Ice Patches on Beartooth Plateau Reveal How Ancient Landscape Differed From Today’s

Ice Patches on Beartooth Plateau Reveal How Ancient Landscape Differed From Today’s

DRI scientists Joe McConnell and Nathan Chellman co-authored a new study that examines a 6,000-year-old forest preserved in a Rocky Mountain ice patch. The research, which was led by the USGS and Montana State University, used the fossil wood to develop tree-ring based temperature estimates of the mid-Holocene period. The study can provide insight into the future elevational movement of forests under climate change, the scientists say.

DRI Raises Funds to Ensure Groundbreaking Science can Continue in Perpetuity

DRI Raises Funds to Ensure Groundbreaking Science can Continue in Perpetuity

Thank you to the generous donors who supported the Innovation Research Program Endowment through DRI’s 2024 year-end giving campaign. These gifts brought us significantly closer to raising the $5M needed to fully fund the IRP Endowment and ensure support for innovative research is available to DRI scientists for generations to come.

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Research Highlights

Check out our latest Research Highlights 2025 Volume 1 Storymap to see a selection of DRI’s science that matters now.

World Environment Day | DRI 2024

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More than 60 years of scientific discovery and innovation, in Nevada and around the world

Since 1959, the faculty, students, and staff at the Desert Research Institute (DRI) have advanced scientific knowledge to help solve pressing environmental challenges and improve human health.

With more than 600 employees, over 300 projects on all seven continents, and two world-class research campuses in Reno and Las Vegas, DRI serves as one of the eight institutions in the Nevada System of Higher Education.

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Atmospheric Sciences

Research and services related to air quality and associated health risks, climate, cloud and aerosol physics, renewable energy, fire science, and atmospheric dynamics.

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Hydrologic Sciences

Research, development, and education services contributing to society’s fundamental understanding of hydrologic systems and advancing the sustainability of water resources.

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Earth & Ecosystem Sciences 

Research in the life & earth sciences, particularly those dealing with the complex interactions of geological processes, organisms, biological communities, and human societies.

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Education & Workforce Development

Training Nevada's K-12 teachers and providing professional development opportunities and training for education-based activities.

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Environmental Research Areas

DRI faculty and staff work in over 40 scientific fields on all seven continents.

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40 Laboratories and Facilities

DRI has more than 40 specialized labs and facilities on research campuses in Reno and Las Vegas.

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60 Years of Scientific Excellence

Since 1959, DRI has contributed to solving our toughest environmental challenges.

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By making a gift to DRI, you’re providing the resources our scientists need to better understand and address the challenges posed by our changing planet.