The NAU Review — Learn about the force, take a survey and see how NAU is increasing diversity in STEM

June 9, 2022

Applied physics doctoral student Jorge Muñoz came to NAU almost a decade ago for a master’s degree. After life took him in different directions, he found his way back to Flagstaff, in a new department, working on a Ph.D. and researching the potential uses of force microscopy for investigating advanced functional materials. This work led him to be selected for the Department of Defense’s SMART Scholarship, which pays for the rest of his education and ensures him a job continuing his research after graduation.

Researchers at NAU are conducting a victim services needs assessment and want your input. The survey is part of a partnership to help ensure Indigenous victims of crime have support and needed resources.

The workforce throughout northern Arizona and the Southwest will need a growing number of engineering and computer science professionals who can develop advanced solutions addressing water supply shortages, increasing access to renewable energy, enhancing infrastructure, mitigating climate change and solving other significant challenges facing the region. NAU professor Constantin Ciocanel and his team will use a $1.49 million award from the National Science Foundation to recruit and mentor students from underrepresented populations to help with these issues.