A woman uses a laptop, working with artificial intelligence, as indicated by the floating AI icons. AI-generated

GenAI is here to stay—how are professors using it?

Hand placing a ballot inside a box

Research & Academics

Behind the ballot

The election process in the United States is a fundamental part of its democracy. A new election administration certificate program will show students what takes place behind the ballot and prepare them for a career safeguarding the integrity of the voting process in Arizona and beyond.

Picture of piano keys

Keyed up for summer

High notes and cool vibes abound at the annual Flagstaff Piano Festival! This year’s weeklong experience will bring together celebrated artists, young pianists, educators and music lovers between June 21-28.

Trevor Ritland taking a picture in Costa Rica

Humans of NAU: Trevor Ritland

A childhood obsession kindled by his father's stories took Trevor Ritland, assistant director of communications for student affairs, and his twin brother on an epic journey through the cloud forests of Costa Rica in search of an elusive toad that was discovered in 1964 and vanished more than 30 years ago. Their discoveries and experiences are now part of “The Golden Toad: An Ecological Mystery and the Search for a Lost Species.”  Find out more about Ritland’s book and how he balances writing with his job at NAU.

Research & Academics

Hand placing a ballot inside a box

Behind the ballot

The election process in the United States is a fundamental part of its democracy. A new election administration certificate program will show students what takes place behind the ballot and prepare them for a career safeguarding the integrity of the voting process in Arizona and beyond.

A woman uses a laptop, working with artificial intelligence, as indicated by the floating AI icons. AI-generated

GenAI is here to stay—how are professors using it?

NAU is integrating generative AI into its educational programs through innovative projects funded by the Office of the Provost's TRAIL grants. These initiatives include using AI-enhanced ultrasound in physical therapy classes, AI tools in business analytics and AI-generated conversations with historical conservationists in environmental courses. The goal is to enhance learning experiences and better prepare students for a tech-driven future. (Editor's note: Could you tell this summary was written by AI?)

NASA image of an asteroid orbiting near Earth

What are near-Earth asteroids made of? Researchers are about to find out.

Over the next three years, a pair of astronomers at NAU will analyze some 1,000 Near Earth Objects, also known as near-Earth asteroids, to gain a better picture of what materials these celestial bodies are made of. Their work could help scientists map out the solar system in greater detail—and potentially save Earth from destructive collisions. 

Campus & Community

Instructor showing a journal to a young student

Creative minds come together at the Young Authors Camp

Building new worlds, creating mini-zines and sharing ideas is part of what’s to come at this year’s Young Authors Camp. Young minds will discover the power of words using poetry, fiction and creative writing while meeting friends and playing games. This camp, open to incoming sixth- to 12th-graders, will be led in collaboration with NAU’s English education graduate students, who will gain hands-on experience in the classroom while shaping the minds of tomorrow.

People throwing LJs on Giving Day

Giving Day 2025 sets another record, raising more than $1M

For the third year in a row, Lumberjacks came together to break the NAU Giving Day record, this time topping $1 million in donations. The fundraising event will strengthen support for NAU students, academic initiatives, clubs and more.

Bobby Stuckey pouring wine for customers at Frasca in Boulder, Colorado

Turning accolades into access

Acclaimed restaurateur and NAU alumnus Bobby Stuckey was announced as the 2025 recipient of the coveted Julia Child Award, recognizing his distinguished career in hospitality— and the generous Jack is giving the $50,000 grant to NAU’s School of Hotel and Restaurant Management, bolstering an existing endowed scholarship that supports first-generation students in HRM.

Lumberjack Features

Fit it in a Minute with David Van Ness

David Van Ness shares his thoughts on the use of AI in art and design.

Trevor Ritland taking a picture in Costa Rica

Humans of NAU: Trevor Ritland

A childhood obsession kindled by his father's stories took Trevor Ritland, assistant director of communications for student affairs, and his twin brother on an epic journey through the cloud forests of Costa Rica in search of an elusive toad that was discovered in 1964 and vanished more than 30 years ago. Their discoveries and experiences are now part of “The Golden Toad: An Ecological Mystery and the Search for a Lost Species.”  Find out more about Ritland’s book and how he balances writing with his job at NAU.

Portrait of Bobby Macias posing in front of a rugged coastline

Humans of NAU: Bobby Macias

The historian Henry Adams once said, "A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.” That’s why, in celebration of National Teacher Appreciation Week, we reached out to College of Education lecturer Bobby Macias with some questions.