
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 
                Movement experts: hybrid Doctor of Physical Therapy program
Sara Thomasson is part of the first cohort in NAU’s hybrid Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
          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.
          Entrepreneurship & Business 
                Turning a campus job into a summer adventure
While driving motor coach buses in Alaska, Daniel N. Solis, Information Systems major, explored trails and career possibilities.
    CATEGORIES
    Featured Stories
    Science & Discovery
    Entrepreneurship & Business
    Arts & Culture
    Education & Service
       
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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.
          Science & Discovery 
                Researching bridges, building connections
NAU senior Jenna Hays hopes to continue working with bridges after she receives her degree in Civil Engineering.
          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.
          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.
          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.
          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.
          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.
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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.
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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.
          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.
          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.
          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.
          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.
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          Education & Service 
                NAU center attracts diverse students
NAU’s Center for Materials Interfaces in Research & Applications (¡MIRA!) offers a new approach to science careers.
          Education & Service 
                All-around competitor
Big Sky soccer player Madison Montgomery shows grit on the field and in the classroom.
          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.
          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.
          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.
          Science & Discovery 
                From Centaur to comet
Doctoral student Colin Chandler’s discovery leads to the reclassification of a planetary body.
          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.
          Science & Discovery 
                Earning national acclaim
Undergraduate Breezy Brock has devoted her educational career to studying infectious diseases.
          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.
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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.
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          Science & Discovery 
                Finding her academic home
Geology undergraduate researcher Cecily Combs contributes to major 4FRI forestry project.
          Entrepreneurship & Business 
                Building sustainable connections
Fulbright scholar Jayne Sandoval plans to help her Navajo community develop a renewable energy program.
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          Science & Discovery 
                Impacting the field of medicine
Honors microbiology major Kaitlyn Parra’s infectious disease research is breaking new ground.
                                                   Honors
                                                        Microbiology
                                                        Undergraduate Research
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          Entrepreneurship & Business 
                Turning a campus job into a summer adventure
While driving motor coach buses in Alaska, Daniel N. Solis, Information Systems major, explored trails and career possibilities.
          Entrepreneurship & Business 
                Helping startups thrive
NAU alumna Diana White leans on her business experience to guide entrepreneurs in their new ventures.
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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.
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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.
          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.
          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.
          Entrepreneurship & Business 
                Building sustainable connections
Fulbright scholar Jayne Sandoval plans to help her Navajo community develop a renewable energy program.
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          Education & Service 
                Celebrating ‘radical hospitality’
Entrepreneur and NAU alumnus Michael Marquess combines brewing and community as CEO of Flagstaff’s Mother Road Brewing Company.
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          Arts & Culture 
                A trip of a lifetime: U of NYFW
NAU students Lexi Wahl and Tracy Castillo joined 26 other students from around the country in New York City to attend NY Fashion Week.
          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.
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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.
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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.
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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.
          Arts & Culture 
                NAU students attend New York Fashion Week
Five NAU students get a behind-the-scenes look at New York Fashion week.
          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.
          Arts & Culture 
                Protecting Tribal lands
The Institute of Tribal Environmental Professionals works with Indigenous nations to protect their land for generations to come.
          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.
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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.
          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.
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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.
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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.
          Education & Service 
                Movement experts: hybrid Doctor of Physical Therapy program
Sara Thomasson is part of the first cohort in NAU’s hybrid Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
          Education & Service 
                Cassens moving from marketing to Franke
Alumna McKenize Cassens continues her Northern Arizona University journey with a new job as a marketing instructor for The W. A. Franke School of Business.
          Education & Service 
                A quilt representing belonging
NAU’s Associate Teaching Professor Jason Whetten’s psychology students explored community by creating a quilt.
          Education & Service 
                Breaking barriers, building bridges
International Affairs graduate Eileen Magaña’s goal is law school, focusing on immigration law.
          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.
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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.
          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.
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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.
          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.
          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.
          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.
          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.
          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.
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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.
          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.
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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.
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          Education & Service 
                Flagstaff alums stay connected
The NAU Flagstaff Alumni Chapter combines service with socialization.
                                                   Alumni
                                                        Flagstaff Alumni Chapter
                                                        Lumberjack
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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.
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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.
          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.
          Education & Service 
                Celebrating ‘radical hospitality’
Entrepreneur and NAU alumnus Michael Marquess combines brewing and community as CEO of Flagstaff’s Mother Road Brewing Company.
          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.
          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.
          Education & Service 
                Born to teach
Elementary education alumna Thea Hookey shares a love of learning with her students.
          Arts & Culture 
                Protecting Tribal lands
The Institute of Tribal Environmental Professionals works with Indigenous nations to protect their land for generations to come.
          Education & Service 
                Advocating for representation
Professor Matthew Wangeman advances the discourse of ability and inclusion.
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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.
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          Education & Service 
                Creating change through teaching
Undergraduate Guadalupe Hernandez finds joy in teaching young children.
                                                   COE
                                                        First generation
                                                        Hispanic
                                                        Latina
                                                   
                                    
          Education & Service 
                NAU center attracts diverse students
NAU’s Center for Materials Interfaces in Research & Applications (¡MIRA!) offers a new approach to science careers.
          Education & Service 
                Experiences bring awareness
Regents’ Professor and Martin-Springer Institute Director Björn Krondorfer inspires his students with multi-layered learning.
          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
                                                   
                                    
          Education & Service 
                All-around competitor
Big Sky soccer player Madison Montgomery shows grit on the field and in the classroom.
          Education & Service 
                Emboldened to try something new
Dr. Rita Hartung Cheng set out to make higher education accessible for first-generation students.
          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.
          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.
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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.
          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.
          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.
                                                   
                                    
          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.
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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.
          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
                                                   
                                    
          Education & Service 
                We teach powerful teachers
An incredible teacher can change the course of a student’s life.
                                                   Education
                                                        Teacher Academy
                                                   
                                    
          Education & Service 
                Gateway Advising prioritizes student success
Director Monica Bai and NAU Gateway Advising provide students steady guidance.
                                                   Gateway Advising
                                                   
                                    
          Education & Service 
                Beyond the brick and mortar
NAU educational anthropologist Frances Riemer shares online teaching tips.
                                                   anthropology
                                                        Education
                                                        Online
                                                        women’s and gender studies
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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
                                                   
                                    
          Education & Service 
                Lifting up her students
Honors elementary education major Hannah Gish is eager to serve diverse Arizona schools.
                                                   Education
                                                        Special education
                                                        Teachers Academy
                                                   
                                    NAU is kind of a home away from home. It’s beautiful. The people and the faculty were just extremely welcoming. It’s a place I wanted to be and develop as a person and also as somebody who can take music and keep going with it and see what I can do with it in future.Will Whitten, BMEd Music Secondary Education and BMus Music Performance
            
I have the ability to influence the 25 students who sit with me in each class to engage. That is a lot of responsibility, and I don’t want to squander it. I want to be sure that students come out knowing how to do an audience analysis, which is important, but also how to connect with people.McKenzie Cassens, Assistant Professor of Practice, Department of Management, Marketing, and Information Systems Management
UP NEXT
          Education & Service 
                A quilt representing belonging
NAU’s Associate Teaching Professor Jason Whetten’s psychology students explored community by creating a quilt.
          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.
          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
                                                   
                                    
          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.