Check out our new book capturing the first quarter of a century!

Transcription

the
by
K e v i n S chi ndl er & B on nie S t e v e ns
Graduated cylinder: Tanya Rae; Nautilus: Festival Archives; A “rose” made of galaxies highlights Hubble’s 21st anniversary: NASA, ESA, and the Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA);
Circut board, Therizinosaur & Ponderosa seedling: A. Kleinman; Parachute: NASAJPLCaltech; Wonderglobe Image: Reto Stöckli, Nazmi El Saleous, and Marit Jentoft-Nilsen, NASA GSFC
the
by
K e v i n S chi ndl er
& B on nie S t e v e ns
1990
Science
from the
Ground Up
Antarctica—The Earth’s Barometer
Arctic Explorer Will Steger
Host Participants
The Arboretum at Flagstaff
Braeside Observatory
Coconino National Forest
Lowell Observatory
Mack Corporation
Museum of Northern Arizona
Northern Arizona University
U.S. Geological Survey
U.S. Naval Observatory
W. L. Gore & Associates
Sponsors
Arizona Daily Sun • Arizona Public Service
Citibank • Days Inn–Hwy 66 • First Interstate Bank
Flagstaff City–Coconino County Public Library
Fred Nackard Wholesale Liquor
Monteverde Design • Northland Printing
Pepsi Cola Co. of Flagstaff • Ralston Purina
Security Pacific Bank • Southern Union Gas
W. L. Gore & Associates.
This book is made possible
by the generous support of
W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
Copyright © 2014
by Kevin Schindler
ISBN 978-0-692-28603-6
Design & Layout
Andi Kleinman
Graphic designer for the
Flagstaff Festival of Science
from 2000 to present.
Printing
Aspen Digital Printing
606 W. Coconino Ave.
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
928.773.0304
[email protected]
Outside Cover Photos
Horsehead and Flame Nebulae:
Russ Ruggles
The original Flagstaff Festival of Science logo was designed in 1990
San Francisco Peaks: A. Kleinman
by Rudy Ramos while he was working for Monteverde Design.
FLAGSTAFF FESTIVAL of SCIENCE:
the FIRST 25 YEARS
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments…2
Preface…3
The Authors…4
Foreword…5
Flagstaff Festival of Science Mission Statement…6
The Essence of the Flagstaff Festival of Science…7
Celebrating Science in the Skylight City…17
Developing the Flagstaff Festival of Science…37
Science: The Endless Frontier…43
Opening Night Reception…50
1991
Science
at its
Peak
Field Trip to the Moon
Apollo Astronaut Jack Schmitt
Host Participants
Flagstaff Medical Center
Lowell Observatory
Sponsors
Arizona Daily Sun • Coconino Center for the Arts
Economic Development Culture & Arts Programs
Flagstaff Health Management Corp.
Flagstaff Visitors Center
Fred Nackard Wholesale Liquor
Northland Printing • The Transition Foundation
Warner Cable & The Disney Channel
Wilson Family/The Wilson Foundation
Acknowledgments
In loving memory of Flagstaff Festival of Science
early board members Robert Fried and Amy LeGere.
KS — Thanks to fellow Flagstaff Festival of Science board members—past,
present and future—for your shared passion of Flagstaff’s science, and to the
scientists who gave us a reason to celebrate. Jeff Hall, Bryan Bates and Mary
DeMuth reviewed portions of the text. As with all things, thanks to my family,
along with their significant others and offshoots, for a lifetime of inspiration,
love and lessons: Mom, Dad, Dick, Donnie, Terry, Kim, Alicia, Sommer and Lauren;
and of course, my wife Gretchen.
BS — Thank you to all the inquisitive souls who have ventured beyond the
boundaries of our knowledge and enriched the Flagstaff Festival of Science.
Special thanks to Fred for his love and enthusiasm and to all my children who
are making the world a better place: Logan, Tyler, Ashley, Jacob, Jillianne, Paul
and Lily.
2
Preface
T
he story of the Flagstaff Festival of Science is as rich as the subject it
celebrates. We intend this book to capture the spirit and significance of
this annual event while recalling the unique circumstances that make it possible.
While a year-by-year review would be enjoyable for many of us to read, such an
effort is beyond the scope of this book. We have, however, included a yearly
listing of themes, keynote speakers, program titles, host sites, sponsors and
board members (starting with the first board in 1992).
Regarding the keynote presenters—in the early years multiple individuals were
sometimes highlighted as featured speakers. Our list identifies the keynote
speaker as the top-billed speaker for the year, with a presentation usually on
the opening Friday evening. In 1997, the main speaker was forever identified as
the Shoemaker Keynote Presenter, in honor of Eugene Shoemaker, Ph.D., who
tragically died earlier that year.
The alphabetical sponsor listings include the Festival’s supporters at the
following levels: Supernova Friends, $5,000; Galactic Friends, $2,500; Cosmic
Friends, $1,000; Planetary Friends, $500; and Cometary Friends, $250.
Much of the historical information in this book was gleaned from the private
records of board members Steve Smith and Brenda Strohmeyer. These, along
with transcripts of interviews with Ivo Lucchitta, John and Ginger Giovale,
Jeannette Baker, and Gene Hughes, are now stored in Cline Library’s Special
Collections and Archives at Northern Arizona University.
3
1992
Our Changing Planet
Planetary Fire and Ice
Geophysicist Larry Soderblom
Board Members
President
Baker, Jeanette; Northern Arizona University
President Elect
The Authors
Smith, Steve; W. L. Gore & Associates
Secretary
LeGere, Amy; W. L. Gore & Associates
Treasurer
Franz, Otto; Lowell Observatory
Chase, David; David Chase & Co.
Giovale, Ginger; W. L. Gore & Associates
Lockwood, Wes; Lowell Observatory
Lucchitta, Ivo; U.S. Geological Survey
Reed, Patsy; Northern Arizona University
Host Participants
Glen Canyon Environmental Studies
Lowell Observatory
Sponsors
Arizona Daily Sun • Bank of America
Big Brothers Big Sisters • Clear Aire Audio
Economic Development, Culture & Arts Programs
First Interstate Bank • Flagstaff Visitors Center
KAFF/KMGN • KNAU • KNAZ TV/Channel 2
KVNA • Kay McKay • Northern Arizona University
Northland Printing • The Transition Foundation
Kevin Schindler
Kevin Schindler has worked at scientific research
organizations for nearly 30 years, first in the Invertebrate Paleontology Division of the Florida Museum of
Natural History and later as the Outreach Manager at
Lowell Observatory. He is now an independent writer
while still working at Lowell as the content specialist.
Schindler regularly writes for various publications,
with topics including history, science and baseball.
He contributes a regular column, “The View from
Mars Hill,” to the Arizona Daily Sun. In 2012 he was
honored with a Viola Award as Flagstaff’s Science
Educator of the Year.
[email protected]
Bonnie Stevens
Bonnie Stevens is an Emmy award-winning documentary producer as well as a longtime journalist,
television news anchor, public relations consultant
and author, and has served as the Flagstaff Festival
of Science coordinator since 1995. Her media career
includes more than 15 years in science and environmental news reporting. She hosts the weekly KNAU
Arizona Public Radio science research program Brain
Food; and, is the editor of Flagstaff Business News
and Quad Cities Business News. Stevens has been
honored with the Athena Award for business leadership and the Viola Award for Excellence in Leadership.
Stevens also is the author of the children’s science
education book Quaking Aspen.
BonnieStevensPR.com
4
Kevin Schindler: Sarah Conant; Bonnie Stevens: Jake Bacon
Foreword
A
pollo astronauts Jack Schmitt and Alan Bean;
geophysicist
astronauts
Linda
Larry
Godwin,
Soderblom;
Bonnie
Space
Dunbar
and
Shuttle
John
Grunsfeld; astronomer/comet discoverer Carolyn Shoemaker;
paleontologist David Gillette; National Geographic Emerging Explorer Alexandra Cousteau; and one of the world’s leading researchers in DNA and anthrax, Paul Keim! And this is only a partial list of the distinguished nationallyand internationally-known scientists who have appeared here in Flagstaff, Ariz.,
over the past 25 years as keynote speakers for the Flagstaff Festival of Science.
Their appearance has been a significant part of what evolved from a luncheon
meeting of Flagstaff area scientific leaders in October 1989, with a pledge to
develop a Festival of Science to be held in April 1990, as a part of Northern
Arizona University’s Honor’s Week activities. Details of the Festival were to
be developed by a working group… and work they did! You will see, as you
read this brief history of the Flagstaff Festival of Science, that their work, and
that of successive groups, has led to the development of one of the finest, if
not the finest, festivals in the nation. As the one whose claim to fame is for
having called the original group together and for appointing Jeanette Baker,
as the university representative, I can only say how pleased and proud
I am of the Festival, of its accomplishments, of its successes and of its
longevity. The cooperation exhibited by Northern Arizona University and
its scientific neighbors in bringing about this world-class Festival attests to
the synergistic relationship that can be developed between an institution of
higher education and its community.
And now, read, enjoy and look forward to the next 25 years!
Eugene M. Hughes, Ph.D., President Emeritus
Eugene Hughes: Kevin Schindler
5
1993
Science
and the
Future
The Mystery of Dead Dinosaurs: The
Smoking Gun & The Mexican Connection
Paleontologist Walter Alvarez
Board Members
President
President Elect
Buckingham, Bill; Lowell Observatory
Secretary
Mission Statement
Treasurer
Ebert-May, Diane; Northern Arizona University
Hager, Lee; Flagstaff Unified School District
Holmes, Bonnie; U.S. Forest Service
Trotter, Mary Ellen; AZ Planners & Investors, CIS
Ward, Wes; U.S. Geological Survey
Werhan, Ron; Werhan, Folkers & Monihan
The Flagstaff Festival of Science serves to connect and inspire
the citizens of Northern Arizona, particularly youth,
with the wonders of science and
the joy of scientific discovery.
Host Participants
Lowell Observatory
Sponsors
The Arts & Science Commission • Bank of America
Big Brothers Big Sisters • City of Flagstaff
Clear Aire Audio • Coconino National Forest
First Interstate Bank • Flagstaff Visitors Center
KAFF/KMGN • KNAU • KNAZ TV/Channel 2
KVNA • KTNN • KRIM • KQST • KAZM
KZGL • Kay McKay • Northern Arizona University
The Transition Foundation • W. L. Gore & Associates
6
Science in the Park: Festival Archives
The Essence of the
“Science is an adventure of the mind.”
Ivo Lucchitta
U.S. Geological Survey Planetary Geologist
Ivo Lucchitta: Earthly Musings–Wayne Ranney’s Geology Blog; Astronaut Alan Bean inspects Surveyor 3: NASA
7
1994
The History of Science
in Flagstaff
Astronaut Training in Flagstaff
Space Shuttle Astronaut Linda Godwin
A
nticipating the collision of a fiery comet
where they forget to eat. They lose track of time.
screaming toward a huge gaseous
Their imagination and thoughts of the possibili-
planet; unearthing and imagining a new kind
ties put a spring, bounce or even a leap in their
of dinosaur as it reveals
step. They can’t wait for the
President
itself bone by bone; or
mysteries of the unknown
President Elect
making human footprints
to reveal themselves. For
in the impossible stillness
them, the workday doesn’t
of moon dust. Such are the
end and they don’t want it
moments that make hearts
to. For scientists, every day
pound,
holds such possibility that it
Board Members
Holmes, Bonnie; U.S. Forest Service
Secretary
Treasurer
Dean, Janet; Museum of Northern Arizona
Perko, Kathy; Coconino County Schools
Host Participants
Lowell Observatory
Sponsors
Bank One • City of Flagstaff • Clear Aire Audio
Coconino National Forest • First Interstate Bank
Flagstaff Medical Center • Flagstaff Visitors Center
Gourmet Affair • KAFF/KMGN • KNAU
KNAZ TV/Channel 2 • KVNA • KRIM • KZ61
Northern Arizona University • Peabody Coal
breaths
quicken
and adrenaline surge. It is
feels like Christmas Eve.
in these instances that we
“The driving force for
feel most alive.
me
the
adventure,”
If scientists were writing
says storm chaser Warren
the novel of their lives,
Faidley. “I like it when I
there
long,
don’t know what I’m going
tedious passages of train-
would
to see. It’s like opening a
ing, researching, question-
present. Odds are you are
ing, experimenting, disap-
not going to see some-
pointment,
be
exasperation,
thing over the top… but
failure and then trying again. But some pages
you might. It’s about trying to be in the right
would be page-turners, some chapters would
place at the right time and being as prepared
be cliffhangers, and every discovery would
as you can be. It’s that anticipation, like waiting
ignite a new spark, encouraging them to find
for the fireworks show. You know something is
out, “What happens
next?”
