School of Earth & Sustainability
Integrating physical, biological, and social perspectives on our changing earth: At Northern Arizona University, we train undergraduate and graduate students to be leading researchers and practitioners in geology, environmental sciences, and sustainability, often collaborating across disciplinary boundaries. Our students spend time learning in the field, working on cutting-edge research, and collaborating with agencies.
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Divisons of NAU’s School of Earth & Sustainability
SES teaching in the field
Interdisciplinary SES faculty, graduate students, and alumni take to the river: Field-based learning about geology and policy on the Yampa River
SES in the news
Research highlights Accordion Open
Snakes! Erika Nowak talks myths vs. reality
SES Research Professor Erika Nowak is featured on NAU News for her work on rattlesnakes and gartersnakes, and discusses how the threats we pose to them far outweigh their danger to us. Read the article here or learn more about Dr. Nowak's research program.
Homeowners put a dollar value on forest restoration
Research featured in NAU News today shows that homeowners in Flagstaff value the kind of forest restoration that leads to decreased risk of forest fires. Julie, Mueller, Abe Springer, and Ryan Lima explain their approach. From the NAU News article: "Mueller, whose research regularly looks at the economic value of forests and restoration, said this particular study is informing a research project she’s doing with the U.S. Geological Survey in Fort Collins, Colorado, that measures the value of attributes of watershed…
Student news Accordion Closed
Space Grant students present their work
Seniors Joe Sweet and Sarah Emily Grams recently wrapped up their year of research as NAU/NASA Space Grant Undergraduate Research Internship Program, and are featured in the student spotlight of NAU News today. Joe worked on remote sensing of aquatic habitats in Arizona with Rebecca Best and Dan Buscombe, while Sarah worked on carbon storage in grazed and ungrazed grasslands with Nancy Johnson and Megan Deane. Both presented at the NAU UGRADS research symposium and at the Arizona Space Grant Statewide…
1st Annual Student Water Symposium
Undergraduate and graduate students in the School organized the 1st Annual Student Water Symposium at NAU this April, with support from faculty member Denielle Perry. Students also presented their work in the symposium, showcasing a wide range of water-related research, including work on climate change, conservation and restoration, and meteorology. The event also featured a strong public outreach component, with public panels and discussions highlighted in NAU News. Also catch Dr. Denielle Perry along with grad students Adrienne Soder and Mary…
Alumni Accordion Closed
Geology Alum Mike Kelly puts climate change on display
Mike Kelly (MS ’91 and Adjunct Professor) is helping illustrate future climate change at a new visitor center exhibit at Acadia National Park, ME. From the article: "Displays such as 'Open ocean tomorrow?' ask visitors to consider some scenarios of climate change consequences in the park. 'As sea levels continue to rise, scientists question if some of Acadia’s salt water marshes might permanently flood, creating an open ocean where a tidal marsh once existed'...the exhibit, which includes a 3D topographic map of the park…
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