group of students and faculty standing in a lab with cameras and testing equipment

NAU students built a camera. Now it’s going to Mars

Campus & Community

How one veteran found her home, her future and herself

Alicia Brady spent more than 18 years in military. She knew she wanted a career in healthcare, and that led her to NAU. After reconnecting with nature and finding healing in the forest, she realized other veterans could find healing there as well.

Black and white picture of sign that reads Monte Vista

Research & Academics

Shades and places

This month, student photographers will showcase their best work at the School of Communication gallery, allowing them to learn skills they will carry with them after graduation.

NAU students during a summer program in Italy

Lumberjacks Abroad

Student edition

Experience a sustainable summer in Italy

Study abroad, the short way. In just six weeks, students can explore Italy’s landscapes, traditions and forward-thinking sustainability efforts, earning academic credits while experiencing all a study abroad program has to offer at a fraction of the time and cost.

Research & Academics

group of students and faculty standing in a lab with cameras and testing equipment

NAU students built a camera. Now it’s going to Mars

Four cameras built by students and faculty at Northern Arizona University will soon launch into the stratosphere on a dual spacecraft bound for Mars. Two traditional cameras and two infrared cameras, designed and constructed by 35 NAU students over the course of three semesters, will capture images from the research mission ESCAPADE.

Black and white picture of sign that reads Monte Vista

Shades and places

This month, student photographers will showcase their best work at the School of Communication gallery, allowing them to learn skills they will carry with them after graduation.

Collage showing STEM-science, technology, engineering and math

STEMming from an interest in science

For National STEM Day on Nov. 8, hear from four students in each of the four areas—science, technology, math and engineering—about what drew them to their majors and what they hope to do once they enter the workforce.

Campus & Community

How one veteran found her home, her future and herself

Alicia Brady spent more than 18 years in military. She knew she wanted a career in healthcare, and that led her to NAU. After reconnecting with nature and finding healing in the forest, she realized other veterans could find healing there as well.

Individual sitting inside the sensory room at NAU

When the world gets too loud

Stress, noise and constant stimulation are part of daily life on campus. A new quiet room at NAU’s Institute for Human Development—offers individuals navigating sensory overload, anxiety and neurodivergence a space to reset and refocus.

Melanie Rice and Olga Thomas headshots

How NAU is a transfer-friendly destination

During National Transfer Student Week, we talked to Melanie Rice, a nursing student who transferred to the Flagstaff mountain campus in 2024. Learn how she adjusted to campus and what drew her to NAU.

Lumberjack Features

NAU students during a summer program in Italy

Experience a sustainable summer in Italy

Study abroad, the short way. In just six weeks, students can explore Italy’s landscapes, traditions and forward-thinking sustainability efforts, earning academic credits while experiencing all a study abroad program has to offer at a fraction of the time and cost.

Sara Rinfret

Humans of NAU: Sara Rinfret

Sara Rinfret is a professor and director of the master’s of public administration (MPA) program in the Department of Politics and International Affairs. She was recently elected the president of the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration and as a fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration. Learn more about her career and what brought her back to NAU.

Illustration of a hand holding a key that reads 'Happiness'

Views from NAU: Is this the secret to happiness?

What exactly is happiness? Is it a destination or something quietly waiting beneath the noise of our everyday life? We asked Jessie Finch, chair of the Department of Sociology, who has been teaching about happiness for 10 years, to share some of her “greatest hits” on how you can find your own. Read what she had to say.