Northern Arizona University’s School of Earth and Sustainability and the Wyss Foundation recognized two environmental science & policy graduate students with the 2024-2025 Wyss Conservation Scholars award for their commitment to the field of conservation and for their leadership qualities
Hanson Mike and Jessica Raty are both pursuing interdisciplinary graduate studies to shape effective new approaches to meet critical environmental challenges.
Mike, a Diné student from Whippoorwill, studied environmental studies at Fort Lewis College and is now pursuing a master’s in environmental sciences & policy at NAU. His research examines how Indigenous people have been involved in federal conservation policies, like the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. Mike is a member of NAU’s Free-flowing Rivers Lab and is passionate about helping Indigenous tribes and communities take back control of water management on public lands.
“An Indigenous student, receiving this scholarship has motivated me even more to make a difference in conservation science and policy,” Mike said. “The scholarship has opened doors for me to pursue my graduate studies, which will greatly enhance my conservation career.”
After graduation, Mike plans to work in the nonprofit sector with communities facing environmental injustices.
Raty said her experiences growing up in Montana strengthened her interest in protecting her favorite wild places and advancing land and watershed conservation efforts through policy.
Before attending graduate school at NAU, Raty worked as a legislative staffer for former U.S. Sen. Jon Tester in Washington, D.C. Through this work, she gained a firsthand understanding of the importance of advocating for strong policies that promote the conservation of natural ecosystems. In the Free-flowing Rivers Lab, Raty researches methods to advance conservation efforts for U.S. public lands, waters and natural resources.
“I am excited and honored to have been chosen as a Wyss Scholar,” Raty said. “Understanding how science can be effectively incorporated into environmental policies is critical for implementing long-lasting and effective protections. The Wyss Foundation has provided the opportunity to bring other Wyss Scholars together to bridge the science-policy divide.”
Post-graduation, Raty plans to enter a career with the federal government focused on advancing environmental conservation efforts through legislative work.
Each award covers the costs of two years of graduate school plus a summer internship stipend that supports applied conservation science and leadership.
“The Wyss Foundation supports a growing network of young conservation leaders that are having an impact protecting public lands, waters and wildlife,” said Erik Nielsen, associate professor and director of the NAU Wyss Scholars program. “We’re proud of these new scholars and know that, with support of the Wyss Foundation, they will develop impactful careers that advance environmental justice and conservation efforts through policy and advocacy.”
The Wyss Foundation recently awarded three years of additional scholarship funding to the environmental sciences & policy graduate program, which will support six master’s students.
The highly competitive Wyss Scholars program is available to students attending innovative conservation programs including NAU, Yale University, University of Michigan, Lewis and Clark College-Environmental Law, University of Colorado and the University of Montana. All six schools are known for their innovative programs in the fields of environmental sciences, policy and law.
For more information about the Wyss Scholars Program at NAU, contact Nielsen at Erik.nielsen@nau.edu