News & Announcements
Working to Solve our Most Challenging Environmental Problems
DRI’s research calls on the expertise and methods of scientists from multiple scientific disciplines. More than 600 highly-skilled scientists, engineers, technicians, students, and staff work collaboratively within and across three research divisions, focused on understanding and answering critical science questions about global climate change, water quality and availability, air quality, the sustainability of desert lands, life in extreme environments, education, and more.
Notice: DRI is aware of misleading and inaccurate representations of our researchers on what appear to be illegitimate websites posing as media outlets. We encourage members of the public to utilize trusted and reputable news sources and urge journalists not to use unverified quotes from our scientists. If you would like help verifying information or connecting with our researchers, please reach out to our media representatives.
Elevated levels of arsenic and other metals found in Nevada’s private wells
Some tested private wells in Nevada are contaminated with levels of heavy metals that exceed federal, state or health-based guidelines.
DRI Welcomes Emily McDonald-Williams as STEM Education Program Manager
Desert Research Institute (DRI) is excited to welcome Emily McDonald-Williams as its STEM Education Program Manager.
Scientists Unveil New System for Naming Majority of the World’s Microorganisms
Scientists presented a new system, the SeqCode, that could help microbiologists effectively categorize and communicate about microorganisms.
New study examines impacts of three desert landscaping strategies on urban irrigation and air temperatures
A team of scientists from DRI, Arizona State University (ASU), and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), examined the irrigation water requirements of three common types of urban landscapes.
Growing numbers of Native American households in Nevada face plumbing poverty, water quality problems
A growing number of Native American households in Nevada have no access to indoor plumbing, a condition known as “plumbing poverty,” according to a new study.
Save Red Rock Partners with DRI to “Make it Rain” in Red Rock Canyon
Save Red Rock is partnering with DRI to fund a cloud seeding program which will augment precipitation in the Spring Mountains, helping to replenish the aquifers within the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
The making of a megafire: Study explores why some wildfires grow fast and furious
The largest wildfires developed because they responded to high-wind events and preceding dryness more strongly than the other wildfires.
“Buen Aire Para Todos” project will create a new air quality monitoring system for Latinx community in East Las Vegas
Latinx communities in East Las Vegas will soon have access to an improved air quality monitoring program, thanks to a EPA grant for a new project called Buen Aire Para Todos.
DRI Appoints Vic Etyemezian, Ph.D., Vice President for Research
DRI is proud to announce the appointment of Vic Etyemezian, Ph.D., as the institution’s vice president for research, effective July 1, 2022.
Study Explores Uncertainties in Flood Risk Estimates
In a new study, Guo Yu, Ph.D., examined the most common drivers (rainfall, snowmelt, and rain-on-snow events) of historic floods and investigated the impact of different flood types on the resulting flood frequencies.
HELP of Southern Nevada and DRI Recognize the 2022 STEM Force Graduates
HELP of Southern Nevada and DRI honored the graduates of its 2022 Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) STEM Force Program.
Nevada Receives National Science Foundation Research Award for $20 Million
The Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) has been awarded $20 million over a period of five years for the Harnessing the Data Revolution for Fire Science (HDRFS) project through the National Science Foundation Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research.