NAU School of Earth and Sustainability

A new paper by SES Prof Bridget Smith-Konter and colleagues shows that the San Andreas Fault is at the highest stress level in 1000 years. NAU College of the Environment, Forestry & Natural Sciences NAU Research https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1029/2025JB033213

Can one tiny cactus help us better understand how ecosystems recover after wildfire? 🌵🔥

NAU School of Earth and Sustainability Director Dr. Clare Aslan and assistant professor, Dr. Sara Souther are investigating just that.

Their research is shedding light on post-wildfire recovery and helping inform future conservation efforts. https://news.nau.edu/cactus-wildfire-recovery/

Here is the final newsletter for the semester from the SES ambassadors containing internships, job opportunities, course opportunities, and celebration information for our graduating class this semester! Good luck on finals! 😊
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Today is Giving Day at NAU! Please consider supporting one of these important funds that will greatly help us to fulfill our educational and research missions!

Dr. Paul Umhoefer Endowed Professorship
Honor the legacy of Dr. Paul Umhoefer, a dedicated geoscientist and mentor who inspired generations of NAU students. This endowed professorship will help attract and retain distinguished faculty whose work in tectonics and sedimentary basins will shape the future of the field. Your support ensures Paul’s passion for research and teaching continues for years to come. https://givingday.foundationnau.org/giving-day/106502/department/117953

Geology Field Experience Fund
Hands-on fieldwork is essential to student success, but recent changes mean NAU can no longer charge course fees to cover costs like transportation, fuel, and supplies. This fund helps expand access to transformative field experiences at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
https://givingday.foundationnau.org/giving-day/106502/department/106604

Bill Morrall Conservation Scholarship
Established in honor of Bill Morrall’s lifelong commitment to conservation, this scholarship supports students pursuing environmental programs at NAU. Bill’s legacy of service and advocacy for Arizona’s natural resources lives on through the students this fund supports.
https://givingday.foundationnau.org/giving-day/106502/department/106604

NAU Giving Day 2026 Together, we Elevate NAU!

Congrats to all the SES faculty who received awards and promotions this spring! We have fabulous people :)

Pranay Ranjan - Most Promising New Research Scholar
Sara Souther - CEFNS Teacher of the Year
Clare Aslan - Full Professor
Diana Elder - Full Professor
Taylor Joyal - Full Teaching Professor
Ryan Porter - Full Professor
David Brumbaugh - Emeritus Professor

Awesome SES undergrad researchers are showcasing their work at the NAU Undergrad Research Symposium today. We are very proud of them! NAU College of the Environment, Forestry & Natural Sciences NAU Undergraduate Research

ENV 425-525 Water Resource Policy and Management Students visit the springs in Sycamore Canyon Wilderness to understand the important role of surface and groundwater interactions in the Verde River Watershed. , , NAU College of the Environment, Forestry & Natural Sciences