Category: Technology

Flagstaff Festival Science — Local Science Spotlight: Dr. Joe Busch, Population Geneticist

Unveiling the secret lives of ticks, Dr. Joe Busch leads us through fascinating research in population genetics. Joe, a Senior Research Scientist at the Pathogen & Microbiome Institute (PMI) at Northern Arizona University, studies Cattle Fever ticks. These ticks pose a major threat to food security in the United States, and Joe uses DNA fingerprinting markers to track tick movements and look for the spread of certain genetic groups.

The NAU Review — What’s killing our aspens, the importance of being kind and our favorite dwarf planet

What happens when an invasive insect starts killing Flagstaff’s fall staple and, more importantly, how can we stop it? These are questions a team of School of Forestry professors and graduate students are asking alongside the U.S. Forest Service as a plague of sap-sucking insects threatens northern Arizona’s aspens.

The NAU Review — ‘For the love of STEM’ and more news

Is kindergarten too young for students to get excited about STEM? No way, says assistant professor Morgan Vigil-Hayes, who is partnering with FUSD to develop a curriculum to get K-5 Native American students doing fun learning activities that focus on math and computational thinking.

Findlay receives 2021 Distinguished Service Award from CCC

Despite a global pandemic, he and his staff were instrumental in getting Coconino Community College’s Automotive Technician program running.

That’s why Robby Findlay, director of operations for the Findlay Automotive Group, has been selected as the 2021 recipient of the prestigious Distinguished Service Award at CCC.

 “What an unbelievable honor,” he said. “I know how much the college has done for the community, and it’s such an honor CCC is commending me and our auto group.”

The NAU Review — The 10 most read stories of Fall 2021

The Fall 2021 semester was a big one for NAU—it brought new leadership, a return to fully in-person activities, another national championship and a new look to the university newsletter. Reread some of our most popular stories from the semester and share your news with us to help us start the new year strong.

Feb. 9 — Coconino County to Host Utility Scale Renewable Energy Ordinance Open House

The public is invited to attend a virtual open house on the Utility Scale Renewable Energy Ordinance (REO) Draft on Wednesday, February 9, 2022, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The draft ordinance will be available for review and comment on the open house site beginning February 9 through February 16, 2022.

The NAU Review — Getting to know grads, Notes from the President, School of Music gets the Kitts’ name and Diné educators

For the last two years, Laurel Malm, the first graduate of a joint program between nursing and ROTC, was on the front lines of health care, working in the COVID ward at Flagstaff Medical Center. Now she’ll take that experience with her into the Army, applying the leadership lessons she learned from ROTC and the need for flexibility, collaboration and focus she’s learned in nursing school. 

Was there a 2021 Festival of Science Event you missed? Don’t Worry! We have a YouTube Channel!

With nearly 100 free and exciting events this year in the Festival of Science, it can be hard to make it to all of the ones you want to go to! But, don’t let this stop you from engaging in the Flagstaff science community all year round, and catching up on the events you missed.

The Flagstaff Festival of Science has a YouTube Channel!

The NAU Review — Celebrating Disability Pride and Heritage Month, Flagstaff Star Party and Notes from the President

Nearly one in five individuals in the U.S. identifies as having a disability, and it is important to recognize the experiences of those people. Throughout the month of October, NAU is celebrating Disability Pride and Heritage Month. NAU’s Commission on Disability Access and Design will host events that focus on inclusivity like the accessibility scavenger hunt and sitting volleyball, along with accessibility design workshops and others, all of which are free and open to the public. 

Dean Regas Named Next Grand Canyon Astronomer in Residence

Grand Canyon Conservancy (GCC) and Grand Canyon National Park are proud to announce the selection of the second Grand Canyon Astronomer in Residence, renowned educator, author, and astronomy expert, Dean Regas. He will live and work at the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park from November 16 to December 8, 2021.

