Science for a smarter Nevada and a smarter world.

The DRI Bulletin: October 2019

RESEARCH NEWS

DRI Launches Hydrology Projects at The Nature Conservancy’s 7J Ranch

Last month, DRI scientists began two complementary studies, funded by DRI’s Sulo and Aileen Maki Endowment, which will install meteorological stations and develop a model to monitor how future restoration activities at the 7J Ranch will affect its water resources.

Located near Beatty, Nevada, the 900-acre working ranch is a unique place to study water, as it contains the headwaters of the Amargosa River, one of the world’s longest spring-fed river systems that runs mostly below the surface. The ranch’s unique geography and location where the Great Basin and Mojave deserts meet, and its habitat for many endemic and endangered species, also make it a globally important site for conserving biodiversity and give it strategic value for facilitating climate change adaptation for wildlife.

Learn more

A DRI scientist measures air quality inside of a cannabis growing facility. Credit: Vera Samburova/DRI.

Emissions from cannabis growing facilities may impact indoor and regional air quality, new research shows

The chemicals emitted by cannabis plants aren’t just pungent—they may also contribute to air pollution on a large scale.

In a new pilot study, experts from DRI and the Washoe County Health District found concerning levels of strongly-scented airborne chemicals called biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) in cannabis growing facilities.

With the growth of the cannabis industry, the research team hopes to secure more funding to study potential environmental and human impacts.

Learn more about this project

NEW LEADERSHIP

NSHE Board of Regents Appoint Dr. Kumud Acharya as DRI Interim President

Dr. Acharya is an ecological engineer who began his career at DRI in 2006 as an assistant research professor. Since then, he has led numerous research projects related to aquatic ecosystem health and has spearheaded some of DRI’s largest international collaborations.

“I have had the privilege of being a DRI faculty member for more than a decade, and I’m honored to now serve as interim president,” Dr. Acharya said of his appointment. “I am truly humbled by the trust and confidence that DRI faculty and staff, the Chancellor, and the Board of Regents have expressed in my ability to lead this incredible institution."

Learn more

SAVE THE DATE

Join DRI at the Lost City Museum for
International Archaeology Day
on October 19th, 2019, in Overton, NV

Celebrate International Archaeology Day with DRI at the Lost City Museum!

Learn more about STEM careers, participate in mock digs, and see how DRI archaeologists are using drones to make 3D models of structures at the Lost City.

This is a family-friendly event to be held from 10 AM to 3 PM. Admission to the museum is $5 for adults and free for children 18 and younger.

Learn more

Science Distilled: Fostering Bilingual Diversity in STEM

Join DRI and The Discovery for
Science Distilled: Fostering Diversity in STEM
on October 30th, 2019, in Reno, NV

The number of Spanish-speaking patients in hospitals is increasing, in Northern Nevada and across the nation. The number of bilingual healthcare providers and researchers, however, remains troublingly low.

At this installment of Science Distilled, you'll hear from a panel of speakers from the University of Nevada Reno's CBESS program and consider how cultivating a diverse STEM-healthcare workforce can improve healthcare for all of us.

Get tickets

DRI IN THE NEWS

"Summers Are Getting Hotter In Nevada And Climate Researchers Say It Is Time To Adapt"
KNPR • September 30th

"Scuba divers plan unprecedented Tahoe clean-up"
Associated Press • September 19th

"Combating Automation In The Mountain West"
KUNR • September 17th

"Everything We Know — And Don't Know — About The Dangers Of Vaping"
The Huffington Post • September 5th

"Acting vice president of Desert Research Institute approved as interim president for two years"
The Nevada Independent • September 5th

"Using Drones To Fight Climate Change"
KUNR • September 3rd

"Editorial: Our addiction to plastics is dousing rivers, oceans and now Lake Tahoe in tiny-sized traces"
San Francisco Chronicle • September 1st

Browse more news coverage

IMAGES OF THE MONTH

At our annual Celebration of Science event this month, we recognized our incredible DRI family. Our Institute wouldn’t be what it is without the passion, dedication, and talent of our faculty, staff, and students!

In addition to recognizing Years of Service honorees, we also celebrated four faculty members (pictured here) on receiving this year's internal awards.

Dr. Alison Murray (right):
DRI Science Medal

Jenny Chapman (left): DRI Outstanding Contributions Medal

Meghan Collins (right):
DRI Service Medal

Dr. Monica Arienzo (center): NSHE Rising Researcher Award

Learn more about the award winners

Follow @DRIscience to #DiscoverDRI

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Explore more at www.DRI.edu.

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