Scientists
stand
under-
why
explorers
early
had
to,
needed to, sail. It’s
a hunger for knowledge that overrides
everything
else—
resources, comfort,
exhaustion — even
safety.
Scientists
are driven by such
passion that they
enter into that zone
8
is
Therizinosaur: Victor Leshyk/Museum of Northern Arizona; Lightning: National Weather Service
“Every time I dive, I am reminded of archaeologist
Howard Carter’s famous comment at the door to
Tutankhamen’s tomb. ‘What do you see?’ he was
asked. ‘Wonderful things!’ he answered.
James Delgado, Maritime Archaeologist
going to happen, and then of course, when it hap-
Flying
around
pens, when it’s bigger than life, it re-energizes
Earth
at
you and teaches you to be more patient for the
miles
per
next big moment.”
Grunsfeld
The Flagstaff Festival of Science is about such
17,500
hour,
was
tasked with mak-
adventures and the pure joy of discovery. It’s
ing
about storytelling from pioneering spirits who
justments to the
dare to push beyond the boundaries of knowl-
Hubble Space Telescope, one of the most
edge. And it’s about being lucky enough to join
expensive and complex telescopes of all time.
in, alongside some of the world’s most brilliant
He admits he had fleeting thoughts about his
and inquisitive minds, to see what they see, feel
vulnerability, fully aware that the only thing
what they feel, have access to what few people
separating him from a hostile environment
have access to. With the Festival everyone has
was a thin parachute-type suit that could
the opportunity to hold a front row ticket into
easily be punctured by the sharp tools he
the known and the unknown.
was using.
delicate
ad-
“I couldn’t really articulate why space
was important to me,” he says. “Certainly,
it’s important for improving the quality
of life on Earth, for increasing our
knowledge, for helping to develop new
technologies
and
for
economic
reasons. But ultimately, I found out,
it’s because it’s really fun and exciting. It’s engaging. Now, I can say
without any hesitation, that I love
going into space and working on big
telescopes. Space is really magical.”
Also magical, say scientists, is the
underwater world. Not just what
Astronaut, test pilot and NASA Science Mission
could live in the deep, pressure-
Director John Grunsfeld, Ph.D., says, “It’s that
filled
curiosity that drives us all, and has driven us
what
since we’ve been human.”
wait
oceans,
but
swept-away
there
to
reveal
also
relics
their
Astronaut John Grunsfeld performs a spacewalk to work on the Hubble Space Telescope on Thursday, May 14: NASA;
James Delgado: Kevin Schindler
9
1995
Envisioning the Future
Pioneering Space Docking
stories. Marine archaeologist James
Delgado’s
fascination
with
this
Space Shuttle Astronaut Bonnie Dunbar
mystery takes him far under the
Board Members
waves, diving for shipwrecks in a
President
President Elect
Dean, Janet; Museum of Northern Arizona
Secretary
Treasurer
Clark,Roger; Museum of Northern Arizona
Jacobson, John; Flagstaff Medical Center
Schroeder, Susan; Northern Arizona University
Holmes, Bonnie; Festival Coordinator
Host Participants
City of Flagstaff
Lowell Observatory
Sponsors
Arizona Community Foundation • Arizona Daily Sun
Arizona Public Service
Bank One • City of Flagstaff • First Interstate Bank
Flagstaff Medical Center • KAFF/KMGN
Northern Arizona University • Norwest Bank
Peabody Coal • Pepsi Cola Co. of Flagstaff
Soroptomist International of Flagstaff
dark, foreboding, watery world.
“Part of the record of humanity’s
achievements,
its
triumphs
and
tragedies, rests out of sight on the
seabed; the greatest museum of all
lies at the bottom of the sea,” he says.
Delgado, Ph.D., explains the allure
of the unknown like this, “Every time
I dive, I am reminded of archaeologist
Howard Carter’s famous comment
at the door to Tutankhamen’s tomb.
‘What do you see?’ he was asked.
‘Wonderful things,’ he answered.
No matter how many times I dive, how
she studied aerospace and engineering. Even-
many shipwrecks I see, the awe, the thrill of
tually, her lifelong quest led her to Mars. At the
discovery are always there. I, too, see wonder-
NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Shirley headed
ful things.”
the team that created micro-robot Sojourner
As a little girl, growing up in Wynnewood,
and landed it successfully on the red planet.
Okla., Donna Shirley would stare
Back on Earth she’s been dubbed “Woman of
at the stars and wish she
the Year” by Ms. Magazine. The New York Times
could be among them.
Pondering how she
Meanwhile, another new breed, Jane Poynter,
could do this, she
was traveling the world on research vessels,
started
taking
acquiring first-hand experience on how to sur-
flying lessons
vive with limited resources and tiny spaces.
at age 15. By
Along the journey she learned how to milk and
16 she had
butcher animals and grow crops. This prepared
her
pilot’s
her for perhaps the greatest adventure of her
license. She
life as one of the original eight Biosphereans.
understood
In 1991, she stepped into the hermetically
that educa-
sealed Biosphere 2 near Tucson, a three-acre
tion and ded-
mini world, to find out if humans could create
ication could
a self-contained habitat for themselves and
further stretch
potentially colonize the moon or other uninhab-
her
10
called her one of “a new breed of scientists.”
wings,
so
itable places. This, she says, was the closest
Mars: U.S. Geological Survey Astrogeology Science Center; Donna Shirley: NASA/JPL/Caltech
“Science is everything, it is the air we
breathe, the ink in our pens and
the children in our arms,”
Jillian Worssam, 2013 Flagstaff STEM Teacher of the Year
thing to living on Mars.
She
“Sometimes we need extraordinary experi-
offers
this advice for
ences to shock our senses alive, to rip a hole in
all
our well-protected world view,” she says.
considering
Her
extraordinary
are
included
embarking on
what she calls “an atomical game of hide and
a difficult but
seek” as she and the seven others searched
exciting adven-
for seven tons of oxygen that disappeared.
ture.
Another
obstacle
experience
who
occurred
when
“Throw
mites
stereotypes to the wind and take opportuni-
devoured their white potato crop. While trying
ties. The opportunity was put in front of me.
to solve challenging problems, the voices of
Instead of thinking how difficult it would be,
critics in Biosphere 1 (planet Earth) grew louder.
just go do it.”
That attitude is expressed in the actions
of 2013 Flagstaff STEM Teacher of the Year
Jillian Worssam. She fills her summers
with scientific ventures to distant oceans,
bringing topics like plate tectonics and
ocean currents to life in the classroom.
“Science is everything, it is the air we
breathe, the ink in our pens and the children in our arms,” she says. “To know
more about the science of this planet
helps to make me a better educator
and person. I do not see rough seas
as uncomfortable but exhilarating,
they remind me of the elemental
nature of life and I am so glad to be
alive. I feel reborn every time I go
to sea. There are no words in any
language I know to put my feelings
of excitement, exhilaration, wonder and awe into perspective. It
is a feeling inside that causes my
heart to pump differently and
Jane Poynter: 2010 Festival Archives; Jillian Worssam: Festival Archives
11
1996
Discover Science
Treasures of the Rain Forest
at times my eyes to water, because I am just so overwhelmed
about the amazingness of our world. Every breath is new and
Ethnobotanist Mark Plotkin
each sight a wonder unto itself. From mud to waves, to ice to
Board Members
President
puffins, each image is wonderfully stored in my brain and when
President Elect
I think about them, I realize there is always a smile on my face.”
Dean, Janet; Mountain Living Magazine
Secretary
Smiling with the discovery of a species of dinosaur, paleontol-
Treasurer
ogist David Gillette, Ph.D., meticulously scans the Southwest
Yoder, Steve; The Arboretum at Flagstaff
Clark, Roger; Museum of Northern Arizona
Hinsley, Curtis; Northern Arizona University
Luginbuhl, Chris; U.S. Naval Observatory
Perez, Tony; National Weather Service
Poturalski, Raquel; Coconino National Forest
Priest, Sue; U.S. Geological Survey
Wegner, David; Glen Canyon Environmental Studies
for fossils. “I am a paleontologist because I want to learn about
the evolution of life on Earth and the evolution of Earth itself,”
he says.
Host Participants
Association of Women Geoscientists
Audubon Society
City of Flagstaff
Coconino Community College
Colorado Plateau Research Station
Kachina Wetlands
Lowell Observatory
National Weather Service
The Nature Conservancy
Sponsors
The Arts & Science Commission
Aspey, Watkins & Diesel • Bank of America
Coconino County Schools • Coconino National Forest
Flagstaff Exchange Club • Flagstaff Live!
Flagstaff Unified School District • Kwik Kopy
Little America • Mountain Living Magazine
Nordstrom & Associates Northern Arizona University
Norwest Bank • Peabody Coal
Pepsi Cola Co. of Flagstaff
Residence Inn by Marriott
Soroptomist International of Flagstaff • SWCA Inc.
Target Stores • Vestor Corp./BF Foundation
W. L. Gore & Associates • Wells Fargo
12
Therizinosaur at the Museum of Northern Arizona: A. Kleinman; David Gillette, 2007 Festival Archives
That desire to learn led him to find an odd,
big-bellied, stubby-tailed sickle-claw dinosaur.
“Every time we find a new fossil bone we are
Creating stories to tell, based on science, is
the work of New York Times best-selling author
Richard Preston, Ph.D. In his effort to carefully
excited, not just me but everyone in the field
research his topics, he chases down information.
crew. Is it a dinosaur, a plesiosaur, a turtle, or
While writing his book, The Dead Zone, Preston
a mosasaur? Will the bones be complete? Will
donned a biomedical suit to get close to, and
there be other bones, too? Will we find the
better understand, deadly germs.
head and jaws and teeth? Will it be a complete
“When I was in college, I became hungry to
skeleton? Will it be a species that is already
explore the limits of human knowledge. Today,
known or a species new to science? This excite-
when I write about something, I try to capture
ment of discovery is what we live for when we
the feeling of wonder that comes from opening
are doing fieldwork,” says Gillette. “Later, after
the doors of a mystery. Writing, as with
lots of field time and lab time, we can determine
science, is about seeing the world differently
if what we have found is indeed new to science,
and slightly more clear than anyone has ever
but no matter if it’s not. Every new specimen
seen it before.”
has its own story to tell.”
Richard Preston: 2008 Festival Archives
The desire to see the world or other
13
1997
Science the
Ultimate Voyage
astronaut Alan Bean says, “It’s that feeling of excitement a person experiences
only when his life’s vision becomes a re-
The 21st Century
Futurist B. Gentry Lee
ality. It’s the feeling one has when years
Board Members
of intense dedication and training finally
President
President Elect
make your most cherished dream come
Wegner, David; Glen Canyon Environmental
Studies
true.”
Secretary
Dean, Janet; Mountain Living Magazine
Treasurer
Host Participants
City of Flagstaff
Flagstaff Unified School District
Kachina Wetlands
Lowell Observatory
Pulliam Airport
Sponsors
Coconino National Forest • Flagstaff Exchange Club
Flagstaff Live! • Flagstaff Medical Center
Kwik Kopy • Mountain Living Magazine
Nature Conservancy • Nordstrom & Associates
Pasta Works • Paula Jansen Photography
Peabody Coal • Pepsi Cola Co. of Flagstaff
SWCA Inc. • Target Stores
Tyrell Chevrolet/Tyrell-Marxen Chevrolet
Vestor Corp./BF Foundation • W. L. Gore & Associates
Wells Fargo
Bean, the fourth man to walk on the moon,
credits the scientists of the U.S. Geological
Survey for facilitating an important learning period in his life that prepared him for his historic
lunar mission. “Flagstaff was the beginning of
worlds more clearly can be as strong as a gravita-
my journey into learning and understanding the
tional pull. Flagstaff astronomer Marc Murison,
world of geology. I now love geology, thanks to
Ph.D., felt the tug of scientific inquiry as a child.
these early experiences in Flagstaff.”
“I still remember it like it happened yesterday,”
For many, the fascinating realm of science
he recalls. “My parents had bought me a small
continues to expand in Flagstaff. SenesTech
two-inch refractor when I was about 10 years
CEO Loretta Mayer, Ph.D., has built a biotech-
old. It was on a very wobbly tripod, and the only
nology company specializing in rodent control
eyepiece
supplied
around the world. “You can’t swing a shovel in
rather
Flagstaff without hitting a biologist or ecologist
high magnification.
or young people who want to change the
yielded
a
I was getting very
frustrated since I
didn’t know what
to look for. However, one evening
I aimed at a bright
‘star,’ managed to
get it in the eyepiece, and lo and
behold there was Saturn.
It was magnificent. I was
hooked from then on, and
Saturn has always been my
favorite object through any
eyepiece.”
