![NAU alumnus and Coconino County Board of Supervisors vice chair Jeronimo Vasquez stands beside mural of smiling children, flowers, butterflies, and the sun. Vasquez is looking at the camera and smiling.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2023/05/6458_Jeronimo_Vasquez_20230131-scaled.jpg)
NAU STORIES
WE ARE PROUD OF THE COUNTLESS NAU LUMBERJACKS ACCOMPLISHING INCREDIBLE AND WONDERFUL THINGS. READ ABOUT THEM AND SHARE YOUR OWN STORY.
Education & Service
Anthropology alum represents diverse Coconino County
NAU alumnus and Coconino County Board of Supervisors vice chair Jeronimo Vasquez is dedicated to serving his community.
![Helena Moomjian holding a clipboard that says "Trail count in progress."](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2024/01/7331_helena_moomjian_20231201-1-e1704567118613-600x600.jpg)
Science & Discovery
Trailblazing research seeks to protect Sedona’s landscapes
Geography, Environment, and Society major Helena Moomjian’s study highlights the tremendous pressures put on Sedona’s hiking trails.
![Civil Engineer major Jenna Hays, wearing a safety vest and hard hat, stands under bridge while looking at data on hand-held equipment.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2023/11/3435_jenna_hays_20231116-e1701210318609-600x600.jpg)
Science & Discovery
Researching bridges, building connections
NAU senior Jenna Hays hopes to continue working with bridges after she receives her degree in Civil Engineering.
CATEGORIES
Featured Stories
Science & Discovery
Entrepreneurship & Business
Arts & Culture
Education & Service
![N A U senior Visual Communication student, Dadric Riggs, smiles while showcasing the virtual reality equipment used for their research on waste issues in the United States.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2024/02/1969_dadric_riggs_20240116-Enhanced-NR-1-e1709076936738-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
Highlighting waste issues with VR
NAU senior Dadric Riggs is using virtual reality (VR) to help people visualize the enormous amount of waste generated in the United States.
School of Communication
virtual reality
visual communication
VR
waste
![Helena Moomjian holding a clipboard that says "Trail count in progress."](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2024/01/7331_helena_moomjian_20231201-1-e1704567118613-600x600.jpg)
Science & Discovery
Trailblazing research seeks to protect Sedona’s landscapes
Geography, Environment, and Society major Helena Moomjian’s study highlights the tremendous pressures put on Sedona’s hiking trails.
![Civil Engineer major Jenna Hays, wearing a safety vest and hard hat, stands under bridge while looking at data on hand-held equipment.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2023/11/3435_jenna_hays_20231116-e1701210318609-600x600.jpg)
Science & Discovery
Researching bridges, building connections
NAU senior Jenna Hays hopes to continue working with bridges after she receives her degree in Civil Engineering.
![N A U P h D student in Astronomy and Planetary Science Ana Morgan stands outside campus observatory.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2023/10/8204_ana_morgan_20230914-600x600.jpg)
Science & Discovery
NAU PhD student studies trans-Neptunian objects with space telescopes
Ana Morgan, pursuing a PhD in Astronomy and Planetary Science, is using data from the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes.
![Undergraduate Research student Miguel Rosas talks with fellow student.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2023/05/3381_mig_rosas_20230501-Edit-1-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
Exacting science: optimizing the undergraduate research experience at NAU
Senior Miguel Rosas explores the undergraduate research process at NAU—its successes, potential improvements, and impact on students.
![School of Informatics, Computing, and Cyber Systems Associate Professor Ashish Amresh talks in front of a slide showing Hopi art and the words, "Hopi Naatoyta.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2023/05/5984_Ashish_Amresh_20230127-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
NAU professor trains Indigenous teachers in coding education
Associate Professor Ashish Amresh wants to empower Native American educators to teach the language of code.
![NAU–Yuma Clinical Professor of Biological and Natural Resource Sciences Francisco Villa talks with students in the genetics lab.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2023/05/8497_yuma_genetics_lab_20191104-600x600.jpg)
Science & Discovery
Agricultural STEM opportunities at NAU–Yuma
Clinical Professor Francisco Villa is preparing NAU–Yuma students to enter the local agricultural workforce through a USDA grant.
![Kaylin McLiverty writes geometric terms with their weaving pattern names, along with drawings and equations on a white board.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2023/04/5181_kaylin_mcliverty_20230328-600x600.jpg)
Arts & Culture
Tying it all together: the intersection of math and weaving
NAU senior Kaylin McLiverty used her undergraduate research project to explore the integration of math into traditional Navajo textiles.
![Department of Psychological Sciences Associate Professor Ronda Jenson sitting at her desk visiting with colleagues during a zoom call.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2023/03/9861_ronda_jenson_20210120-1-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
Peer-to-peer mentoring for students with disabilities
Students with disabilities develop peer-to-peer mentoring program to coach one another in STEM fields.
advocate
careers
coach
College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Department of Psychological Sciences
Education
employment
inclusion
institute for human development
Mentoring
National Science Foundation
obstacles
peer-to-peer
Sociology
STEM fields
students with disabilities
support
SWD
workforce development
![Biomedical sciences student Andres Huerta talking with colleague.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2023/02/6270_symposium_andres_20230201-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
Family loyalty sparks insulin resistance research
First-generation Biomedical Science major Andres Huerta studies insulin sensitivity in the Hispanic population.
Biological Sciences
Biomedical science
CEFNS
hands-on experiences
Hispanic
insulin sensitivity
interns-to-scholars
Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) grant
Medical Directive club
Phoenix Bioscience Core
physician’s assistant
undergraduate research symposium
![Connor Crouch, PhD Forest Science student, measures the diameter of an aspen tree.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2023/01/4673_Connor_Crouch_20230119-600x600.jpg)
Science & Discovery
Saving the aspen ecosystem
Doctoral candidate Connor Crouch is working with forest managers to find ways to maintain a healthy aspen ecosystem in the face of multiple stressors.
ARCS Scholar
aspen ecosystems
CEFNS
oystershell scale
PhD Forest Science
School of Forestry
US Forest Service
![Bridget Barker in the lab.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/12/8950_Barker_02202017-600x600.jpg)
Featured Stories
NAU scholar explores fungal disease prevention
Teacher and scholar Bridget Barker explores the environmental sources of fungal pathogens to prevent exposure and infection.
and Natural Sciences
Barker Lab
CEFNS
cocci
coccidioides
College of the Environment
Department of Biological Sciences
disease ecology
evolution
Faculty
Forestry
fungal diseases
fungal genetics
Fungal pathogens
health disparity
mentor
mentorships
pathogen
Pathogen and Microbiome Institute
PMI
research
research faculty
TGen
Valley Fever
![Associate Professor Bridget Barker about to take sample from German Shepard dog.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/12/8662_Barker_02202017-600x600.jpg)
Featured Stories
NAU researcher tackles Valley Fever
Disease ecologist Bridget Barker investigates Valley Fever, a potentially deadly disease spreading across the Southwest.
and Natural Sciences
Barker Lab
CEFNS
cocci
College of the Environment
Department of Biological Sciences
disease ecology
dust-borne fungal infection
Forestry
fungal diseases
Fungal pathogens
Pathogen and Microbiome Institute
PMI
research faculty
Valley Fever
![Professor Traustadóttir and students working in lab.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/11/0544Traustadottir04142017-600x600.jpg)
Science & Discovery
Does exercise plus broccoli equal healthy aging?
Undergrad researchers join redox biologist Tinna Traustadóttir in a clinical study of broccoli-based interventions for healthier aging.
aging
Biology
CEFNS
CEIAS
computer science
exercise
hands-on experience
Hooper Undergraduate Research Award
HURA Award
improving health
molecular
phytonutrients
redox
research
SICCS
Traustadottir Lab
undergraduate research symposium
![scilla Sanderson standing on Navajo Nation with red mesas far in the background.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/11/58A6206_priscilla_sanderson_20180111-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
Eradicating H. pylori in the Navajo Nation
NAU Professor Priscilla Sanderson mentors students as they work together to eradicate Helicobacter pylori on the Navajo Nation.
![Professor Jaime Awe working with archaeological artifacts in his lab.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/11/58A6998Awe10152018-e1669064356438-600x600.jpg)
Science & Discovery
How technology is advancing Mayan archaeology
Professor Jaime Awe mentors students while investigating why ancient Mayans behaved the way they did.
alumna
anthropology
archaeology
Belize Valley Archaeological Reconnaissance (BVAR) project
College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
first-generation
hands-on
SBS
![Tia Watkins standing by Mayan ruin in Belize.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/11/Tia1-600x600.jpeg)
Science & Discovery
Archaeology emphasis opens doors for NAU alumna
NAU alumna Tia Watkins conducts archaeological studies in Belize to gain a deeper understanding of Mayan culture.
alumna
anthropology
archaeology
Belize Valley Archaeological Reconnaissance (BVAR) project
College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
first-generation
hands-on
SBS
![Center for Ecosystem Science and Society Associate Professor Javier Ceja-Navarro writing notes in his lab.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/10/6017_javier_navarro_20220915-600x600.jpeg)
Science & Discovery
Small worlds, huge impacts
Researcher Javier Ceja-Navarro studies the complex microbiomes of soil and insects and how they interact with the visible world.
biotechnology
CEFNS
Center for Ecosystem Science and Society
Department of Biology
Ecoss
Latines
microbial food webs
microbial trophic interactions
microbiome
underrepresented students
![Lab Manager Ron Allen looks at microscope slide in Imaging and Histology Core Facility lab.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/10/5491_Ron_Allen_20220921-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
Research alum founded student vet mentor program
NAU alumnus Ron Allen enjoys the interdisciplinary nature of his work as manager of the Imaging and Histology Core Facility lab.
