Margaret Landis, NAU Senior of Bellingham, Washington, to Graduate with Honors

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Margaret Landis poses in front of NAU's astronomy building and telescope

FLAGSTAFF, AZ (04/05/2013)(readMedia)-- Northern Arizona University senior, Margaret Landis came to Flagstaff, Arizona from Bellingham, Washington to study physics and astronomy. Landis will be graduating with honors this spring and plans to continue her success in a graduate program.

Margaret's undergraduate research at NAU, which is funded by NASA, focuses on impact craters on the 3 billion year old surface of Mars in an area called Arabia Terra. Landis is investigating the role of surface and subsurface water and ice in the geologic evolution of the red planet.

Landis' enthusiasm for this work and research opportunity is evident. "My advisor said this is the largest mid-infrared study in terms of number of objects looked at. It's safe to say I did something this summer that no one else has ever done."

Margaret's research on the heavily cratered Arabia Terra has the potential to tell astronomers more about "the role subsurface volatiles, like water and ice, using a long span of geologic history."

Landis chose the dark skied, star-filled Flagstaff specifically for NAU's observational astronomy focus, a mid-sized program strong in undergraduate research and the chance to work closely with professors. This spring Landis will graduate with about 35 other physics and astronomy majors before starting graduate school.

NAU's Honors Program helps students to push academic boundaries. The rigorous, personalized program of study with honors-distinguished course work challenges student's intellect and stimulates a love of learning. Upon graduation, honors students receive special distinction on diplomas and transcripts that help them gain a competitive edge.

Founded in 1899, Northern Arizona University has established a powerful legacy of educating students to help them make a difference in the world. With an expansive Extended Campuses program, the university has an undergraduate enrollment of approximately 20,000 students located at more than 30 sites across Arizona or online. The university is a leader in integrating sustainability into university policies and educational curriculum highlighted by the Platinum LEED-certified Applied Research and Development building, the third-greenest building in the world. More information is online at nau.edu/