- Who We Are
- What We Do
- Sculpting the Earth
- NASA, DRI, and K-12 Outreach
- DRI Executive Vice President for Research Search
Internationally RecognizedDRI is the environmental research arm of the Nevada System of Higher Education. With more than 500 employees and two main campuses in Reno and Las Vegas, Nevada, DRI’s faculty members are nontenured, entrepreneurial and responsible for their own salaries from external grants and contracts. LEARN MORE
Excellence in ResearchDRI excels in basic and applied research and the application of technologies to improve people's lives throughout Nevada and the world. Our faculty and students apply scientific understanding to the effective management of natural resources while meeting Nevada's needs for economic diversification and science-based educational opportunities. LEARN MORE
Are you in love with the land?If we listen closely enough, it will tell us its stories. Let our scientists share their stories of how they understand what sculpts the Earth. Let us awe you with accounts of the forces that shape the landscapes that surround you.
Join us for Science Distilled on August 16, 2017
STEM Advancement through UAS Curriculum & Discovery
Thanks to funds from the Nevada NASA Space Grant, group of secondary STEM teachers took part in a multi-faceted program to incorporate drones in the classroom. Developed and led by aviation instructors and other educators from Clark County School District (CCSD), Nevada State College (NSC), and the Desert Research Institute (DRI), the combined effort will impact over 2000 students in Nevada. READ FULL ARTICLE
DRI invites inquiries, nominations and expressions of interest for the position of President of the Executive Vice President for Research (EVPR).The EVPR is the number two leadership position at DRI and will work closely with DRI’s newly appointed President. The position presents an opportunity for an ambitious and entrepreneurial individual to lead a research enterprise that advances Earth and environmental sciences, technological development, education, and policies that impact the sustainability of the planet. Click here for job description and details...
NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED - WORLD RENOWNED
The Desert Research Institute (DRI) is a recognized world leader in investigating the effects of natural and human-induced environmental change and advancing technologies aimed at assessing a changing planet. For more than 50 years DRI research faculty, students, and staff have applied scientific understanding to support the effective management of natural resources while meeting Nevada's needs for economic diversification and science-based educational opportunities.
Click the links below to explore DRI's research capabilities and global impact
DRI News and Announcements
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Thu, 10 Aug 2017
Black Carbon Emissions from Ancient Wildfires Linked to Historical Climate Conditions
DRI-led research team publishes longest ice core black carbon record to date Reno, NV (Thursday, August 10, 2017): Smoky skies and burnt landscapes are the easily... Read more
Tue, 01 Aug 2017
In Memoriam - Dr. Barbara Zielinska
A memorial service for Barbara is scheduled for Friday, August 18, 2017 at the Mountain View Mausoleum, Meditation Chapel, 435 Stoker Avenue Reno at 12... Read more
Fri, 14 Jul 2017
DRI Researchers Identify Connection Between Atmospheric River Events and Avalanche Fatalities in Western United States
RENO, NV (Friday, July 14, 2017): Recently published research led by atmospheric scientists at the Desert Research Institute (DRI) demonstrates a connection between the occurrence... Read more
Fri, 14 Jul 2017
Source of Arctic Mercury Pollution Identified in New Study
DRI research team part of international effort to understand global impact Reno, NV (Friday July 14, 2017): Vast amounts of toxic mercury are accumulating in the... Read more
Thu, 29 Jun 2017
DRI’s Alan Gertler awarded prestigious fellowship at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem
Reno, NV: Dr. Alan Gertler, DRI’s Vice President for Research and Chief Science Officer, has been named a 2017-2018 Lady Davis Fellow at the Hebrew... Read more
Wed, 17 May 2017
DRI secures $47 million to continue work for U.S. Department of Energy
Technical research contract to build on more than 40 years of scientific and engineering service Las Vegas, Nev. (Thursday, May 18, 2017): Building on more than... Read more
Mon, 24 Apr 2017
2017 Snowmelt Runoff Signals Good News for Walker Lake but Raises Flooding Concerns Along Walker…
USGS model simulations suggest that Walker Lake will rise by as much as 15 to 18 feet this year, the most in a single year... Read more
