Maxine A. Burkett

Maxine Burkett is a Professor of Environmental Social Sciences at Stanford University’s Doerr School of Sustainability.

Maxine Burkett is a Professor of Environmental Social Sciences at Stanford University’s Doerr School of Sustainability. Her research examines the relationship between environmental change and inequity and its impact on frontline communities, both domestic and international. With a background in law and diplomacy, her areas of expertise include climate change (international, national, subnational law and policy), ocean and coastal law, climate-related migration, and climate change and human security.

Prior to joining the Stanford faculty, Professor Burkett served as Professor of Law at the William S. Richardson School of Law, where she taught Climate Change Law and Policy, Torts, Ocean and Coastal Law, and International Law.

Professor Burkett also served in senior roles at the State Department and the White House during the Biden-Harris administration. She was the Assistant Director for Climate, Oceans, and Equity at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. From January 2022 through July 2023, she served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Oceans, Fisheries, and Polar Affairs in the Department of State’s Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (OES). At OES, she oversaw the formulation and implementation of U.S. foreign policy on a broad range of international issues concerning the oceans, the Arctic, the Antarctic, and marine conservation. Prior to that appointment, she served as a Senior Advisor to Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry, where her portfolio included climate-related migration, climate security, bilateral relationships with island nations, and Indigenous Peoples’ engagement. While at the State Department, Maxine served concurrently as a Visiting Professor at Harvard Medical School’s Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, where she advanced research on climate justice and public health.

Professor Burkett received her B.A. from Williams College, which awarded her the Bicentennial Medal for Distinguished Achievement in 2016, and Exeter College, Oxford University. She received her J.D. from Berkeley Law, University of California, and served as a law clerk for the Honorable Susan Illston of the United States District Court, Northern District of California.