Sue Wagner wearing glasses and smiling at something just off camera against a black background.

Remembering the Legacy of Sue Wagner, Long-Time DRI Supporter and Pioneering Woman in Nevada Politics

By | Mar 18, 2026 | Announcements, Donor Stories, DRI Communications

Sue Wagner built the foundation for state support for DRI. She joined the staff of DRI in 1981 and served as Special Assistant for Government and Legislative Affairs for nine years, and ending when she was elected Lieutenant Governor. One of her major achievements at DRI was shepherding of special legislation through the U.S. Congress to establish the DRI Dandini Research Park. Sue remained active in local and state politics and continued to play a role in supporting promising scientists from DRI and beyond.

Read More

Family silhouette in front of house and clouds.

Take Charge of Your Estate: DRI Foundation Partners with Community Foundation for 7-Week Series

By | Mar 11, 2026 | Donor Stories, DRI Communications

Interested in learning more about estate planning and want to take charge of your estate matters? Sign up for the Family Estate Planning Series, presented by the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada and PBS Reno! The free, in-person 7-week Spring Family Estate Planning Series will take place on Wednesdays, March 18 – April 29, 2026. Each week will feature subject-matter experts as guest speakers and cover the fundamentals of estate planning.

Read More

Tiffany is wearing a DRI hat and holding up a picture of the Las Vegas Bearpoppy to a group of volunteers.

Join DRI’s Conservation Ecology Lab in Protecting Desert Flora & Fauna

By | Feb 17, 2026 | Donor Stories, Paula Loop

The DRI Conservation Ecology Lab, led by Tiffany Pereira and Tsvetelina Stefanova, helps guide the conservation and restoration of the Southwest’s diverse flora and fauna through basic and applied ecology and collaboration with federal agencies, community non-profits, and more. Central to the Conservation Ecology Lab’s mission to protect desert ecosystems is addressing and educating the public on the detrimental effects of invasive species, particularly on rare and threatened species.

Read More

Desert shrubs and wildflowers are visible on the side of a mountain on a cloudy day.

Five Simple Ways to Support DRI This Giving Season

By | Dec 4, 2025 | Donor Stories, DRI Communications

A year-end donation, no matter the amount, provides immediate support for our scientists’ work and DRI’s strategic priorities. Here are five simple ways that you can help support DRI this giving season: Donate to mission support, gift curiosity lab season tickets to a loved one (or yourself!), donate appreciated stocks, make a qualified charitable distribution, and leave your legacy through a planned gift. Your support makes our important work possible. Thank you!

Read More

Sunset over the mountains with a yucca plant in the foreground.

Support Science That Matters Now

By | Nov 13, 2025 | Donor Stories, DRI Communications

Recently, in celebration of Nevada Day, DRI highlighted the work that our scientists do across this great state. And while our home has been in Nevada since our founding in 1959, our work has grown to touch nearly every corner of the globe. Whether it’s analyzing ice cores in the Alps, working with local communities to ensure access to clean water in Ghana, or supporting K-12 educators as they bring high-quality, hands-on STEM education to Nevada's classrooms, the projects our scientists undertake are tied together by a common goal – to help create a more sustainable and resilient environment for all people to live, grow, and prosper.

Read More

An attendee looking at the items they 3D printed with a pen on an activities table.

New Robert Z. Hawkins Foundation STEM Co-Lab Opens in Northern Nevada

By | Oct 13, 2025 | Donor Stories, DRI Communications

Earlier this fall, the new Robert Z. Hawkins Foundation STEM Co-Lab officially opened at the DRI Northern Nevada Science Center. The Robert Z. Hawkins Foundation generously provided funding to support the purchase of the necessary materials and equipment for the STEM Co-Lab. This space will serve educators and students, host professional development workshops, and education events for the community.

Read More

People standing in front of a water tower.

Leonard and Sara Lafrance: Champions of Clean Water in Ghana

By | Sep 8, 2025 | Donor Stories, DRI Communications

Leonard and Sara Lafrance have pledged their support for the continuing work of DRI’s Center for International Water and Sustainability (CIWAS). Their two-year gift will support Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services in the North and North East Gonja District of the Savannah Region of Ghana. Specifically, this gift will fund project components that include WASH entrepreneurial empowerment for women, increased WASH services for health care facilities, well drilling for water access, water quality management, and overall project management.

Read More

Black text logo of ECO Electrical Systems

Eco Electrical Joins DRI’s Corporate Partners Program

By | Aug 13, 2025 | Donor Stories, DRI Communications

The DRI Foundation is excited to announce that Eco Electrical Systems has joined the 2025 DRI Corporate Partners Program. Eco Electrical Systems has been designing and manufacturing bird guards for power lines for over 23 years. Their industry leading flame-retardant, track resistant and UV resistant products reduce avian and wildlife electrocutions, wildfires stemming from avian electrocution, and momentary and permanent power outages for some of the largest electric utilities. The Corporate Partners Program brings together a select group of organizations to collaborate with DRI leadership, scientists, engineers, and students.

Read More

Two people are looking at each other and shaking hands in front of shelves of supplies and green boxes.

Teichert Foundation supports STEM Education Outreach in Washoe County

By | Jul 15, 2025 | Donor Stories, DRI Communications

The Teichert Foundation has generously provided support for DRI’s STEM Education Program to engage in a targeted STEM education outreach and engagement campaign in Washoe County, Nevada. This campaign will utilize three existing, bilingual Next Generation Science Standards aligned STEM kits that touch upon electricity, energy, and ecosystems topics, respectively. This campaign focuses on connecting with underserved PreK through third grade students and parents.

Read More