Join us for an evening that weaves together water, memory, innovation, and imagination—exploring how the choices we make today ripple into the future. While the 1997 flood offers a powerful point of reflection, this program looks beyond a single event to examine Nevada’s evolving relationship with water through science, personal story, and creative practice.
From the hidden water demands of emerging technologies and energy growth, to a fifth-generation farmer’s journey into groundwater science, to the transformative power of creativity in science education, our storytellers reveal how curiosity and lived experience shape the way we understand and steward our world.
Come discover how stories—both personal and collective—can deepen insight, spark connection, and help illuminate the path forward.
Refreshments & cocktails from 10 Torr Distillery and Brewery will be provided
$15 – General Admission
$10 – Discounted Tickets for Students and Educators
Storytellers:
Erik M. Henzl is a Staff Research Scientist in the Division of Hydrologic Sciences at the Desert Research Institute (DRI). He holds an undergraduate degree in environmental economics from Colgate University. Before joining DRI, he worked as a Research Associate at the University of Nevada, Reno, contributing to research on the Humboldt River Basin. Henzl joined DRI in January 2025. Based at DRI’s Reno office, he currently researches data center water and energy consumption.
At Curiosity Lab, Henzl will describe his path to DRI and his current research on data center expansion in Nevada. In doing so, he will discuss the integral role of curiosity in fueling his research and his passion for learning as a vocation.
Lou Loftin is an educator with 27 years of experience spanning elementary teaching, outdoor education, instructional leadership, and teacher training across northern Nevada. He served as the PreK–12 Science Learning Facilitator for Nevada’s Northwest Regional Professional Development Program, supporting multiple counties and training teachers in standards-aligned, research-based STEM instruction. Loftin also taught K–8 science methods at the University of Nevada, Reno College of Education, where he earned his B.S. in Physical Geography, teaching certification, and M.Ed. He has presented at numerous conferences, including the National Science Teachers Association national conference, and is recognized for his commitment to hands-on science learning and educator development.
Lou Loftin will tell the story of the powerful intersection of science and creativity by implementing field journals in his science lessons. By encouraging students to observe closely, ask questions, sketch, and reflect, he found that curiosity deepened and learning became more personal and meaningful. Loftin will share how blending artistic expression with scientific inquiry not only strengthens understanding but also helps learners see themselves as both scientists and creators—unlocking imagination as a tool for discovery.
Eugene Long is a fifth-generation farmer turned water scientist, currently enrolled in the Hydrogeology Graduate Program at University of Nevada. Long’s work focuses on estimating groundwater availability and improving water data across Nevada.
Long will share a story that weaves together his roots in farming with the science and technology that will help us get a clearer estimation of groundwater in our Silver State. Long believes that understanding limited water resources is critical for the state’s future—especially for the farmers, ranchers, and rural communities most vulnerable to changing water patterns.
Featuring:
Dr. Guo Yu holds the position of Assistant Research Professor at DRI and is also a licensed Professional Engineer in the state of Nevada. Dr. Yu has a PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and over 10 years combined academic and industrial experience in the fields of hydrology, hydrometeorology, and climate change impact studies. He has published over 20 peer-reviewed journal articles, some of which have been highlighted by the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy as well as the Fifth National Climate Assessment.
Thank you to our community partners Nevada Humanities and our beverage sponsor 10 Torr Distillery and Brewery.
Map of DRI Reno Campus:
