NAU Students Recognized as Wyss Conservation Scholars
In a concerted effort to foster future leaders in land conservation, Northern Arizona University’s School of Earth and Sustainability, alongside the Wyss Foundation, has named two graduate students as Wyss Conservation Scholars for the 2026-2027 academic year. This initiative aims to support innovative education pathways in environmental science and policy, aligning with the foundation’s mission to protect public lands and wildlife.
Taylor Hartness and Tia Hatton, both dedicated to the field of environmental conservation, have been selected for their remarkable leadership qualities and dedication to conservation. As Erik Nielsen, Director of the NAU Wyss Scholars program, notes, “The Wyss Foundation has been a longtime supporter of the Environmental Science and Policy program at NAU. They have played a critical role in growing a network of young conservation leaders that are leading the way to protect public lands, waters and wildlife. We’re incredibly proud of Tia and Taylor and know that, with this generous support from the Wyss Foundation, they will advance innovative approaches to bridge the science-policy divide that will result in just and lasting conservation outcomes.”
Taylor Hartness, hailing from Fargo, North Dakota, spent her formative years exploring the lakes of central Minnesota, cultivating a passion for freshwater ecosystems. Her pre-graduate experience includes working as a forestry technician with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, where she focused on floodplain forest management and wildlife monitoring. At NAU, her research delves into the impacts of climate change and human activity on freshwater macroinvertebrates and aquatic vegetation. She is committed to pursuing a career in stream and riparian restoration, emphasizing collaborative conservation and ecological research.
Hartness expresses her excitement: “It’s an honor to be chosen as a Wyss Scholar. I am excited to help bridge ecological research with collaborative policy solutions that support resilient freshwater ecosystems.”
Meanwhile, Tia Hatton, from Bend, Oregon, has been an advocate for environmental issues since her teenage years, notably participating in the Juliana v. United States climate lawsuit at age 18. Her career has included work with various environmental organizations, such as the Wallowa Land Trust and the Oregon League of Conservation Voters. Hatton’s graduate research is centered on justice-oriented conservation in the American West, and she aspires to engage in leadership roles that focus on community engagement and conservation policy.
Hatton shares her gratitude, stating, “Receiving this scholarship is a game-changer in supporting my graduate journey, including supporting meaningful work in collaborative and community-led conservation efforts with Indigenous communities in the Southwest.”
The Wyss Scholars program is highly competitive, supporting students from six prominent conservation graduate schools, including NAU. Each scholarship covers two years of graduate education and includes a summer internship stipend to enhance applied conservation science and leadership.
For further information regarding the Wyss Scholars Program at NAU, interested parties can contact Erik Nielsen.
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