Alumni
and Natural Sciences
Biology
Biomedical science
College of the Environment
depleted uranium
electron microscopy
Forestry
graduate student
hands-on experience
Imaging and Histology Core Facility lab
Navajo
peer mentoring
student research
undergraduate
Vet Jacks Veteran Student Mentoring Program
Veteran and Military Services Office
![Pathogen and Microbiome Institute Acting Director Dave Wagner standing in the lab.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/09/PMI_252-600x600.jpg)
Science & Discovery
NAU professor renowned as leading disease expert
His twin passions for research and the outdoors—plus a sprinkling of serendipity—led Professor Dave Wagner to a career as a leading disease ecologist.
and Natural Sciences
CEFNS
College of the Environment
Department of Biological Sciences
disease ecology
DNA fingerprinting
Forestry
mentor
Pathogen and Microbiome Institute
Paul Keim
plague
PMI
research faculty
undergraduate research program
![Student researcher George Testo works in the lab.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/09/4475_George_Testo_20210802-600x600.jpg)
Science & Discovery
Biomedical science major researches inflammation
Even an epidemic couldn’t keep first-generation student George Testo from his research with the Pathogen and Microbiome Institute.
Biomedical science
CEFNS
Department of Biological Sciences
first-generation
hands-on
honors college
mentorship
Pathogen and Microbiome Institute (PMI)
RISE (Research Initiative for Scientific Enhancement)
STEM
![Professor Naomi Lee and student in lab.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/08/6794_lee_lab_20220725-600x600.jpg)
Science & Discovery
Keys to success in STEM for Native women
Native biochemist Naomi Lee integrates cultural identity with research, paying her success forward with student mentorship in STEM.
biochemistry
CARE
Cultural and Academic Research Experience
Emerging Scholar
epidemiology
health disparities
Indigenous
infectious diseases
mentor
Microbiology
Native
STEM
![Jason Ladner, in his lab, looking at a vial that has liquid in it.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/07/2018_08_08_JasonLadner_1519-e1657210589633-600x600.jpg)
Science & Discovery
Shedding light on reptilian health: research team studies snake fungal disease in America
Infectious disease specialist Jason Ladner and microbiologist Jeff Lorch apply genetics and wildlife ecology to study snake fungal disease.
Biological Sciences
CEFNS
fungal disease
genetics
genomic sequencing
infectious disease specialist
pathogen
snake fungal disease
US Geological Survey
![Katie Mommaerts talks with student.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/06/8846_katie_mommaerts_20220511-600x600.jpg)
Science & Discovery
PhD student gives teens a voice in mental health
Interdisciplinary Health PhD student and Assistant Clinical Professor Katie Mommaerts is researching adolescent mental health.
adolescent mental health
CHHS
Interdisciplinary Health PhD
Mexican American
online Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
psychosocial health
SBS
social work
![Avi Henn standing with e-bike next to recycling container.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/06/9534_avi_henn_20220516-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
NAU Climate Action Plan supports sustainability
NAU alumnus and Manager of Sustainability, Avi Henn, guides the Flagstaff campus towards carbon neutrality with the Climate Action Plan.
CAP
carbon neutrality
Climate action plan
Climate Action Steering Committee
environment
green
student actions
Sustainability
![Scottsdale Community College campus.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/05/7053_Scottsdale_CC_20181004-600x600.jpg)
Science & Discovery
Students enjoy STEM opportunities at NAU at SCC
NAU at Scottsdale Community College Biology students Sophia Alme and Maria Salazar are collaborating on three research projects.
2NAU
Biology
ecosystems
HURA
Scottsdale Community College
Statewide
undergraduate research symposium
![Frank Telles holding laptop computer while doing dust and drought research at study site.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/04/0238_dust_and_drought_20220325-600x600.jpg)
Science & Discovery
Esteemed STEM educator pursues PhD
Indigenous geologist and high school science teacher Frank Telles picks NAU to earn his PhD.
CEFNS
Climate and Environmental Change
climate change
dust and drought project
Earth Sciences and Environmental Sustainability
Indigenous
Paleoclimate Dynamics Laboratory
STEM
![Beau Prince with lab equipment.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/04/0370_beau_prince_20190726-600x600.jpg)
Science & Discovery
Physics & math major researches asteroids
Cross-country runner and physics and mathematics double major Beau Prince studies the surfaces of asteroids—but his dreams don’t stop there.
Big Sky Conference All-Academic award
CEFNS
CEIAS
Goldwater Scholar
HURA
Mathematics
men’s cross-country
PEAXS lab
Physics
Undergraduate Research
![Female nursing student listening to someone talking.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/04/0056_yuma_campus_20191105-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
NAU community is solving healthcare needs
NAU students, faculty, alumni, and staff explore innovative ways to improve healthcare to everyone.
Alumni
CHHS
computer programming
Distinguished Senior Award
first-generation
health app
healthcare
hearing loss
Hooper Undergraduate Research Award
interns-to-scholars
Jean Shuler Research Mini-Grant
Master of Science in Nursing
mental health
Music
NAU–Yuma
Nursing
Psychology
SBS
![Nikki Cooley posing on tall steps wearing beside lush indoor plants.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/03/3938_nikki_cooley_20220308-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
Indigenous environmental stewardship
Mother, guide, and Indigenous scientist and educator Nikki Cooley shares the source of her strength.
Alumni
CEFNS
climate change
community
Diné (Navajo)
Indigenous
Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals
ITEP
ITEP relationships
mentorship
Nikki Cooley
river guide
School of Forestry
spirituality
![Regents' Professor Michelle Mack working in the field with a student.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/03/1566_Michelle_Mack_20210720-600x600.jpg)
Science & Discovery
Research on the Alaskan tundra
Each summer, NAU undergraduate and graduate students join researchers studying the Alaska tundra.
Alaska tundra
Faculty
hands-on research
undergraduate
![Assistant Professor Amir Arzani posing in front of digital organ models.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/03/2018_09_14_NAU_ARZANI_139-600x600.jpg)
Science & Discovery
Modeling blood flow
NAU Assistant Professor Amir Arzani was awarded an NSF grant to improve the accuracy of cardiovascular blood flow modeling.
Amir Arzani
biomechanics
cardiovascular disease
CEIAS
Faculty
mechanical engineering
NSF grant
![Assistant Professor Zach Lerner performing research in a high-tech laboratory.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/03/1085_Zachary-Lerner-Lab_20201021-600x600.jpg)
Science & Discovery
Helping children walk
NAU Assistant Professor Zach Lerner was awarded a $2.1 million NIH grant for a clinical trial to make walking easier for children with cerebral palsy.
$2.1 million grant
Biomechatronics Lab
![Jason Libby, majoring in Informatics](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/03/3829_jason_libby_20220215_flipped-600x600.jpg)
Science & Discovery
Using informatics to study Pluto’s chemistry
NAU Informatics major Jason Libby is developing computer software to help solve a mystery on Pluto’s surface.
CEIAS
computational research
computer software
Hooper Undergraduate Research Award
Informatics
Lowell Observatory
NAU/NASA Space Grant
Pluto
SICCS
STEM
Undergraduate Research
Undergraduate Research Symposium and Expo
![Ana Aranda outside The W. A. Franke College of Business.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/03/7630_ana_aranda_20210827-600x600.jpg)
Arts & Culture
Sharing stories of community at NAU
Students achieve success with the help of the communities they built at NAU.
advisor
Alumni
Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR)
Biological Sciences
CEFNS
Chemistry
Communications
exercise science
food security issues
Glen Canyon Dam
Grand Canyon
hands-on experiences
honors college
military-connected
photography
public relations
Public Relations Student Society of America
SBS
student regent
student success
telecommunications
Urdea Undergraduate Research Award
Veteran and Military Services
Veteran Success Center
Veterans Day
![Josette Vigil working in a Mechanical Engineering lab.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/02/0834_josette_vigil_20220202-600x600.jpg)
Science & Discovery
Engineering the future of patient care
Josette Vigil, an NAU Mechanical Engineering major, applies bioengineering to advance medical device science.
3D printing
bioengineering
CEIAS
Devices Lab
mechanical engineering
stroke victims
undergraduate symposium
![Professor Abe Springer and graduate assistant Andrew Lewis studying in the field.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/02/02A4349Springs10272021-600x600.jpg)
Science & Discovery
What is it worth? Assigning value to spring ecosystems in northern Arizona
NAU researchers study Arizona’s spring ecosystems and ask the question: what are these natural resources worth?
CEFNS
economist
geology
research
springs
![Zachariah Bess working in a science lab while wearing a white labcoat and eye protection.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/01/4851_Zachariah_Bess_20210810-flipped-600x600.jpeg)
Science & Discovery
Unique sustainable energy solution
Chemistry major Zachariah Bess is helping develop a sustainable energy option using ionic liquids prepared from amino acids.
advising
CEFNS
certified by the American Chemical Society
Chemistry
ug research
Urdea research award
![Gerardo Noriega in a classroom with a laptop and genetics textbook.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/01/photo-2-4819_yuma_genetics_lecture_20211118-600x600.jpg)
Science & Discovery
First-gen student setting example for family
When Gerardo Noriega graduates from NAU–Yuma in spring 2022, he’ll be the first in his family to earn a college degree.
Biological and Natural Resource Sciences
first gen
NAU–Yuma
Spring 2022
Yuma
![NAU faculty member leading class outdoors while all participants are wearing masks on NAU Flagstaff's North Quad](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/01/8329_north_quad_class_20210922-600x600.jpg)
Arts & Culture
Join our team of esteemed faculty
At Northern Arizona University, we’re committed to equitable education—and we’re ready for you to be part of our new hiring campaign.
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2021/12/8708_eduardo_moreno_roman_20211021-533x600.jpg)
Science & Discovery
Graduate found a home at NAU–Yuma
With preparation from NAU–Yuma, Eduardo Moreno will graduate ready to help the sick and vulnerable in his community.
