About Us

The Flagstaff Festival of Science is a free annual 10-day event wholly designed to promote awareness and enthusiasm for science in and about northern Arizona and beyond, and is fondly known as the Best 10 Days of the Year. Established in 1990, it is the longest, continuously running, entirely free science festival in the world.

  • We showcase the outstanding research and science that occurs in and around Flagstaff through an annual, free 10-day Festival.
  • We highlight Northern Arizona as a community that values and embraces science discovery and lifelong learning.
  • Provide opportunities to engage learners of every age in science-based discovery.
  • Provide a diverse array of role models in STEM fields.
  • Use evaluation tools to better understand the Festival’s impact on the Flagstaff community.
  • Maintain a Festival Web presence that supports science learning.
  • Expand the Festival’s support base with organizations, grants, and individuals.
  • Enhance linkages between art and science in Festival activities.
  • Support community collaborations for science education.

The Flagstaff Festival of Science is a proud member of the Science Festival Alliance

Workplace Non Discrimination Policy

MISSION AND VISION

Our Mission

The Flagstaff Festival of Science serves to connect and inspire people of northern Arizona, particularly youth, with the wonders of science and the joy of scientific discovery.

Our Vision

  • Build a more scientifically literate society by providing venues for communicating about and sharing world-class science discoveries.
  • Nurture a sense of community among the public, scientists, science organizations, and science-related businesses in Flagstaff.
  • Cultivate the next generation of science professionals.
  • Change lives through science awareness.

Cultural Equity Statement

Together, we succeed. The Flagstaff Festival of Science is committed to creating an environment of belonging. We value people of every race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, ability, age, or veteran status. The Flagstaff Festival of Science invites members of all communities to join us in our mission to inspire youth with the wonders of science.

We are dedicated to providing a diverse array of role models in STEAM fields and delivering programs and events that spark the imagination for people of all cultures and interests. We promote respect for cultural identity, and through the beauty of science, aim to foster unity for many generations to come. We strive to transcend tolerance and cultivate authentic inclusion for all. We welcome YOU to the Best 10 Days of the Year!

Our Team

Flagstaff Festival of Science Board of Directors:

Adam Marsh (President): Petrified Forest National Park

Lauren Carson (Treasurer): Northern Arizona University, Foundation

Emily Cope (Secretary): Northern Arizona University, Biological Sciences

Meredith Brown: Center for Health Equity Research

Sarah Dankof: Lowell Observatory

Kathy Farretta: First Things First

Brian Klimowski: National Weather Service

Joelle LeMer: Northern Arizona University, Center for STEM Teaching and Learning

Michele Losee: International Raptor and Falconry Center

Brandon Lurie: W. L. Gore & Associates

Katherine S. O’Donnell: OP Creative Communications

Kelly Saganey: Northern Arizona Healthcare

Jim St. Leger: retired, Intel Corporation

David Van Ness: Northern Arizona University, School of Art and Design

Sheryl Wells: W.F. Killip Elementary School

Elizabeth Vogler, 

Festival Director

Elizabeth serves as the Festival Director, a position she is passionate about, focusing on collaborative partnerships in the Flagstaff community as well as supporting science learning opportunities for all learners. She has held leadership positions in arts and sciences nonprofit organizations for the last decade in Flagstaff including as the Assistant Director at the Arboretum, the Deputy Director of the Flagstaff Arts Council, and the Office and Operations Manager of the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra. Elizabeth is dedicated to the community and additionally has served on several Boards in the non-profit sector  including the Northern Arizona Book Festival, Girls on the Run of Northern Arizona, the Arboretum of Flagstaff, and the Flagstaff Shakespeare Festival. Elizabeth holds a Master’s Degree in Applied Cultural Anthropology from Northern Arizona University, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from Ithaca College.

I am enthusiastic about science and lifelong learning and am grateful to have the opportunity to grow the our impact in Flagstaff and beyond!

Elizabeth enjoys staying active in beautiful Flagstaff, where she competes in regional triathlons, is a fitness instructor and loves hiking and playing with her 3 dogs.