DRI’s STEM Education Team Receives EPA Grant to Support Microplastics Education for Nevada Students and Communities
The $100,000 grant will fund the production of additional educational kits known as Greenboxes that raise awareness and understanding of the prevalence and role of microplastics in the environment. In addition to the Greenboxes, the grant will also support community partnerships with The Nature Conservancy, the Walker Basin Conservancy, Get Outdoors Nevada, Sierra Nevada Journeys, and Envirolution.
Groundwater is Key to Protecting Global Ecosystems
New research identifies ecosystems around the world that could be threatened by declining groundwater levels. The research, published July 17 in Nature, is the first time that groundwater-dependent ecosystems have been mapped on a global scale. Led by scientists from The Nature Conservancy and DRI, the global effort brought researchers together from universities, non-profit organizations, and institutions from seven countries.
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Register by August 6th for the AWE+ Wildfire Summit
The AWE+ initiative will promote an Adaptable World Environment of strong, resilient communities in a climate shifting world. AWE+ 2024 – Wildfire Recovery and Resilience: Working Across Silos to Drive Solutions – is a global call-to-action for communities to implement measures that support resilience and human adaptability to devastating wildfire events. The event will be held at Encore Las Vegas from August 21-22, 2024.
AWE+ 2024
August 21-22, 2024
Wildfire Recovery and Resilience:
Working Across Silos to Drive Solutions
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Upcoming Events
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 600 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.
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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.
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Hydrologic Sciences
Research, development, and education services contributing to society’s fundamental understanding of hydrologic systems and advancing the sustainability of water resources.
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Earth & Ecosystem SciencesÂ
Research in the life & earth sciences, particularly those dealing with the complex interactions of geological processes, organisms, biological communities, and human societies.
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Education & Workforce Development
Training Nevada's K-12 teachers and providing professional development opportunities and training for education-based activities.
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Environmental Research Areas
DRI faculty and staff work in over 40 scientific fields on all seven continents.
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40 Laboratories and Facilities
DRI has more than 40 specialized labs and facilities on research campuses in Reno and Las Vegas.
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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.