The School of Sustainability Engineering and Environmental Engineering (SEE) at Purdue University has named Hailey Benfield as the recipient of the 2026 Environmental and Ecological Engineering Outstanding Senior Award.

The annual award recognizes one graduating senior who demonstrates excellence in academic performance, leadership, service and professional activities. Selected by a vote of SEE faculty, the recipient is honored during SEE Recognition Night and receives a commemorative plaque. Their name is also added to a permanent display recognizing outstanding seniors.

Benfield made an immediate impact in SEE beginning her sophomore year. She has served as an EEE Ambassador for three years and expanded her leadership as a College of Engineering Ambassador. Within the Society of Environmental and Ecological Engineers (SEEE), she held the role of vice president and led the Student Advisory Council committee.

In the classroom, Benfield served as a peer teaching assistant for EEE 35500: Engineering Environmental Sustainability for four semesters, supporting student learning and engagement. She has also been an active member of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), progressing from a general member to holding two chair positions before serving as outreach director. She also represented SEE during graduation as banner bearer.

Beyond campus, Benfield completed two summer internships with LyondellBasell, where she conducted research on sustainability reporting across leading chemical and energy companies. Her work focused on benchmarking metrics such as greenhouse gas emissions, energy efficiency and water usage, compiling insights to support corporate environmental strategy and contributing to the company’s 2025 sustainability report.

Following graduation, Benfield joined LyondellBasell in a full-time role.