![Rachel Kanyur.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2021/12/7412_Rachel_Kanyur_20211201-1-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
Representing in Arizona: an ABOR student regent speaks up
Honors Exercise Science major Rachel Kanyur is the newest student member of the Arizona Board of Regents.
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2021/11/9437_PlanetaryScience_20210513-600x533.jpg)
Science & Discovery
Brief presence of water in Arabia Terra on Mars
NAU PhD candidate Ari Koeppel and a team of scientists recently discovered water was briefly present in Arabia Terra on Mars.
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2021/11/5575_Northern_AZ_Stars_20200424-3-600x600.jpg)
Science & Discovery
We explore the dark sky
With access to a cadre of world-class telescopes, NAU’s astronomy and planetary science graduate students study our solar system and universe.
![Computer Science major Shelby Hagemann working alongside a faculty member with laptop computers and a large screen showing computer code.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/02/4821_computer_science_20201016-600x600.jpg)
Science & Discovery
Making health mobile
Funded by multiple undergraduate research awards, Computer Science major Shelby Hagemann helped study and develop a mobile app for mental health.
app
computer science
Interdisciplinary Global Programs
Modern Languages
Undergraduate Research
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2021/09/7604_Andrew_Sanchez_20200527-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
Opening a door for all to learn
Using different teaching styles—and a touch of creativity—Dr. Andrew Sánchez Meador connects students with data analysis.
Alumni
CEFNS
Faculty
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2021/09/0008_Wind-Farm_20201102-600x600.jpg)
Science & Discovery
Engineering cleaner energy
Mechanical Engineering student Samirah Gnangbe traveled halfway across the world to participate in NAU’s renewable energy research.
CEIAS
Clean Energy Research and Education
climate change
Diversity
international student
mechanical engineering
Undergraduate Wind Energy Certificate
Women in STEM
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2021/06/NAU_MARTINEZ_051-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
NAU center attracts diverse students
NAU’s Center for Materials Interfaces in Research & Applications (¡MIRA!) offers a new approach to science careers.
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2021/06/soccer-madison_montgomery_RAW-20-of-35-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
All-around competitor
Big Sky soccer player Madison Montgomery shows grit on the field and in the classroom.
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2021/06/5322_Annika_Gustaffson_20200421-600x600.jpg)
Science & Discovery
Keeping an eye on the skies
PhD student, Annika Gustafsson, studies comets and asteroids. She recently received the Amelia Earhart Fellowship for her work in space sciences.
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2021/06/DAVE_COOK_PINE_COVER_COMP_V4_crop-600x600.jpg)
Entrepreneurship & Business
Rock star
Environmental consultant and NAU alumnus Dave Cook is helping cities go greener by cleaning up contaminated land to make room for more affordable housing.
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2021/05/3000_ais_20190422-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
Where Indigenous studies are applied
The Applied Indigenous Studies department at Northern Arizona University gives Native American students the knowledge and tools to become change agents in their communities.
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2021/04/Colin-Chandler_IMG_6708-story-600x600.jpg)
Science & Discovery
From Centaur to comet
Doctoral student Colin Chandler’s discovery leads to the reclassification of a planetary body.
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2021/02/521417-Header_MechanicalEngineering_Edit-600x600.jpg)
Entrepreneurship & Business
We engineer a better world
At Northern Arizona University, the next generation of engineers is learning to design and build a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future.
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2021/02/4147_Breezy_Brock_20200403-600x533.jpg)
Science & Discovery
Earning national acclaim
Undergraduate Breezy Brock has devoted her educational career to studying infectious diseases.
![Sara Burch and Adam Wetherall backpacking in the Grand Canyon.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/02/58A0119Grand_Canyon12182020-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
NAU student researchers seek solutions to environmental challenges
At Northern Arizona University, our students and faculty look for answers to some of our most compelling environmental challenges.
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2021/01/3764_oneil_guthrie_04272016_29600230801_o-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
Audiologist fights hearing loss
In collaboration with a New Jersey company, NAU researcher O’neil Guthrie is developing a drug to combat hearing loss caused by excessive noise.
audiologist
College of Health and Human Services
Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders
hearing loss
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2021/01/0869_Mitzzy_Lopez_20200305-1-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
First-generation college student combines chemistry and criminal justice at NAU
Branching out, first-generation student Mitzzy Lopez loves life in the lab where she combines chemistry and justice.
CEFNS
Chemistry
First generation
LSAMP
Native American Cancer Prevention project.
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2020/07/2560_Green_Fund_20140304-600x600.jpeg)
Entrepreneurship & Business
Making the connections
Undergraduate Anthony Mirabito plans to bring his passion and his ideas for sustainability with him when he goes into the business world.
Biology
Business
Environmental and sustainability studies
Green Fund
Honors
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2020/05/Abby-Stomp-scaled-e1594237946518-600x600.jpg)
Science & Discovery
A deep set with sports and academics
After winning a Big Sky volleyball championship with her team and earning a 4.00, Abby Stomp has surpassed her ambitions as a student-athlete.
Informatics
Psychology
![Cecily in the Grand Canyon](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2020/12/1035_Grand_Canyon_20190716.jpg)
Science & Discovery
Finding her academic home
Geology undergraduate researcher Cecily Combs contributes to major 4FRI forestry project.
![Jayne sitting in front of her laptop at NAU campus](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2020/12/8395_jayne_sandoval_20200507-600x533.jpg)
Entrepreneurship & Business
Building sustainable connections
Fulbright scholar Jayne Sandoval plans to help her Navajo community develop a renewable energy program.
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2020/11/DSilva2_20190617-600x600.jpg)
Arts & Culture
Mechanical Engineering PhD combines interests in research and engineering at NAU
Mechanical Engineering PhD student Glen D’Silva’s goal is academia, allowing him to combine his interests in research and education.
CEIAS
Indian Association
international student
mechanical engineering
PhD
![Susanna Dart by a tree](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2020/11/Susanna-28-600x600.jpg)
Arts & Culture
Exploring climate solutions
Alumna Susanna Dart is testing science and sustainability on the global stage.
Biology
Fulbright Scholarship
German
Global Languages
Gold Axe
![Beau Prince works in a lab](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2020/07/0375_beau_prince_20190726-scaled-e1594298912856-600x600.jpg)
Science & Discovery
A star researcher
Student-athlete Beau Prince, a Goldwater Scholar, is working toward a career in astrophysics.
Astronomy
Goldwater Scholar
Mathematics
Physics
Space
![Kaitlyn Parra pipes a substance in a lab](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2020/05/58A4116PMI10082019-scaled-e1594298761777-600x600.jpg)
Science & Discovery
Impacting the field of medicine
Honors microbiology major Kaitlyn Parra’s infectious disease research is breaking new ground.
Honors
Microbiology
Undergraduate Research
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2020/07/3502_jonathan_martin_20200227-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
Honoring tradition, advancing innovation
Alumnus Jonathan Martin is the first director of the new Native American Forest and Rangeland Management Program at NAU.
Forestry
![Student taking a picture at Glen Canyon.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2021/09/2697_glen_canyon_workshop_20170916-600x600.jpg)
Science & Discovery
Studying the environment and natural sciences on the Colorado Plateau
At Northern Arizona University’s Flagstaff campus, the Colorado Plateau is literally in our back yard—and it offers an ecologically diverse natural lab.
Forestry
![An instructor demonstrates an exercise for a participant](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2020/06/6728_Anna_Schwartz_Research_20191202-scaled-e1594298144918-600x600.jpg)
Science & Discovery
We take on the fight against cancer
As the second leading cause of death worldwide, cancer remains one of the defining challenges of our time.
cancer research
research
![A young woman in a blazer smiles at a peer](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2020/05/g.conly_story_greenfund-e1594298118358.png)
Science & Discovery
Cultivating a greener career
Environmental and Sustainability Studies and Spanish double major Genevieve Conley aims to work internationally on conservation issues.
Environmental and sustainability studies
Green Fund
Interdisciplinary Global Programs
Spanish
![A young man in an NAU polo consults a tablet with a professor in his office](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2020/05/434880-Detail-DJArnson-e1590013939830-600x600.jpg)
Science & Discovery
Expanding the field
Football player and biomedical science major DJ Arnson advances a family legacy and adds his own chapter.
Athletics
Biomedical science
Student-athlete
![Diana White, Executive Director of Moonshot, mentors a startup business owner at NACET in Flagstaff.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/12/9545_Diana_White_20221130-600x600.jpg)
Entrepreneurship & Business
Helping startups thrive
NAU alumna Diana White leans on her business experience to guide entrepreneurs in their new ventures.
![Theresa Bell holding a tote bag made by her company.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/06/Bell-image-2-600x600.jpeg)
Entrepreneurship & Business
Finding time to empower women
Theresa Bell started her new company with business skills gained through NAU’s Online program.
BBA business administration – entrepreneurship and small business
business owner
management
Online
small business
small business administration
![Bryan Vazquez talking with another student on the campus of NAU–Yuma.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/05/2418_yuma_campus_life_20220302-1-600x600.jpg)
Entrepreneurship & Business
First-generation NAU–YUMA student inspires others
Bryan Vazquez, a junior Business Administration student at NAU–Yuma, wants to inspire other first-generation students to pursue a college degree.
BBA Business Administration
first-generation
Hispanic
Imperial Valley College
Latino
NAU–Yuma
Student Service Center
![Kacey Cordell and two other students walk across NAU–Yuma campus.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/05/2371_yuma_campus_life_20220302-600x600.jpg)
Entrepreneurship & Business
Student bodybuilder plans to open inclusive gym
Veteran and NAU–Yuma Business Administration student Kacey Cordell hopes to transfer her passion for bodybuilding into opening a gym.
