Iris Stewart-Frey

Iris Stewart-Frey is a Professor in the Department of Environmental Studies & Sciences at Santa Clara University (SCU), part of the College of Arts and Sciences. She holds a Ph.D. in Hydrology from Stanford University and a B.S. in Geology and Geophysics from the University of Hawai’i. Her research focuses on climate change impacts on water resources, environmental justice, and interdisciplinary approaches to sustainability. She has led projects on Central America’s climate vulnerability, water equity in California, and urban stream temperature dynamics.

Professor Stewart-Frey’s work integrates spatial analysis and community-based methods to address issues like food security, water justice, and the disproportionate environmental burdens faced by marginalized communities. She has secured grants from the US EPA and National Science Foundation and serves as an Associate Editor for the Journal of the American Water Resources Association. Her professional roles include chairing her department and advising organizations like the Tuolumne River Trust.

• Education:
  • Ph.D. in Hydrology, Stanford University
  • B.S. in Geology and Geophysics, University of Hawai’i

Her research spans climate modeling, hydrological processes, and policy implications, with recent studies highlighted in International Journal of Climatology, World Development, and Journal of Hydrology. She emphasizes collaborative approaches, mentoring undergraduate researchers, and bridging academic and community efforts for environmental justice.

• Awards:
  • Former Clare Boothe Luce Scholar
• Grants:
  • PI/co-PI on US EPA and NSF grants
• Advising:
  • Co-mentored 2 graduate students and 2 postdoctoral researchers
  • Guides undergraduate researchers in water resources and GIS
• Initiatives:
  • Co-organizer, Northern California Network for Community-Academic Partnerships
  • Member, SCU’s Environmental Justice and the Common Good Initiative