Science Moab

Science Moab is a weekly half-hour program exploring current research going on within the Colorado Plateau and beyond. The show includes interviews with scientists about the fascinating research they are conducting in our area. Host and producer Kristina Young explores basic ideas behind various scientific topics, the kinds of research that scientists do to answer their questions, and how current research can help us understand our changing world. Science topics span ecology, geology, chemistry, archaeology, hydrology, and any other -ology that might come our way. Kristina also explores the human side of science by asking researchers why they chose to pursue science careers and what they most enjoy about the work they do.

Join us every Friday at 11:30 am for Science Moab or listen later on SoundCloud, iTunes, & Stitcher

Science Moab Podcasts on KZMU are underwritten by Canyonlands Natural History Association.

You can follow Science Moab on instagram and facebook to stay up-to-date with the science in Moab. Funding is provided in part by the BYU Charles Redd Center for Western Studies

Unveiling Ozone

March 3, 2026

There is good ozone and bad ozone. We are discussing the bad ozone today, the one we breathe and can be harmful to our health. Daniel Mendoza, a research associate professor at the University of Utah, discusses the chemistry behind ozone formation, primarily from nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds...

A Modern Wonder from Ancient Dunes: The Iconic Navajo Sandstone, Part 2

February 17, 2026

This episode of Science Moab continues the exploration of the Navajo sandstone with Marjorie Chan, Professor Emeritus at the University of Utah. The unique coloration of the sandstone is influenced by iron oxides that have analogies with the iron oxide ‘blueberries’ found on Mars and have implications for groundwater evidence...

A Modern Wonder from Ancient Dunes: The Iconic Navajo Sandstone, Part 1

February 3, 2026

The majestic and iconic Navajo Sandstone has become ubiquitous in scenes from the Colorado Plateau. Margie Chan, Distinguished Professor Emeritus from Utah State University, has studied the Navajo Sandstone her entire career and we discuss the deposition and unique features of the Jurassic Navajo sandstone. This ancient desert extended across...

Paleontology Passion

January 6, 2026

This show is part of a series exploring Science Moab’s School to Science Program, connecting students with scientists in the field, the lab, and beyond. This program began in 2021 and to date has mentored over 57 local students. In this episode, we talk with Chris Moriera, a recent graduate...

Drylands: The Dark Horse in Carbon Cycling

December 2, 2025

Drylands play a critical role in global ecosystems as well as the carbon cycle. We talk with ecologist Brooke Osborne about the fascinating world of biogeochemistry and dryland science. Covering 40% of the Earth’s surface and hosting a third of the human population, heterogeneous drylands have low resource availability and...

Nanosaurs & Good Lore

November 4, 2025

This show is part of a series exploring Science Moab’s School to Science Program, connecting students with scientists in the field, the lab, and beyond. In this episode, we talk with mentor Emily Lessner, paleontologist for the Bureau of Land Management, and Shadis McDaniel, a recent Grand County High School...