Turning open-source contribution into a quest-based learning experience

Man walking toward a tractor cutting logs in a pine forest

Research & Academics

ERI study targets cost hurdles in forest restoration

As the West faces increasingly destructive wildfires, land managers rely on mechanical thinning to reduce hazardous fuels and restore forest health. But one obstacle continues to slow this work down: Thinning costs are notoriously difficult to estimate from one project to the next. Uncertainty around those numbers raises concerns that outdated cost estimates may be holding critical restoration projects back.

Benjamin Winkler and two men holding a giant check

Faculty & Staff

NAU student wins storytelling competition in Regents' Cup

For the first time, an NAU student took home first place for storytelling at the annual Regents’ Cup. Benjamin Winkler, a philosophy, politics and law major, won a $15,000 scholarship for his top-notch oration.

An undergraduate student speaks with a visitor in front of her symposium poster.

Research & Academics

Student edition

From robots to frog spots: Catch a sneak peek at this year’s Undergraduate Symposium projects

Every spring, the High Country Conference Center fills to the brim with undergraduate students ready to show off the research they've been working on all semester, oftentimes for even longer. Get a first look at some of the mechanical, biological and psychological marvels this year's Undergraduate Symposium will have in store.

Research & Academics

Turning open-source contribution into a quest-based learning experience

What if learning the process and tools to join open-source projects was fun? It can be, say the NAU creators of a new open-source platform designed to guide students through the process using structured, quest-based challenges inside GitHub.

Man walking toward a tractor cutting logs in a pine forest

ERI study targets cost hurdles in forest restoration

As the West faces increasingly destructive wildfires, land managers rely on mechanical thinning to reduce hazardous fuels and restore forest health. But one obstacle continues to slow this work down: Thinning costs are notoriously difficult to estimate from one project to the next. Uncertainty around those numbers raises concerns that outdated cost estimates may be holding critical restoration projects back.

An undergraduate student speaks with a visitor in front of her symposium poster.

From robots to frog spots: Catch a sneak peek at this year’s Undergraduate Symposium projects

Every spring, the High Country Conference Center fills to the brim with undergraduate students ready to show off the research they've been working on all semester, oftentimes for even longer. Get a first look at some of the mechanical, biological and psychological marvels this year's Undergraduate Symposium will have in store.

Campus & Community

A bright green cannabis safety graphic.

Know the risks: Campus Health’s guide to responsible cannabis use

Avoid self-medicating with alcohol and cannabis this April. Instead, check out these Campus Health resources to help mitigate your stress and complete screenings to evaluate your drug use habits.

Group of employees holding trash bags in front of a Northern Arizona University sign

How to join NAU’s first-ever Spring into Service Challenge

NAU’s Center for Service and Volunteerism is hosting its very first Spring into Service Challenge from April 1-22, bringing to campus some fresh volunteer opportunities, community-enriching events and a recognition party with raffle prizes, food and fun.

Teacher in an apron leaning over a table surrounded by kids

Three years of growth and recognition for NAU’s Early Learning and Development Center

Driven by a unique model where kids ages 2-5 design their own learning experiences, the ELDC first opened in 2023 as a way to support the diverse community of parents who study and work at NAU. Three years later, the center has attracted national attention, expanded its partnerships with researchers across the university and grown its enrollment by 40%. 

Lumberjack Features

Jaidyn Thompson with friends in Japan

Lumberjacks Abroad: Japan

Jaidyn Thompson spent two semesters in Yamaguchi, Japan, where she not only learned to master the language but also got the opportunity to conduct research with a radio telescope, renewing her love for astronomy. Thompson’s experience abroad made her realize important things about herself and her culture, widening her views of the world.

Abby Shitara and friends in Taiwan

Lumberjacks Abroad: Taiwan

Abby Shitara put her language knowledge to the test while studying and living in Taiwan for a year. Through her experience abroad, this finance and comparative cultural studies senior not only learned about her host country but also shared cultural notes with friends she met from all over the world. Learn what her favorite Taiwanese dish was and how this experience opened her eyes to new possibilities.

Close up shot of small plate of spinach balls

Honor this leafy green in ball fashion

For National Spinach Day, try these Louie-approved cheesy spinach balls—perfect for an afternoon snack or appetizer to share. They’re packed full of iron and delicious flavors, can easily be made vegan and only require five easy steps!