In the past months, Northern Arizona University’s leadership has focused its efforts on ensuring the health, safety and well-being of our Lumberjack and surrounding communities. COVID-19, its far-reaching impacts, and our preparation and response, have been our utmost priority. NAU has worked diligently to leverage our resources and expertise to serve our communities and our state. Earlier this month, we were proud to celebrate the nearly 6,000 students who earned NAU degrees, becoming … [Read more...] about NAU on the Front Lines of Coronavirus Response
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Welcoming Maher to NAU
Northern Arizona University recently welcomed Joshua Maher as the new associate vice president for community relations. An experienced public servant with a strong background in higher education and municipal government, Maher is a great resource for Northern Arizona University and communities across all NAU campuses. Maher joined NAU from the California State Polytechnic University in Pomona, where he was assistant director of government and external affairs. In a former position, he worked … [Read more...] about Welcoming Maher to NAU
Higher Education and the Case for International Engagement
In my role leading global initiatives at Northern Arizona University, I am often asked about the value of the university’s efforts to engage internationally. The impact of NAU’s relationships beyond the borders of Flagstaff, the state of Arizona and the United States is far reaching and benefits students and faculty who travel overseas, and international students and faculty we host at NAU. It is NAU’s mission to ensure students and scholars have opportunities to travel, study and do … [Read more...] about Higher Education and the Case for International Engagement
CCC C-LAB Opens for Students to Gain Hands-On Skills
Coconino Community College alumnus William Gonzales stood in the space with a smile on his face. He ran his hand along the workstation, felt the sawdust. The smell of newness filled the shop. Metal surfaces, once dull, gleamed. Tools, ready for use, lined walls. “This is just so amazing,” Gonzales said, glancing around. “I wish it looked like this when I started taking classes.” The Coconino Community College C-LAB for Construction Technology Management students has officially opened … [Read more...] about CCC C-LAB Opens for Students to Gain Hands-On Skills
Fighting Melanoma with Zebrafish
Melanoma is the most lethal type of skin cancer and is unusually common in Arizona, where residents are exposed to higher-than-average amounts of ultraviolet radiation. However, Northern Arizona University scientists believe the formula for a combination of melanoma-fighting drugs is within reach. Matthew Salanga, an assistant professor in NAU’s Department of Biological Sciences, is leading an 18-month project funded through a Flinn Foundation grant of $100,000. His team, which includes … [Read more...] about Fighting Melanoma with Zebrafish
NAU Foresters Search for Resilient Trees to Restore Panama’s Tropical Dry Forest
Smoke rises from picturesque rolling hills on Panama’s Azuero Peninsula. Cows, goats, chickens and horses move about cleared pastures. From a Los Santos mountain vista, Ruth Metzel of Pro Eco Azuero points out different land uses – a teak plantation, large burns and pastures, and pockets of dry tropical forest. “This is the area we hope to reforest and connect in the upcoming years.” Intense pressure to create open pastures for agriculture and cattle ranching is contributing to deforestation. … [Read more...] about NAU Foresters Search for Resilient Trees to Restore Panama’s Tropical Dry Forest
NAU is No. 75 in National Research Ranking
For the first time in its 120-year history, Northern Arizona University broke through the country’s top 200 research universities, reaching No. 196 in the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) research rankings for all universities in the country and No. 144 among all public universities. It also rose to No. 93 among all universities without a medical school, and No. 75 among public universities without a medical school, taking into account research expenditures. The NSF’s Higher Education … [Read more...] about NAU is No. 75 in National Research Ranking
Tip of the ICEBERG: NAU Planetary Scientists Developing Large-Scale ‘Imagery-Computing Superhighway’
Scientists are creating ways to compile and interpret an abundance of high-resolution satellite images on a continental scale to better understand Antarctica, Arizona and the world. The same sophisticated satellite imaging techniques being developed to map and identify the size and composition of uncharted land in Antarctica soon may help scientists produce finely detailed geologic maps of the Lower Colorado River Corridor and better understand its geologic history. Mark Salvatore, an … [Read more...] about Tip of the ICEBERG: NAU Planetary Scientists Developing Large-Scale ‘Imagery-Computing Superhighway’
Developing a Workforce for the New Economy; Spurring Economic Development in Arizona
As the holiday season approaches, we look forward to spending time with family and friends. The Northern Arizona University community also looks forward to starting a new calendar year, filled with hopes, dreams and aspirations. A brand-new semester provides an opportunity to meet new people and reunite with others on our campuses. Along with our partners from the other state universities, we also look forward to hearing how higher education funding will fare with the governor and … [Read more...] about Developing a Workforce for the New Economy; Spurring Economic Development in Arizona
Maggie Barrera Proves Tenacity is a Winning Trait
People find inspiration from a variety of sources. For Maggie Barrera, it came from being told she wasn’t good – at playing volleyball, that is. She worked hard and ultimately proved her doubters wrong, turning herself into an outstanding player and one of Northern Arizona University’s most decorated volleyball players ever. Barrera grew up in Salinas, California, 20 miles northeast of Monterey. She played a lot of basketball and at one point decided she would eventually go to college to play … [Read more...] about Maggie Barrera Proves Tenacity is a Winning Trait