BBA Business Administration – Management
BBA Business Administration – Managementbusiness administration
bodybuilder
business administration
NAU–Yuma
veteran
![Headshot of Ian McLein.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/03/McLein_Ian-600x600.jpeg)
Entrepreneurship & Business
Ian McLein’s wild ride
NAU’s Online program helped Disney executive Ian McLein take a foundational step in his career.
alumnus
Computer Information Technology and a minor in Analytics
continuing education
Technology
![Ana Aranda outside The W. A. Franke College of Business.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/03/7630_ana_aranda_20210827-600x600.jpg)
Arts & Culture
Sharing stories of community at NAU
Students achieve success with the help of the communities they built at NAU.
advisor
Alumni
Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR)
Biological Sciences
CEFNS
Chemistry
Communications
exercise science
food security issues
Glen Canyon Dam
Grand Canyon
hands-on experiences
honors college
military-connected
photography
public relations
Public Relations Student Society of America
SBS
student regent
student success
telecommunications
Urdea Undergraduate Research Award
Veteran and Military Services
Veteran Success Center
Veterans Day
![Joey Carosilva posing in the NAU School of Communication wearing a leather jacket and heavy, flannel button-down shirt.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/02/9970_joey_carosilva_20220118-600x600.jpg)
Arts & Culture
Designing the future at New York Fashion Week
Joey Carosilva and four other NAU students are headed to New York Fashion Week, where they will network with expert designers.
College of Arts and Letters
College of Social and Behavioral Science
networking
Strategic Communication
The W. A. Franke College of Business
U of NYFW
![Headshot of Scott Hanson.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/01/Scott-Hanson-600x600.jpg)
Entrepreneurship & Business
Staying involved with NAU
NAU alumnus Scott Hanson stays connected with NAU by acting as a professional advisor for public relations students.
alumnus
broadcast journalism
public relations
SBS
telecommunications
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2021/11/2028_muhittin_cavusoglu.jpg)
Education & Service
Hospitality’s innovation through collaboration
NAU professor Dr. Muhittin Cavusoglu helps his hospitality students connect the dots between collaboration, new technology, and multiculturalism.
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2021/09/7773_ana_aranda_20210827-600x600.jpg)
Entrepreneurship & Business
Aiming high
For Marketing major Ana Aranda, New York City has always been the promised land. Thanks to NAU, she’s got the chance to return in style.
FCB
Latina
Lumberjack Scholarship
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2021/09/Michelle-Talsma-Everson-headshot-600x600.jpg)
Entrepreneurship & Business
Strengthening a successful career
NAU alumna and successful professional, Michelle “Shelly” Talsma Everson returns to NAU to pursue a master’s degree in Communication.
Alumni
Hispanic
Latina
NAU Online
SOC
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2021/06/1333_luis_aguilar_20210415-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
Just warming up
NAU alumnus Luis Aguilar successfully balanced football and school, and is ready for his next adventure.
Alumni
Athletics
Diversity
FCB
Hispanic
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2021/06/DAVE_COOK_PINE_COVER_COMP_V4_crop-600x600.jpg)
Entrepreneurship & Business
Rock star
Environmental consultant and NAU alumnus Dave Cook is helping cities go greener by cleaning up contaminated land to make room for more affordable housing.
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2021/05/3000_ais_20190422-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
Where Indigenous studies are applied
The Applied Indigenous Studies department at Northern Arizona University gives Native American students the knowledge and tools to become change agents in their communities.
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2021/02/521417-Header_MechanicalEngineering_Edit-600x600.jpg)
Entrepreneurship & Business
We engineer a better world
At Northern Arizona University, the next generation of engineers is learning to design and build a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future.
![Jayne sitting in front of her laptop at NAU campus](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2020/12/8395_jayne_sandoval_20200507-600x533.jpg)
Entrepreneurship & Business
Building sustainable connections
Fulbright scholar Jayne Sandoval plans to help her Navajo community develop a renewable energy program.
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2020/07/9001_Adaptive_Skiing_20200220-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
A different kind of classroom
Alumnus Alexander Davenport has devoted his career to making sports accessible to everyone.
Adaptive Sports
Disability Studies
Spanish
University Studies
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2021/10/7817_ora_marek-martinez_20210607-600x600.jpeg)
Arts & Culture
Amplifying Indigenous student voices at NAU
NAU amplifies Indigenous voices on our many platforms, enriching lives and improving our community.
Applied Indigenous Studies
Creative Writing
Criminal Justice
Ecological Restoration Institute
Indian Country Criminal Justice
Master of Public Administration
Native American Forest and Rangeland Management program
Parks and Recreation Management
Political Science
Psychology
School of Forestry
School of Music
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2021/05/8468_Michael_Marquess_20200225-1-600x533.jpg)
Education & Service
Celebrating ‘radical hospitality’
Entrepreneur and NAU alumnus Michael Marquess combines brewing and community as CEO of Flagstaff’s Mother Road Brewing Company.
![Anthony Mirabito, in a dress shirt and tie, in conversation with a woman](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2020/07/3129_Green_Fund_20140304-e1594298970616-600x600.jpeg)
Entrepreneurship & Business
Making the connections
Undergraduate Anthony Mirabito plans to bring his passion and his ideas for sustainability with him when he goes into the business world.
Biology
Business
Environmental and sustainability studies
Green Fund
Honors
![A headshot of Marval Barnard](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2020/07/Marvol-Barnard-scaled-e1594298808218-600x600.jpg)
Entrepreneurship & Business
Determined to succeed
Marvol Barnard is using skills from the Master of Organizational Leadership program in her role as national president of the Ladies Professional Golf Association.
Master of Organizational Leadership
Online
Public Administration
Statewide
![A young woman in graduation regalia surrounded by her family](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2020/05/0787_Commencement_20191213-scaled-e1594257088586-600x600.jpg)
Entrepreneurship & Business
A trailblazer for her family
By achieving her goals, online student and single mom Tiffany Grigsby proves something to herself and sets a precedent.
Online
Public Administration
![NAU alumna Micaela Merryman writes at courtyard table under a tree.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2024/04/5710_micaela_marryman_20220630-scaled-e1712782287661-600x600.jpg)
Arts & Culture
Flagstaff’s first Youth Poet Laureate
NAU alumna Micaela Merryman, BA English, ’22, shares her passion for poetry with high school and college students.
![Side view of Honors Music Education and Music Performance major Will Whitten sitting at a Steinway piano writing composition notes with one hand while the other hand plays the piano.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2024/02/2801_will_whitten_20240117-e1708382021453-600x600.jpg)
Arts & Culture
Undergraduate premiering klezmer composition
Honors College music major presents his original klezmer-inspired concert band work.
College of Arts and Letters
Creative Activity
Kitt School of Music
Music Education
Music Performance
Student-led Projects in the Arts
undergraduate symposium
![Honors sociology major and Flinn Scholar Kaya Dickson plays the violin.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2023/11/Kaya-violin-600x600.jpg)
Arts & Culture
Honors Sociology major Kaya Dickson is thankful for music
First-generation and Flinn Scholar Kaya Dickson researched the importance of music education during the Honors Native American Summer Research program.
![NAU Music student Sage Bond points to poster outside of the concert series highlighting her performance at Carnegie Hall.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2023/06/Sage-Bond-NAU-Review-600x600.jpeg)
Arts & Culture
Indigenous student debuts at Carnegie
NAU student and Indigenous musician Sage Bond performed her original composition at Carnegie Hall in New York City.
CAL
Indigenous
Music
Psychology
SBS
![Kaylin McLiverty writes geometric terms with their weaving pattern names, along with drawings and equations on a white board.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2023/04/5181_kaylin_mcliverty_20230328-600x600.jpg)
Arts & Culture
Tying it all together: the intersection of math and weaving
NAU senior Kaylin McLiverty used her undergraduate research project to explore the integration of math into traditional Navajo textiles.
![Undergraduate art student, Ehsa Murray, works in her sketchbook.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2023/03/6788_ehsa_murray_20230210-600x600.jpg)
Arts & Culture
NAU art student takes on anti-Asian racism
Ehsa Murray, Studio Art major, uses storytelling and art to give a voice to Asian-American hate crime victims.
anti-Asian hate crimes
Asian American
Asian Studies minor
Bachelor of Fine Arts
CAL
Department of Comparative Cultural Studies
Department of Global Languages and Cultures
Japanese minor
minors in modern languages
racism
research
School of Art
Studio Art
Undergraduate Expo and Symposium
![Stade Riggs with two horses.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/06/IMG_1809-1-600x600.jpg)
Arts & Culture
Navajo NAU student is rodeo champion
Stade Riggs, a junior studying Health Sciences – Fitness Wellness, competed in the College National Finals Rodeo.
National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association
![NAU's Liberal Arts building.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/06/Liberal_Arts_0747CampusBldg01122017-600x600.jpg)
Arts & Culture
Cinder Skies connects writers and audiences
Master of Fine Arts students gather to share and connect with a unique literary community.
Cinder Skies
Creative Writing
Literature
Master of Fine Arts
MFA
reading series
![Headshot of Michael and Karen Kitt.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/04/7634-kitts-600x600.jpg)
Arts & Culture
Kitt’s School of Music donation is pivotal
Michael and Karen Kitt’s generous donation to NAU’s School of Music will serve generations of student musicians.
advancement
CAL
College of Arts and Letters
gift
Kitt Recital Hall
Kitt School of Music
Music
philanthropy
![Student studying at table.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/03/172_HonorsDorm_20180912-1-600x600.jpg)
Arts & Culture
A place for everyone
Northern Arizona University students come from all walks of life.