When asked how it felt to
walk on the moon, Apollo 12
14
Saturn: NASA and The Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA); Alan Bean: NASA;
Self-Portrait of C. Conrad in Alan Bean’s Face Shield: C. Conrad, Apollo 12, NASA
markets.
Their son, Bob Gore, Ph.D., has been the chairman of the company’s board of directors since
1986. “We have created thousands of valuable,
life-enhancing
products,
achieved
enviable
growth and have been recognized around the
world as a great workplace. I am tremendously proud of the associates’ accomplishments,
enthusiasm and creativity, as I know my parents
world,” she says.
And changing the world can start in a basement, as was the case with W. L. Gore &
Associates. With five children to support, Bill
and Vieve Gore launched a business out of
their home by manufacturing cables. Bill, a
chemist, kept exploring new uses for the synthetic material polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).
As a result, the company expanded to become
a multi-billion dollar global leader in the fabrics,
medical, industrial and electronic products
Mouse: A. Kleinman; Bill & Vieve Gore, 1970: W. L. Gore & Associates.; Bob Gore stretching PTFE, 1969: W. L. Gore & Associates
15
1998
Forces at Work
Storm Into Science
Storm Chaser Warren Faidley
Board Members
President
Wegner, David; Glen Canyon Environmental Studies
would be. Today, I can say with confidence that
seek to continue our heritage as a community
we have surpassed even my parents’ wildest
of thinkers and dreamers, always striving to ex-
dreams.”
tend our knowledge and understanding of the
Moving beyond what can be imagined is often
world around us.”
President Elect
the reward for scientific pursuit. For the Christo-
In a Sept. 25, 2009 editorial, the Arizona Daily
Secretary
pher Columbuses of our time and all those with
Sun prepared readers for the Festival. “Science
Treasurer
a zest for knowledge, exploring our world fulfills
and discovery produce as many questions as
a purpose for living along with some very real
they help answer, but it’s that desire to under-
benefits in health, technology and quality of life.
stand, that curiosity and wonderment at how
And then there’s the gratitude that comes from
the world works and how we can make it work
having the opportunity to gain new insight.
better that we celebrate in Flagstaff—not just
Brown, Mary; Christensen School
Ebert-May; Diane; Northern Arizona University
Laird, Mike; Christensen School
Watt, Bill; Arizona Game & Fish Dept.
Host Participants
City of Flagstaff
Kachina Wetlands
Lowell Observatory
National Park Service
The spirit of discovery is what is celebrated
Thus, the Flagstaff Festival of Science is a
Science. Lowell Observatory Director Emeritus
celebration of science and also of the scientists
Robert Millis, Ph.D., describes it like this, “The
who lead the way, daring to wonder, chasing
Flagstaff Festival of Science sets our city apart
after discovery and inspiring greatness. The
as one that truly values science, technology and
essence of the Festival is that unquenchable
learning. Through the Festival, we celebrate and
thirst for, “What happens next?”
Sponsors
The Arts & Science Commission
Babbitt Brothers Trading Co. • Bank of America
Coconino National Forest • Flagstaff Exchange Club
McAllister, Frances • Mountain Living Magazine
National Bank of Arizona • Nordstrom & Associates
Paula Jansen Photography • Peabody Coal
Pepsi Cola Co. of Flagstaff • Ralston Purina
Soroptomist International of Flagstaff • SWCA Inc.
U.S. Forest Service • Vestor Corp./BF Foundation
16
this coming week but every day of the year.”
and shared through the Flagstaff Festival of
Lowell Observatory: Jeremy Perez
Celebrating Science
in the Skylight City
“You can’t get a cup of coffee in Flagstaff
without bumping into a scientist.”
Ira Flatow, Host of NPR’s Science Friday ®
Ira Flatow: Festival Archives; Night Sky Over Flagstaff: © 2008 Dan & Cindy Duriscoe, FDSC, Lowell Observatory, U.S. Naval Observatory
17
Why Flagstaff?
1999
Science Rocks
Managing Martians
Aerospace Engineer Donna Shirley
Board Members
President
President Elect
Secretary
Treasurer
Olson, Paul; Norwest Bank
Pearce, SuZan; Flagstaff Area National Monuments
Schindler, Kevin; Lowell Observatory
Staudenmaier, Mike; National Weather Service
Strohmeyer, Brenda; Rocky Mountain Research
Station
Host Participants
Arizona Theatre Works
City of Flagstaff
Kachina Wetlands
Lowell Observatory
W
hy does this community throw back its
This chapter will address these two factors,
shoulders, puff up its chest, and openly
focusing first on the history of scientific
celebrate science? Communities across the
discovery in the area and the extraordinary
globe hold fairs, festivals and other celebrations
natural resources that continue to seize the
to honor some aspect of their cultures, from
attention of scientists. Supplementing this is a
significant historical events and people to local
look at the community’s longstanding custom of
arts and home brews. But why, for 25 years and
celebrating its scientific heritage.
counting, has Flagstaff boasted such a celebra-
Scientific exploration often involves a mat-
tion that pays homage to the pursuit of scientific
uration process consisting of three stages,
discovery and understanding?
including:
One obvious reason relates to Flagstaff’s
incredible breadth and diversity of natural
resources, a bounty of riches that has inspired
1) basic surveys,
2) focused, longer-termed studies and
3) “permanent” ongoing research.
observations and scientific study for nearly
The exploration of Flagstaff’s scientific
as long as people have rambled across the
resources and related development of the
mountains, valleys and plains of Northern
community as a center for scientific study
Arizona. A second reason involves the passion-
follows this pattern: the area’s scientific
ate support of these scientific pursuits by a
resources were first truly recognized by 19th
curious community. Since Flagstaff’s early days,
century expeditions looking for transportation
The Arts & Science Commission • Aspen Printing
BF Foundation • Bank One • Citizens Arizona Gas
City of Flagstaff • Coconino Federal Credit Union
Coconino National Forest • Cool 96.7
The Door Foundation • Flagstaff Live!
Flagstaff Medical Center • Imperial Lithography
KAFF/KMGN • KFLX • KOLT/Kool/The Eagle • KNAU
KNAZ TV/Channel 2 • KVNA • McAllister, Frances
Michael’s Arts & Crafts • Mountain Living Magazine
National Bank of Arizona • Nordstrom & Associates
Paula Jansen Photography
Ralston Purina • Radisson Woodlands Hotel
Raymond Educational Foundation
Soroptomist International of Flagstaff • Stern, Harold
Super Services • Target Stores
residents have openly celebrated scientists
routes. Later expeditions came to the area for
and their research, embracing opportunities to
targeted scientific observations, ultimately
engage with these scholars while establishing
setting the stage for the establishment of
a scientific consciousness for the community.
permanent scientific facilities.
18
Laws Spring: Neil Weintraub
Sponsors
Early Surveys Hint
at Scientific Importance of Northern Arizona
T
he first local observations with scientific
would itself become legendary and, centuries
elements date back centuries. At some
later, welcome a new brand of explorers called
archaeological sites, certain ancient structures
scientists.
might have been used as calendars for recording
Three centuries after Cardenas’s party saw
astronomical phenomena, information that the
the south rim of the Grand Canyon, detailed
residents could then use to plan their lives.
exploration of Northern Arizona began. In 1848,
An example is Crack-in-Rock, located within
Mexico had transferred control of a wide section
the confines of modern-day Wupatki National
of land to the United States. The so-called
Monument. Crack-in-Rock features a wall with
Mexico Cession included the present-day
three small windows that archaeologist Bryan
states of California, Nevada, Utah and most of
Bates of Coconino Community College believes
Arizona, along with smaller portions of other
might have been used to observe and mark
states such as New Mexico. The geography
sunrise at different seasons. The sun
passed through the middle window,
for instance, at the midpoint of spring,
known as the “May cross-quarters.”
This signaled the time to plant crops,
as the crippling frosts were likely
done for the season. In August, the
same window marks the advent of
shorter days, indicating the coming
fall season.
While such observations may not
be purely scientific in the modern
sense, they do indicate a desire by the ancients
and natural resources of these lands
to observe and understand the universe around
were largely unknown to Anglos so
them. Furthermore, these celestial surveys set
U.S. government officials planned
the scene for Northern Arizona’s ultimate place
several expeditions to learn about
as a center of astronomical study.
the area, primarily for establishing
The
first
non-Natives
to
see
Northern
transportation
routes.
Several
campaigns
traveled
Arizona were likely members of a party led by
of
Garcia Lopez de Cardenas that broke off from
through Northern Arizona and
the main Coronado expedition of 1540. While
encountered the area’s natural
these Spaniards never did find the riches of the
resources.
fabled Seven Cities of Cibola for which they
searched, they did locate a natural treasure that
Grand Canyon National Park: A. Kleinman
In
these
1851
Captain
Lorenzo
Sitgreaves of the U.S. Army’s
19
2000
Huge Impacts
Corps of Topographical
the party of 50 halted on day 15 as they arrived
Engineers led the first
at a steep waterfall with a vertical drop exceed-
expedition through
ing that of Niagara Falls. This feature would
the area, explor-
become known as Grand Falls or, to some
ing the Zuni and
locals, Chocolate Falls because of its muddy
Secretary
Colorado rivers
brown water. While this discovery essentially
Treasurer
in
of
extinguished any thoughts of using the water-
finding a water
way for regular transportation, later generations
route to Cali-
of explorers would realize a different kind of
Huge Impacts
Paleontologist Jack Horner
Board Members
President
President Elect
Fasse, Chuck; Flagstaff Medical Center Foundation
Olson, Paul; Norwest Bank
Pearce, SuZan; Flagstaff Area Nat. Monuments
Station
Thompson, Dave; Coconino High School
Host Participants
City of Flagstaff
Coconino Center for the Arts
Kaibab National Forest
Lowell Observatory
hopes
fornia. One of
value of the river and surrounding span of cinder
the supporting
cones and volcanic rock—scientific. Geologists
goals of this mis-
would study these features to learn about the
sion was to learn
inner workings of Earth while astronauts, the
about
the
natural
history of the area.
explorers of other worlds, would train here in
preparation for their voyages to the moon.
Samuel Woodhouse, M.D.,
Following the advice of expedition guide
was hired to serve as expedition naturalist,
Antoine Leroux, the expedition left the river at
describing plants, rocks, animals and geography.
Grand Falls and headed west toward the San
Leaving from Santa Fe on Sept. 24 and
Francisco Peaks with the idea of meeting up
following the Zuni River to the Little Colorado,
with the Colorado River near the Grand Canyon
Sponsors
The Arts & Science Commission • City of Flagstaff
Ecological Restoration Institute
KAFF/KMGN • KFLX • KOLT/Kool/The Eagle
KNAU • KVNA • Mountain Living Magazine
Nordstrom & Associates
Personal Services Printing
Prime Equipment Sales & Rental
R & A Import Auto Parts & Repair of Flagstaff
Rocky Mountain Research Station
U.S. Forest Service • Visible Difference
W. L. Gore & Associates • Wells Fargo
20
Samuel Woodhouse: Marian S. Carson Collection, Library of Congress; “Cascade of the Colorado Little River”: R. H. Kern
and then following its course. On the way to
dramatically increased. Most interested
the Peaks the expedition came across the ruins
parties realized that a railroad would be the
at Wupatki, marking the first Euro-American
best option, so Congress appropriated
record of the site. Several days later, the expedi-
money to undertake several surveys to
tion stopped at a spring on the west side of the
determine the best route.
Peaks. Later named Leroux Spring, it became
One of these surveys traveled along
a critical water source for future travelers and,
the 35th parallel during 1853-1854 and
eventually, residents. Just west of the spring
was led by Lieutenant Amiel Weeks
was a stretch of land later called Fort Valley, the
Whipple. The core of the expedition
future site of the Forest Service’s first research
left Fort Smith, Ark., on July 14,
facility.
1853. This group was later joined by
In his role as expedition naturalist, Wood-
Lieutenant Joseph Christmas Ives,
house became the first Anglo to carry out
guide Antoine Leroux and others
extensive scientific observations and collections
in Albuquerque on their way to
in the area, establishing the critical groundwork
Northern Arizona and California.
for later generations of explorers and scientists.
Due to the massive flow of immigrants heading
The many scientists—approximately
17—of
the
Whipple
to California in response to the 1848 discovery
expedition made widespread
of gold at Sutter’s Mill, the need for a reliable
collections and observations,
transportation
significantly adding to the sum
route
to
the
West
Coast
San Francisco Mountain from near Leroux Spring, Whipple Expedition: H. B. Molhausen
21
2001
Extreme Science
Microbes, Meteorites and Mutants: The
Real Science Behind the X-Files
X-Files Consultant/Plant Virologist Anne Simon
Board Members
President
President Elect
Secretary
Station
Treasurer
Capek, Larry; Flagstaff Medical Center
Ennenga, Winnie; Northern Arizona University
Fasse, Chuck; Flagstaff Medical Center Foundation
Strohman, Mitch; Flagstaff Unified School District
Holmes-Stevens, Bonnie; Festival Coordinator
Host Participants
City of Flagstaff
Lowell Observatory
Meteor Crater Enterprises
Sponsors
Arizona Central Credit Union • Arizona Daily Sun
The Arts & Science Commission • Bookmans
Citizens Arizona Gas • City of Flagstaff
Coconino County • Coconino National Forest
Ecological Restoration Institute • Flagstaff Live!
