NAU Faculty and Students Shine in Recent Achievements
Exciting developments are unfolding at Northern Arizona University as faculty, staff, and students continue to excel in various fields. From innovative scientific explorations to prestigious academic recognitions, the NAU community is making significant contributions both locally and globally.
Science on Tap: Exploring the Unknown
Assistant Professor Haley Sapers from the Department of Astronomy and Planetary Science recently captivated an audience at Mother Road Brewery with her presentation titled “Searching for life as we DON’T know it.” This event is part of the ongoing “Science on Tap” series, which serves as a platform for NAU scientists to engage with the community through monthly lectures.
Awards for Innovation in Technology
The Achievement Rewards for College Scientists Foundation has recognized five doctoral candidates from the Department of Astronomy and Planetary Science for their outstanding achievements in innovative technologies. Alicia Allen, Will Burris, Kennedy Farrell, Laura Lee, and Ana Morgan were all selected for this prestigious honor, highlighting their exceptional contributions to the field.
Expanding Horizons in Planetary Defense
The MIT-Hawaii Near-Earth Object Spectroscopic Survey (MITHNEOS) has secured a new three-year, $762,000 project focusing on smaller celestial objects. Assistant Professor Diego Muñoz joins the team as a co-investigator, working with incoming doctoral and postdoctoral scholars to build on two decades of data collection.
NAU Affiliates Lead the Way with the James Webb Space Telescope
This year, NASA selected around 250 proposals for the James Webb Space Telescope, with 10 proposals involving past and present NAU affiliates as lead or co-investigators. Faculty members Will Grundy, Steve Tegler, and David Trilling, alongside graduate students such as Lucas McClure and alumni like Audrey Martin, are among those contributing to these groundbreaking projects.
Record-Breaking Performance in Diving
Senior NAU diver Grace Wesche made history at the NCAA swimming and diving national championships by achieving the highest finish ever recorded by a Lumberjack. Wesche placed 21st in the preliminary round of the 3-meter diving event, scoring an impressive 296.10.
For more updates or to share your achievements with the NAU community, email your announcements to Inside@nau.edu or submit via our online submission form.
Read More Here