2NAU
90/30 program
Adaptive Sports
Biological and Natural Resources
Computer Information Technology
Diné College
Disability Studies
Interior Design
Kitt School of Music
military-connected
Native American Cultural Center (NACC)
NAU–Yuma
Online
Phoenix College
Public Administration
Scottsdale Community College
Spanish
veteran
![Drone overview of the NAU Flagstaff campus showing the NACC and the San Francisco Peaks.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/03/9417_campus_overview_04042017-600x600.jpg)
Arts & Culture
Culture, care, and community
For the past decade, the Native American Cultural Center has provided a home away from home for NAU’s Indigenous students.
10-year anniversary
Indigenous students
NACC
Native American Cultural Center
![Autumn Begay carrying a clipboard in an art museum.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/03/0572_Autumn_Begay_20210908-600x600.jpg)
Arts & Culture
Student grounded by roots, community
Autumn Begay, ’22, found her home away from home at NAU’s Native American Cultural Center.
AIS
Applied Indigenous Studies
award
CAL
Foundation
minors in Museum Studies and Anthropology
SBS
![NAU students posing at New York Fashion Week.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/03/NYFW_FEB22-142_wide-600x600.jpg)
Arts & Culture
A passion for fashion
NAU students mingle with influencers and celebrities at NY Fashion Week.
Business
CAL
Communication
FCB
Marketing – Sales
NYFW
photography
SBS
Strategic Communication – Merchandising
Theatre – Design and Technology
![Ana Aranda outside The W. A. Franke College of Business.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/03/7630_ana_aranda_20210827-600x600.jpg)
Arts & Culture
Sharing stories of community at NAU
Students achieve success with the help of the communities they built at NAU.
advisor
Alumni
Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR)
Biological Sciences
CEFNS
Chemistry
Communications
exercise science
food security issues
Glen Canyon Dam
Grand Canyon
hands-on experiences
honors college
military-connected
photography
public relations
Public Relations Student Society of America
SBS
student regent
student success
telecommunications
Urdea Undergraduate Research Award
Veteran and Military Services
Veteran Success Center
Veterans Day
![Mackenzie Baradic standing beside a large television screen while presenting her documentary film.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/02/2000_mackenzie_baradic_20220208-600x600.jpg)
Arts & Culture
Filming Arizona’s immigration crisis
Creative Media and Film major Mackenzie Baradic is documenting the stories of migrants and those who help them.
border issues
CAL
Creative Media and Film
documentary
immigration
interns-to-scholars
SBS
Spanish minor
undergraduate research symposium
US Mexico border
![Joey Carosilva posing in the NAU School of Communication wearing a leather jacket and heavy, flannel button-down shirt.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/02/9970_joey_carosilva_20220118-600x600.jpg)
Arts & Culture
Designing the future at New York Fashion Week
Joey Carosilva and four other NAU students are headed to New York Fashion Week, where they will network with expert designers.
College of Arts and Letters
College of Social and Behavioral Science
networking
Strategic Communication
The W. A. Franke College of Business
U of NYFW
![NAU faculty member leading class outdoors while all participants are wearing masks on NAU Flagstaff's North Quad](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/01/8329_north_quad_class_20210922-600x600.jpg)
Arts & Culture
Join our team of esteemed faculty
At Northern Arizona University, we’re committed to equitable education—and we’re ready for you to be part of our new hiring campaign.
![Jose Carosilva posing on a snowy street.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/01/Carosilva_Jose-600x600.jpeg)
Arts & Culture
NAU students attend New York Fashion Week
Five NAU students get a behind-the-scenes look at New York Fashion week.
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2021/11/2697_glen_canyon_workshop_20170916-600x600.jpg)
Arts & Culture
Revelations from the field
Studying photography through NAU’s Honors College brought Claire Sipos to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and taught her to persevere.
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2021/11/3623_NewMediaArt_20180620-600x533.jpg)
Arts & Culture
Collaborating in three dimensions
At the boundary of art and science, David Winslow Van Ness makes unexpected connections.
![Headshot of Ann Marie Chischilly](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/03/Chischilly_Ann_Marie_001_LG_WCD_20221-600x600.jpg)
Arts & Culture
Protecting Tribal lands
The Institute of Tribal Environmental Professionals works with Indigenous nations to protect their land for generations to come.
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2021/09/1374_School_of_Music_20190910-1-600x600.jpg)
Arts & Culture
Cellist and dual music major builds a rewarding career after graduation
NAU alumna Patricia Burton has found a means of expression that has survived centuries: the cello.
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2021/08/Nakamato-pic-600x600.jpg)
Arts & Culture
Into the blue(s)
Jazz musician Eric Nakamoto launched from NAU to a career in the United States Air Force
Diversity
Military
SOM
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2021/07/J-Arnold-2019-Color2-600x600.jpg)
Arts & Culture
Thriving by design
After transferring to NAU, interior design student Jessica Arnold triumphed alongside a team of peers determined to shape their community.
2NAU
CAL
TRANSFER STUDENT
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2021/05/Chad-Hamill_HeadshotChoice.jpg)
Arts & Culture
Across mesas and oceans
The Indigenous Cultural and Educational Exchange program at NAU goes the distance to connect Indigenous students and faculty with Indigenous peers across the globe.
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2021/04/Kray-headshot-533x600.jpg)
Arts & Culture
NAU alumna developing a music career
NAU alumna, Mary Kray, ’20, received the Encouragement Award at the Rocky Mountain Region Metropolitan Opera National Council Audition.
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2020/11/DSilva2_20190617-600x600.jpg)
Arts & Culture
Mechanical Engineering PhD combines interests in research and engineering at NAU
Mechanical Engineering PhD student Glen D’Silva’s goal is academia, allowing him to combine his interests in research and education.
CEIAS
Indian Association
international student
mechanical engineering
PhD
![Susanna Dart by a tree](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2020/11/Susanna-28-600x600.jpg)
Arts & Culture
Exploring climate solutions
Alumna Susanna Dart is testing science and sustainability on the global stage.
Biology
Fulbright Scholarship
German
Global Languages
Gold Axe
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2020/07/6060_sara_LaRosa_20200414-600x600.jpg)
Arts & Culture
Treasuring sustainability
NAU alumna and Printing Services employee Sara LaRosa makes a difference when she talks trash.
Ceramics
Environmental and sustainability studies
Sustainability
![Photo by Ungelbah Davila](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2020/11/Sherwin_10-modified1-600x600.jpg)
Arts & Culture
Poems by Sherwin Bitsui
Renowned poet and Assistant Professor of Creative Writing at Northern Arizona University Sherwin Bitsui shares two poems for you to read.
![George Rudebusch writes the names of philosophers on a whiteboard](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2020/05/2017_10_27_NAU_PHILOSOPHY_001-scaled-e1594298503543-600x600.jpg)
Arts & Culture
Shaping students’ lives
Professor of ancient philosophy George Rudebusch helps students gain skills for the future.
College of Arts and Letters
Hooper Undergraduate Research Award
Philosophy
![Sage Bond works on a laptop in front of a](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2020/07/8190_Transfer_20200221-1-1-scaled-e1594298458644-600x600.jpg)
Arts & Culture
From metal to Mozart
Undergraduate student and indie rocker Sage Bond studies opera and plans to teach music on the Navajo Nation.
Music
Psychology
![Ye Lynn Han sitting on a rock outdoors, reading](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2019/10/434880-Detail-YeLynnHan_full_size-e1594298253998-600x600.jpg)
Arts & Culture
Ye Lynn Han’s rise to international opera star
From Myanmar to opera star, international student Ye Lynn Han arrived to NAU sight unseen—and found his voice and an international opera singer.
International education
Music
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2021/11/02A4635tannerMenard11032021-600x600.jpg)
Arts & Culture
Finding the words to their own story
An Indigenous and Creole poet, traditional healer, and Kundalini yoga teacher, tanner menard opens their heart to radical syncretism.
![Eileen Magaña, N A U International Affairs graduate, works at her laptop.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2024/06/7718_eileen_magana_20240212-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
Breaking barriers, building bridges
International Affairs graduate Eileen Magaña’s goal is law school, focusing on immigration law.
![A parked white Electric Utility Vehicle (EUV) with the logo N A U Northern Arizona University on the door and a utility shell on the back for storing tools.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2024/06/Electric-Utility-Vehicle-v2-600x600.png)
Education & Service
Electrifying NAU’s fleet
With help from the Green Fund, NAU’s Facility Services is gradually replacing its gas-powered fleet with efficient electric vehicles.
![N A U senior Visual Communication student, Dadric Riggs, smiles while showcasing the virtual reality equipment used for their research on waste issues in the United States.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2024/02/1969_dadric_riggs_20240116-Enhanced-NR-1-e1709076936738-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
Highlighting waste issues with VR
NAU senior Dadric Riggs is using virtual reality (VR) to help people visualize the enormous amount of waste generated in the United States.
School of Communication
virtual reality
visual communication
VR
waste
![N A U graduate, RN Rachel Stearns, poses and smiles for a picture.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2023/11/IMG_9628-1-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
NAU’s Tucson nursing program takes alumna from patient to professional
RN Rachel Stearns, BS Nursing ’23, aspires to become a nursing instructor.
![Mathematics Associate Professor Angie Hodge-Zickerman stands by wall in math lab that reads: "Pure mathematics is the poetry of logical ideas."](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2023/08/8259_angie_hodge-zickerman_20230718-e1691448838130-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
Creating a community in mathematics
Dr. Angie Hodge-Zickerman, mathematics Associate Professor, helps women and underrepresented groups succeed in the field of mathematics.
![Associate Teaching Professor Nora Timmerman talks with CUPI participant in a Flagstaff High School classroom.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2023/06/8983_CUPI_FHS_20230221-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
Inquiring minds want to know: CUPI’s community-focused research at NAU
Undergraduates learn valuable research and teamwork skills in NAU’s Community-University Public Inquiry (CUPI) program.