Flagstaff Medical Center • Joy Cone • KAFF/KMGN
KFLX • KOLT/Kool/The Eagle • KNAU
KNAZ TV/Channel 2 • KVNA • McAllister, Frances
Mountain Living Magazine • Nordstrom & Associates
Personal Services Printing
Prime Equipment Sales & Rental
Salce, Kenneth & Lynn
Schindler, Kevin & Gretchen
Target Stores
U.S. Forest Service
Wells Fargo
knowledge of the area’s natural history. Botanist
as small groups split off to explore the area,
John Bigelow, for example, collected more than
including the land encompassing present-day
60 new species of plants.
Museum of Northern Arizona. Little could these
In Arizona, the party discovered remark-
would one day serve as home to a
area later designated as Petrified
Forest
National
museum dedicated to the study
Monument.
and preservation of the local
Future generations of scientists
natural history and culture that
would exhaustively study these
they were then exploring.
world-famous deposits, which
The surveys by Whipple and
included a rich sampling of
others indicated several feasi-
dinosaur and other fossils. Addi-
ble railroad routes, but politi-
tional expe-
cians couldn’t agree on one and
dition stops
included
decided to perform additional
a
surveys. In the meantime, they
chasm that Whip-
authorized a wagon road that could
ple named Canyon Di-
temporarily serve travelers and hired
ablo, the archaeological site
Edward Fitzgerald Beale to head the project.
Cosnino Caves and nearby
Beale, known for contributing to the gold rush
Turkey Tanks, a site that would
by carrying the first California gold samples
serve as a reliable water stop
across the country and delivering them to the
for future travel-
federal government, brought in more than 50
ers through the
men and, famously, dozens of camels to build
area.
the road.
Leroux
Spring
later
Beginning in 1857, Beale and crew traveled
was a base for
back and forth several times constructing and
the
22
explorers know that this section of land
able samples of petrified wood in an
expedition
improving the road, following a path that passed
Petrified Forest National Park: National Park Service; Edward Fitzgerald Beale: U.S. Air Force
through Flagstaff. Often using the trail created
today as the Ives Expedition, and was joined
by Whipple, Beale’s route went by Cosnino
by the eminent geologist and physician John
Caves and Turkey Tanks to Leroux Spring and
Strong Newberry, M.D.
through modern-day Flagstaff on its way westward to California.
The journey followed the Colorado River up
to the end of the lower Grand Canyon, where
While science was not part of Beale’s efforts,
some of the party members headed back down-
the road he built had a long-lasting impact on
river and the rest ventured overland toward
the development of science in Northern Arizona,
eastern Arizona. The latter group approached
as it laid the groundwork for the arrival of the
the Grand Canyon near Diamond Creek and
railroad that led to the founding of Flagstaff
became the first known non-Native Americans
in 1882.
to walk in the bottom of the canyon. Newber-
Another survey expedition, in 1857-1858,
ry was the first geologist to study the Grand
that did incorporate strong elements of sci-
Canyon and his geological reports opened
ence began aboard a steamboat that headed
the door to future observations by the likes
up the Colorado River to explore that body of
of John Wesley Powell and others, all
water’s navigability for a potential trade route.
despite the miserable assessment by
Whipple’s former assistant Ives took charge
Ives, who famously wrote, “It [the Grand
of the Colorado Exploring Expedition, known
Canyon] looks like the Gates of Hell.
The region… is, of course, altogether
valueless. Ours has been the first and
will undoubtedly be the last party of
whites to visit the
locality. It seems
intended by nature that the Colorado
River along the greater portion of its
lonely and majestic way, shall be
forever unvisited and undisturbed.”
The era of transportation surveys
wound down in the late 1860s. In
1867-1868 William Jackson Palmer
led an expedition through Northern
Arizona, following the path of Whipple and Beale and demonstrating
once and for all the viability of a
35th parallel route for the railroad.
In his 1869 published report of
this excursion, Palmer not only
named Agassiz Peak but also
used the term “Grand Cañon”
in print for the first time.
Grand Canyon: Bob Fain
23
Scientists Target Northern Arizona for Research
2002
Stellar Science
Stellar Science—
A Crash Course in Astronomy
Astronomer/Comet Discoverer Carolyn
Shoemaker
Board Members
President
President Elect
Smith, Steve; W. L. Gore
Secretary
Station
Treasurer
Blake, Julie; Ecological Restoration Institute
Butterfield, Lanah; Meteor Crater Enterprises
Farretta, Kathy; Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
Malis-Clark, Karen; Coconino National Forest
Strohman, Mitch; Flagstaff Unified School District
Wilcox, David; Museum of Northern Arizona
Stevens, Bonnie; Festival Coordinator
Host Participants
Arizona Snowbowl
Arizona State Parks
City of Flagstaff
Lowell Observatory
Willow Bend Environmental Education Center
Sponsors
Arizona Public Service • Arizona State Parks
The Barringer Crater Company • Citizens Arizona Gas
City of Flagstaff • Clear Aire Audio
Flagstaff Live! • Flagstaff Medical Center • Joy Cone
KAFF/KMGN • KFLX • KOLT/Kool/The Eagle • KNAU
KNAZ TV/Channel • McAllister, Frances
Meteor Crater Enterprises • Mountain Living Magazine
Northern Arizona University Centennial Forest
Northern Arizona University School of Forestry
Rocky Mountain Research Station • Sunny 97
U.S. Forest Service • W. L. Gore & Associates
T
he year after Palmer completed his
survey, John Wesley Powell her-
alded in the middle era of exploration in
Northern Arizona, a time that saw scientific studies focused on specific natural
resources. In 1869, Powell led the first
expedition down the Colorado River
and through the Grand Canyon, a threemonth-long excursion that unveiled the
vast scientific potential of this geological
paradise.
Powell’s impact on the development of sci-
Powell returned to Northern Arizona numerous
ence in Northern Arizona was profound. He
times, revisiting the Grand Canyon, exploring oth-
studied and named many geological features
er geological features in the area, documenting
in the area, including Sunset Mountain (later
the region’s native cultures and studying
modified to Sunset Crater), and investigated the
regional water resources. While in Flagstaff, he
limited water resources of the region, warning
sometimes stayed with the Riordan brothers,
government officials about the effect this
who owned the area’s largest lumber mill. The
paucity would have on America’s westward
Riordans were prominent citizens who often
expansion. He performed many of these
hosted visiting scientists, realizing the value of
efforts while serving as the second director
science as a component of Flagstaff’s emerging
of the U.S. Geological Survey, an organiza-
community.
tion that would establish a Flagstaff station
a century later and build on
Powell’s early research. Powell also laid the groundwork
for other geologists such as
Clarence Dutton and Grove Karl
Gilbert.
Dutton studied the Grand
Canyon and in 1882 published a
seminal report about its geology. Gilbert, who in 1873 named
Humphreys Peak after topographical engineer Andrew Atkinson Humphreys, is remembered in Northern Arizona for
his research of Meteor Crater.
24
John Wesley Powell: Mary (Riordan) and Robert Chambers Collection, Arizona Historical Society/Northern Division, AHS.0020.00173;
Sunset Crater: 2005 Festival Archives
Among Gilbert’s many geological interests were
the origins of craters, both terrestrial and lunar.
In 1891, he spent two weeks at the Northern
Arizona crater then known as “Coon Butte,”
surveying its topography and magnetism.
Despite some evidence indicating the crater
had been formed by the impact of a rock from
space, Gilbert nonetheless declared a volcanic
origin. Three quarters of a century would pass
before another geologist interested in impacts,
Eugene
Merle
Shoemaker,
Ph.D.,
would
conclusively prove that Meteor Crater had, in
fact, been caused by an extraterrestrial collision.
The early expeditions to Northern Arizona
had revealed quite a diversity of geographical
regions, often harboring distinct plant and animal life. This caught the attention of Clinton Hart
Merriam, M.D., a naturalist and the first director
The Arboretum at Flagstaff.
of the Division of Economic Ornithology and
In Merriam’s 1890 paper, he acknowl-
Mammalogy, a predecessor of the U.S. Fish and
edged the assistance of those ever-pres-
Wildlife Service. In 1889, Merriam led a biological
ent community builders, the Riordan
survey to Northern Arizona in order to study the
brothers. They would soon welcome
succession of climate zones and corresponding
another scientist who would forever
life, ranging from the depths of the Grand Can-
change the landscape of Flagstaff by
yon and deserts to the east of Flagstaff, to the
establishing the town’s first perma-
top of the San Francisco Peaks.
nent scientific institution.
Based
on
this
two-month-long
study, Merriam published the first
comprehensive report of the animal
and plant life of the area while introducing his now-famous life zone
scheme. This groundbreaking work
revealed Northern Arizona’s vast array of environmental and agricultural
resources, leading to the eventual
establishment of facilities such as
the nation’s first forest experimental
station and a high-altitude horticultural research center now known as
Clinton Hart Merriam: Frances Benjamin Johnston; Penstemon: The Arboretum at Flagstaff
25
Science Plants Roots in Flagstaff
2003
Science Erupts
Chasing Volcanoes, Near and Far
F
Volcanologist Wendell Duffield
Board Members
President
President Elect
Secretary
Station
Treasurer
Bates, Bryan; Coconino Community College
Blake, Julie; Ecological Restoration Institute
McFarland, Jennifer; Flagstaff High School
Monet, Alice; U.S. Naval Observatory
Pennington, Diana; Flagstaff Area Monuments
Wilcox, David; Museum of Northern Arizona
Sponsors
The Barringer Crater Company • City of Flagstaff
Clear Aire Audio • Coconino County
Greater Flagstaff Forests Partnership
The Inn at NAU • Joy Cone • KAFF/KMGN • KFLX
KOLT/Kool/The Eagle • KNAU • KNAZ TV/Channel 2
Kaibab National Forest • Main Street Catering
McAllister, Frances • Meteor Crater Enterprises
Mountain Living Magazine • Nordstrom & Associates
Pepsi Cola Co. of Flagstaff • Rocky Mountain
Research Station • Stockmen’s Bank
Sunny 97 • SWCA Inc. • Target Stores
operations in May 1894. This was the first
1882 and incorporated
permanent scientific establishment in Flagstaff
as a town in 1894. By that
and its success demonstrated the viability of
time, the community had
ongoing research in Northern Arizona, paving
started referring to itself as
the way for the arrival of other scientific
the “Skylight City” in refer-
institutions. Furthermore, the founding of Lowell
ence to its clear air and bright
Observatory established Northern Arizona as a
stars. Little could anyone
center of astronomical research. Today, Lowell
then realize the long-lasting
Observatory boasts the Discovery Channel
impact of those skies on
Telescope, the 5th largest telescope in the con-
Flagstaff’s future.
tinental United States. Four years after Lowell
In the spring of 1894, a
young astronomer named
Host Participants
Arizona Snowbowl
Arizona State Parks
City of Flagstaff
Lowell Observatory
lagstaff was founded in
Andrew
Douglass
arrived
in town with a telescope
in tow. Douglass was one
month into a solo expedition with the goal of
finding a suitable site to build an astronomical
observatory. He had traveled to several localities around the Arizona Territory before arriving
in Flagstaff. At each stop, he used the telescope
and a suite of meteorological equipment to test
the quality of the air for astronomical observing.
Douglass was warmly welcomed in each
community by their leaders who, presciently
believing a scientific institution could generate
income and prestige, encouraged Douglass to
choose their community as the site for the new
facility.
