Ecology & Conservation
Ecology and Conservation Research
Research Focus
SES faculty lead research programs investigating biodiversity, ecosystem function, the ecological impacts of human activities, and strategies for ecosystem conservation and management.
Faculty Expertise
We have 10 faculty members with expertise in community ecology, conservation biology, aquatic ecology, soil ecology, and wildlife conservation.
Degree Programs
Students can pursue:
- Bachelor’s degrees in Environmental Sciences/Sustainability
- Master’s in Environmental Sciences & Policy
- PhD in Earth Sciences & Environmental Sustainability
Research Areas
Our research encompasses:
- Biodiversity assessment and monitoring
- Ecosystem function and services
- Conservation biology and management strategies
- Ecological impacts of human activities
- Wildlife and habitat conservation
- Community ecology and species interactions
- Aquatic ecosystem health
- Soil ecology and biogeochemistry
Applied Conservation
Our research directly supports:
- Land management decision-making
- Species conservation programs
- Ecosystem restoration projects
- Environmental policy development
- Sustainable resource management
Who We Are
Our faculty includes:
- Clare Aslan - Community ecology, conservation biology
- Rebecca Best - Aquatic ecology and evolution
- Duan Biggs - Conservation innovations
- Brett Dickson - Conservation biology
- Nancy Johnson - Soil ecology
- Erika Nowak - Herpetology
- Helen Rowe - Conservation, restoration ecology
- Teki Sankey - Remote sensing
- Sara Souther - Plant population ecology
Collaborators
- USGS Southwest Biological Sciences Center
- NAU Biology Department
- NAU Forestry Department
- NAU School of Informatics, Computing, and Cyber Systems
For Students
Students can pursue degrees in:
- Bachelor’s degrees (BS/BA) in Environmental Sciences or Environmental & Sustainability Studies
- Master’s Degree (MS) in Environmental Sciences & Policy
- PhD in Earth Sciences & Environmental Sustainability with ecology emphasis
Contact Information
Email: SES.Admin@nau.edu
Phone: 928-523-9333
Location: Room A108, Ashurst Building, NAU, Flagstaff, AZ