Annual Awards Presented to DRI Faculty and Staff at 2023 Celebration of Science
On September 26 & 28, DRI held awards and recognition ceremonies at our Reno and Las Vegas campuses to honor eleven scientists and staff members for their achievements. Along with the below awardees, several faculty and staff were recognized for their long-term service to DRI for up to 25 years.
DRI Recognizes Andrea Gordon as the 2023 Peter B. Wagner Memorial Award-Winner for Women in Atmospheric Sciences
DRI is pleased to announce that the 25th annual Peter B. Wagner Memorial Award for Women in Atmospheric Sciences has been awarded to Andrea Gordon of the University of Oklahoma. An award ceremony commemorating her achievement was held at the DRI campus in Reno on Sep. 21, 2023.
Featured Story
Reading the Arctic Landscape
During the Integrated Terrain Analysis Program (ITAP) fieldwork in Alaska, DRI’s science writer tagged along for an inside look at the team’s work. Check out our latest Story Map.
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More than 60 years of scientific discovery and innovation, in Nevada and around the world
Since 1959, the faculty, students, and staff at the Desert Research Institute (DRI) have advanced scientific knowledge to help solve pressing environmental challenges and improve human health.
With more than 500 employees, over 300 projects on all seven continents, and two world-class research campuses in Reno and Las Vegas, DRI serves as one of the eight institutions in the Nevada System of Higher Education.

Atmospheric Sciences
Research and services related to air quality and associated health risks, climate, cloud and aerosol physics, renewable energy, fire science, and atmospheric dynamics.

Hydrologic Sciences
Research, development, and education services contributing to society’s fundamental understanding of hydrologic systems and advancing the sustainability of water resources.

Earth & Ecosystem Sciences
Research in the life & earth sciences, particularly those dealing with the complex interactions of geological processes, organisms, biological communities, and human societies.

Education & Workforce Development
Training Nevada's K-12 teachers and providing professional development opportunities and training for education-based activities.

Environmental Research Areas
DRI faculty and staff work in over 40 scientific fields on all seven continents.

40 Laboratories and Facilities
DRI has more than 40 specialized labs and facilities on research campuses in Reno and Las Vegas.

60 Years of Scientific Excellence
Since 1959, DRI has contributed to solving our toughest environmental challenges.
As a non-profit, we rely on your support.
By making a gift to DRI, you’re providing the resources our scientists need to better understand and address the challenges posed by our changing planet.