When Douglass arrived in Flagstaff
he met with the Riordans, who
worked with other community
leaders to offer incentives to
Douglass and his employer
Observatory opened its doors, the first weather
Percival
Lowell
station in Flagstaff was established to monitor
Flagstaff
local conditions. Elizabeth Renoe, who married
and Lowell Observatory began
Arizona’s U.S. Senator Henry Fountain Ashurst,
ultimately
26
Lowell.
chose
Commemorative flag staff: A. Kleinman; Tombstone leaders stand next to the telescope during 1894 expedition by Douglass: Lowell Observatory;
Lowell Observatory’s Discovery Channel Telescope: Lowell Observatory
was the first observer. The bureau was located
value is inestimable. It is
at the Ashurst home, still standing and now a
the
private residence near the intersection of Aspen
impact
Street and North Park Street. The station later
on Earth, the
moved to downtown Flagstaff’s Federal Office
Holy
Building, Flagstaff Municipal Airport and, finally,
for
to the Camp Navajo Army Depot in Bellemont,
specialists.
where meteorologists and other scientists
M o r e o v e r,
study the weather and communicate their ob-
it
servations to the public.
ogous
The arrival of the 20th century brought a fur-
best-preserved
crater
Grail
impact
is
analto
lunar craters
ther influx of scientific organizations to North-
and
ern Arizona. In 1903, mining engineer Daniel
1960s
Moreau Barringer staked a mining claim at
as
the crater that Grove Karl Gilbert had studied
classroom for astro-
a decade earlier. Believing the cavity, today
nauts learning about
known as Meteor Crater, had been created by
the geology of the moon in
a meteorite, Barringer spent years studying the
preparation for traveling there.
feature and unsuccessfully searching for the
remains of the impacting body.
in
an
the
served
outdoor
A year after Barringer staked his claim,
Andrew Douglass, no longer employed
at Lowell Observatory, began examining
tree rings exposed in the ponderosa pine
logs stacked at the Riordan brothers’
mill. Douglass hoped to show a connection between solar activity, as
evidenced by astronomers’ records
of sunspot observations, and Earth’s
climate, indicated by tree rings (each
ring represents one year of growth;
the wider the ring, the more precipitation in a given year).
Douglass
continued
his
tree
ring research after he moved to
Tucson, where he worked at
Scientists now better understand impact
the University of Arizona. While
dynamics and realize the majority of the impact-
he did not make a definitive
ing body vaporized when it crashed. While the
connection between solar ac-
crater will thus never yield the mineralogical
tivity and climate, he did unex-
treasure Barringer searched for, its scientific
pectedly establish a method for
Meteor Crater: Meteor Crater Enterprises; Daniel Moreau Barringer: Lowell Observatory
27
2004
Life Forms
trees in North America. The heavy
Our African Ancestors
logging of these trees concerned
Paleontologist/“Lucy” Discoverer
Donald Johanson
early conservationists and in 1898
Board Members
the General Land Office established
President
the San Francisco Mountain Forest
President Elect
Reserve to protect these forests.
Secretary
Station
Officials later reclassified the area
Treasurer
as National Forest and in 1908 it was
Biggerstaff, Dolores; Flagstaff High School
Boyle, Mike; SWCA Environmental Consultants
Breunig, Robert; Museum of Northern Arizona
Munger, Molly; Northern Arizona University
Pennington, Diana; Friends of Camp Colton
Waltrip, Sharon; Kaibab National Forest
combined with other land to create
the Coconino National Forest.
That same year, the Forest Service designated this new forest
as the site for the country’s first
forest research station. Located in
Fort Valley just north of Flagstaff, the
Host Participants
Arizona Snowbowl
Arizona State Parks
City of Flagstaff
City of Williams
East Flagstaff Community Library
Lowell Observatory
Sponsors
Arizona Humanities Council • Arizona K-12 Center
Arizona Space Grant Consortium
Arizona State Parks • The Arts & Science Commission
Aspen Printing • City of Flagstaff • Clear Aire Audio
Ecological Restoration Institute • First State Bank
Joy Cone •KAFF/KMGN • KFLX
KOLT/Kool/The Eagle • KNAU
KNAZ TV/Channel 2 • Kaibab National Forest
Limber Pine Enterprises CPAs • Machine Solutions
Mountain Living Magazine
Nestlé Purina Petcare Co. • Nordstrom & Associates
Pepsi Cola Co. of Flagstaff • Planet Nissan Subaru
Schindler, Kevin & Gretchen • Stockmen’s Bank
Sunny 97 • SWCA Inc. • U.S. Geological Survey
Coconino Experiment Station is now
dating archaeological remains by examining the
tree rings exposed in beams. Douglass went on
to found the science of dendrochronology and
worked closely with Harold Colton, Ph.D., and
Lyndon Hargrave of the Museum of Northern
Arizona in establishing ages of ruins at sites
including Wupatki.
The trees that Douglass studied at the mill all
came from nearby forests that are part of the
most extensive stand of ponderosa pine
known as the Fort Valley Experimental
Forest and joins Northern Arizona University’s
Centennial Forest as a leading facility for
forestry research and education.
In 1912, Arizona earned statehood status and
V. M. Slipher, Ph.D., of Lowell Observatory
detected the expanding nature of the universe.
Meanwhile, a young couple from
Pennsylvania camped near the
San Francisco Peaks for four
days on their honeymoon
to the Southwest. They
returned
in
discovering
1916
an
and,
archae-
ological site, fell in love
with the area. Zoologist
Harold Colton and his
artist wife Mary-Russell
Ferrell Colton began making
archaeological surveys of the
area and in 1926 permanently
moved to Flagstaff.
The following year, Harold attended the first
28
Loggers: Forest Service; Fort Valley Experimental Forest: Forest Service; V. M. Slipher, Lowell Observatory
Pecos
Conference
archaeology
and
on
learned
southwestern
that
many
archaeological resources were disappearing at an alarming rate. He decided to
establish a museum to collect, preserve
and study the archaeology and natural
resources of the Colorado Plateau. In addition to archaeological work, the museum
would carry out studies of geology, botany
and other disciplines. Furthermore, and
in line with Mary-Russell’s passion, the
museum would be a center for art.
In 1928, the Northern Arizona Society of
Science and Art, later called the Museum
and other natural sciences. Part of this effort
of Northern Arizona, was incorporated. Not
included the addition of study centers such
surprisingly, among the 12 individuals who
as the Merriam-Powell Research Station,
signed the articles of incorporation was one of the
the Ecological Restoration Institute (ERI)
Riordan brothers, Timothy. One of the defin-
at Northern Arizona University and col-
ing aspects of the museum is the melding of
laborations with partners including the
science and art, a tradition carried on and encour-
Translational Genomic Research Insti-
aged today by the museum, the Flagstaff Arts
tute (TGen). These programs are led by
Council and the Flagstaff Festival of Science.
such renowned leaders as W. Wallace
As the United States entered into the Great
Covington, Ph.D., also known as the
Depression and World War II, scientific research
“Father of Forest Restoration” and the
in the area ebbed. Despite this, the eyes of the
world’s foremost DNA expert, Paul
world were focused on Flagstaff in 1930 with
Keim, Ph.D.
Clyde Tombaugh’s discovery of Pluto at Lowell
Observatory.
On
the
heels of the
Two decades would pass before another sci-
arrival of the
entific facility came onto the scene. In 1948,
Atmospheric
astronomer Art Adel began working at Arizona
Research
State College at Flagstaff (now Northern Arizo-
Observatory
na University), shepherding in a quickly expand-
came
ing aspect of scientific research at the college
astronomical
that saw the construction of the Atmospheric
facilities.
more
In
Research Observatory in 1952. Since then,
1955 the U.S. Naval Observa-
Northern Arizona University has added a stable
tory, hampered by the murky
of world-class scientific research and teaching
skies at its Washington, D.C.
programs focusing on forestry, biology, geology
facility,
established
a
new
Harold and Mary-Russell Ferrell Colton: Museum of Northern Arizona; W. Wallace Covington: Northern Arizona University
29
2005
Swing Into Science
Life in the Treetops:
Exploration in Tropical Forests
Treetop Biologist Margaret ‘Canopy Meg’
Lowman
Board Members
President
President Elect
Secretary
Station
Treasurer
Adair, Starla; Flagstaff Medical Center
Hough, Ian; Grand Canyon National Park
Leibfried, Bill; SWCA Environmental Consultants
Sommer, Stefan; Museum of Northern Arizona
Waltrip, Sharon; Kaibab National Forest
Host Participants
Arizona Snowbowl
Arizona State Parks
City of Flagstaff
City of Williams
Lowell Observatory
Sponsors
Boyer Metal • City of Flagstaff
Clear Aire Audio • Coconino County
First State Bank • Flagstaff Medical Center
Joy Cone • KAFF/KMGN • KOLT/Kool/The Eagle
KNAU • KNAZ TV/Channel 2 • KVNA
Limber Pine Enterprises CPAs • Machine Solutions
National Park Service • Nestlé Purina Petcare Co.
Pepsi Cola Co. of Flagstaff • Planet Nissan Subaru
Schindler, Kevin & Gretchen • Stockmen’s Bank
SWCA Inc. • Unisource Energy Services
U.S. Forest Service • U.S. Geological Survey
30
observing site at a more appropriate location.
Eugene Shoemaker, Ph.D., a geologist working
Officials targeted Flagstaff for the new field
for the U.S. Geological Survey.
station largely based on Lowell Observatory’s
Shoemaker is considered the father of astro-
longstanding success in the area. Decades
geology, the study of the geology of planetary
later, the Naval Observatory joined forces with
bodies such as the moon and planets. He found-
Lowell Observatory to construct the Navy Pre-
ed the U.S. Geological Survey’s Astrogeology
cision Optical Interferometer, which captures
Research Program in California and moved it
light from targeted objects at exceptionally high
to Flagstaff in 1962/1963, primarily because of
resolution.
the vast array of nearby geological features. The
Less than a decade after the U.S. Naval Ob-
initial goal was to support the Apollo program to
servatory established its Flagstaff station, the
the moon by creating lunar maps, training the
spirits of John Wesley Powell and Grove Karl
astronauts, and developing scientific observing
Gilbert returned to Flagstaff in the person of
and collecting techniques.
Forest walk: Ecological Restoration Institute; U.S. Naval Observatory: U.S. Naval Observatory/National Park Service
Shoemaker hoped to apply for the astronaut
builds a basic understanding of some
program and fly to the moon but was disquali-
phenomenon), the arrival of W. L. Gore
fied after he was diagnosed with a rare disease.
& Associates opened the door to exten-
Not able to attain his goal of becoming an
sive applied research (designed to solve
astronaut himself, he did the next best thing
practical problems, such as treating
and trained the astronauts at Meteor Crater and
illnesses).
several volcanic sites around Flagstaff.
The W. L. Gore company was
Decades later, Shoemaker made international
founded in 1958 by Wilbert “Bill”
headlines when the comet he had co-discovered
Lee Gore and his wife, Genevieve.
with wife, Carolyn, and amateur astronomer
The business initially developed
David Levy spectacularly crashed into Jupiter, a
ribbon cable used in the electronics
fitting event for a man who spent his life study-
industry. In 1967, some 30 years
ing impacts. After Shoemaker’s untimely death
after stopping in Flagstaff on
in 1997, the Flagstaff Festival of Science named
their honeymoon—just like the
its annual featured presentation the Shoemaker
Coltons had done—the Gores
Keynote Presentation.
returned to Flagstaff and opened
In the late 1960s, while the space race es-
a branch for the company on
calated, a new science-based company unlike
the east side of town. In the
any other in Flagstaff began operations. While
four decades since, Gore has
most previous scientific research in Flagstaff
established several additional
can be described as basic or pure (research that
facilities in Flagstaff, including
The Shoemakers: Lowell Observatory
31
2006
Dive into Science
Adventures of a Sea Hunter
Maritime Archaeologist James Delgado
Board Members
President
the Medical Products Division that designs
and builds various life-improving and lifesaving devices.
Just a few miles south of Gore’s westside
President Elect
complex stands a testament to Northern
Secretary
Arizona’s ongoing concern for plant conservation
Station
Treasurer
Edelstein, Rachel; The Arboretum at Flagstaff
Heinonen, Carrie; Flagstaff Medical Center
Hough, Ian; Grand Canyon National Park
Johnstone, Jay; Grand Canyon National Park
Snook, Jim; Help-U-Sell Real Estate
Van Sanford, Dianna; Museum of Northern Arizona
Host Participants
Arizona Snowbowl
Arizona State Parks
City of Flagstaff
Lowell Observatory
and study, building on the legacy of Clinton Hart
Merriam and the Forest Service. The Transition
Zone Horticultural Institute, known today as The
Arboretum at Flagstaff, was founded in 1981 to
research and conserve the native plants of the
Colorado Plateau. The Arboretum at Flagstaff
plays an important role in the story of science
in Flagstaff for two reasons. First, it was the last
major, independent research facility established
prior to the founding of the Flagstaff Festival
of Science in 1990. Second, it was created by
a person who symbolizes the community’s
longstanding support of scientific pursuits in
Flagstaff, Frances Burt McAllister.
