Santa Clara University College of Arts and Sciences

A warm welcome to KB Brookins who is joining the in the Department of English this fall! KB is a writer, educator, and cultural worker specializing in new forms, creative nonfiction, and poetry.

KB is from Texas and has research interests in q***r and trans issues, masculinity, artivism, and the Black church.

This summer we are featuring some of the new faculty joining the College this fall. Stay tuned for more features!

What starts in the lab can lead anywhere. 🔬✨ For SCU physics alumni Craig Benko ’10 and Bryan Berggren ’17, hands-on research, close mentorship, and long hours solving tough problems helped shape careers in the fast-moving world of photonics.

From rebuilding lasers at Santa Clara to developing technology used in autonomous trucking and advanced optical engineering, both alumni say their experiences in the Physics Department taught them how to think critically, adapt, and take on challenges without fear.

Click the link below to read their full story. ⬇️ 🤩

From Laser Labs to Autonomous Trucks: How SCU Physics Prepares Students for What’s Next Santa Clara University physics alumni Craig Benko ’10 and Bryan Berggren ’17 reflect on how hands-on research, mentorship, and technological fearlessness in the Physics Department prepared them to lead in the rapidly evolving field of photonics.

A warm welcome to Caitlyn Fick 👏 She will be joining the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry this fall 🧪 🥼

Caitlyn's areas of expertise include polymer chemistry and physics, as well as equitable and inclusive teaching. Caitlyn has a cat named Bella, grew up in a small town of only 6,000 people, and loves trying new food! Welcome to the SCU CAS family, Caitlyn! ❤️ 🐴

This summer we are featuring some of the new faculty joining the College this fall. Stay tuned for more features!

🧬 ✨ For Jocelyn Madrigal ’26, a passion for healthcare and service shaped every part of her experience at Santa Clara University. As a biology major with a minor in Spanish studies, she combined research, leadership, and community engagement to prepare for a future in dentistry.

Throughout her time at SCU, Madrigal conducted research in cell biology and health communication, mentored first-generation students through the LEAD Scholars Program, supported fellow pre-health students as a Health Professions Peer Advisor, and explored the intersection of dentistry and public health through her Honors senior thesis on oral health disparities in Latino communities.

This fall, Madrigal will continue her journey at the UNLV School of Dental Medicine, carrying with her a foundation rooted in scientific inquiry, service, and a commitment to improving patient care.

Way to go, Jocelyn!

Read more at the link below ⬇️

https://www.scu.edu/cas/biology/news-and-events/stories/science-and-service-jocelyn-madrigals-path-to-dentistry.html

Science and Service: Jocelyn Madrigal’s Path to Dentistry Jocelyn Madrigal ’26 combined biology, research, and community to pursue a future in dental health.

Different paths, one shared goal: expanding access to care. ♥️

Through the REAL Program, seniors Audrey Weaver, Kate Ridgeway, and Zara Farber spent last summer working across clinical care, mental health advocacy, and healthcare research. From supporting patients and families, to engaging with policymakers, to advancing research for underserved communities, each brought a unique approach to addressing health inequities.

Together, their experiences show how hands-on learning can turn knowledge into meaningful action and shape future careers rooted in improving community health.



Read their full story ⬇️

REAL Students Advancing Health Equity Through hands-on clinical work, policy advocacy, and healthcare research, three SCU students are turning classroom knowledge into real-world impact in the fight for more equitable community health

✨ From transfer student to researcher and advocate:

Sociology major Jazmin Rivera transformed her experiences navigating higher education into meaningful research focused on supporting transfer students and strengthening institutional support systems. Through her work as a research assistant, her capstone project on transfer student stigma, and hands-on learning opportunities both on and off campus, Jazmin has used sociology to better understand and improve the systems that shape people's lives.

As she prepares to pursue a Master of Social Work at San José State University, Jazmin leaves future Broncos with simple but powerful advice: "Try new things."

Turning Experience Into Advocacy: Jazmin Rivera’s Journey at SCU Sociology major Jazmin Rivera turned her experience as a transfer student into research and advocacy work aimed at making higher education more supportive and accessible for future students.

⭐ 👏

For Meagan Mitchell ’26, studying psychology and public health at Santa Clara has been about understanding people and finding ways to better support them. Through research, leadership, and hands-on work with children and families, she explored how relationships, community, and early experiences can shape a person’s well-being.

After graduation, she plans to pursue a career focused on helping children, adolescents, and families thrive.

https://www.scu.edu/cas/psychology/news-and-events/news/meagan-mitchells-path-to-counseling.html

Meagan Mitchell’s Path to Counseling Senior Meagan Mitchell combined psychology and public health to better understand people and how to support them.

Six Santa Clara College of Arts and Sciences students and alumni have earned Fulbright grants to research, study, and teach across three continents ✈️ 🌍

Megan Baldemor ’26, Cassandra Bull ’26, Katie Duffy ’24, Alec Qualitza ’23, Jasmine Vu ’26, and Saron Weldemariam ’26 have each been awarded Fulbright U.S. Student Program grants for the 2026–2027 academic year. Selected through a merit-based, open competition that evaluates academic achievement, leadership, and commitment to service, the six Broncos will spend the coming year conducting research, studying, and teaching in Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, and Zambia! 👏

Well done, Fulbright recipients! ♥️ 🐴



Click the link below to learn more ⬇️

Six Santa Clara students and alumni earn Fulbright grants to research, study, and teach across three continents The honorees will explore topics ranging from sustainability and neurodegenerative disease to international relations and cancer treatments.

🌎🔬

From studying sea stars and chiton along the California coast to exploring cenotes through geospatial analysis, Sofia “Ximena” Garcia-Isabelli ’26 has turned curiosity into discovery.

Ximena, an environmental science major and biology and geospatial analysis double minor, embraced every opportunity at SCU through hands-on research, sustainability leadership, and immersive field experiences, including snorkeling with whale sharks in Baja California.

“Stick with things that are hard! It always pays off!!”

Read more about how Ximena’s passion for exploration and the environment shaped her journey at SCU by clicking the link below.

https://www.scu.edu/cas/ess/news/breaking-news/exploration-and-environment-one-seniors-path-through-science.html

Exploration and Environment: One Senior’s Path Through Science Sofia ‘Ximena’ Garcia-Isabelli ’26 turned curiosity about the natural world into hands-on research and discovery.

What stories are hidden beneath our feet? 🌿 🌴

Students are uncovering layers of history through campus archaeology tours started by Professor Lee Panich. From a 2,500-year-old Ohlone village beneath the center of campus to collaborations with local Indigenous communities, the tours encourage students to see familiar spaces in a new way.

By exploring archaeology, storytelling, and community research, students begin to see that history is woven into the spaces we walk through every day. 📜

https://www.scu.edu/cas/anthropology/news-and-events/stories/learning-to-look-closer.html

Learning to Look Closer A campus archaeology tour helps students uncover hidden histories and rethink the spaces they pass every day.