Community-University Public Inquiry (CUPI)
hands-on
SBS
Sociology Department
Sustainable Communities program
![Undergraduate Research student Miguel Rosas talks with fellow student.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2023/05/3381_mig_rosas_20230501-Edit-1-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
Exacting science: optimizing the undergraduate research experience at NAU
Senior Miguel Rosas explores the undergraduate research process at NAU—its successes, potential improvements, and impact on students.
![Native American Cultural Center Elder Paul Long.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2023/05/0532_paul_long_20220823-1-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
NAU Elder Cultural Advisor Paul Long shares his experiences
As a Native American Cultural Center Elder, Paul Long encourages students to explore their Indigenous values, roots, and history.
![Native American Cultural Center Elder Viki Blackgoat.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2023/05/1176_vivian_blackgoat_20220823-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
NAU Elder Cultural Advisor Viki Blackgoat shares her experiences
With NAU’s Elder Cultural Advisors program, Viki Blackgoat helps students balance and sustain cultural traditions while at college.
![Native American Cultural Center Elder Leroy Shingoitewa.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2023/05/0608_leroy_shingoitewa_20220823-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
NAU Elder Cultural Advisor LeRoy Shingoitewa shares his experiences
Through NAU’s Elder Cultural Advisors program, LeRoy Shingoitewa supports Indigenous students as they gain a college education at NAU.
![NAU alumnus and Coconino County Board of Supervisors vice chair Jeronimo Vasquez stands beside mural of smiling children, flowers, butterflies, and the sun. Vasquez is looking at the camera and smiling.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2023/05/6458_Jeronimo_Vasquez_20230131-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
Anthropology alum represents diverse Coconino County
NAU alumnus and Coconino County Board of Supervisors vice chair Jeronimo Vasquez is dedicated to serving his community.
![School of Informatics, Computing, and Cyber Systems Associate Professor Ashish Amresh talks in front of a slide showing Hopi art and the words, "Hopi Naatoyta.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2023/05/5984_Ashish_Amresh_20230127-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
NAU professor trains Indigenous teachers in coding education
Associate Professor Ashish Amresh wants to empower Native American educators to teach the language of code.
![Hispanic-Serving Institution Advisor to the Provost Claudia Rodas speaks at the symposium, Encuentro NAU.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2023/05/9354_claudia_rodas_encuentro_20230405-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
HSI advisor paves the way for future Latine Lumberjacks
Claudia Rodas, Hispanic-Serving Institution Advisor to the Provost, is creating equal access to NAU services across Arizona.
alumna<br /> TYPE: undergraduate or graduate student; faculty; staff; alumni
College of Education
Hispanic
Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI)
Latine
North Valley
Online and Innovative Educational Initiatives (OIEI)
Statewide
![Professor Luis Fernandez, in his office, talks with a colleague.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2023/03/9691_luis_fernandez_20230227-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
Community engagement: creating inclusive spaces at NAU and beyond
As the Hispanic Serving Institution Advisor to the Provost Dr. Luis A. Fernandez creates spaces of safety, inclusivity, and opportunity.
Black Lives Matter
criminology
Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI)
police
SBS
![NAU alumna Jenny Zamora-Garcia dressed as Jessie from Toy Story standing with colleagues, as she gets ready for dental health education.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2023/03/download-2-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
NAU Dental Hygiene alumna makes a difference
NAU dental hygiene alumna Jenny Zamora-Garcia provides dental care and education to the Flagstaff community.
Alumni
CHHS
Dental hygiene
dentistry
department of dental hygiene
oral health education
![Department of Psychological Sciences Associate Professor Ronda Jenson sitting at her desk visiting with colleagues during a zoom call.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2023/03/9861_ronda_jenson_20210120-1-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
Peer-to-peer mentoring for students with disabilities
Students with disabilities develop peer-to-peer mentoring program to coach one another in STEM fields.
advocate
careers
coach
College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Department of Psychological Sciences
Education
employment
inclusion
institute for human development
Mentoring
National Science Foundation
obstacles
peer-to-peer
Sociology
STEM fields
students with disabilities
support
SWD
workforce development
![Rebecca Seeger with colleagues at commencement. They are in commencement regalia and Seeger is holding her graduation certificate.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2023/03/3347Commencment20221216-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
Embracing community and education in northern Arizona
NAU alum Rebecca Seeger provides a brilliant masterclass in combining lifelong learning with a determination to do good in her state.
Alumni
College of Education
College-in-prison
Curriculum and Instruction
Department of Teaching and Learning
Graduate Student Government
Military
PhD
ROTC
veterans
![Undergraduate Ty Holliday talking with visitor in front of the Murdoch Community Center mural.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2023/02/6386_symposium_ty_20230203-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
Black history in Flagstaff’s Southside neighborhood
NAU undergraduate Ty Holliday helped expand a website to preserve the stories of Flagstaff’s Southside community.
African American
and society
Black history
Cleo Wilson Murdoch
College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
department of geography
Dunbar School
Flagstaff’s Southside community
Geography
Green book
Murdoch Community Center
planning
planning and recreation
segregation
Wilson Riles
![First-generation student, Charlie Dors talks with colleague in an early education classroom.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2023/02/6528_coe_symposium_charlie_20230208-e1676928925817-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
First-gen student conducts gender research
Charlie Dors, a Political Science and Sociology double major, is researching gender and gender stereotypes.
gender
gender norms
gender roles
gender stereotypes
Interns to Scholars program
Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity
Political Science
SBS
Sociology
Undergraduate Expo and Symposium
Undergraduate Research Club
![Biomedical sciences student Andres Huerta talking with colleague.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2023/02/6270_symposium_andres_20230201-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
Family loyalty sparks insulin resistance research
First-generation Biomedical Science major Andres Huerta studies insulin sensitivity in the Hispanic population.
Biological Sciences
Biomedical science
CEFNS
hands-on experiences
Hispanic
insulin sensitivity
interns-to-scholars
Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) grant
Medical Directive club
Phoenix Bioscience Core
physician’s assistant
undergraduate research symposium
![Headshot of Ron Lee, Senior Director of Development for Native American Initiatives at Northern Arizona University.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/12/8542_ron_lee_20210923-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
The importance of NAU’s land acknowledgement
Ron Lee, from the Office of Native American Initiatives, discusses the history and importance of NAU’s land acknowledgement.
![scilla Sanderson standing on Navajo Nation with red mesas far in the background.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/11/58A6206_priscilla_sanderson_20180111-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
Eradicating H. pylori in the Navajo Nation
NAU Professor Priscilla Sanderson mentors students as they work together to eradicate Helicobacter pylori on the Navajo Nation.
![NAU graphic designer Charlese Bedford working on web accessibility.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/11/6800_charlese_bedford_20221110-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
Designer helps NAU lead in accessibility
NAU Marketing graphic designer Charlese Bedford ensures that online documents are accessible to everyone.
ADA
Americans with Disabilities Act
Enrollment Management Communications
Equity and Access
Graphic Design
inclusion and disability
intentional design
University Marketing
visual communication
Web content accessibility
![Headshot of political science major and military veteran Kass Robinson.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/11/0989_kass_robinson_20221027-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
NAU thanks and supports student veterans
Political Science major Kass Robinson is one of many student veterans with a unique journey at NAU.
College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Department of Politics and International Affairs
Political Science
SBS
study abroad
United States Marine Corps
veteran
Veteran and Military Services
Veterans Day
Veterans Week
![Headshot of mechanical engineering major and military veteran Uriah Whitaker.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/11/1093_uriah_whitaker_20221027-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
Student veteran shares experience at NAU
Mechanical Engineering major Uriah Whitaker is one of many student veterans with a unique journey at NAU.
![Lab Manager Ron Allen looks at microscope slide in Imaging and Histology Core Facility lab.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/10/5491_Ron_Allen_20220921-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
Research alum founded student vet mentor program
NAU alumnus Ron Allen enjoys the interdisciplinary nature of his work as manager of the Imaging and Histology Core Facility lab.
Alumni
and Natural Sciences
Biology
Biomedical science
College of the Environment
depleted uranium
electron microscopy
Forestry
graduate student
hands-on experience
Imaging and Histology Core Facility lab
Navajo
peer mentoring
student research
undergraduate
Vet Jacks Veteran Student Mentoring Program
Veteran and Military Services Office
![Abigail Brown standing in front of "Celebrating Free Speech" display board at Regents' Cup.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/08/6020_regents_cup_20220430-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
Why join NAU’s forensics and debate team?
Students gain communication and critical thinking skills—and have fun—on NAU’s Forensics and Debate team.
communication studies
Forensics and debate
public speaking
Regents' Cup
SBS
School of Communication
speech and debate
![CIE staff helps international student.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/10/3304_ragh_singh_20220623-2-e1667230535693-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
NAU helps international students adapt
Program manager Ragh Singh helps students as they transition from India to an education at NAU.
Center for International Education
CIE
India
international opportunities
![Stade Riggs with two horses.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/06/IMG_1809-1-600x600.jpg)
Arts & Culture
Navajo NAU student is rodeo champion
Stade Riggs, a junior studying Health Sciences – Fitness Wellness, competed in the College National Finals Rodeo.
National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association
![Katie Mommaerts talks with student.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/06/8846_katie_mommaerts_20220511-600x600.jpg)
Science & Discovery
PhD student gives teens a voice in mental health
Interdisciplinary Health PhD student and Assistant Clinical Professor Katie Mommaerts is researching adolescent mental health.
adolescent mental health
CHHS
Interdisciplinary Health PhD
Mexican American
online Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
psychosocial health
SBS
social work
![Avi Henn standing with e-bike next to recycling container.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/06/9534_avi_henn_20220516-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
NAU Climate Action Plan supports sustainability
NAU alumnus and Manager of Sustainability, Avi Henn, guides the Flagstaff campus towards carbon neutrality with the Climate Action Plan.
