Remembering Peter Wagner

black and white photo of Dr. Peter B. Wagner

Wagner Award Celebrates 25th Year

The Peter Wagner Memorial Endowment was established in 1981 by Sue Wagner—his wife and former longtime Nevada legislator and Lt. Governor— and his family and friends. Peter Wagner was an atmospheric physicist at DRI who was killed on March 3, 1980, with three of his DRI colleagues in a plane crash over the Sierra while on a research flight. A memorial plaque is on display in the courtyard of DRI’s Northern Nevada Science Center.

This year, the 25th Wagner Award was presented on September 21 to Andrea Gordon from the School of Meteorology, University of Oklahoma. We thank Sue Wagner, her family, and friends for establishing this endowment in Peter’s memory and their continued support. For more information on how you can support impactful science that inspires solutions, please contact the DRI Office of Advancement at (775) 673-7300. To learn more about the Wagner Award for Women in Atmospheric Sciences please visit: Wagner Award for Women in Atmospheric Sciences – DRI

Photo of Sue Wagner and Vera. — Sue Wagner

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October 3, 2023

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Atmospheric Sciences | DAS | Reno | Wagner Award

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

Mar 18, 2026

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.

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

Mar 11, 2026

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.

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

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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.