Leadership
A Word
From Our President
” For 60 years, the vision for DRI has been to be one of the top environmental research institutions in the world. Emerging dialogues questioning the value of science, coupled with the national need to train the next generation of STEM professionals, both point to the need to improve the connection between science and society. We must go further than just being great scientists. As we look ahead to our next 60 years, we’re eager to carry on and expand our legacy, build on our history of scientific excellence and aim to broaden the reach of our science, sharing not only the results of our research but also their significance and impact to our communities. “
– Kumud Acharya, Ph.D
Our Executive Leadership Team

Dr. Kumud Acharya
President
Las Vegas Office: 702-862-5406
Reno Office: 775-673-7305
755 E. Flamingo Road
Las Vegas, NV 89119

Dr. Vic Etyemezian
Vice President for Research
Office: 702-862-5569
755 E. Flamingo Road
Las Vegas, NV 89119

Dr. Naresh Kumar
Executive Director for Atmospheric Sciences
Office: 775/674-7006
2215 Raggio Parkway
Reno, NV 89512

Dr. Philippe Vidon
Executive Director for Earth and Ecosystem Sciences

Dr. Sean McKenna
Executive Director for Hydrologic Sciences

Peter Ross
Assistant Vice President of Campus Planning and Physical Plant
Office: 775-673-7388
2215 Raggio Parkway
Reno, NV 89512

Brandon Peterson
Assistant Vice President for Information Technology and Research Computing
Office: 775-673-7672
2215 Raggio Parkway
Reno, NV 89512

Kristin Ghiggeri Burgarello
Director of Advancement
Office: 775-673-7386
2215 Raggio Parkway
Reno, NV 89513

Tracy Bower
Director of External Affairs
Office: 702-862-5404
755 E. Flamingo Road
Las Vegas, NV 89119

Jennifer Schultz
Director of Human Resources
Office: 775-673-7317
2215 Raggio Parkway
Reno, NV 89512

Iris N. Stewart
Chief of Staff
Reno Campus (775) 673-7312
Las Vegas Campus: (702) 862-5366

Lindsay Sessions
Controller
Office: 775-673-7395
2215 Raggio Parkway
Reno, NV 89513