Camila Bautista, a recent graduate of Cal State LA’s Department of Geography, Geology, and Environment, has been recognized by the CSU Chancellor’s Office as the University’s top student for her outstanding academic and professional achievements.
During her time in the M.S. Environmental Science program, Camila conducted groundbreaking research on the emerging wetlands at the Salton Sea. Her thesis used environmental isotopes to trace water sources feeding into the Bombay Beach Wetlands, work that earned her the Farvolden Best Poster Award and a $1,000 prize at the 2023 Annual Meeting of the National Ground Water Association.
Beyond her academic accomplishments, Camila has led major conservation and community engagement initiatives across Southern California. She played a key role in the successful designation of the Chuckwalla National Monument in 2024, a milestone in desert conservation. In recognition of her efforts, she was invited to the White House in January 2025 to witness President Biden’s signing of the proclamation establishing the monument.
Camila is currently leading the Bombay Beach Wetland Project and is part of the 2025 California Water Leaders cohort through the Water Education Foundation, a highly competitive program that prepares future leaders to address the state’s most pressing water challenges.
On behalf of the Department of Geography, Geology, and Environment, we’d like to congratulate Camila on all her accomplishments!