Sponsors
Arizona Humanities Council • Arizona Public Service
Aspen Printing • Boyer Metal • City of Flagstaff Clear
Aire Audio • Coconino County
First State Bank • Flagstaff Area Monuments
Flagstaff Honda • Flagstaff Medical Center
Grand Canyon Association • Help-U-Sell Realty
The Inn at NAU • Joy Cone • KAFF/KMGN
KOLT/Kool/The Eagle KNAU • KNAZ TV/Channel 2
KVNA • Limber Pine Enterprises CPAs
Machine Solutions • McAllister, Frances
Northern Arizona Association of Realtors
Rocky Mountain Research Station • Stockmen’s Bank
U.S. Forest Service • W. L. Gore & Associates
32
The Arboretum at Flagstaff: A. Kleinman; Flagstaff Festival of Science Board receives check from W. L. Gore & Associates: 2012 Festival Archives
Flagstaff Supports Science
F
the community.
rances McAllister was a generous
Then there is the mindset of sci-
philanthropist who sponsored
entists such as Percival Lowell,
assorted scientific and cultural
efforts
in
Northern
who said in his 1906 book Mars
Arizona
including the Flagstaff Festival
and its Canals, “To set forth
of Science and its various
science in a popular, that is,
affiliated organizations. Her
in a generally understandable,
passionate and active support
form is as obligatory as to
of science typifies the atti-
present it in a more technical
tudes of many local residents.
manner. If men are to benefit
from it, it must be expressed to
While others may not have
their comprehension.” In 1896,
McAllister’s financial resources,
Flagstaff residents participated in
many do possess her community
pride and awareness that science is an
the “Summer School of Science,”
important fabric in the tapestry that is Flagstaff.
attending free lectures by leading scien-
This local support dates back to the pioneer
tists such as Lowell and botanist Clinton
days. Perhaps this is because the development
Hart Merriam.
and maturation of Flagstaff as a municipality
More than a century later, the locals
closely parallels the same growth stages as
still come out to hear scientists speak,
its scientific identity. Furthermore, many of
attending formal presentations at scien-
the community’s early leaders, such as the
tific organizations, informal programs at
Riordan brothers, visualized building an
enlightened community establishing
the trend of welcoming and supporting
scientists and their research endeavors.
Unlike most other 19th century western outposts, Flagstaff had traveling
scientists rubbing elbows with local
lumbermen and cattle drivers. Later,
when scientists planted their roots in
town, they became active members of
“If men are to benefit from it
[science], it must be expressed to
their comprehension.”
Percival Lowell, Astronomer
Lowell Observatory
Frances B. McAllister: The Arboretum at Flagstaff; Percival Lowell: Lowell Observatory
33
2007
Dig Science
industry and other interested
parties to discuss outdoor light-
Therizinosaur:
Mystery of the Sickle-Claw Dinosaur
ing issues.
Paleontologist David Gillette
In
Board Members
President
President Elect
Secretary
Station
event that fit with the identity
Brown, Mary
Cannella, John; Flagstaff Area National Monuments
May, Cindy; Arizona Public Service
Snook, Jim; Help-U-Sell Real Estate
Van Sanford, Dianna; Museum of Northern Arizona
of the city and that it wanted
to see continue into the future,
promoting Flagstaff as a leading
scientific center.
Lastly, in acknowledging the
community’s collective desire
to promote science, technology,
Host Participants
Aspen Printing • The Barringer Crater Company
Boyer Metal • Breed, William • City of Flagstaff
Clear Aire Audio • Coconino Community College
Cox Media • First State Bank
Flagstaff Area National Monuments
Flagstaff Cultural Partners/Flagstaff Arts Council
Grand Canyon Association • Hayes, Byron & Jennifer
Holbrook, Paul & Deborah • The Inn at Northern
Arizona University • Joy Cone • KAFF/KMGN
KOLT/Kool/The Eagle • KNAU • KNAZ TV/Channel 2
KVNA • Limber Pine Enterprises CPAs
Meteor Crater Enterprises • Nestlé Purina Petcare Co.
Rocky Mountain Research Station • SWCA Inc.
Unisource Energy Services • U.S. Forest Service
University of Arizona Phoenix Mars Scout Mission
pubs and book stores and a concentrated mix
engineering and mathematics, the City Council
of activities at the annual Flagstaff Festival of
declared Flagstaff as a STEM city, the first in the
Science.
United States. This designation sent the mes-
Further evidence of Flagstaff’s support for its
sage that Flagstaff loves its science and wants
scientific heritage is the ongoing
effort to protect the area’s natural resources. An example is the
decades-long effort to limit light
pollution in a community once
nicknamed the “Skylight City.” In
1958, city officials enacted the
first-known lighting ordinance in
the country, updating the code in
later years to reflect the changing
nature of lighting standards. In
2001, these efforts were recognized when Flagstaff was designated the world’s first International
Dark Sky City. In 2014, Flagstaff
hosted the first Dark Skies and
Emerging Technology Conference.
This summit welcomed policy
makers, dark skies advocates,
representatives from the lighting
34
community
staff Festival of Science as an
Treasurer
Sponsors
the
Flagstaff 2020, cited the Flag-
Arizona Snowbowl
Arizona State Parks
City of Flagstaff
Lowell Observatory
Norton Materials Recovery Facility
Pulliam Airport
1996,
created a vision. The document,
Flagstaff road sign: Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition; Early Childhood messy experiments: 2014 Festival Archives
to ensure its availability for future generations.
Returning to the question, “Why a Flagstaff
How important is science to Flagstaff’s
Festival of Science?” The answer comes down
heritage? Many of the area’s older scientific
to this: Northern Arizona holds both an extraor-
facilities are listed on the National Register of
dinary scientific heritage worthy of celebrating
Historic Places, including the C. Hart Merriam
and the desire by its residents to do so. The
Base Camp Site, Lowell Observatory, the
Festival serves as the vehicle for this celebration,
Museum of Northern Arizona exhibit building,
as stated in its mission, to connect and inspire
the Forest Service Fort Valley Experimental
the citizens of Northern Arizona, particularly
Forest Station Historic District and Wupatki
youth, with the wonders of science and the joy of
National Monument.
scientific discovery.
Clockwise from top left: C. Hart Merriam Base Camp Site: Kevin Schindler; Lowell Observatory: Lowell Observatory;
Museum of Northern Arizona: A. Kleinman; Fort Valley Experimental Forest Station, Forest Service; Wupatki National Monument: Tanya Rae
35
2008
Zoom Into Science
Zoom Into the Hidden Depths of the
Biological World
Hot Zone Author Richard Preston
Board Members
President
President Elect
Secretary
Station
Treasurer
Brown, Mary
Cannella, John; Flagstaff Area National Monuments
Leibfried, Bill; W. Leibfried Environmental Services
Snook, Jim; Help-U-Sell Real Estate, Dallas Real
Estate
Zavala, Bob; U.S. Naval Observatory
Host Participants
Arizona Snowbowl
Arizona State Parks
City of Flagstaff
Lowell Observatory
Sponsors
Arizona Daily Sun • Arizona Humanities Council
Arizona State Parks • Aspen Printing
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona • Boyer Metal
Breed, William • City of Flagstaff • Clear Aire Audio
Coconino Community College • Coconino County
Cox Media • First State Bank
KNAU • KVNA • Lowell Observatory
Pepsi Cola Co. of Flagstaff • Putnam, William Lowell
University of Arizona Phoenix Mars Scout Mission
W. Leibfried Environmental Services
36
Clockwise from top left: Whirlpool Galaxy, Discovery Channel Telescope: Massey/Neugent/Lowell Obs./NSF; Science in the Park: Bonnie Stevens;
Flagstaff Medical Center’s Fantastic Voyage skeleton: Tanya Rae; Northern Arizona University ARD Building: Northern Arizona University; Elden Pueblo:
Forest Service; Boy with microscope: Bonnie Stevens; Girl with snake: Willow Bend Environmental Education Center; Blow hole: Tanya Rae
Developing the
“We want people to see that science is much
more than nerds and pocket protectors. It’s
exciting and fun and you don’t even need
to be a scientist to work in science.”
Steve Smith, W. L. Gore & Associates
Steve Smith: Festival Archives; Science in the Park: Tanya Rae
37
2009
Launch Into Science
O
Reaching Your Own Special Star
Apollo Astronaut Alan Bean
President
President Elect
Secretary
Station
Treasurer
Host Participants
Arizona Snowbowl
Arizona State Parks
City of Flagstaff
Lowell Observatory
Sponsors
Aspen Printing • Bates, Bryan & Barbara
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona • Boyer Metal
City of Flagstaff • Clear Aire Audio
Coconino Community College • Coconino County
Eagle 103.7 • East Flagstaff Family Medicine
EnviroSystems Management • First State Bank
Flagstaff High School Culinary Arts Program
KNAU • KVNA • Lowell Observatory
Machine Solutions • Meteor Crater Enterprises
Radisson Woodlands Hotel
Rotary International • Sakura Restaurant
Unisource Energy Services • W. L. Gore & Associates
38
science.” With these words, Hughes kicked
light from a full
off the inaugural festival that would evolve into
moon flooded the land-
Board Members
Brown, Mary
Donnermeyer, Chris; Flagstaff Area National
Monuments
Doskocil, Lisa; Museum of Northern Arizona
Pearce, Andy; Grand Canyon National Park
Snook, Jim; Dallas Real Estate
n Oct. 5, 1990,
an annual 10-day salute to science.
scape of the town once
Such a large-scale, community-wide event
called the Skylight City,
had been slowly germinating for decades, with
symbolically
launching
several organizations holding their own public
a three-day community
open houses. The U.S. Geological Survey, for
celebration of science. At
instance, had for years opened its doors for
7 p.m., 700 curious residents settled into their
annual behind-the-scenes tours that allowed
seats in Northern Arizona University’s Ardrey
visitors the chance to experience first-hand the
Auditorium and listened to Northern Arizona
excitement of scientific endeavors. Ivo Luc-
University President Eugene Hughes address
chitta, Ph.D., a retired geologist and onetime
the crowd.
director at the U.S. Geological Survey, remem-
“On behalf of Northern Arizona University
bers, “The U.S. Geological Survey open house
and the scientific organizations of Flagstaff, I
was typically a one-day affair but we realized
welcome you to the opening ceremonies of the
that it was really popular. At one point, some of
first Flagstaff Festival of Science,” announced
my colleagues and I, we thought well, if it is so
Hughes. He continued, “This weekend promises
well received, why don’t we really make a big
to be very exciting. I hope all of you will be able
effort and have a three-day open house, which
to take advantage of this opportunity to learn
we did. It was a success beyond expectations
about the contributions to science, which are
and we estimated maybe 5,000 people came.
being made by many of your neighbors right
We were blown away.”
here in Flagstaff. It is also an opportunity for
The success of this three-day event got
the young people of our community to see
Lucchitta and colleagues John Sass, Ph.D.,
first-hand the diversity and excitement of
Wendell Duffield, Ph.D., and Wes Ward, Ph.D.,
Moon: Lowell Observatory; U.S. Geological Survey: Kevin Schindler
thinking on an even grander scale. “It seemed
Hughes took action. W. L. Gore’s John Giova-
logical that perhaps we should tap into all of
le recalls, “Gene called, it must have been
this local interest in science,” Lucchitta said.
12-15 business leaders from the community,
“It was completely uncertain how, but some-
to NAU to try this idea out of a science festival.
how have an event, maybe annual, maybe not
We had lunch at Northern Arizona University
annual, we didn’t know, where we would have
and there was a uniformly enthusiastic response
sort of a mega open house with lectures and so
to Gene’s proposal.”
on. This would not be just the U.S. Geological
Hughes said the group initially decided to hold
Survey but everybody
an event in conjunction with Northern Arizona
else, too. After all,
University’s honors week in April 1990. An
there was Lowell, the
organizational meeting was held with Lucchitta
Naval
Observatory,
and other leaders from the community’s sci-
other
observatories,
entific community. Retired Northern Arizona
the
the
University administrator Jeannette Baker,
Forest Service, the
university,
Ph.D., remembers, “They had the idea of
museum; there were
what they wanted to see happen but they
a lot of outfits doing
didn’t have a clear idea of what to do next.
research.”
So they got a few of their staff people in-
Meanwhile, Eugene
volved—there was me, Amy LeGere and
Hughes was devel-
Steve Smith from Gore and others—peo-
oping his own ideas
ple who were maybe more familiar with
about celebrating sci-
how to organize events.”
ence. In his position as
university
president,
formed that included Richard Heintz,
Hughes had nurtured
publisher of the Arizona Daily Sun. In
both
and
January 1990, this group was split up
informal associations
formal
into science and operations commit-
with
scientific
tees. The former, headed by Lucchit-
organizations around
the
ta, focused on establishing scientific
Flagstaff.
