a climate education event for 100+ elementary students across three grade levels
Running the Smoothies for Sustainability event promoting ecological food consumption
Leading a school-wide letter-writing campaign for sustainable policy
Winning a national debate title
Receiving two academic awards for leadership — nominated by four teachers out of the entire student body