Wed, 19 Apr 2017
New Technology Company Comes to Nevada to Focus on Water Quality
Australia-based STAR Water Solutions to partner with DRI to bring innovative bio-filtration technologies to Nevada LAS VEGAS — With support from WaterStart, Australia-based water technology... Read more
Thu, 13 Apr 2017
Celebrating over 15 years of science in the classroom
DRI Science Alive Program launches new brand, new tools for Nevada’s teachers Reno, Nev. – Building on nearly two decades of science education and outreach across... Read more
Fri, 03 Mar 2017
DRI and Italian researchers collaborate to share climate science expertise
Las Vegas, Nevada – (March 3, 2017): The Desert Research Institute (DRI) this week hosted leaders from the Italian Ministry for the Environment, Land and... Read more
Fri, 03 Mar 2017
Regents honor DRI’s Casey Schmidt with Rising Researcher Award
Reno, Nev. (March 3, 2017): The Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) Board of Regents this week awarded Casey Schmidt, Ph.D., an assistant research professor of... Read more
Wed, 22 Feb 2017
A new model, a new vision for health science
RENO, Nev. (February 21, 2016) – Six months after recruiting 10,000 residents to participate in a one-of-a-kind, community-based population health study, Nevada-based Renown Health, the... Read more
Thu, 16 Feb 2017
DRI unmanned cloud-seeding realizes beyond visual line of sight
Research team records longest unmanned, cross-country flight in Nevada history Reno, Nev. (Feb. 16, 2017) – Nevada’s unmanned cloud-seeding research team today realized another fundamental capability... Read more
Thu, 09 Feb 2017
A life-detection strategy for NASA’s Europa Lander Concept
DRI microbial ecologist co-authors report on the scientific value of future mission Reno, Nevada – Dr. Alison Murray’s research has taken her to the southern-most waters surrounding... Read more
Fri, 03 Feb 2017
Congratulations to Dr. Kristen Averyt
Statement from Acting President Dr. Robert Gagosian On behalf of everyone at the Desert Research Institute, I would like to congratulate Dr. Kristen Averyt on her... Read more
Fri, 03 Feb 2017
Regents name Dr. Kristen Averyt president of the Desert Research Institute
Reno, Nevada – February 3, 2017: The Board of Regents today approved the appointment of Dr. Kristen Averyt as the next president of the Desert... Read more
Fri, 27 Jan 2017
Dr. Kristen Averyt named finalist for Desert Research Institute presidency
January 27, 2017 RENO, Nev. -- After completing a nationwide search, today the DRI President Search Committee and the Advisory Committee have nominated Dr. Kristen Averyt... Read more
Sat, 14 Jan 2017
Two finalists named for Desert Research Institute presidency
Finalists are Dr. Kristen Averyt of the University of Colorado Boulder and Dr. Philip Mote of the Oregon Climate Change Institute January 14, 2017 LAS VEGAS, Nev... Read more
Tue, 10 Jan 2017
Rocky Mountain haze - Study finds a link between drought and air quality in the…
Reno, Nevada - During summer months in the West people often head to the mountains to escape the haze regularly found in lower elevation cities... Read more
Fri, 02 Dec 2016
DRI Foundation names seven new Trustees, three reappointments
RENO, Nev. (Dec. 2, 2016) –The Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents today approved the following appointments and election of officers to the DRI... Read more
Tue, 29 Nov 2016
Prominent geophysicist Marcia McNutt named 30th DRI Nevada Medalist
Special events scheduled for Fall 2017 in Reno and Las Vegas RENO, Nev. (Nov. 30, 2016) – The Desert Research Institute (DRI) proudly announces the selection... Read more
Thu, 10 Nov 2016
Hazardous chemicals discovered in flavored e-cigarette vapor
Scientists stress need for thorough research into flavored e-liquids RENO – Building on more than 30 years of air quality research in some of the most... Read more
Fri, 04 Nov 2016
In Memorial – Dr. Kelly Redmond
Donations to support the Dr. Kelly Redmond Memorial Fund can be made to the DRI Foundation online. [CLICK HERE] to donate and be sure to... Read more
Tue, 01 Nov 2016
Research Takes Flight with NV Energy Drone Pilot Program
RENO, Nev. – Nov. 1, 2016 - NV Energy announced today that with several partners, it has completed a drone pilot program to inspect, collect... Read more
Tue, 04 Oct 2016
Unmanned aircraft collect first real-time measurements of atmospheric turbulence over the northern Indian Ocean
New research reveals insights into how black carbon aerosols impact cloud formation RENO – It is widely known that black carbon, or soot, aerosol particles emitted... Read more
