In the Spotlight: July 26, 2019

Kudos to these faculty, staff and programs

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  • NAU planetary scientist Christopher Edwards will participate in the Remote, In Situ, and Synchrotron Studies for Science and Exploration 2 (RISE2) team, which was recently selected by NASA to collaborate on research into the intersection of space science and human space exploration as part of the Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute (SSERVI). The team will address key aspects of interpreting the surfaces of and samples from the Moon, Near Earth Asteroids (NEAs), Phobos and Deimos. Using a comprehensive approach to better understand the spectral data of samples and surfaces, develop protocols for safe and scientifically productive exploration of those surfaces, and in turn maximize the scientific value of samples, especially small, precious returned samples, RISE2 will produce a wealth of information and a team of well-trained next-generation scientists. Learn more on the NASA website.
  • Vice President for Development and Alumni Engagement Rickey McCurry was invited to join the CASE Laureates Program, an international network of senior volunteers committed to advancing education and bettering lives and society. CASE Laureates are experts in various fields who are called upon to help maintain connection with senior volunteers.
  • Lori Poloni-Staudinger, associate dean in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, co-authored “Why Don’t Women Rule the World?” which will be published this month. The book examines the underrepresentation of women in politics and is a mix of theory and practical activities to help students better understand the effects of underrepresentation on policy and worldwide issues.  
  • Assistant professor in the School of Nursing Laura Karnitschnig was elected chair of the Board of Directors for Prevent Child Abuse (PCA) Arizona. Karnitschnig has served on the board and executive committee since 2016, helping support the PCA mission to prioritize the prevention of child maltreatment. PCA is the state chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America.
  • Chief Information Officer Steve Burrell traveled to Washington, D.C., this week to promote smart campuses using modern technology to enhance student learning, improve university environments and lower operating costs. Burrell and ASU collaborate with local governments, private-public partnerships and higher education institutions to bring smart campus technology to new communities, especially small towns and rural campuses. Part of their work is calling on congressional caucuses to support bills that fund smart campus advancements.
  • Thanks in part to Northern Arizona University alumni who stay in town after graduation, Insurify named Flagstaff one of 2019’s Most Educated Cities for its commitment to education. Methodology included analyzing the company’s car insurance applications which included city of residence and highest level of education. Analysts then used an algorithm to determine an education score for applicants based on education level and achievement. Flagstaff was the top Arizona city.
  • Efforts from The Coordinating Committee for Sustainability and the Office of Sustainability helped NAU be recognized as the largest green power user in the Big Sky Conference for 2018-19 as part of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Green Power Challenge for colleges and universities.
Cheyenne Jarrette