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.
DRI, Atomic Museum Launch Free Field Trip Program Titled “Exploring the Invisible” for Grades 6-12
DRI, in partnership with the Atomic Museum, announces an innovative and accessible field trip program titled “Exploring the Invisible: A Hands-On Journey into Radiation Science.” Designed to ignite curiosity in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) as well as connect students to Nevada’s rich history, the field trip includes free admission and transportation for participants.
DRI Internships Offer TMCC Students Insight Into Science Careers
This summer, DRI brought eighteen students from Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) to our Reno campus for a paid, immersive research experience. Over the course of the ten week program, students worked under the mentorship of DRI faculty members to learn about the process of using scientific research to solve real-world problems. This unique internship program welcomes all students, not only those pursuing majors in science.
DRI Contributes to Study Using AI in Wastewater Surveillance for Detection of Emerging Virus Pathogens
DRI Microbiologist Duane Moser co-authored a new study which introduces an AI-driven approach for the rapid detection and characterization of emerging variants during wastewater surveillance. The research builds on his earlier work helping to establish wastewater monitoring as a cost-effective tool for tracking pathogens during the COVID-19 pandemic.
DRI Recruiting Washoe County Community Members for Research on the Health Impacts of Heat and Wildfire Smoke
DRI and Northern Nevada Public Health are recruiting Washoe County community members for a research project examining heat and air quality impacts on household health. Participants should be 18 or older and live in Washoe County.
Graduate Student Winners of the Annual Poster Presentation Session
On Friday, April 25th, 21 graduate students presented their research at DRI’s Reno campus for the annual poster presentation session. Organized by Kathleen Rodrigues, PhD, Assistant Research Professor of Luminescence, the poster session offers an opportunity for DRI-affiliated graduate students to network with each other and with DRI faculty, hone their presentation skills, and showcase the research they’re working on in pursuit of their degrees.
$1.8 million GOED Investment in WaterStart Marks Decisive Support for the Development of Water Technologies in Nevada and the Southwest
The investment will substantially strengthen the NSF Futures Engine in the Southwest, enhancing economic growth and job creation. WaterStart was created by DRI, with support from the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED).
Kristin VanderMolen Receives the Regent Emeritus Jason Geddes Rising Researcher Award
DRI scientist Kristin VanderMolen, Ph.D., has been awarded the 2025 Rising Researcher Award in recognition of her outstanding early-career accomplishments and potential for advancing scientific knowledge in the field of applied anthropology.
FARMing with Data: OpenET Launches New Tool for Farmers and Ranchers
A NASA, DRI, and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)-supported research and development team is making it easier for farmers and ranchers to manage their water resources. The team, called OpenET, created the Farm and Ranch Management Support (FARMS) tool, which puts timely, high-resolution water data directly in the hands of individuals and small farm operators.
DRI Invites Nevada Families to Science and Literacy Events for Pre-K Students
DRI’s STEM Education Program is holding free events focused on developing literacy through engaging science activities for Pre-K children 5 and younger throughout Nevada. Through hands-on experiments, story time, and interactive games, the events will bring ecology and electricity to life for the whole family. Each child will also receive free books to take home (while supplies last).
DRI Launches Statewide Science Storytelling Series
DRI announces the launch of a series of community-based events in Las Vegas and Reno that celebrate how science shapes our lives, fuels creativity, and deepens our understanding of the world by underscoring the transformative power of curiosity and knowledge. Curiosity Lab by DRI will feature DRI scientists and other guests to address some of the world’s most urgent concerns while also telling the tale of what it means to live in Nevada on the front lines of a changing climate.
Native Climate Reporter Team Presents, Listens, and Learns at Indigenous Climate Conference in Alaska
Along Alaska’s western coastline, 400 miles from the nearest road system, villagers from the Indigenous community of Newtok were scheduled for permanent evacuation in mid-October due to the irreversible threat of rising seas. The story, recounted by Newtok resident Della Carl in September at the National Indigenous Climate Conference in Anchorage, Alaska, embedded itself deep in the hearts and minds of each member of the audience, making it clear not just that sea level rise is happening, but why it matters. Such is the power of a well-told story.
DRI Recruiting Fallon Community Members for Free Well Water Quality Testing
DRI scientists are recruiting fifteen Fallon residents with private wells to participate in a water quality study. All fifteen study participants will receive free water quality results, and a subset of the well owners will receive water filtration systems. The research will be used to identify the spatial extent and potential sources of contaminants such as pesticides, microplastics, and flame retardants and quantify the efficacy of treatment systems to reduce concentrations in drinking water.