Stanford National Forensic Institute

Our approach each summer involves thinking of interesting ways to use the topic as a vehicle for teaching students how to compete successfully during the year. Our 3 Week program is designed to improve students’ critical thinking and strategy: taking well-reasoned argument and tying it to evidence researched by the students on any given topic, and enhancing that argument in later rebuttals with strong analysis and expert vision. Moreover, students should walk out of the SNFI experience with a confidence that they can compete in every debate round, regardless of the arguments being made, which in contrast to other institutes, involves working on both policy arguments and critical theory.

Instructional Staff for 2012

Vinay Pai: Vinay is a sophomore at the University of California-Berkeley where he is studying cultural anthropology and political theory. Vinay debated for the UC-Berkeley debate team as a freshman, reaching the semifinals of the UNLV tournament and quarterfinals of the Harvard tournament. In high school, he was a top-5 speaker and in late elimination rounds at various national circuit tournaments, including finals at Berkeley, semifinals at St. Mark’s and Blake, and quarterfinals at the TOC. Vinay attended the College Preparatory School in Oakland, CA, and was a Sophomore Scholar at the SNFI in 2008.

Samantha Varney: Sam will be a sophomore debater for the University of Texas - Dallas. In high school, Sam debated for Chattahoochee High School before transferring to Glenbrook South. She was an extremely competitive national circuit debater, reaching elimination rounds at many of the tournament she attended along with qualifying for the Tournament of Champions twice. Sam is currently majoring in finance and a UT-Dallas Debate Scholarship recipient.