Hughes
content while the latter took care of
remembers, “All of
the details of event planning and
that effort, in terms of
promotion.
relationships, led me
to
think
we
ers identified the following key
points, as listed in a Jan. 18,
find some way to cel-
1990 memo from Lucchitta:
ebrate the sciences
• Each institution should focus
in Flagstaff.”
on just a few subjects that it
fall
that
As discussions ensued, lead-
should be able to
In
Abert’s Squirrel: A. Kleinman
A steering committee was initially
1989,
is particularly strong in. We
39
2010
Livin’ Science
cannot all do everything.
get to see cool stuff.”
• It would be good to have activities that are
Will Steger, co-leader of the 1990 International
Biospherian Jane Poynter
particularly interesting to the public, including
Trans-Antarctica Expedition, was brought on as
Board Members
President
hands-on displays, movies and videos and dis-
the keynote speaker. W. L. Gore & Associates
President Elect
plays with a strong graphic content.
played a pivotal role, sponsoring both the ex-
Secretary
• We must remember that we are dealing with
pedition—which clothed its human and canine
the general public: jargon and esoteric details
members in Gore-Tex® wear—and Steger’s
must be avoided.
travels to Flagstaff for the Festival.
Biosphere 2: The Human Experience
Station
Treasurer
Doskocil, Lisa; Museum of Northern Arizona
Pearce, Andy; Grand Canyon National Park
Schelz, Charles; Flagstaff Area National Monuments
Host Participants
Arizona Snowbowl
Arizona State Parks
City of Flagstaff
Lowell Observatory
Sponsors
Aspen Printing • The Barringer Crater Company
Bates, Bryan & Barbara
Biggerstaff, Charles & Dolores
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona • City of Flagstaff
Coconino County • Ecological Restoration Institute
EnviroSystems Management
Flagstaff Community Foundation
Flagstaff High School Culinary Arts Program
Grand Canyon Association
Grand Canyon Wildlands Council
Hayes, Byron & Jennifer • Joy Cone • KAFF/KMGN
KOLT/Kool/The Eagle • KNAU • KVNA
Lowell Observatory • Machine Solutions
McClanahan Family • Meteor Crater Enterprises
Northern Arizona University Space Grant
Radisson Woodlands Hotel
Unisource Energy Services
U.S. Geological Survey • W. L. Gore & Associates
40
• We need to show
Media buildup for
that science is vital
the
to the country (and
strong.
the human race), ex-
1990 press release
citing, and, above all,
stated, “As a tribute
fun. We should also
to the scientists, en-
try to show how it is
gineers and technol-
an integral and indis-
ogists who over the
pensable part of ev-
years have brought
eryday life, not some
fame and honor to
exotic thing that only
this
select
Flagstaff will hold its
high
priests
Festival
An
was
August
mountain
city,
engage in.
first-ever
Flagstaff
• We need to get
Festival of Science.”
young people inter-
An editorial in the
ested and excited about science and show them
Aug. 17, 1990 Arizona Daily Sun read,” Flagstaff
that they might consider it seriously as a career.
Festival of Science—what does that mean to
• We need to show the public that scientific
you? If you think it will be the Northland’s larg-
research, and therefore decent scientific educa-
est nerd convention in years, you’ve got a lot to
tion, are not some kind of luxury, but one of the
learn. If it sounds like a pretty big public relations
keys not only to our well-being as a nation, but
stunt that packs a scientific punch, well, you’re
also to our survival. It is knowledge that sells in
getting closer. And if you think it is basically a
today’s world.
baring of the heart, mind and soul of Flagstaff’s
Planners ultimately set the weekend of Oct.
scientific community, bingo!”
5-7, 1990 for the first Festival. More than 50
That first Festival proved to be quite success-
events at 10 sites were planned, with special
ful and planners soon began looking to the fu-
attention given to programming appropriate for
ture. Baker recalls, “With the success of that
all ages. W. L. Gore’s Director Ginger Giovale
first weekend, we found that more organizations
said, “Adults in this town like to go to places
wanted to get involved. We decided to expand
that are interesting not only for their kids but for
it into a longer-running event because of the ad-
themselves. It gives them a break, but they also
ditional organizations and also so more people
Science In The Park: Tanya Rae
would have the opportunity to attend. We also
started in-school and after-school programs.”
Leaders realized that to sustain the Festival,
particularly
considering
the
longer-running
event and ongoing need for fundraising, a more
formal organizational structure would be needed. The Festival incorporated in 1992 and established a board and slate of officers, including
President Jeannette Baker (NAU), Vice President/President Elect Steve Smith (W. L. Gore &
Associates), Secretary Amy LeGere (W. L. Gore
& Associates), Treasurer Otto Franz, Ph.D.,
(Lowell Observatory), David Chase (David
Chase & Co.), Ginger Giovale (W. L. Gore &
Associates), Wes Lockwood, Ph.D., (Lowell Observatory), Ivo Lucchitta (U.S. Geological Survey) and Patsy Reed (NAU). Three years later,
the paid position of coordinator was added to
ensure continuity and year-round planning.
Ugly Bug Contest.
The first Name an Asteroid contest in
In the ensuing quarter of a century, the Festival
1996 inspired creativity from Northern Ar-
has matured into an annual event that repeats
izona to England. Astronomers Chris Lug-
popular programs such as Science in the Park—
inbuhl and Brian Skiff identified unnamed
featuring hands-on activities by four dozen
asteroids and reviewed the 120 submit-
organizations—while introducing new ones
ted names. Tse Naat’a’I, a Navajo word
that tie in to current scientific and educational
for flying rock, proposed by 13-year-old
opportunities.
Each
year, organizers produce
a
“Passport”
Asteroid Contest Winners
that serves the dual
1996 - (5460) Tse Naat’a’i, Derekson Bert
purpose of listing all
1997 - (6229) Tursachan, Alice Dennis
festival events while
1998 - (10039) Keet Seel, Michael Gibson
allowing students to
1999 - (6370) Malpais, Van Campbell
keep track of their trav-
2000 - (11831) Quivira, Jesse Roberts
els to various events
2001 - (12557) Caracol, Gary Bennett
and take notes. For
2002 - (12912) Streator, Mark Decker
several years contests
- (14566) Hokulea, Erik, Mara, Scott and Troy Hardman
were held as part of
- (12079) Kaibab, Leszek Pawlowicz
the Festival, including
See more http://www.nofs.navy.mil/festsci/winners.html
Name an Asteroid and
Ugly Bug Contest poster, Kevin Schindler; Artist concept of NASA’s Dawn Spacecraft and the Giant Asteroid Vesta: NASA/JPL/Caltech
41
2011
Illuminating Science
Illuminating Science through
the Hubble Space Telescope
Space Shuttle Astronaut/Astronomer
John Grunsfeld
Board Members
President
President Elect
Secretary
Station
Treasurer
Biggerstaff, Dolores
Evans, Caitlin, Museum of Northern Arizona
Farretta, Kathy; Museum of Northern Arizona
Klimowski, Brian; National Weather Service
Ranney, Wayne
Worssam, Jillian; Flagstaff Unified School District
Host Participants
Arizona Snowbowl
Arizona State Parks
City of Flagstaff
Flagstaff Arts & Leadership Academy
Lowell Observatory
Northern Arizona Center for Entrepreneurship and
Technology
Sponsors
1701 Fund Members • Arizona Community Foundation
Arizona Daily Sun • Aspen Printing
The Barringer Crater Company
Coconino County • EnviroSystems Management
Flagstaff Medical Center Foundation
Grand Canyon Association
Grand Canyon Wildlands Council • Joy Cone
KAFF/KMGN • KOLT/Kool/The Eagle • KNAU • KVNA
Molly & Joseph Herman Foundation
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
Saks, Michael & Roselle Wissler
Science Foundation Arizona • Stardust Foundation
Unisource Energy Services • U.S. Forest Service
42
Derekson Bert of Rocky Ridge Boarding School,
Elementary’s centipede took second place and
was the winner. In an afternoon ceremony at
DeMiguel’s milkweed came in third. The third
Bert’s school two miles north of Kykotsmovi
graders were asked to submit dead bugs.
in the remote town of Dinnebito, Festival
Photos of the bug mugs were displayed at local
representatives presented him with a photo
libraries and on the Internet. The public was
of the asteroid and a $50 savings bond from
asked to vote on the ugliest.
Flagstaff Medical Center. Skiff, the asteroid
The list of keynote speakers from the past
discoverer, said the name grabbed his attention
25 years is a who’s who of leading scientists
because it was symbolic of the Navajo culture’s
and explorers—Donald Johanson, Ph.D., who
influence in the Flagstaff area.
discovered the fossil hominid Lucy, moonwalkers
Meantime, the Ugly Bug Contest was the
Harrison “Jack” Schmitt, Ph.D., and Alan Bean,
brainchild of NAU’s Marilee Sellers, who
environmental advocate Alexandra Cousteau and
magnified insects tens of thousands of times,
astronomer Carolyn Shoemaker, to name a few.
splashed them in neon colors and showcased
The Flagstaff Festival of Science is the longest
them on posters. These monster-like images
continuously running free science festival in
of bugs with multiple eyes, hairy legs and
the United States and has become established
sometimes wings, demonstrated the power
as one of the city’s signature events. In 2012,
and function of the electron microscope, which
the Festival was recognized by the Arizona
she used in her lab on campus. In 1996, the
Daily Sun as Organization of the Year while also
winner of the Ugly Bug Contest was a ladybird
winning the Viola Award for Flagstaff Event of the
beetle, also known as a ladybug. Submitted
Year. But most importantly,
by third graders at Cromer Elementary School
the Festival continues
in Flagstaff, it won them $100 in science
to inspire both youth
videos and bright Ugly Bug posters. Marshall
and lifelong learners
to ask more questions and seek
more answers about the
universe around them.
Snapshots from the Viola Awards Ceremony: Bob Fain and A. Kleinman; The Viola Award: Flagstaff Cultural Partners
Science:
The Endless Frontier
“We really believe strongly in the need to inspire
science in education and to help students see
the need in that. And to see that scientists
aren’t weird, wild people.”
Otto Franz, Astronomer, Lowell Observatory
Otto Franz: Lowell Observatory. Clockwise from top left: Northern Arizona University Science & Engineering Day, Science In The Park,
Willow Bend Environmental Education Center, Northern Arizona Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology, Science in the Park,
Flagstaff Medical Center’s Fantastic Voyage, Wupatki Visitor Center, Northern Arizona University’s Mountain Campus Science Day: Festival Archives
43
2012
Making Waves
If there is any doubt, meet the Harrison twins.
“We moved to Flagstaff when we were 9
Making Waves with Alexandra Cousteau
National Geographic Emerging Explorer
Alexandra Cousteau
years old,” explains Quinn. “We didn’t know
Board Members
a lot of people, but our new friends at school
President
encouraged us to attend the Flagstaff Festival
President Elect
of Science. So, we did as a family. We went to
Secretary
Station
a physics lab at Northern Arizona University and
Treasurer
we watched as scientists blew up a watermel-
Edelstein, Rachel; Southwest Windpower
Evans, Caitlin; Museum of Northern Arizona
Haskins, Kristin, The Arboretum at Flagstaff
Munger, Molly
Ranney, Wayne
Rodgers, Jane; National Park Service
our own human replacement organs, “printing”
Host Participants
Arizona Snowbowl
Arizona State Parks
City of Flagstaff
Flagstaff Photography Center
Lowell Observatory
Southwest Windpower
Sponsors
1701 Fund Members • Arizona Community Foundation
Arizona Daily Sun • Aspen Printing
The Barringer Crater Company
Flagstaff Unified School District • GeoFund
Holbrook, Paul & Deborah • Joy Cone • KAFF/KMGN
KOLT/Kool/The Eagle • KNAU • KVNA • Kahl Family
Rocky Mountain Research Station • Root, Charlot M.
Science Foundation Arizona • Snook, Jim & Linda
Stardust Foundation • Unisource Energy Services
44
L
ooking to the future, we might find our-
on! Our school lab was fun, but not this much
selves vacationing in moon cities, growing
fun. The Northern Arizona University scientists
were really enthusiastic.”
out a hamburger or monitoring “smart” baby
Enthusiasm for science appears to be conta-
onesies that tell us when the child’s electro-
gious. As paleontologist David Gillette, Ph.D.,
lytes are running low. Of course, we’re all living
explains, “Everyone in Northern Arizona can
much longer, healthier lives. And we look better,
be a part of this kid-friendly and adult-friendly
too! Cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and other he-
event. It’s a wonderful opportunity to reach the
reditary disorders can be treated, now that our
public every year, in a community that’s hungry
own personal DNA strands have been decoded
for science and learning.”
and any kinks molecularly rewired. There’s a
Quinn’s sister, Mackenzie, remembers being
vaccination for everything, of course, and no
fascinated with interactive exhibits showcased
gloomy days unless we order them up. Mean-
by W. L. Gore & Associates. “We were in 6th
while, investors of space mining companies are
grade and I really enjoyed the Festival because
getting rich, as precious metals are being exca-
that was the first year in school that we had a
vated from asteroids. And our bathrooms are
human
self-cleaning because engineered microorgan-
unit. Some of the
isms are feeding off the grime and then flushing
exhibits tied in to
themselves away.
what we were learn-
anatomy
It’s an amazing place, this future, but we
ing. I was especially
didn’t get there without science. And through
drawn to displays
community efforts like the Flagstaff Festival
about the heart.”
of Science, we didn’t get there without scien-
M a c k e n z i e
tists themselves inviting the next generation to
had been interested
explore the wonders of their world with them.
in
science
since
So with the first quarter century of the Festi-
preschool. “I love
val behind us and a generation of young adults
chemistry and math.
now, who grew up with an annual celebration of
All
science, was the Festival successful in nurtur-
math come to me
ing their interests? Did this exposure to science
easily. Attending the
influence their lives?