Regas has been the astronomer for the Cincinnati Observatory since 2000 and was co-host of the PBS program “Star Gazers” from 2010 to 2019. He is the author of the books “Facts from Space” and “100 things to See in the Night Sky,” and is a contributing editor to Sky and Telescope Magazine and a contributor to Astronomy Magazine, from which he won the 2008 “Out-of-this-World” Award for astronomy education.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — 2021 Flagstaff Festival of Science offers a ‘Passport’ to a variety of adventures for youth from Sept. 17 through 26

FLAGSTAFF — From “En Plein Air in Flagstaff’s Open Spaces: Stories in Stone,” at Buffalo Park on Sept. 17, to the return of the “Science in the Park” on Sept. 18 and the “Flagstaff Star Party” at Buffalo Park on Sept. 30, the 2021 Flagstaff Festival of Science (Sept. 17-26) provides families with a variety of events to choose from.

Click here to view the entire 2021 Flagstaff Festival of Science Passport schedule.

The festival kicks off with the 2021 Keynote presentation — “When Stones Speak: Decoding the Messages Embedded in Ancient Maya Monuments” with Dr. Jaime Awe at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 17. Doors open at 6 p.m.

During the presentation, Dr. Awe will illuminate the Maya culture for audiences at Ardrey Auditorium, Northern Arizona University.

Full program of events to include Science in the Park, presentations, workshops, guided tours all taking place Sept. 17-26. With many programs led by outstanding Flagstaff scientists, Festival-goers will also have the opportunity to learn about other ancient cultures in this year’s archeological-themed festival. 

Flagstaff City Council to discuss draft Carbon Neutrality Plan

On June 23, 2020, the Flagstaff City Council declared a Climate Emergency. The Declaration commits Flagstaff to achieving community-wide carbon neutrality by 2030, to respond to the climate emergency and improve quality of life for all residents. With input from the Flagstaff community and technical experts, the city of Flagstaff developed a draft a plan that outlines a framework for action over the next nine years. This plan details seven target areas of action that the city will take to reach carbon neutrality:

Bilingual report — Applications open for DES Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program

The Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) is an FCC program to help families and households struggling to afford internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic. This new benefit will connect eligible households to jobs, critical healthcare services, virtual classrooms, DES Services, and so much more.

The DES Office of Community Engagement would like to share with you information about this program. The EBB program opens on May 12, 2021 for eligible individuals and households to enroll. Below is additional information and the link to the Toolkit.

Flagstaff & Williams Justice Court Pilots New Online System

Among the many consequences of COVID-19 are its effects on the criminal justice system, including the safety of participants who appear in court.

Flagstaff and Williams Justice Courts are piloting a procedure that allows criminal defendants the opportunity and choice to appear by remote online methods while still being aware of all their legal rights and protections along the way.  

STEM City will host virtual STEM nights beginning May 3

STEM City will be hosting virtual STEM nights beginning on Monday, May 3rd with community partner organizations via the groups’ Facebook page, FlagstaffSTEMCity.  Participating organizations are creating science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematic video presentations highlighting their work in the greater Flagstaff community.  The resources will also be made available to area educators as classroom materials to enhance learning opportunities in area schools.

“Unfortunately, we will not be hosting this event in-person this year,” shared STEM City President Mike Thomas.  “We are excited to continue forward with the spirit of this event in a different format, continuing to celebrate STEM in this community, and offer learning opportunities to all that participate.”

New Preliminary Flood Maps Issued for Kachina Village/Mountainaire Area

Coconino County announced today that updated, digital flood hazard maps for the Kachina Village and Mountainaire areas are available for public review and comment.

The maps, known as Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), show the extent to which areas recently re-mapped in Kachina Village and Mountainaire are at risk for flooding. Used to help determine flood insurance and building requirements, the new flood maps replace maps that were based on studies more than 25 years old.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Biosciences Innovate During Challenging Year

Yesterday, more than 300 leaders from around the state gathered virtually to discuss Arizona’s Bioscience Roadmap, the progress we’ve made in the last two decades, and how innovation zones and collaborative efforts will increase the pace of investment in this vital sector of our economy.

