Science Spotlight

See snapshots and stories for the field, lab, classroom and beyond to learn about the kind of research and outreach we do in our department.

Virtual reality project brings accessibility to environmental field sciences

Oct. 24, 2022

Dr. Jacqueline “Jackie” Maximillian, a UArizona associate professor of practice in the Environmental Science department, saw an opportunity for a better academic experience for her online research students by using VR technology. She partnered with the Center for Digital Humanities (CDH), earned a grant, and began the project at the beginning of the fall 2022 semester.

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Field Snapshot: Cultivating the Memory of Soil

Jan. 15, 2021

Doctoral candidate María Touceda-Suárez collaborates with a local living agricultural museum, Mission Garden, to better understand how land use impacts microbial communities.

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Field Snapshot: Mapping Microbes in the Sky Islands

Oct. 30, 2020

Postdoctoral researcher Gabriele Schiro and undergraduate researcher Adalee Martinez spent this summer collecting dust and soil samples to better understand microbial biogeography in the Sky Islands of Arizona (as safely as possible following covid-19 precautions).

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Classroom Snapshot: Sculpting a Saguaro for Climate Science

April 27, 2020

To complete her honor's thesis, environmental science major Rae Pickens wanted to create a science-art collaboration for the Tucson community. See how and why she created a climate art sculpture.

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Outreach Snapshot: Addressing Environmental Injustice through Co-created Citizen Science

Nov. 22, 2019

Watch the story that examines how one co-created citizen science project wants to better inform communities about environmental health. This video is part of a series showing the people behind the science in our department.

Read more about Project Harvest

Field Snapshot: Using Science Policy to Advocate for Clean Water

Nov. 19, 2019

Aj Moses, a doctoral student with Dr. Mónica Ramírez-Andreotta, wants to be an expert in water issues, from federal and state laws to the microbial make-up of the water in our rain barrels. And with that knowledge, he wants to go into environmental policy to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.

Read Aj's story

Field Snapshot: Keeping Preschool Gardens, Playgrounds Safe for Children

Nov. 19, 2019

Iliana Manjón worked at the intersection of environmental analysis, community engagement and human health with Dr. Mónica Ramírez-Andreotta as part of the citizen science project, Gardenroots.

Read more about Iliana and Gardenroots

Field Snapshot: Tackling 21st Century Sustainability Challenges on the Navajo Nation

Nov. 19, 2019

Nikki Tulley grew up on the Navajo Nation, and now a doctoral student in environmental science, is enrolled in the program Indigenous Food, Energy, Water Security and Sovereignty that combines research internships, teaching and cultural immersion.

Read more about Nikki and INDIGE-FEWSS

Field Snapshot: Recycled Water Could Hold Clue to Harmful Algal Blooms

Oct. 30, 2019

Watch the story that examines a clue about harmful algal blooms discovered in Tucson's Sweetwater Wetlands by Dr. Jean McLain and her former graduate student Robert Lynch. This video is part of a series showing the people behind the science in our department.

Read about harmful algal blooms in Arizona