Celebrating the life of Vince Pane Ph.D. ’23, Stanford’s most colorful character: A tribute from his friends

Stanford lost its most kaleidoscopic son, Vincent Evan Pane, to a mountaineering accident on Aug. 28. At age 31, he left us much too soon, but he accomplished more in his time than most people would in 100 years.

Vince’s character defies easy description, because he did everything. He was widely known across campus by both students and staff, but scarcely two among them would know him for the same reason. Whether it was art, athleticism, scientific research or simply being a good friend, Vince excelled in every endeavor.

Vince’s day job for most of his time at Stanford was as a chemistry Ph.D. student in the Waymouth Lab. He defended his thesis in 2023, which consisted of bio-derived plastics for use in a Martian habitat, organic catalysts for synthesizing biodegradable plastics and novel resins for 3D printing. Still, his scientific curiosity extended well beyond the bounds of his research. Vince was an expert wood sculptor, and through his carving he developed a deep knowledge of dendrology — the study of trees. His refinement of the human form in his artworks led him to an extensive study of human anatomy through a two year independent study in the medical school. A project involving sculpting abalone shells into exotic shapes led him to a deep dive into polyhedral geometry. Science, mathematics and art were deeply interwoven concepts for Vince, and mastery of any one of them could only be achieved by understanding them all.

Woodcarving was preeminent, but far from Vince’s only artistic passion. He danced with the Chocolate Heads Movement Band and performed his own solo choreography. He made his own clothes and jewelry out of any and every material imaginable — old curtains, neckties, acorns and, of course, wood, just to name a few. He designed haute couture attire and had exhibited some of his work internationally. He did circus arts with Circa’s “Leviathan” and was planning to teach a juggling class in the coming academic year. He had also recently been appointed as an adjunct lecturer in the mechanical engineering department, where he could share his artistic knowledge through the Product Realization Lab.

Vince’s deep, interdisciplinary knowledge made him a gifted teacher. As a graduate student he led popular courses at Stanford like CHEM 29N: Chemistry in the Kitchen and BIO20Q: Partner with Trees. Outside of the classroom walls, he was constantly teaching his friends to be more attentive to their surroundings. He would often point out interesting plants and explain what they could be used for. He was always more than happy to introduce anyone to a new sport, new adventure or a new way of interacting with one’s surroundings.

Vince’s elite athleticism may have been his greatest claim to fame in the wider world. He was a three time competitor on “American Ninja Warrior,” where he was known as the “Renaissance Man.” Locally, he was a member of the Stanford Climbing Team, and was frequently seen at gymnastics open gyms and trampoline parks. Vince “the roller skating guy” was a staple of Stanford’s annual Nomad party, where he could be seen jumping cobbles and climbing the Terman Fountain light posts in wildly colorful outfits and roller blades.

All these seemingly disparate interests blended smoothly together in Vince’s world. His choreography featured tree climbing and roller skating. His art featured plastics from his research. His “American Ninja Warrior” costume featured designs he made with an inmate from a prison outreach program, Prison Renaissance. And yet, all these things barely scratch the surface of Vince’s character. Vince lived in a world without boundaries or constraints. He excelled at everything he did, but with humility and a sense of humor that made him a fast friend to everyone who met him. He was quick with one-liners, dependable when a friend needed a hand and always full of kindness and positivity.

One lesson that is clear from Vince’s life is that he would not want to be remembered in sadness. Vince always sought to spread joy, wonder and surprise to everyone around him. For all those who knew Vince, let us rejoice, wonder and be surprised at his life so fully lived.

A celebration of life for Vince will be held on Saturday, Sept. 28 at Terman Fountain, beginning at 5:30 p.m. All are welcome to attend — please come in costumes, crazy colorful outfits and roller blades if able! Be prepared to sit outdoors on grass; picnic blankets are recommended. Vince’s art and choreography will be exhibited in the adjacent Thornton Center. Following a time of remembrance, there will be an after party complete with dancing, ninja obstacles and other fun surprises.

An online tribute where you may post photos or memories of Vince is available at www.online-tribute.com/VincentPane. Some of Vince’s artwork can be seen on his website, vincentpane.com.

Hunter Swan is an eighth-year Ph.D. student in physics. Sam Boeschen is a second–year masters student in mechanical engineering. Max Manson is third-year masters student in systems.

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