The agility of bioscience related businesses and organizations was put to the test by the pandemic, as hospitals and health care workers were pushed to the brink by soaring admission rates and lack of essential equipment. Meanwhile, many of our local entities quickly shifted gears to meet the moment:

Flagstaff Festival of Science — Host an event and be a part of the 2021 Festival of Science!

Are you a scientist, educator, or presenter at a scientific institution? Do you or your business want to share your research and programs with the community?

We are calling for submissions to host an event with this year’s Festival!

Workshops, talks, trips, and programs that highlight innovative Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math are all welcome to participate in the 2021 Festival, scheduled to take place in September!

Submissions are due by April 31.

Flagstaff STEM Awards now accepting 2021 nominations

STEM City is now accepting nominations for the 2021 STEMmy awards, an annual award given to organizations and individuals who are STEAM leaders in the greater Flagstaff community.  The deadline is April 23, 2021 and nomination forms for each of the categories are available below.

Student Nomination Form
Teacher Nomination Form 
Community Member Nomination Form 

City of Flagstaff receives National League of Cities Community Resilience Grant

The National League of Cities (NLC) announced the city of Flagstaff as one of eight cities for the 2021 Leadership in Community Resilience program. The NLC will provide the city with $10,000 in direct financial support as well as technical assistance and advisory services from NLC staff and partners to help meet community-specific resilience goals. The city will use this funding to focus on the impacts of smoke from wildfires and prescribed burns by launching the Resilient Neighborhoods Network in three pilot neighborhoods and to provide micro-grants for participating neighborhoods, as well as purchasing HEPA air purifiers to distribute to vulnerable residents.

Gear up for computer support job by year’s end with CCC help

The scenario is all too common: The computer isn’t working right. What’s wrong with it?

The customer dials a number or submits a ticket via email. The line engages; the email is answered.

“Support desk,” the voice says. “How may I help you?”

Coconino Community College is collaborating with Google to offer an Information Technology Support Professional certificate beginning this summer, and the three-class program can be completed before the end of the year.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Students, families, community benefit with CCC&Y partnership with the Coconino County Education Service Agency (CCESA) and more news

From providing professional development training to educators, to informing parents and education advocates about policy and legislative reforms, the political process, school improvement efforts, and local events around education — students, families and the community have benefited from the long term partnership between CCC&Y and the Coconino County Education Service Agency (CCESA).

The Coalition has provided a variety ongoing professional development in recent years including Trauma Informed Care training for educators at the Flagstaff Unified School District and other districts throughout Coconino County.

FUSD reported that more than 1,500 professionals were in attendance for virtual webinar presented in 2020 by CCC&Y.

“Through the support of CCC&Y we were able to provide the opportunity for all staff on our professional development day, August 10th to participate in viewing the webinar: “Understanding Adverse Child Experiences,” district officials reported.

Sedona Arts Center announces updated dates for Online Learning

Online learning opportunities are perfect for students who are interested in taking one of our educational opportunities, but prefer to work at home. These learning opportunities provide a well-rounded experience in various visual art mediums.

Our workshops are live online learning experiences with one-on-one interaction between student and instructor. Click here to see all our online learning opportunities

Arizona MVD: Online renewal of driver licenses is here!

When it comes time to renew your driver license, ADOT MVD has good news: driver license renewal can now be completed online at AZMVDNow.gov.

Because Governor Doug Ducey’s Executive Order on deferring standard driver license expiration dates ends on Feb. 28, the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division is giving many Arizonans the ability to renew their driver license online. Previously, renewals could only be processed during an office visit.

May 17 — CCC to present Non-Credit Virtual Course ‘Graphic Design for Non-Designers’

It’s true – you can make awesome digital marketing pieces without a degree.
Join CCC Community Education, and NAU Instructor and AEC Printing Owner Amy Dryden for a 3-part series that teaches non-designers the fundamentals of graphic design.

