The Fellowship in Environmental Ethics is awarded to outstanding Santa Clara University undergraduates to support a project that examines the ethical implications of an environmental topic.
The 2025-26 fellowship will focus on the ethical issues related to groundwater contamination in agricultural areas of California like the Central Valley, Salinas Valley, and Pajaro Valley. A painful contradiction will shape the work of the fellowship: The State of California affirms the human right to clean water as a matter of policy at the same time as tens of thousands of California residents cannot rely on the safety of their primary water source due to extensive nitrate contamination from agricultural runoff.
The fellows will work together and with SCU faculty and Ethics Center staff to write a public document that makes clear the key ethical dimensions of this situation and that provides ethical grounds for policy change. The document will be completed by June '26.
2025-26 Environmental Ethics Fellows
Caleigh Detels '26
I am currently a senior at SCU working towards getting my degree in environmental studies with minors in anthropology and sustainability. I am from Seattle, Washington which is where I learned my love for the environment! My interest in environmental ethics stems from my firm belief of standing up against injustice and being a good citizen of the world. I hope to make a positive impact on my community!
Sam Lei '26
I'm majoring in Environmental Science with four minors in biology, geospatial analysis, public health, and sustainability. My hometown is San Francisco, and my passion for environmental ethics began when I was exposed to the living conditions in Bayview Hunters Point, as communities were living in the aftereffects of naval shipyards used during nuclear warfare testing in WWII. The degradation amongst the community's livelihoods, the environment, and the relationship between left a strong imprint on me. As a senior, I am preparing to apply for my PhD program focused on the intersection between hydrology, biogeochimistry, and public health to advocate for improved water quality amongst disadvantaged communities. Afterwards, I plan to pursue a research career at the federal level to promote effective policy supporting human and environmental rights.
Andrew Schatz '26
Andrew is a senior from Cupertino, California, with a major in Environmental Science and a double minor in Biology and Geospatial Analysis. He works in the Trace Metals lab on campus, including support for the Climate and Water Justice lab with water contaminant analysis, and also working on paleoclimate research. In his free time Andrew enjoys photography, hiking, and playing video games.
