As we head into the spring quarter, the ACRAF Lab is proud to reflect on the incredible work our faculty and student researchers have conducted over the past year. As a lab affiliated with the Environmental Justice & Common Good Initiative, we recently had the pleasure of co-hosting and presenting at the March 2026 Sustainability & Environmental Justice Symposium, where our team shared findings from three major projects. Presentations were followed by a Q&A session with school representatives and stakeholders.
Our lab’s Professor Chris Bacon, along with colleague Professor William Sundstrom, shared a decade of longitudinal research (2014–2024) on Agroecology and diversified farming in Central America. By analyzing data from over 200 farmers in Nicaragua, their work demonstrates that while smallholders are increasingly adopting diversified production to manage climate hazards and improve food security, long-term food system transformation requires deepening the link between local institutional support and Agroecological practices.
In terms of local impacts, Carmel Dill-Cruz and Will Jaspen presented their work on co-producing the South Bay Food Systems Data Dashboard in collaboration with Veggielution. By launching Version 2.0 of this GIS-integrated platform, the team successfully translated community data into actionable regional policy, helping East San Jose entrepreneurs secure value-based catering contracts and advocating for streamlined permitting for home-based food enterprises in Santa Clara County.
Finally, Amelia Koenig and Abby Wilwerding shared the results of the 6th Annual Integrated Student Basic Needs Survey, which involved nearly 900 Santa Clara University students. Survey responses and student interviews revealed that 37% of students experience food insecurity, particularly among first-generation and international students who face the highest rates. These findings highlight a critical need for more affordable meal options and culturally relevant food resources to ensure all community members have equal access to nutritious food.
Special thanks to the SCU Center for Sustainability, the Department of Environmental Studies and Sciences, and the Environmental Justice & Common Good Initiative, whose co-sponsorship enables these meaningful dialogues to take place every year.
Our students have found fulfillment in conducting community-engaged research with partners to address local community needs. Being part of a team dedicated to environmental justice has provided them with a powerful foundation for futures committed to protecting both communities and the environment. If you are a current SCU student passionate about environmental issues and are interested in getting involved in our lab, look out for upcoming openings for research assistant positions!
