Cal State Fullerton engineering student Alexis Ortiz was selected for a highly competitive fellowship program by the Ecological Society of America, one of the nation’s premiere scientific organizations founded in 1915.
Ortiz, a first-generation Hispanic college student, is set to graduate in May 2025. Her academic journey has been marked by a deep commitment to environmental research and sustainability. In summer 2024, Ortiz participated in CSUF’s Summer Undergraduate Research Academy, where she conducted original research alongside Sudarshan Kurwadkar, professor of civil and environmental engineering. Her work focused on the occurrence and distribution of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in Orange County’s drinking water.
Ortiz’s dedication earned her a coveted spot in ESA’s Strategies for Ecology Education, Diversity and Sustainability International Field Trip — an honor granted to only 18 students out of more than 1,000 applicants. The October 2024 field trip took place at the Barrier Lake Field Station, part of the Biogeoscience Institute at the University of Calgary in Alberta, Canada.
“Canada was awesome,” said Ortiz. “I met so many motivated, intelligent and like-minded individuals who were all very passionate about ecology. I was truly honored being the only civil engineering major and student from the West Coast — every student had never talked to someone from California.”
During the field trip, Ortiz and her team investigated ecological differences between the Kananaskis River and Mount Baldy runoff channel. She collected and analyzed water samples from Lusk Creek, measuring parameters such as turbidity, pH and nitrate/nitrite levels. She also studied tree species near the Barrier Lake Field Station, including Trembling Aspen and Lodgepole Pine. The group presented their findings during a scientific poster session.
Reflecting on the experience, Ortiz expressed heartfelt gratitude to her mentor: “I wanted to thank you again for the wonderful opportunity of learning more about ecology and environmental engineering. This trip was truly an unforgettable and amazing experience.”
Inspired by her transformative experience in Canada, Ortiz has decided to pursue a graduate degree in environmental engineering. She will begin the master’s degree program at CSUF in fall 2025.
The recognition of Ortiz by the ESA underscores the growing importance of interdisciplinary approaches in addressing environmental challenges and highlights CSUF’s commitment to fostering the next generation of environmental leaders.