The NAU Review — An astronomical role model, two grad students step into game-changing research opportunities and True Blue Fridays are here!

May 18, 2023

Malik Bossett discovered his love of science and astronomy all on his own and at an early age. As one of only a few people of color in his high school astronomy club, he realized his passion for science reached far beyond the stars, and he wanted to be the astronomy figure he never had—a Black one. He hopes to introduce kids of color to STEM fields at an early age and continue to diversify a notoriously white field of study.

Ph.D. students John Dallyn and Raina Fitzpatrick were among the 87 graduate students nationwide selected for the Office of Science’s Graduate Student Research program. Both will have the opportunity to do research at prestigious national laboratories, taking on questions that are at the forefront of discovery and innovation.

Four years ago, Brianne Kanu desperately needed a career change. She’d just had a baby and found herself missing all of his firsts because she was at work. She wanted a career that allowed her to make a difference in the world. She found NAU’s school psychology program, and spent three years studying, conducting research, advocating and working in public schools, surrounded by people who were committed to equity and justice for all students. It’s an ethos that will be a part of her career going forward as well, driven in part by the experiences she had in school.