This month: the science behind weather forecast communication & more.
This month: the science behind weather forecast communication & more.
The science behind a smarter Nevada and a smarter world. 
February 2019 Bulletin Header image
Project highlights, researcher profiles, events, & more.

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS
Rowan Gaffney surveying the amount of snow at Sagehen Creek Field Station during the NASA airborne campaigns in March 2016.
Rowan Gaffney surveying the amount of snow at Sagehen Creek Field Station during NASA airborne campaigns in March 2016. Credit: Adrian Harpold.
Research team develops first lidar-based method for measuring snowpack in mountain forests
For scientists and water managers, accurately measuring mountain snowpack has long been a challenge. Satellite imagery is useful for calculating snow cover across open meadows but is less effective in forested areas where the tree canopy often obscures the view of conditions below (as in the Emerald Bay region of Lake Tahoe, pictured in this newsletter's header image).

Now, a new technique for measuring snow cover using a laser-based technology called lidar offers a solution.
Learn more about this research
A view of downtown Reno
New research shows impact of using shared language and building public trust in weather forecasts
For meteorologists, effectively communicating weather forecasts and their related dangers is essential in maintaining the health, safety, and resilience of communities. A new study by researchers at DRI, the University of Nevada, Reno, and the National Weather Service - Reno shows that forecast communication isn’t just about conveying weather information—it’s about building trust and common ground between forecasters and the public. 
Learn more about the team's findings

PUTTING THE KNOWLEDGE FUND TO WORK
Adam Watts pilots a drone in the field, April 2018
DRI scientists leverage over $11 million in state support for innovation and commercialization of research since 2013
Created in 2013 by the Governor's Office of Economic Development, the Knowledge Fund spurs research, innovation, and commercialization in Nevada.
Thanks to support from the Knowledge Fund, researchers across the Silver State have been busy cultivating the intellectual property that will continue the diversification of our economy for years to come. DRI researchers have been awarded over $11 million over the last five years for projects focusing on public health, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) development, and commercialization of new technologies. 
Learn more about Knowledge Fund Projects at DRI

BEHIND THE SCIENCE
Meet Megan Rennie, Master's Student in Atmospheric Sciences
At DRI, Megan is working with Hans Moosmüller, Ph.D., from the Division of Atmospheric Science (DAS) to study aerosols and mineral dust for their optical properties that effect Earth's energy budget. These properties provide insights into how the local and global climate is being affected by the presence of dust and aerosols. 
Get to know Megan

SAVE THE DATE
Science Distilled Feb 27th header image
Science Distilled: Exploring Astrobiology
Our curiosity about life beyond Earth has outpaced our ability to explore space. Speakers at this event will discuss how they turn to the known to learn about the unknown, finding clues about life among the stars in places like dark caverns, ice-covered Antarctic lakes, and Yellowstone’s geysers. 
Wednesday, February 27th • Doors open at 7pm, talks start at 7:30pm
Patagonia Outlet • 130 S. Center Street Reno, NV
$10 for Discovery Museum members • $15 for everyone else
Get tickets

DRI IN THE NEWS
"Aerial lidar to measure snow cover"
The Geospatial Resource • January 25th
"Humboldt water modeling studies enter final year"
Elko Daily Free Press • January 17th
"Research Shows Vulnerability of Nevada's Snowpack"
Reno Gazette-Journal • January 7th
"5 Weather Questions about 2019"
The Weather Channel • January 1st
Browse more news coverage

IMAGES OF THE MONTH
The cutting-edge scientific research that happens at DRI wouldn't be possible without the Institute's many technologists: non-faculty employees who have special technical experience and training to support instrumentation design, laboratory and fieldwork, administration, accounting, reception, and facilities. 

Each year, faculty, students, and staff have the opportunity to nominate those technologists they believe go above and beyond to make DRI a great place to work for the Technical Employee of the Year (TEOY) award. This year, the recipient is Charlene Martin, a financial accounting specialist who has served DRI for 24 years. 
All technologists, the TEOY nominees, and this year's winner were recognized during a lunchtime ceremony last month.
Get to know Charlene Martin, the 2018 Technical Employee of the Year

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