Coconino Community College — CCC joins statewide effort to train cloud-based computing

Leaders in the technology industry say that cloud-based computing is not only the future, but it is already here. 

Coconino Community College has joined other colleges across Arizona in a statewide effort to increase access to cloud computing education in schools. On Thursday, the Arizona Commerce Authority announced the initiative, with the support of Amazon Web Services, Inc., which has a goal to train and certify 5,000 students in the state for entry-level cloud computing careers by June 2022.

CCC faculty embracing technology for students

Zoom. FaceTime. YouTube. Online dashboards. Email.

It’s different from face-to-face teaching, but it gets the job done so students can keep chipping away at their educational goals during the time of the COVID-19 stay-at-home executive order issued by Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey.

Faculty at Coconino Community College spent their Spring Breaks this year working to figure out ways to reach their students in order to keep instruction on schedule.

Flagstaff Festival of Science – Thursday’s Events

The 2019 Flagstaff Festival of Science continues through this weekend!  Here is a brief overview of some of the events going on today (Thursday).  Go to the programfor the full listing, and remember, everything is free! Festival Program of Events…

Flagstaff Festival of Science update for Sept. 14

The 2018 Flagstaff Festival of Science, Accelerating into the Future, will explore the astounding changes our lives may take in the next few years. The FREE, award-winning 10-day Festival, Sept. 21 – 30, 2018, will showcase signature events such as Science…

Flagstaff Communicators presents ‘Your Digital Presence’ with Sublime Dzine on Aug. 11

R.S.V.P. Today for “Your Digital Presence — From SEO to Social Media and Everything in Between” with Nick Allen of Sublime Dzine Digital Design Flagstaff Communicators luncheon presentation Thursday, August 11 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Oakmont, 2380 N. Oakmont Dr.…

Flag Tech Talk to present: ‘Search Engine Optimization (SEO)’ on April 20

FLAGSTAFF —  Flag Tech Talk will present a discussion on “Search Engine Optimization (SEO)” at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 20 at Bookmans, Flagstaff. Presented by Joe Bodin of Reliable Web Designs. Having a website doesn’t mean anyone is ever going to find it! One…

Free movie screening of ‘Underwater Dreams’ to be held at Coconino High School on March 5

From AmigosNAZ staff reports FLAGSTAFF — The free movie screening of “Underwater Dreams”  will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 5 at the Coconino High School Main Auditorium, 2801 Izabel St., Flagstaff. Written and directed by Mary Mazzio, and narrated…

Technology / Tecnología: How to cut costs on data plans

By Metro Editorial Services (MS) There have been a number of must-have trends throughout history. While in years past the hottest commodity was the in-demand toy or gaming system, today people cannot seem to get enough of their technological gadgets,…

Technology / Tecnología: Simple ways to soundproof a home

By Metro Editorial Services (MS) Advancements in technology have made it easier than ever before for homeowners to create a mini movie theater in the comfort of their own homes. The affordability of home-theater systems and big-screen televisions, once deemed…

Technology / Tecnología: Beware buying medicines online

By Metro Editorial Services (MS) The Internet has made it possible for consumers to buy just about anything without ever leaving their homes. Whether looking for a pizza or a car, consumers can find whatever they need with a few…

Technology / Tecnología: Preserve digital photos, family memories

By Metro Editorial Services (MS) The advent of digital photo technology has revolutionized the way most people take photos. Although there are many advantages ti digital photography, the potential for digital images to disappear in a moment makes preserving them…

Technology / Tecnología: Women surpass men in tech buys

By Metro Editorial Services (MS) Though men might be more commonly associated with buying gadgets, the tech industry is not as much of a boy’s club as one may think. Aside from one consumer electronic category, women are the consumers…

Technology / Tecnología: Cell phone security tips

By Metro Editorial Services (MS) Though as recently as a decade ago they were largely a luxury, cell phones are now the go-to device for men, women and even children. Over that time period, cell phones have evolved from mobile…