Fri, 16 Sep 2016
Renown Health, DRI and 23andMe population health study expanded to 10,000 participants after unprecedented public…
More than 5,000 people registered for a free DNA kit within the first 24 hours RENO, Nev. (Sept. 16, 2016) – A ground-breaking community-based population health... Read more
Wed, 14 Sep 2016
Renown Health and DRI Study Aims to Change the Way Nevada Thinks About Health
Collaboration Aims to Change the Way State Thinks About Health RENO, Nev. (Sept. 15, 2016) – Nevada-based Renown Health and the Desert Research Institute (DRI) are... Read more
Wed, 17 Aug 2016
Improving farm management with unmanned aviation
DRI and AboveNV complete successful test flights above Winnemucca Farms RENO – Using fixed-wing and rotor-driven aircraft, a team of research scientists from the Desert Research... Read more
Thu, 28 Jul 2016
DRI names Meghan Collins as STEM Research Scientist
Position to focus on new lifelong and experiential learning opportunities and STEM workforce development partnerships throughout Nevada RENO – In its continuing effort to improve Nevada’s... Read more
Fri, 22 Jul 2016
Increasing school attendance by improving WASH access
Catholic Relief Services, DRI, and UDS announce new collaboration and contributions to the WASH sector in Ghana July 22 2016, TAMALE, GHANA – More than 70-percent... Read more
Thu, 23 Jun 2016
DRI unmanned cloud-seeding project gains ejectable flare capability
RENO – Unmanned aerial cloud-seeding reached a new milestone through the successful integration and deployment of 14 ejectable cloud-seeding flares at low altitude. In several test... Read more
Thu, 16 Jun 2016
DRI’s Dana Trimble honored at 25th Annual Salute to Women of Achievement event in Reno
RENO – Dana Trimble, an associate research scientist at the Desert Research Institute was one of 70 local “Women in STEM” honored last month during... Read more
Fri, 03 Jun 2016
Governor Brian Sandoval awarded DRI President’s Medal
RENO – During today’s meeting of the DRI Research Foundation, Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval was honored with the 32nd Desert Research Institute President’s Medal award. Dr... Read more
Fri, 03 Jun 2016
Annual DRI Convocation celebrates scientific achievement and honors graduate student research accomplishments
DRI President’s Medal awarded to Switch Supernap RENO – On Thursday, June 2 more than 200 people gathered at the Reno and Las Vegas campuses of... Read more
Tue, 31 May 2016
DRI and A&WMA honor Pine Middle School science teacher Susan Kaiser
RENO – In an ongoing effort to support STEM educators in Nevada, Drs. Judith Chow and John Watson, international air quality experts from Nevada’s Desert... Read more
Thu, 26 May 2016
DRI and Renown Health to exhibit in Nevada Pavilion at BIO International Convention in San…
RENO – Scientists from DRI’s Applied Innovation Center (AIC) today announced that they will be exhibiting alongside Renown Health doctors and community advocates next month... Read more
Tue, 24 May 2016
Call for Nominations - 2017 DRI Nevada Medal Award
RENO – The Desert Research Institution (DRI) Foundation is now accepting nominations for the 30th Annual DRI Nevada Medal Award to be awarded in the... Read more
Tue, 24 May 2016
Science Distilled – DRI and The Discovery launch new NOVA Science Café lecture series to…
First event to feature DRI climate experts discussing El Niño expectations and impacts RENO – Headlines on drought and El Niño created big expectations across the... Read more
Fri, 13 May 2016
Daniel Saftner awarded prestigious Fulbright Student Scholarship
Project will increase access to safe, sustainable drinking water sources in West Africa RENO – Daniel Saftner, a graduate research assistant at the Desert Research Institute (DRI)... Read more
Tue, 03 May 2016
Unmanned cloud-seeding aircraft takes flight in Nevada
UAS Test Site resources help industry-academic research team showcase UAS potential RENO – For the first time in aviation history, a fixed-wing unmanned aircraft has successfully... Read more
Mon, 02 May 2016
Regents name Dr. Robert B. Gagosian Acting President of the Desert Research Institute
Reno, Nevada - May 2, 2016 The Board of Regents today approved the appointment of Dr. Robert B. Gagosian as the acting president of the Desert... Read more
Tue, 12 Apr 2016
DRI Presents New Video Trailer
DRI is proud to share our new promotional video below. We hope this will inspire you and remind you to celebrate great science and the dramatic... Read more
Tue, 29 Mar 2016
AIC’s Brian Speicher appointed to The Discovery's Board
