PhD candidate in the School of Earth & Sustainability with a concentration in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology

Laura is a PhD student working with Dr. Sara Souther to explore factors influencing Emory oak decline and resilience to inform restoration efforts for this species. Laura is originally from Minnesota, and like most ecologists, grew up loving the outdoors. After watching the climate crisis worsen, she developed a deep desire to try to do something about climate change. Laura is particularly interested in ecological restoration for species of ecological or cultural importance (such as the Emory oak) and to understand the effects of the changing climate on imperiled species. Laura obtained her B.S. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Rice University and her Masters in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation from the University of Florida where she explored the effects of Everglades restoration on an endangered bat species. When Laura isn’t in the field counting trees or behind her desk looking at numbers, she enjoys running with her dogs and baking bread!

PhD candidate in Biological Sciences

DJ Soriano is a PhD student with a Master’s in Science Education and five years of experience teaching science at the middle and high school levels. His research interests include science education, soil and plant ecology, and species conservation. DJ aims to engage K-12 schools in the Flagstaff area to help gather data for his research, both in the lab and in the field, promoting a sense of belonging in science for students who may feel disconnected from the subject. In his free time, he enjoys playing video games (especially Pokémon and Overwatch), gardening, watching documentaries, and rewatching “The Office” and “Bob’s Burgers.”

Post-baccalaureate Research Fellow

Shawna Woody is a post-baccalaureate research fellow in the Research and Mentoring for post-baccalaureate (RaMP) program at Northern Arizona University. She graduated from Fort Lewis College in 2020 with BS in Biology. Shawna’s research interest involve botany, land management, and ethnobotany. Her research project with RaMP is focused on gathering literature data.

MS Environmental Sciences & Policy

Alex is a master's student in Environmental Science and Policy with a deep passion for the Earth’s many treasures—rocks, insects, animals, plants, and landscapes alike. Growing up in Hawai'i, Alex developed a profound connection to the natural world, which sparked her love for ecology and inspired her to pursue a career in conservation. Through her studies and fieldwork, she seeks to better understand and protect the intricate connections that sustain life and beauty on our planet.

MS Biology; Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology emphasis

I am a current MS student at Northern Arizona University in the Biological Sciences program. I graduated in 2022 at Fort Lewis College with my B.S. in Environmental Science. One of my goals within the program and in research is to incorporate Traditional Ecological Knowledge into my study. Being out in the field has peaked my research interest in botany, plant physiology, mycorrhizal fungi, soil science, bacteria, biological and ecological restoration. For my MS thesis I will be looking at AM fungi in maize fields that will focus on the microbiome of maize roots in low and high-input agricultural fields. In my free time, I love to be outdoors with my dog!

Post-baccalaureate Research Fellow

Amber is a post-baccalaureate research fellow in the Research and Mentoring for Post-Baccalaureates (RaMP) program at Northern Arizona University. In 2022, she earned a dual degree from NAU, graduating with a BS in Environmental and Sustainability Studies and a BA in Sociocultural Anthropology. Amber’s research interests encompass ethnobotany, botany, ecological restoration, biological conservation, and traditional ecological knowledge. Currently, her fellowship research project focuses on wind erosion mitigation and dryland restoration. This initiative involves the propagation and transplantation of various native grass and forb species on the lands of the Navajo Nation.