Northern Arizona University’s School of Earth and Sustainability and the Wyss Foundation have named environmental science and policy graduate students Taylor Hartness and Tia Hatton as 2026-2027 Wyss Conservation Scholars. The prestigious program supports innovative graduate-level education to advance a new generation of leaders in U.S. land conservation. Scholars are chosen for their commitment to conservation and their leadership qualities. They are pursuing interdisciplinary graduate studies to develop effective new approaches to today’s most pressing environmental challenges.
“The Wyss Foundation has been a longtime supporter of the Environmental Science and Policy program at NAU,” said Erik Nielsen, School of Earth and Sustainability professor and director of the NAU Wyss Scholars program. “They have played a critical role in growing a network of young conservation leaders that are leading the way to protect public lands, waters and wildlife. We’re incredibly proud of Tia and Taylor and know that, with this generous support from the Wyss Foundation, they will advance innovative approaches to bridge the science-policy divide that will result in just and lasting conservation outcomes.”
Hartness, a Fargo, North Dakota native, spent much of her childhood in the lake country of central Minnesota, where she developed a deep appreciation for freshwater ecosystems. Before graduate school, she worked as a forestry technician for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on floodplain forest management and wildlife monitoring. At NAU, Hartness’ research examines how climate change and increased human activity affect freshwater macroinvertebrates, such as snails and worms, and aquatic vegetation. She plans to pursue a career in stream and riparian restoration, integrating ecological research and collaborative conservation to support freshwater biodiversity.
“It’s an honor to be chosen as a Wyss Scholar. I am excited to help bridge ecological research with collaborative policy solutions that support resilient freshwater ecosystems,” Hartness said.
Hatton, a native from Bend, Oregon, began her conservation journey immersed in the outdoors. She got involved in environmental advocacy at an early age, and at 18, when she joined the landmark climate lawsuit Juliana v. United States. After completing her undergraduate studies at the University of Oregon, she worked with the Wallowa Land Trust, Oregon League of Conservation Voters and the City of Flagstaff Sustainability Office. Hatton’s graduate research focuses on justice-oriented conservation in the American West. She plans to pursue leadership roles in community engagement, stewardship or conservation policy.
“Receiving this scholarship is a game-changer in supporting my graduate journey, including supporting meaningful work in collaborative and community-led conservation efforts with Indigenous communities in the Southwest,” Hatton said.
The highly competitive Wyss Scholars program supports students attending six innovative conservation graduate programs, including NAU’s Environmental Sciences and Policy program, Yale University, the University of Michigan, Lewis and Clark College, the University of Colorado and the University of Montana. Each award covers the costs of two years of graduate school plus a summer internship stipend that supports applied conservation science and leadership.
For more information about the Wyss Scholars Program at NAU, contact Erik Nielsen.