CAP
carbon neutrality
Climate action plan
Climate Action Steering Committee
environment
green
student actions
Sustainability
![Raegan Liguori-Reid in NAU graduation cap and gown.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/05/2G7A2406-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
Advancing toward her next goal
NAU graduate Raegan Liguori-Reid is pursuing an administration career with the Arizona Department of Corrections.
90/30 program
Estrella Mountain Community College
Online
Public Administration
Statewide
![Jessica Stuart sits at her laptop at NAU–Yuma.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/05/jessica_stuart_3663_20220303-1-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
Student veteran pursues a career in diversity
NAU Online Organizational Leadership master’s student Jessica Stuart is committed to a career promoting equality.
Allied Health
discrimination
Diversity
flexibility
inequality
master’s degree Organizational Leadership
NAU Online
OIEI
veteran
![Headshot of Cecilia Torres.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/05/Torres-headshot2-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
How NAU’s Veteran Success Center helps students
Cecilia Torres is among NAU staff dedicated to helping student veterans get the most from their military benefits and reach their educational goals.
Arizona Western College (AWC)
Liberal Studies
military connected
NAU Online
OIEINAU–Yuma
Organizational Leadership
Statewide
veteran
Veteran Success Center
Veterans and Military Services
![NAU–Yuma student Katany Cardenas smiling at someone.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/05/2099_yuma_campus_life_20220302-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
Elementary education student plans to give back
Katany Cardenas is determined to give back to her community by becoming a first-grade teacher. NAU–Yuma is helping her get there.
Arizona Western College
College Assistance Migrant Program (AWC)
elementary education
first-generation
Hispanic
NAU–Yuma
![Jordan Allen talking with another NAU–Yuma student.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/05/3370_yuma_campus_life_20220303-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
NAU nursing student glad to be in Yuma
Jordan Allen is happy he made the move from the Flagstaff campus to NAU–Yuma where he’s studying to become a nurse.
NAU–Yuma
Nursing
![Headshot of Samantha Barrera.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/04/Headshot-Barrera-1-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
Distinguished senior is law school bound
Samantha Barerra, Distinguished Senior award recipient, is headed for law school after graduating with a Liberal Arts degree through NAU’s Online program.
Distinguished Senior
Liberal Arts
Pima Community College
U of A law school
![Female nursing student listening to someone talking.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/04/0056_yuma_campus_20191105-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
NAU community is solving healthcare needs
NAU students, faculty, alumni, and staff explore innovative ways to improve healthcare to everyone.
Alumni
CHHS
computer programming
Distinguished Senior Award
first-generation
health app
healthcare
hearing loss
Hooper Undergraduate Research Award
interns-to-scholars
Jean Shuler Research Mini-Grant
Master of Science in Nursing
mental health
Music
NAU–Yuma
Nursing
Psychology
SBS
![Student studying at table.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/03/172_HonorsDorm_20180912-1-600x600.jpg)
Arts & Culture
A place for everyone
Northern Arizona University students come from all walks of life.
2NAU
90/30 program
Adaptive Sports
Biological and Natural Resources
Computer Information Technology
Diné College
Disability Studies
Interior Design
Kitt School of Music
military-connected
Native American Cultural Center (NACC)
NAU–Yuma
Online
Phoenix College
Public Administration
Scottsdale Community College
Spanish
veteran
![Nikki Cooley posing on tall steps wearing beside lush indoor plants.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/03/3938_nikki_cooley_20220308-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
Indigenous environmental stewardship
Mother, guide, and Indigenous scientist and educator Nikki Cooley shares the source of her strength.
Alumni
CEFNS
climate change
community
Diné (Navajo)
Indigenous
Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals
ITEP
ITEP relationships
mentorship
Nikki Cooley
river guide
School of Forestry
spirituality
![Two NAU alumni holding up pins that read, "Alumni."](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/03/9506_alumni_mixer_20190411-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
Flagstaff alums stay connected
The NAU Flagstaff Alumni Chapter combines service with socialization.
Alumni
Flagstaff Alumni Chapter
Lumberjack
![Manley Begay Jr., EdD, professor in NAU’s Department of Applied Indigenous Studies and in The W. A. Franke College of Business.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/03/2488_Manley_Begay_20200316-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
To build an Indigenous nation
NAU’s Manley Begay Jr. empowers Indigenous leaders around the world.
AIS
FCB
Indigenous and Tribal Nation-building graduate certificate
Indigenous nation-building
Office of Native American Initiatives (ONAI)
online certificate
SBS
Tribal Leadership Initiative
![Manley Begay Jr., EdD, professor in NAU’s Department of Applied Indigenous Studies and in The W. A. Franke College of Business.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/03/2813_Manley_Begay_20200316-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
Careers in Indigenous nation-building
NAU’s Manley Begay Jr., EdD, offers his insight on what those interested in working with Indigenous nations should know.
AIS
FCB
Indigenous and Tribal Nation-building graduate certificate
Indigenous nation-building
Office of Native American Initiatives (ONAI)
online certificate
SBS
Tribal Leadership Initiative
![Ana Aranda outside The W. A. Franke College of Business.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/03/7630_ana_aranda_20210827-600x600.jpg)
Arts & Culture
Sharing stories of community at NAU
Students achieve success with the help of the communities they built at NAU.
advisor
Alumni
Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR)
Biological Sciences
CEFNS
Chemistry
Communications
exercise science
food security issues
Glen Canyon Dam
Grand Canyon
hands-on experiences
honors college
military-connected
photography
public relations
Public Relations Student Society of America
SBS
student regent
student success
telecommunications
Urdea Undergraduate Research Award
Veteran and Military Services
Veteran Success Center
Veterans Day
![Selfie of Lizy Martinez, wearing cap and gown while holding a diploma at commencement, beside Professor T Mark Montoya.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/02/Graduation-selfie-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
Navigating new identities: the first-generation student experience
Student Lizy Martinez and Professor T. Mark Montoya use research to explore learning barriers to first-generation students.
![Valeria Sandoval working outside on a laptop at the NAU–Yuma campus.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/01/photo-4-2867_yuma_campus_life_20211117-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
Student gets her “A+ going”
After almost dropping out of high school, Valeria Sandoval took control of her life and will soon graduate with a Social Work degree.
internship
NAU–Yuma
social work
Yuma
![Angela Sornia studying at a laptop.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/01/7135_Yuma_20211118-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
Trauma leads to interest in border issues
Angela Sornia’s decision to pursue a Sociology degree is rooted in the trauma of having her mother deported.
border
border issues
deportation
NAU–Yuma
resilience
social work
Sociology
Sociology degree with minors in Spanish and US Mexico Border Social Work
Spanish
spring 2023
Yuma
![Two students walking on NAU-Yuma's campus.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/06/4101_yuma_campus_life_20211118-1-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
NAU–Yuma provides affordable, accessible education
NAU–Yuma offers multiple undergraduate and graduate degrees, many informed by the nearby US–Mexico border.
Biological and Natural Resource Sciences
border
NAU–Yuma
social work
Sociology
U.S. Mexico Border Social Work
Yuma
![Tad Gary posing outside while digging as part of a group](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/01/tad_gary02-600x600.jpeg)
Education & Service
Bringing behavioral health resources to all
NAU alumnus Tad Gary is passionate about helping people get the behavioral healthcare they need.
advancement
engagement
NAU Foundation
not-for-profit
tad gary
![NAU faculty member leading class outdoors while all participants are wearing masks on NAU Flagstaff's North Quad](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/01/8329_north_quad_class_20210922-600x600.jpg)
Arts & Culture
Join our team of esteemed faculty
At Northern Arizona University, we’re committed to equitable education—and we’re ready for you to be part of our new hiring campaign.
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2021/12/5978_veteran_orientation_20180111-600x533.jpg)
Education & Service
Honoring and supporting military veterans
Veterans Day provides an opportunity to reflect on the contributions of veterans and the services available to them at NAU.
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2021/05/8468_Michael_Marquess_20200225-1-600x533.jpg)
Education & Service
Celebrating ‘radical hospitality’
Entrepreneur and NAU alumnus Michael Marquess combines brewing and community as CEO of Flagstaff’s Mother Road Brewing Company.
![Rachel Kanyur.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2021/12/7412_Rachel_Kanyur_20211201-1-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
Representing in Arizona: an ABOR student regent speaks up
Honors Exercise Science major Rachel Kanyur is the newest student member of the Arizona Board of Regents.
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2021/11/2028_muhittin_cavusoglu.jpg)
Education & Service
Hospitality’s innovation through collaboration
NAU professor Dr. Muhittin Cavusoglu helps his hospitality students connect the dots between collaboration, new technology, and multiculturalism.
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2021/11/3340_coe_20191204-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
Born to teach
Elementary education alumna Thea Hookey shares a love of learning with her students.
![Headshot of Ann Marie Chischilly](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/03/Chischilly_Ann_Marie_001_LG_WCD_20221-600x600.jpg)
Arts & Culture
Protecting Tribal lands
The Institute of Tribal Environmental Professionals works with Indigenous nations to protect their land for generations to come.
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2021/10/58A8026IHDDisStudies03132018-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
Advocating for representation
Professor Matthew Wangeman advances the discourse of ability and inclusion.
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2021/10/4277_gretchen_gee_20171130-533x600.jpeg)
Education & Service
Diving deep into critical thinking
Politics lecturer Gretchen Gee develops critical thinkers.