RENO – The Applied Innovation Center (AIC) at DRI is pleased to announce that Brian Speicher has been appointed to the Terry Lee Wells Nevada... Read more
Thu, 24 Mar 2016
WaterStart Launches New Brand, Aims to Provide Global Channel for Innovation
LAS VEGAS, NV – WaterStart , a cluster of global leaders in the implementation of water innovation, recently rebranded and unveiled a new website. Since 2013... Read more
Tue, 22 Mar 2016
ClimateEngine.org unveiled at White House Water Summit
DRI, U. Idaho, Google commit to expand new technology to address water issues RENO – The research team behind ClimateEngine.org unveiled their commitment to expanding the... Read more
Tue, 08 Mar 2016
DRI Fire Ecologist Awarded Nevada Regents’ Rising Researcher
Assistant Professor Adam Watts honored for his early career accomplishments RENO – The Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) Board of Regents recognized Adam Watts, Ph.D... Read more
Sat, 27 Feb 2016
New database examines global mercury sinks and sources
Report examines global mercury sinks that contribute to air pollution and further illustrates a need to standardize measurement techniques RENO – Gaseous elemental mercury (Hg0) is... Read more
Tue, 23 Feb 2016
Autonomous cloud seeding aircraft successfully tested in Nevada
Revolutionary project uniting DRI expertise and Drone America technology RENO – A team of Nevada scientists and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) engineers have successfully flight... Read more
Fri, 19 Feb 2016
DRI President Dr. Stephen G. Wells named President of New Mexico Institute of Mining and…
Reno/Las Vegas - The New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (New Mexico Tech), located in Socorro, New Mexico, announced this week that DRI president... Read more
Wed, 17 Feb 2016
DRI Wildland Fire Research Center targets new era of fire science
Interdisciplinary focus will draw on Institute’s broad expertise and climate change research RENO – More than 10 million acres of land across the United States were... Read more
Fri, 12 Feb 2016
The New Normal – Nevada scientists and American Indian tribal members talk climate change realities…
Water for the Seasons and Native Waters on Arid Lands projects highlighted RENO – Despite an above average snowpack and several months of wet... Read more
Fri, 15 Jan 2016
DRI maintains top tier ranking in latest National Science Foundation survey
RENO\LAS VEGAS – Despite a nationwide trend in declining federal research support, Nevada’s Desert Research Institute (DRI) has maintained its top tier status in the... Read more
Thu, 14 Jan 2016
DRI, Drone America, and AviSight launch new UAS collaboration
Research and development to focus on reducing risk, increasing efficiency of airborne cloud-seeding RENO - A new industry-academic research partnership will bring together Nevada's top atmospheric... Read more
Fri, 04 Dec 2015
Dandini Research Park Board welcomes three new Trustees and appoints new Chair
RENO - The Dandini Research Park, governed by DRI Research Parks, Ltd, a 501(c)3 corporation organized by the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) and managed... Read more
Fri, 04 Dec 2015
DRI Foundation Board welcomes six new Trustees
RENO/LAS VEGAS - The Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents today approved the following appointments to the DRI Foundation Board of Trustees. “We are proud to welcome... Read more
Mon, 30 Nov 2015
Dairy effluent modeled as viable feedstock for renewable diesel
DRI energy research team apply conceptual model to illustrate higher biofuel yield RENO - Production of fuels and chemicals from sustainable biomass feedstocks is crucial in... Read more
Fri, 20 Nov 2015
DRI signs the American Campuses Act on Climate Pledge
DRI Vice President for Research Dr. Alan Gertler has signed the American Campuses Act on Climate Pledge, joining more than 200 university and college campuses... Read more
Tue, 17 Nov 2015
DRI adds numerical analytics expert to Applied Innovation Center team
Former SAS Institute R&D Director attracted to Nevada via Knowledge Fund portfolio RENO - In its ongoing effort to aid and improve the new, knowledge-based economy... Read more
Mon, 09 Nov 2015
Switch SUPERNAP returns as Presenting Sponsor of 2016 DRI Nevada Medal Award
Reno and Las Vegas events to honor Duke University Professor and former U.S. Navy Fighter Pilot Dr. Mary Cummings Las Vegas & Reno – Continuing its... Read more
Mon, 12 Oct 2015
DRI Applied Innovation Center attracts Silicon Valley tech-industry expert to Nevada
Knowledge Fund dollars critical to Institute's applied research efforts with industry RENO – DRI’s Applied Innovation Center proudly announces the addition of Dr. Ming Liu as... Read more