Science Foundation Arizona supports NAU’s bioscience road map

NAU will receive $400,000 under the new state-supported program designed to spur science, engineering and biomedical research in Arizona.

Cutting-edge research at Arizona universities is about to get a $4 million boost thanks to Science Foundation Arizona.

“This support will have a huge impact on bringing in new talent and nurturing high-caliber research,” said NAU President John Haeger.

The foundation’s Graduate Research Fellowship program will support eight doctoral graduate fellowships at NAU for the 2007-08 academic year in the fields of biosciences and sustainable systems.

“These fellowship students will raise the bar for all incoming Ph.D. students in their departments, and we will be truly competitive with the best programs in the country in recruiting extraordinary students,” saidBill Grabe, interim vice provost for research and dean of graduate studies.

“The purpose of this program is to provide students with rigorous instruction and research training in cutting-edge areas of investigation,” said Maribeth Watwood, biological sciences chair.

“Specific research projects will be developed in conjunction with faculty expertise in infectious disease, ecological genetics, forest management, environmental genomics, restoration science, water use issues and neurobiology,” Watwood said.

Fellowship packages are valued at $50,000 each, including stipends as well as funding for research supplies and travel. Review of applications for the 2007-08 academic year will begin Feb. 1.

Applicants should apply to doctoral programs in the Department of Biological Sciences or the School of Forestry. Contact Maribeth.Watwood@nau.edu for more information about the application process.

Science Foundation Arizona was initiated in the spring of 2006 by the three statewide CEO groups: Flagstaff 40, Greater Phoenix Leadership and Southern Arizona Leadership Council.