Festival added to my
sciences
and
Cosmic Cart experiment: Tanya Rae; David Gillette: Festival Archives; Science in the Park: Bonnie Stevens
education and helped boost my interest in cardiology. I want to be a cardiologist or possibly a
heart surgeon. My other interests are in pathology and neurology.”
While Mackenzie’s heart is with the heart, her
sister Quinn loves gems and crystals. She has
always enjoyed how they sparkle. During the
Festival, her fascination with rocks and minerals
took on new depth when geologists showed
her what they look like under a microscope. She
was captivated.
“After seeing this, I started a rock and gem
collection at home. I also knew then that my
grandfather really liked panning for gold in
are human beings and they don’t have all the
Prescott. It was one of his hobbies. So, for a
answers. Indeed, not having all the answers is
couple of years, he and I would pan for bits of
what makes scientists scientists.”
gold in a Prescott creek. He also had the tools
For Samantha Christensen, meeting the scien-
to cut rocks, chemicals to clean them up and
tists and being in their workspace made science
materials to polish them. The Festival turned my
real. “I could envision myself as a scientist.”
interest in rocks into a study of geology, which
As she points out, the typical visitor doesn’t
led to a wonderful interest that I could share
get that opportunity. “You’re not invited into
with my grandfather.”
a scientist’s office. You’re not often exposed
Using the tools that scientists use and learning
to what it means to be a scientist. But at the
from the scientists themselves are important
Festival you’re seeing people creating things
components of the Festival.
and engaged in things. I think about visiting
“When you are not involved
the U.S. Geological Survey,
in something, it’s easy to see
for example. There were
a certain mystique about that
all these maps and images
field,” said the late astron-
on the walls that the pub-
omer Robert Fried, founder
lic wouldn’t otherwise
of Braeside Observatory just
see. You really got that
west of Flagstaff. “With a sci-
inside look and it made
entist or a physicist, so much
that goal of working
of the image of these people
in science more at-
is from cartoons or stereo-
tainable because you
types—mad scientists and
could see that these
people in white coats. I think
were real people.”
any scientist would want people to understand that they
She
could
also
see science coming
Robert Fried: Festival Archives; Apollo metric montage: NASA/USC/Arizona State University/Edmundson/2013/Festival Archives
45
2013
Life in the Extreme
Life in the Extreme
Geologist Steve Squyres
Board Members
President
President Elect
Secretary
Station
Treasurer
Edelstein, Rachel
Haskins, Kristin; The Arboretum at Flagstaff
Munger, Molly
Nelson, Roger; U.S. Naval Observatory
Ranney, Wayne
Rodgers, Jane; National Park Service
Tweed, Russell; Willow Bend Environmental Education
Center
Host Participants
Arizona Snowbowl
Arizona State Parks
City of Flagstaff
Lowell Observatory
Northern Arizona Center for Entrepreneurship and
Technology
TGen
Sponsors
103.7 Eagle Rocks • Arizona Community Foundation
Arizona Snowbowl • The Barringer Crater Company
Edgar, Robert & Sheila • EnviroSystems Management
Geile Charitable Fund • Hayes, Byron & Jennifer
Holbrook, Paul & Deborah • Joy Cone • KAFF/KMGN
KOLT/Kool/The Eagle • KNAU • KVNA • Kahl Family
Lowell Observatory • Meteor Crater Enterprises
Rocky Mountain Research Station • Root, Charlot M.
Science Foundation Arizona • Snook, Jim & Linda
Stardust Foundation • Tweed, Russell & Tanya
46
alive. Samantha began attending the Festival
a whole new appreciation for what’s happening.
with her father as an 8-year-old in 1990, its in-
Being able to see kids go to these things is really
augural year. “My dad capitalized on scientific
thrilling because I have a taste for what they are
things whenever he could because of my inter-
experiencing and how this may influence their
est and so was all over the Festival. He also has
lives. I am also able to appreciate the events in
an interest in science and I think that’s the spirit
a different way. Because I have now pursued
of the Festival, that it appeals to all ages and is
science scholastically, I can get more out of
something that a parent and a child can do to-
the talks that first inspired me. I’ve also had the
gether and both be entertained and educated.”
opportunity to represent Lowell Observatory at
The Festival, says Samantha, is one of the
Festival events such as Science in the Park and
reasons she studied science in college. At the
create content specifically for them. I now see
University of Arizona she earned a bachelor’s
kids as excited as I was at that age, and now I’m
degree in math, a minor in physics and took a
the one who gets to inspire kids, the way I was
lot of courses in astronomy. She also worked
inspired years ago.”
for the National Optical Astronomy Observatory. After returning to Flagstaff, she began designing
and
managing
summer
space camps for kids at
Lowell Observatory, while
continuing to attend the
Festival with her dad.
“I appreciate the Festival
in a whole new way as an
adult and look back and see
how much it has influenced
my life. In that sense, I have
Science in the Park: Tanya Rae; Telescope viewing: Russ Ruggles
“To me, raising the awareness of the fantastic
science taking place every day in Flagstaff is
one of the most important things about the
Festival,” says founding Festival board member
Jeanette Baker, Ph.D. “Related to that is the
opportunity the Festival presents to get young
people interested in science and its importance
in the world around them.”
As volcanologist Wendell Duffield, Ph.D.,
says, “Flagstaff’s Festival of Science is a wonderful way to highlight and celebrate what an incredible variety of scientific research this town
has to offer.”
Nathan Smith says that exposure to the many
different fields of science pushed
in the Park, helping younger kids interact with
the limits of his perception.
science while he continued to learn. “In-
He can remember participating
in
activities
Festival
from
the
volvement in the Festival helped build strong
personal skills of hard work, leadership,
working with others, and follow through.”
time he first learned
For several years, he was charged with
to walk, and probably
managing a small group of other child
before that.
volunteers. Tasks included running the
my
Passport stamp booth and, his favorite
interests in learning and
assignment, the Gore-Tex® Scrunchies
developing a greater un-
Worms booth. “Through these experi-
“It
sparked
derstanding of myself, nature
ences I was able to get an early taste
and our intricate, interdependent
of group management and leadership
relationships,” he says. “The Festival provided
and developed skills that will carry me
me with numerous, invaluable experiences and
for years to come.”
Nathan’s older sister, Michelle, also
opportunities for developing my inquisitive character and inspired me toward a life devoted to
grew up with the Festival, attending
finding understanding of our place in the grand
events and serving as a volunteer.
scheme of life, whether that be in the form of an
“The best word I can use to
imagination-igniting visit to Lowell Observatory
describe my experience is FUN. It
to gaze through the telescope at distant lands,
was a blast helping set everything
getting a hands-on lesson in soil structure from
up and getting Science in the Park
The Arboretum or listening to a speech by key-
up and running every year. My
note speakers on topics ranging from dinosaur
favorite was the Gore tent and
bones to Martian stones.”
the life-size Operation game.
As Nathan grew up, he volunteered at Science
My ‘aha moment’ was when I
Wendall Duffield: 2003 Festival Archives; Curiosity: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS
47
2014
A Grand Adventure
A Grand Adventure:
Tracking Microscopic Public Enemies
DNA Expert Paul Keim
Board Members
President
President Elect
Klimowski, Brian; National Weather Service,
Secretary
Station
Treasurer
Edelstein, Rachel
Farretta, Kathy
Haskins, Kristin; The Arboretum at Flagstaff
Munger, Molly
Nelson, Roger; U.S. Naval Observatory
Newton, Ronda; National Park Service
Ranney, Wayne
Tweed, Russell; Willow Bend Environmental Education
Center
Vaughan, Greg; U.S Geological Survey
Worssam, Jillian; Fl.agstaff Unified School District
Host Participants
Arizona Snowbowl
Arizona State Parks
City of Flagstaff
Flagstaff Aquaplex
Flagstaff Family Food Center
Lowell Observatory
Pinecone Preschool
Sponsors
103.7 Eagle Rocks • Arizona Community Foundation
Arizona Snowbowl • Bates, Bryan & Barbara
Hayes, Byron & Jennifer • Holbrook, Paul & Deborah
KNAU • KVNA • Kahl Family • Lowell Observatory
Mylrea, Kenneth and Mary Ellen
Root, Charlot M. • Science Foundation Arizona
Smith, Steven & Kathryn • Snook, Jim & Linda
Stardust Foundation • Tweed, Russell & Tanya
48
went to the National Weather Station and got
community celebration. “It gets kids excited
to watch a demonstration of how they gauge
about learning, which I think is the coolest part.
the wind and watch all of the monitors that help
It has definitely sparked my interest in many
the meteorologists forecast the weather. There
things. I find myself more curious about the
is a lot more that goes into it than I originally
science behind-the-scenes in many aspects of
thought! When I was little I really enjoyed all of
my life.”
the hands-on activities and as I have gotten old-
“What really counts in science education,”
er now I love to watch all the kids’ excitement in
says Arctic explorer and 1990 Festival keynote
learning all about science.”
speaker Will Steger, “is the future of Earth. We
After visiting Flagstaff as the Festival keynote
are the stewards, the protectors of that life. We
presenter in 2006, rainforest biologist Margaret
must educate ourselves, make the right deci-
Lowman, Ph.D., also known as “Canopy Meg,”
sions for our children and pave the way so our
said she would like to see a similar celebration
children can carry on.”
of science in her hometown of Sarasota, Fla.
Young adults, like Nathan Smith, who grew up
“Science literacy is earmarked as an urgent
with the Festival see science education as an
crisis throughout America,” she wrote in a
important part of the future. “I believe that our
Sarasota newspaper. “Science festivals are a
drive to find answers to life’s greatest questions
greatway to foster science education and also
is at the heart of scientific advancement and
create a venue for family fun!”
discovery. Science has and will play an invalu-
Michelle Smith says she has enjoyed watching
able role in expanding the horizons of human
the Festival transform from a very small event
possibility and opening our future to new and
with a couple of tents to a 10-day, citywide
ever-expanding areas for greater growth and
Radiosonde launch: National Weather Service; Girl with microscope: Bonnie Stevens; Boy with Operation game: Tanya Rae;
Margaret “Canopy Meg” Lowman: 2005 Festival Archives
“If our young people are well educated and grounded in
science and math, they will discover and build
the future, as science is the endless frontier.”
William Harris, Science Foundation Arizona CEO and President
exploration. Our future is truly limitless in its
President
potential, and science and technology will play
Harris, Ph.D., says
key roles in assisting mankind in developing
our future depends
an intimate understanding of the nature of our
on how well we
reality and our relationship to nature and the
prepare our young
greater universe.”
people.
William
Whether cultivating a new wave of cardiolo-
“If our young people are well educated and
gists, geologists, astronomers or strategic think-
grounded in science and math,” says Harris,
ers through efforts like the Flagstaff Festival of
“they will discover and build the future, as
Science, Science Foundation Arizona CEO and
science is the endless frontier.”
NGC 6946 Spiral Galaxy, Discovery Channel Telescope, Massey/Neugent/Levine/Lowell Obs./NSF;
William Harris: Science Foundation Arizona
49
Opening Night Reception
September 19, 2014
2014 Shoemaker Keynote Presenter Paul Keim, Ph.D., Northern Arizona University President
Emeritus Eugene Hughes, Ph.D., Northern Arizona University President Rita Cheng, Ph.D.,
founding member and first Flagstaff Festival of Science President Jeanette Baker, Ph.D.,
founding member and 2014 Flagstaff Festival of Science President Steve Smith.
50
Photo by Kevin Schindler
W W W.
Planetary Nebula NGC 6543: gaseous cocoon around a dying star: J.P. Harrington and K.J. Borkowski (University of Maryland), and NASA; Worm jaws, Jelly & Spine: Festival Archives;
Wonderglobe Image: Reto Stöckli, Nazmi El Saleous, and Marit Jentoft-Nilsen, NASA GSFC; Aspen leaf & Prairie dog: A. Kleinman
w w w . s c i f e s t. o r g

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