Model United Nations
Politics and International Affairs
Social and Behavioral Sciences
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2021/10/8219_ora_marek-martinez_20210607-600x600.jpeg)
Education & Service
Creating a home away from home
Ora Marek-Martinez uses the past to build a better future for Indigenous students.
decolonization
Indigenous student success
NACC
Native American Cultural Center
![Native American Cultural Center](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2021/10/3099_nacc_20170404-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
Our building has a heart: Ora Marek-Martinez on transforming the NACC
In her own words, Ora Marek-Martinez describes how she and her team brought the warmth of community to the Native American Cultural Center.
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2021/09/7604_Andrew_Sanchez_20200527-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
Opening a door for all to learn
Using different teaching styles—and a touch of creativity—Dr. Andrew Sánchez Meador connects students with data analysis.
Alumni
CEFNS
Faculty
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2021/09/2537_martin_tease_20210809.jpg)
Education & Service
Bringing us together
In the Office of Inclusion, Martin Tease starts with small talk to make big improvements in student representation.
Alumni
Diversity
LGBTQIA+
staff
Student affairs
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2021/08/AxelrodDR-600x600.png)
Education & Service
Disability Resources introduces new graduate certificate
NAU launches a graduate certificate in disability resources for in-demand career positions.
disability resources
graduate
institute for human development
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2021/08/YCastroGraduationPicture1-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
The art of nursing
Inspired by a family member’s struggle against cancer, NAU–Yuma student Yasmine Castro Felix made it her mission to stand on the front line of medicine.
CHHS
Hispanic
Latina
Statewide
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2021/07/Navarro.jpg)
Education & Service
Breaking barriers for Hispanic students
When NAU set the goal of becoming a Hispanic Serving Institution, alumna Nancy Navarro acted fast to bridge the gap.
Alumni
Hispanic
HSI
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2021/07/Hernandez-from-NAU-News-story-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
Creating change through teaching
Undergraduate Guadalupe Hernandez finds joy in teaching young children.
COE
First generation
Hispanic
Latina
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2021/06/NAU_MARTINEZ_051-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
NAU center attracts diverse students
NAU’s Center for Materials Interfaces in Research & Applications (¡MIRA!) offers a new approach to science careers.
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2021/06/3400_masha_gessen_reception_20190127-600x533.jpg)
Education & Service
Experiences bring awareness
Regents’ Professor and Martin-Springer Institute Director Björn Krondorfer inspires his students with multi-layered learning.
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2021/06/1333_luis_aguilar_20210415-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
Just warming up
NAU alumnus Luis Aguilar successfully balanced football and school, and is ready for his next adventure.
Alumni
Athletics
Diversity
FCB
Hispanic
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2021/06/soccer-madison_montgomery_RAW-20-of-35-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
All-around competitor
Big Sky soccer player Madison Montgomery shows grit on the field and in the classroom.
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2021/06/2017_10_27_NAU_HOMECOMING_001-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
Emboldened to try something new
Dr. Rita Hartung Cheng set out to make higher education accessible for first-generation students.
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2021/05/3000_ais_20190422-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
Where Indigenous studies are applied
The Applied Indigenous Studies department at Northern Arizona University gives Native American students the knowledge and tools to become change agents in their communities.
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2021/05/Chad-Hamill_HeadshotChoice.jpg)
Arts & Culture
Across mesas and oceans
The Indigenous Cultural and Educational Exchange program at NAU goes the distance to connect Indigenous students and faculty with Indigenous peers across the globe.
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2021/05/NACC_interior_09302014_29952725505_o-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
Home away from home
NAU’s Native American Cultural Center serves as a gathering space for Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian students.
Applied Indigenous Studies
Mentoring
Native American Cultural Center
Office of Indigenous Student Success
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2021/05/FirstLady_President2-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
Leading a nation with passion and purpose
NAU alumni, President Jonathan Nez and First Lady Phefelia Herbert-Nez, led the Navajo Nation in a massive effort to combat COVID-19.
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2021/05/1598_chhs_nursing_20201124-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
Importance of being present
Northern Arizona University’s accessible faculty and a real-world practicum propel Aarish Raza to a career in intensive care nursing.
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2021/01/0869_Mitzzy_Lopez_20200305-1-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
First-generation college student combines chemistry and criminal justice at NAU
Branching out, first-generation student Mitzzy Lopez loves life in the lab where she combines chemistry and justice.
CEFNS
Chemistry
First generation
LSAMP
Native American Cancer Prevention project.
![Sara Burch and Adam Wetherall backpacking in the Grand Canyon.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2022/02/58A0119Grand_Canyon12182020-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
NAU student researchers seek solutions to environmental challenges
At Northern Arizona University, our students and faculty look for answers to some of our most compelling environmental challenges.
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2020/07/3502_jonathan_martin_20200227-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
Honoring tradition, advancing innovation
Alumnus Jonathan Martin is the first director of the new Native American Forest and Rangeland Management Program at NAU.
Forestry
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2021/01/3764_oneil_guthrie_04272016_29600230801_o-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
Audiologist fights hearing loss
In collaboration with a New Jersey company, NAU researcher O’neil Guthrie is developing a drug to combat hearing loss caused by excessive noise.
audiologist
College of Health and Human Services
Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders
hearing loss
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2021/04/6151_Alumni_Awards_20191014-600x533.jpg)
Education & Service
Our NAU nursing school builds lasting connections and career opportunities
Angie Golden’s nursing career has gone places, from helping patients in the Grand Canyon to testifying on Capitol Hill.
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2021/03/IMG_2963-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
Embracing her home
In pursuit of an online master’s, National Park Service employee Kelkiyana Yazzie improves the national monument in her backyard.
College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Department of Geography Planning and Recreation
First generation
Master of Science
Native American
Online
Parks and Recreation Management
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2019/09/featured-powerful-teachers-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
We teach powerful teachers
An incredible teacher can change the course of a student’s life.
Education
Teacher Academy
![Portrait of Monica Bai](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2020/12/Bai_Monica_1655_2019_12_18-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
Gateway Advising prioritizes student success
Director Monica Bai and NAU Gateway Advising provide students steady guidance.
Gateway Advising
![Frances sitting in front of her laptop](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2020/12/7317_Frances-Riemer_20200921-600x533.jpg)
Education & Service
Beyond the brick and mortar
NAU educational anthropologist Frances Riemer shares online teaching tips.
anthropology
Education
Online
women’s and gender studies
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2020/07/9001_Adaptive_Skiing_20200220-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
A different kind of classroom
Alumnus Alexander Davenport has devoted his career to making sports accessible to everyone.
Adaptive Sports
Disability Studies
Spanish
University Studies
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2020/07/6060_sara_LaRosa_20200414-600x600.jpg)
Arts & Culture
Treasuring sustainability
NAU alumna and Printing Services employee Sara LaRosa makes a difference when she talks trash.
Ceramics
Environmental and sustainability studies
Sustainability
![Taylor Lane works on a laptop](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2020/05/8093_Taylor_Lane_20191118-scaled-e1594298348691-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
Finding the story in the numbers
Interdisciplinary Health PhD student Taylor Lane aims to impact lives through analysis.
Interdisciplinary health
Population health
research
![Kayla Reyes high-fives a young girl](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2019/11/3079_coe_20191204-scaled-e1594298329717-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
Embracing valuable lessons
Kayla Reyes, a special education and elementary education major, aims to work with students with special needs.
Education
Special education
Teachers Academy
![Portrait of Hannah Gish wearing a floral-patterned, button-down shirt.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2023/03/hannah_gish_03-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
Lifting up her students
Honors elementary education major Hannah Gish is eager to serve diverse Arizona schools.
Education
Special education
Teachers Academy
When opportunity comes, take a chance and see where it leads you. No matter where you grew up, if you get a chance, take it and see what happens. If I hadn’t taken those chances, I wouldn’t be who I am.LeRoy Shingoitewa (Hopi), Elder Cultural Advisor
![Native American Cultural Center Elder Leroy Shingoitewa.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2023/05/0608_leroy_shingoitewa_20220823-scaled.jpg)
![](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2024/01/9329_claudia_rodas_encuentro_20230405.jpg)
I’m very passionate about working with underserved communities and non-traditional adult learners. I was fortunate to find people at NAU who mentored me and supported my goals. And that’s what I want for our future and current students: to find the mentorship that is very much needed when you’re the first one trying to blaze new trails.Claudia Rodas, Associate Clinical Professor, College of Education, and HSI Advisor to the University Provost
UP NEXT
![N A U P h D student in Astronomy and Planetary Science Ana Morgan stands outside campus observatory.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2023/10/8204_ana_morgan_20230914-600x600.jpg)
Science & Discovery
NAU PhD student studies trans-Neptunian objects with space telescopes
Ana Morgan, pursuing a PhD in Astronomy and Planetary Science, is using data from the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes.
![NAU Music student Sage Bond points to poster outside of the concert series highlighting her performance at Carnegie Hall.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2023/06/Sage-Bond-NAU-Review-600x600.jpeg)
Arts & Culture
Indigenous student debuts at Carnegie
NAU student and Indigenous musician Sage Bond performed her original composition at Carnegie Hall in New York City.
CAL
Indigenous
Music
Psychology
SBS
![NAU–Yuma Clinical Professor of Biological and Natural Resource Sciences Francisco Villa talks with students in the genetics lab.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2023/05/8497_yuma_genetics_lab_20191104-600x600.jpg)
Science & Discovery
Agricultural STEM opportunities at NAU–Yuma
Clinical Professor Francisco Villa is preparing NAU–Yuma students to enter the local agricultural workforce through a USDA grant.
![School of Informatics, Computing, and Cyber Systems Associate Professor Ashish Amresh talks in front of a slide showing Hopi art and the words, "Hopi Naatoyta.](https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/179/2023/05/5984_Ashish_Amresh_20230127-600x600.jpg)
Education & Service
NAU professor trains Indigenous teachers in coding education
Associate Professor Ashish Amresh wants to empower Native American educators to teach the language of code.