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ESS Class of 2026 Student Awards
Each year, the Department of Environmental Studies and Sciences recognizes graduating seniors whose academic achievements, research excellence, commitment to justice, and leadership in sustainability exemplify the department’s mission. We are proud to congratulate this year’s award recipients.
Environmental Studies Research Award
The Environmental Studies Research Award recognizes the graduating senior who has demonstrated exceptional achievement in environmental studies research.
Shea Mulqueeney
Environmental Studies & Public Health Majors
Sustainability Minor
This year’s award goes to Shea Mulqueeney, whose contributions to faculty-led research have been exemplary. Over more than two years of collaborative research, Shea has played a central role in projects examining municipal planning and federal environmental policy. She has contributed to research design, data collection, content analysis, and interpretation of findings. In addition, her work in geographic information systems (GIS) has supported innovative analyses of accessibility to city services. Faculty members praised Shea’s intellectual curiosity, methodological rigor, and sustained commitment to high-quality research.
Environmental Science Research Award
The Environmental Science Research Award honors graduating seniors who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in environmental science research. This year, the department recognized two exceptional students whose accomplishments merited dual awards.
Samantha (Sam) Lei
Environmental Science Major
Geospatial Analysis, Public Health, Biology, and Sustainability Minors
Sam Lei has distinguished herself through nearly three years of collaborative research focused on groundwater quality and environmental policy in California’s Central Valley. A co-author on a published study developing new methods for evaluating nitrate contamination and associated uncertainties, Sam has contributed to research design, field and laboratory work, survey development, and policy analysis. Her achievements have earned national recognition, including prestigious fellowships and academic awards. Faculty noted her remarkable ability to combine scientific excellence with a commitment to addressing real-world environmental challenges.
Andrew Schatz
Environmental Science Major
Geospatial Analysis and Biology Minors
Andrew Schatz is being recognized for his extraordinary contributions to multiple research projects spanning environmental entomology, parasitology, and molecular biology. A co-author on three scholarly publications, Andrew has demonstrated exceptional analytical ability, persistence, and scientific creativity. Faculty mentors highlighted his leadership in developing laboratory protocols, conducting sophisticated PCR analyses, and mentoring fellow student researchers. His research accomplishments, coupled with his commitment to environmental and climate justice, exemplify the qualities of a thoughtful scientist and compassionate leader.
Environmental Justice Award
The ESS Justice Award recognizes a graduating senior(s) whose work advances diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice through research, community engagement, or efforts that expand participation in environmental stewardship. This year, the department recognized two exceptional students whose accomplishments merited dual awards.
Samantha (Sam) Lei
Environmental Science Major
Geospatial Analysis, Public Health, Biology, and Sustainability Minors
Sam Lei has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to environmental justice through research that addresses the unequal impacts of environmental challenges on vulnerable communities. Her work has focused on groundwater quality, nitrate contamination, and drinking water access in California’s Central Valley—issues that disproportionately affect rural and historically underserved populations. Through collaborative research, fieldwork, policy analysis, and community-engaged scholarship, Sam has helped generate knowledge that supports more equitable environmental decision-making and public health outcomes. Faculty members praised Sam not only for her outstanding scientific accomplishments but also for her dedication to ensuring that environmental research serves communities most affected by environmental hazards. By combining rigorous science with a strong commitment to justice and public service, she exemplifies the values at the heart of the Environmental Studies and Sciences Department.
Bea Ricafort
Environmental Studies Major
Economics Minor
Bea Ricafort has demonstrated a deep commitment to equitable access to environmental resources and opportunities. Through her Silicon Valley Power Fellowship, Bea conducted groundbreaking research on the accessibility of green spaces and extreme heat vulnerability in Santa Clara. Going beyond the fellowship’s requirements, she developed innovative indices of vulnerability and priority that have informed city planning efforts and ongoing environmental justice initiatives. Her academic work has consistently focused on equity, including research on disparities in urban tree canopy coverage. Bea will continue this important work as she pursues graduate study in Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning.
Lucky Hinkle Sustainability Award
Established in honor of longtime university staff member Lucky Hinkle, this award recognizes a graduating senior who has made a significant contribution to promoting sustainability on campus and beyond.
Grace Falci
Environmental Science Major
Biology Minor
This year’s recipient, Grace Falci, has been a tireless advocate for sustainable practices throughout the Santa Clara community. In addition to her work as a Sustainability Coordinator and Sustainable Food Systems Research Fellow, Grace has partnered with student organizations and community groups to advance efforts for Ocean Friendly Restaurant certification in Santa Clara University’s dining services. Through research, student engagement, data collection, and collaboration with campus stakeholders, she has helped build momentum for reducing single-use waste and strengthening sustainable dining practices. Her leadership, persistence, and collaborative spirit have made a lasting impact on campus sustainability efforts.
The Department of Environmental Studies and Sciences congratulates all of this year’s award recipients and looks forward to following their continued contributions to environmental research, justice, and sustainability in the years ahead.