{"id":73962,"date":"2025-02-13T08:40:36","date_gmt":"2025-02-13T15:40:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/news\/?p=73962"},"modified":"2025-02-17T10:49:49","modified_gmt":"2025-02-17T17:49:49","slug":"r1-research-designation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/news\/r1-research-designation\/","title":{"rendered":"NAU achieves R1 research designation"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Carnegie Foundation announced today that Northern Arizona University received R1 research activity designation, the highest classification for research institutes in the United States.<\/p>\n

The designation reflects NAU\u2019s efforts to produce knowledge, processes and technology that are pivotal in solving the world\u2019s problems and preparing students to enter the constantly shifting workforce. The criteria for R1 status are spending at least $50 million annually on research and development and awarding at least 70 research doctorates each year.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur R1 status recognizes transformative impact NAU\u2019s teacher-scholar faculty have in their fields\u2014not only advancing cutting-edge research, but also providing exceptional educational experiences that prepare our students for dynamic, evolving careers in the modern workforce,\u201d said NAU President Jos\u00e9 Luis Cruz Rivera<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The designation will help in recruiting faculty and students because it demonstrates the university\u2019s commitment to research and scholarship, especially in graduate programs, Vice President for Research Jason Wilder<\/strong> said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe research being done at NAU, by our teacher-scholars and students at every level, is good for Arizona, the United States and the world at large\u2014we are taking on the challenges of health, technology, AI and so much more,\u201d Wilder said. \u201cOpportunities for research at NAU help prepare our students for the workforce, especially in Arizona, as our economy is becoming increasingly technology-based. Our graduates are on the cutting edge of the tech that is moving the country, and the world, forward.\u201d<\/p>\n

Research funding<\/strong><\/h3>\n

NAU first exceeded the $50 million R&D expenditure criterion several years ago and has sustained year-over-year growth in federally funded research spending since. One of those areas has been in fire management and recovery, a key part of NAU\u2019s research portfolio given the university\u2019s location in the largest contiguous ponderosa pine forest in the country.<\/p>\n

“NAU\u2019s research addresses Arizona\u2019s most pressing environmental and socioeconomic challenges,\u201d said Andrew S\u00e1nchez Meador<\/strong>, executive director of the Ecological Restoration Institute. \u201cThrough the ERI and the School of Forestry, we provide science-based solutions to reduce wildfire risk, protect water security and support rural economies. Our work enhances forest health and community safety and helps Arizona navigate the economic, social and ecological impacts of wildfire, ensuring a more resilient and sustainable future for Arizona and the West.”<\/p>\n

\"Emily
PMI researcher Emily Cope works in her lab. She studies microbiology; one of her recent projects looks at the role of the gut microbiome in Alzheimer’s disease.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cThe designation of NAU as a R1 research institution is exciting, placing NAU in the upper echelon of research universities in the United States,\u201d said David Wagner<\/strong>, executive director of the Pathogen & Microbiome Institute, which is a leader in research in COVID, Valley fever and more. \u201cThis is the result of a long-term concerted effort to advance research excellence at NAU. The research that we conduct at NAU\u2019s Pathogen and Microbiome Institute is critical as we are developing new knowledge and breakthroughs that advance the human condition. But, perhaps more importantly, our significant research efforts allow us to provide numerous students with opportunities for hands-on experience with cutting-edge research. This prepares the next generation of scientists with the advanced skills and abilities they will use to make real improvements to the lives of our fellow Arizonans and others throughout the world.\u201d<\/p>\n

The importance of doctoral education<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The number of doctoral degree programs NAU offers has continued to grow, with degrees in areas like informatics, astronomy and planetary science and interdisciplinary health netting strong enrollment numbers and building on NAU\u2019s established doctoral programs in areas like education. Ramona Mellott<\/strong>, dean of the College of Education, highlighted the critical need for doctoral programs like combined counseling\/school psychology, educational leadership\u2013pre-K-12 administration, community college\/higher education administration and curriculum and instruction.<\/p>\n

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A graduate student in the College of Education’s psychology program works with a student. Top photo: Andrew S\u00e1nchez Meador and a student take measurements of forest growth.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cStudents in these programs learn ways to address critical issues in education and mental health, combining academic rigor with practical application,\u201d she said. \u201cAlongside their faculty mentors, they uniquely bridge research and practice, producing scholarship that informs policy, strengthens leadership and improves outcomes for learners and communities. Their work leaves a lasting impact, shaping the future of education and society.\u201d<\/p>\n

As NAU doctoral programs grow to meet demand, the Office of the Vice President for Research has created graduate research assistantships that support students working in areas that are a priority for ABOR\u2019s\u00a0Technology Research Initiative Fund<\/a>\u00a0(TRIF) with the goal of increasing enrollment and degrees awarded.<\/p>\n

Impactful research coming out of NAU includes:<\/p>\n