Sustainability scientists Edward Kavazanjian and Janet Franklin were among the four ASU professors named Regents’ Professors for the 2014-2015 academic year - the highest faculty honor at the university. This title recognizes full professors who have made exceptional achievements that have brought them national and international distinction.

Kavazanjian is particularly well known for his work on analysis, design and construction of landfills and waste-containment systems, especially under earthquake loading. His contributions in earthquake engineering have crucial importance to catastrophic events that occur with frequency.

Franklin was elected to the National Academy of Sciences in April 2014 for her pioneering work employing geospatial data and spatial analytical tools to examine the evolving biodiversity of ecosystems over time, as they relate to the physical environment, ecological processes and human influences. Her research in spatial analysis using remote sensing and geographic information technologies has led to new discoveries concerning the changing landscape of the earth.