Analisa Vavoso (’26 Political Science, Psychology; Environmental Studies minor).

Analisa Vavoso (’26 Political Science, Psychology; Environmental Studies minor) was recently awarded the Fulbright Canada Graduate Studies Award AND the Ronald M. Huntington Outstanding Scholarship Award at this year’s 2026 Campus Leadership Awards.

Fulbright Canada Graduate Studies Award

The Fulbright Canada Graduate Studies Award provides financial support for American and Canadian students to conduct research or pursue graduate studies in the opposite country.

“My research proposal focuses on a nature-based intertidal intervention to promote pro-environmental behavior and feelings of nature-relatedness. Although I am unable to accept this award due to my pursuit of graduate studies at an American university, I am extremely grateful for this recognition. I plan to apply to the Fulbright Scholar program following my graduate studies,” said Vavoso.

This fall Vavoso plans on pursuing a PhD at the University of Michigan’s School for Environment and Sustainability. She will be examining human dimensions of climate change under the mentorship of an environmental social psychologist.

“I was overjoyed to receive this recognition, as it demonstrated that, even in the currently precarious federal funding landscape, securing grants for topics with applications to human and environmental well-being is still possible.”

 The Ronald M. Huntington Award

In addition to receiving a Fulbright award, Vavoso was also honored with the Ronald M. Huntington Award. This prestigious distinction is presented to the graduating senior who demonstrates the most outstanding record of scholarly achievement at Chapman University. Recipients are expected to demonstrate exceptional academic merit that extends well beyond traditional classroom accomplishments, and nominations must be submitted by a Chapman faculty member.

“To me, the Huntington Award represents the culmination of my hard work over the past four years. I am honored to be recognized for my academic achievements, which have been made possible by the support of my family, friends, and mentors,” said Vavoso.

Vavoso also credits a few of her professors for helping her succeed.

“I am especially thankful for my mentors across the university, including my research advisors Dr. Richelle Tanner (Environmental Science & Policy) and Dr. Vincent Berardi (Psychology), as well as Dr. John Hunter (Psychology) and Dr. David Shafie (Political Science), who reviewed my Fulbright application.”

(Pictured in header: Analisa Vavoso (’26 Political Science, Psychology; Environmental Studies minor) at the 2026 Campus Leadership awards with Dean Jerry Price. Photo by Violet Gude (’29 Broadcast Journalism major; CCI minor).