To discover one truly great idea, Thomas Edison said, it’s necessary to generate lots of good ones.

Innovation flourishes in the CEFNS “idea environment.” Our faculty—assisted by undergraduate and graduate students—conduct vital research in more than 30 university-funded centers. Our successes in forest restoration projects, wind mapping and alternative energy development, and the study of pathogens and genomes, have provided students with exceptional hands-on research experiences that will prepare them for the workforce and future challenges. At the same time, our researchers demonstrate their commitment to advancing sustainability initiatives (or science and technology) and improving the quality of our lives and communities.

Our intellectual expertise is matched by our exceptional geography. In the heart of the Colorado Plateau, Flagstaff is a convergence point of diverse landscapes. From subalpine forests to rugged canyons to low deserts, our faculty and agencies work closely with agencies to better understand and manage these very different ecosystems.