Behind the Science Blog
DRI’s “Behind the Science” blog featuring our people and projects
Read the stories below to learn more about the amazing people and projects happening at DRI.
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.
Meet Anne Heggli, Graduate Researcher
Anne Heggli is a graduate research assistant with the Division of Atmospheric Science at DRI in Reno. She is a Ph.D. student studying atmospheric science at the University of Nevada, Reno. Learn more about Anne and her graduate research in this interview with DRI’s Behind the Science blog!
Meet Graduate Researcher Nicholas Kimutis
Meet graduate researcher Nicholas Kimutis and learn about his work in DRI’s Division of Atmospheric Sciences in this interview with DRI’s Behind the Science Blog.
WASH Capacity Building Program Alumni Share Career Impacts
Alumni from the Desert Research Institute’s WASH Capacity Building Program (WASHCap) recently gathered for an online Zoom panel to share some of the positive impacts that the program has had on their careers in the areas of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) across Africa and India.
Meet Alison Swallow, DRI’s 2021 Technical Employee of the Year
The recipient of DRI’s 2021 Technical Employee of the Year Award is Alison Swallow, the Project Coordinator for DRI’s Office of External Affairs and Communications. Get to know Alison in this Q&A!
From COVID-19 to Drought: Collaborating on Emerging Challenges Across Indian Country
The Native Waters on Arid Lands project’s COVID-19 Working Group is a network of partners working together to solve problems and share information across Indian Country.
DRI Honors Outstanding Contributions of Faculty and Staff at 2021 Celebration of Science
Each year, the Desert Research Institute (DRI) honors the incredible commitment and dedication of our faculty and staff through an award ceremony called the Celebration of Science. This year’s event was held virtually and recognized the winners of...
Meet Graduate Researcher Natasha Sushenko
Meet graduate researcher Natasha Sushenko and learn about her work in DRI’s Environmental Microbiology Laboratory in this interview with DRI’s Behind the Science Blog.
Restoration by Drone: DRI and Partners Test New Method for Reseeding Native Forests after Wildfire
Scientists from the Desert Research Institute (DRI) partnered with the Sugar Pine Foundation, Flying Forests, and the Carson Ranger District of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest to test a new method for reseeding burned slopes by drone.
Meet Graduate Researcher Dylan Person
Meet DRI graduate researcher Dylan Person and learn about his work with the Cultural Resource Management Program in this interview with DRI’s Behind the Science Blog.
Meet Nathan Chellman, Ph.D.
Meet DRI scientist Nathan Chellman and learn about his work in the Ice Core Laboratory in this interview with DRI’s Behind the Science Blog.
New DRI projects for 2021 include microplastics, microfossils, snowmelt risk, and solute transport
New DRI projects for 2021 include microplastics, microfossils, snowmelt risk, and solute transportFEB 26, 2021RENO & LAS VEGAS, NEV.Introducing the winners of DRI's 2021 Institute Project Assignment (IPA) competition.Each year, the Desert...
What’s in the plume? Researchers compare health impacts of smoke from wildfires versus prescribed burns
wildfires often burn hotter and their plumes may include chemicals released by burning houses or other structures.