NAU Space Grant Success Stories

“Tenielle Gaither, geologist and project lead for Planetary Nomenclature” says, “Nadine was a mentor to me as an NAU undergraduate participant in the NAU/NASA Space Grant program. The addition of the name Barlow to solar system nomenclature is the perfect way to commemorate her lasting impact on planetary science”.

This Arizona Education Foundation award recognizes impactful champions of public education. Ms. Lara has been a dedicated educator for nearly 50 years, and now works with the NASA/NAU Space Grant Office as the American Indian Mobile Educational Resources (AIMER) coordinator in Northern Arizona.

“For so long, I have wanted to find a position in the sciences with space to be Indigenous, to live a more integrated life."

Mary Lara heads the "AIMER" Program designed to teach students in Northern Arizona about the excitement and science of our solar system.

Claire's research project was titled, "Is there fine-grained material under the surface of Bennu?" This research was presented at the AZ Space Grant Annual Symposium on April 23, 2022.

The NAU Space Jacks team also took 1st place in oral presentations and 3rd place in written reports. These awards include a grand prize of $3,000 and an invitation and travel stipend for a VIP tour at the Kennedy Space Center this summer.

On August 17, 2020, Nadine Barlow passed away. Nadine was appointed the NAU Space Grant Associate Director in 2008 and was a dedicated mentor to many students. She will be deeply missed by the AZSGC family.

Six female students from NAU attended the Conference for Undergraduate Women in Physics.

AZ Space Grant Associate Director, Nadine Barlow, discusses the Meteor Crater located 30 miles east of Flagstaff AZ, which is used for research by NAU staff and students. Listen to