Fall 2021

University of Arizona researcher Jekan Thanga has created a model for a solar-powered “ark” on the moon to store cryogenically frozen seed, spore, sperm and egg samples from 6.7 million Earth species. His scientific inspiration came from the biblical tale of Noah's Ark.

Beetles, iridescent and jewel-like, and powdery-winged butterflies frozen midflight fill drawers upon drawers on the fourth floor of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences’ Forbes Building, nestled in the center of the University of Arizona campus.

The University of Arizona has always been a place where innovation and innovative people thrive: Our researchers follow their curiosity to meaningful discoveries. Our students have launched businesses in between classes. And our graduates are prepared to bring their ingenuity to communities around the world.

Alumnus Humberto S. Lopez creates endowed chairs at Sarver Heart Center and the Eller College of Management.

Minerals and biological life co-evolved. Scientific theory posits that at the beginning of our solar system, there were 50 to 60 minerals to be found on Earth. Today, Earth is home to over 5,600 minerals. The University of Arizona Alfie Norville Gem and Mineral Museum tells this story.

Justin Hughes ’03 once had “the sweetest gig at the university” as student manager of the men’s golf team. In addition to getting to know the players, he says, attending the yearly tournament was a highlight.