Martinez Named 2026 40 Under 40 by American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists
Nov. 4, 2025 - UC Irvine assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering Christopher Olivares Martinez has been selected as a recipient of the 2026 40 Under 40 Recognition Program by the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists (AAEES). This national recognition honors rising leaders who are advancing the fields of environmental engineering and science in impactful and demonstrable ways.
“I'm deeply honored to receive this award,” said Martinez. “It recognizes the excellent work my students and I have been doing, leading research on pressing environmental issues such as PFAS contamination and post-fire impacts on water quality.”
Martinez leads a creative research program that integrates organic analytical chemistry, environmental microbiology, and environmental data science to address emerging organic contaminants, with particular focus on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and water quality challenges intensified by climate change and wildfires.
His dedication to teaching and mentorship has been recognized with the UCI Chancellor’s Award for Distinguished Fostering of Undergraduate Research and the 2023 CEE Professor of the Year Award. He is also actively engaged in service and outreach, contributing to the UCI Climate Justice Initiative, the UCI-Crystal Cove Environmental Engineering Summer Institute for high school students, and serving as faculty adviser for the student group that co-organizes the Social Justice in Civil & Environmental Engineering Seminar Series.
Martinez will be recognized during the 2026 AAEES Convocation and Celebration of Excellence, to be held in Washington, D.C., on April 16, 2026.
- Natalie Tso
