The NAU Review — When snowflakes go metal

The NAU Review. The official news source for Northern Arizona University.

Jan. 8, 2026

We deliver top headlines to the Lumberjack community every Tuesday and Thursday during the academic year. For more, visit news.nau.edu.

Microscope images of metal nanoparticles forming the shape of snowflakes

For NAU physicists, it’s snowflake season

When water molecules solidify and stick together in cold air, they form complex hexagonal formations known as snowflakes. As it turns out, fabricated gold, copper and iron nanocrystals do the same thing during lightning-fast chemical reactions. This new discovery by NAU researchers could give scientists better control over the nanomaterials they fabricate, leading to unprecedented breakthroughs.

art print of a bear walking across snowy terrain sketched in white on top of black paper

Nature, animated

A new art exhibit inspired by one professor’s encounter with bears in Alaska uses animation, large prints, video and interactive elements to explore the fragile ties between humans and the natural world, leading visitors on a journey into the wild.

Map of the United States with high emissions places noted in yellow, orange and red colors

Mapping our emissions

Led by Kevin Gurney, researchers in the School of Informatics, Computing, and Cyber Systems released a database of 13 years of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, giving people and policymakers detailed insight into their carbon footprint.

Officer Fiona O'Donnell standing with a group of students.

Humans of NAU
with Fiona O’Donnell

O’Donnell, who was just named NAUPD’s officer of the year for 2025, shares what she likes about doing ride-alongs with students and how her CCJ degree led her to law enforcement and the perfect way to spend a day off.