William A. Sundstrom

William A. Sundstrom is the Stephen and Patricia Schott Professor of Economics in the Department of Economics at Santa Clara University's Leavey School of Business. He serves as co-director of the Leavey School of Business Community Fellows Program and previously served as President of the Santa Clara University Faculty Senate during the 2017-2018 academic year. His interdisciplinary work bridges economics with geography, urban planning, and law to address pressing social and environmental challenges.

Professor Sundstrom earned his Ph.D. in Economics from Stanford University and his B.A. in Economics from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. His educational background has informed his diverse research agenda spanning economic history, contemporary policy analysis, and interdisciplinary field research.

Professor Sundstrom's research focuses on the determinants of poverty and inequality, the impact of government policies, and the economic history of labor markets, education, and related institutions. He applies data analysis to study food and water insecurity, climate change impacts in rural Central America, housing policies in Silicon Valley, and the impact of criminal records. His work with the Agroecology, Climate Resilience, and Food Justice Lab (ACRAF) demonstrates his commitment to participatory action research that addresses environmental justice and food sovereignty.

His recent publications reveal a strong interdisciplinary trajectory, with increasing focus on climate resilience and food security in Central America, racial justice in the criminal justice system, and historical analysis of public institutions. His work combines rigorous economic analysis with on-the-ground field research, particularly in Nicaragua, where he examines how smallholder farmers navigate multiple livelihood threats including hurricanes, droughts, and crop diseases.

Scientific Awards and Recognition

• Faculty Senate Professor Award (2022) - recognizing "outstanding professional achievement during a significant period of time as a faculty member at Santa Clara University"
• Bannan Faculty Fellow (2016)
• Co-investigator on two National Science Foundation grants

Professor Sundstrom has secured significant research funding through National Science Foundation grants and leads interdisciplinary research teams that include scholars in geography, urban planning, and law. His Community Fellows Program connects students with local organizations to address community needs through research and service. While specific students aren't listed in the available information, his teaching in econometrics and data analysis has undoubtedly shaped numerous economics students' analytical capabilities.

Professor Sundstrom co-directs the Agroecology, Climate Resilience, and Food Justice Lab (ACRAF), which works in close collaboration with the Environmental Justice and Common Good Initiative. The lab employs participatory action research to form partnerships with community-based groups, farmers, and government agencies. ACRAF uses political ecology to explain environmental change dynamics and agroecology as a transdisciplinary approach to assess obstacles and opportunities for livelihood resilience in the context of climate change.