Class of 2025 Spotlight: Mobina Riazi

Mobina Riazi is graduating this year with a degree in political science and a minor in Iranian studies.  "I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity [the Stanford Iranian Studies Program] has given me to find a piece of Iran here at Stanford—a place where I can connect deeply with my heritage, culture, and language in ways that I wouldn't even be able to if I were in Iran," she said. 

Read the Q&A below to learn more about Mobina's undergraduate experience.

What was your major/minor/degree program(s) and area of study/focus? Why did you choose it?

I pursued a B.A. in Political Science with a focus on International Relations and Data Science, a minor in Iranian Studies, and a coterminal M.A. in Communications with a concentration in Media and Technology Studies. I chose this combination because I’m deeply interested in the intersection of global politics, digital technologies, and cultural narratives. Political Science gave me the tools to analyze systems of power, Data Science helped me apply those insights quantitatively, and Iranian Studies allowed me to stay grounded in language, history, and literature that are personally meaningful. I look forward to continuing my studies through Communications as it ties everything together by exploring how media and technology shape public discourse and political behavior.

Tell us your favorite major/minor-related story or experience! Any adventures abroad or fascinating guest lectures?

One of my most memorable experiences at Stanford was attending a lecture by Professor Domenico Ingenito. Listening to his conversation with Professor Milani about poetry, pedagogy, and the purpose of education was truly eye-opening. It deepened my appreciation for the value of poetry and pushed me to dedicate more time to studying poets like Saadi, Khayyam, Hafez, and Attar—figures I had known before, but only came to truly engage with by reading their work in Farsi and exploring their thought more closely.

As you reflect on your time at Stanford, what are you most proud of?

I’m most proud of my personal growth—both intellectually and emotionally. The friendships and mentorships I’ve formed, along with the opportunity to give back to the communities that have shaped me, are what I value most from my time at Stanford.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation, I plan to pursue my master’s degree and then continue on to law school, where I hope to specialize in Technology Law, combining my background in media, technology, and policy.

Why did you choose to study Iran? How has your minor in Global Studies/Iranian Studies changed your understanding of the world and prepared you for your next steps?

One of the reasons I chose Stanford was because of its Iranian Studies department. Growing up, whenever I looked up anything related to Iran online, the first or second search result was almost always from Stanford Iranian Studies. That made me realize the depth and quality of scholarship here, and inspired me to be part of that community and contribute to the field myself. Throughout my time in the program, it has never disappointed me. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity it has given me to find a piece of Iran here at Stanford—a place where I can connect deeply with my heritage, culture, and language in ways that I wouldn't even be able to if I were in Iran.

Anything else? 

Thank you for a wonderful four years! I am so happy to have one more year with Iranian Studies :)