The Firth River in the Yukon Territory

Mapping carbon in the Arctic 

People throwing LJs on Giving Day
Faculty & Staff

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.
scorched ground and fallen burned trees with unburned pines in the background
Research & Academics

New report provides critical support for wildfire and post-fire flood response

Knowing where to turn for help in the wake of a wildfire can feel overwhelming. With wildfires affecting an increasing number of communities throughout Arizona, residents need clear guidance and actionable steps to recover. The good news? There is a new resource for the state—"After Wildfire: A Guide for Arizona Communities”—designed to support individuals and communities as they navigate the aftermath of these devastating events.
Brown rats eating something on a concrete floor
Research & Academics

How urban rats spread deadly bacteria as they migrate

Researchers at NAU, Tufts and government agencies examined rodent behavior to show how rats’ movement spreads leptospirosis, which could cause severe organ damage and even death in humans.
MORE NEWS

Research & Academics

scorched ground and fallen burned trees with unburned pines in the background

New report provides critical support for wildfire and post-fire flood response

Knowing where to turn for help in the wake of a wildfire can feel overwhelming. With wildfires affecting an increasing number of communities throughout Arizona, residents need clear guidance and actionable steps to recover. The good news? There is a new resource for the state—"After Wildfire: A Guide for Arizona Communities”—designed to support individuals and communities as they navigate the aftermath of these devastating events.
The Firth River in the Yukon Territory

Mapping carbon in the Arctic 

A study led by NAU researchers created the first high-resolution maps of plant life for the entire Arctic. Considering the northern ecosystems are warming four times faster than the rest of the planet, it’s a canary in the coal mine for the rest of us. Knowing how the region’s plants have been affected will help scientists model what the Arctic may be facing in the future and what steps can be taken to mitigate adverse effects.
Brown rats eating something on a concrete floor

How urban rats spread deadly bacteria as they migrate

Researchers at NAU, Tufts and government agencies examined rodent behavior to show how rats’ movement spreads leptospirosis, which could cause severe organ damage and even death in humans.

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.
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.
Nicole Sylvester in NAU graduation regalia

Graduate Nicole Sylvester: Computing with compassion

Master’s student Nicole Sylvester sees her two computer science degrees as tools for positive change. After five years at NAU advocating for women in computing, supporting Hopi youth mental health and working to improve rural broadband networks, Sylvester hopes she can continue making a positive impact on the Flagstaff community.

Lumberjack Features

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.
Fifth-year student Karina Silbermann poses in front of Lake Constance in Konstanz, Germany.

Lumberjacks Abroad: Germany Edition!

Fifth-year environmental science student Karina Silbermann chose to study abroad in Konstanz, Germany, after years of building fond memories of the country during visits to her mother's hometown. A year filled with hands-on experiences studying plankton ecology in Lake Constance, strengthening her work-life balance and soaking in Germany's calm atmosphere created a sleuth of new postcard-worthy stories that Silbermann shares in this latest Lumberjacks Abroad feature.

Views from NAU: How Mock Trial prepared me for life after NAU

NAU's Mock Trial club ranked nationally for the first time ever this spring and Mason Wulbrecht, a senior majoring in political science with a minor in law and society and the president of the club, shared his experience and how this competition prepared him to life after college.

FEATURED SPOTLIGHT

Featured Spotlight: Amaya Pablo

  • Amaya Pablo, a double major in chemistry and applied Indigenous studies, was awarded the Udall Undergraduate Scholarship, which celebrates future leaders in environmental, Tribal public policy and health care fields. Kaya Dickson, an Honors sociology major and Flinn Scholar, and Kaiya AuBuchon, an Honors communication science disorders major, received honorable mentions for the scholarship.