Research Highlights

This semi-annual report highlights some of our recent research and community outreach. The cover story spotlights the critical restorative impact of good fire, resulting in healthier forests. We share fascinating research projects related to water, life in extreme environments, protecting people from the effects of wildfire smoke, our commitment to introducing students to careers in STEM, and an exciting project with the Southwest Sustainability Innovation Engine to spur economic opportunity while addressing climate challenges. We also share Betty and John Gallifent’s donor story and their establishment of an endowment providing unrestricted support for DRI.

Explore this Storymap to learn more about DRI research on land restoration, drought resilience, and desertification. An interactive map shows a selection of DRI’s current and recent research projects around the world on the World Environment Day themes. Use the list of project descriptions in the legend or follow the map pins to learn more.

This semi-annual report highlights some of our recent research and community outreach, and celebrates 25 years of the Wagner Award. The cover story spotlights DRI’s Luminescence Research Laboratory—the largest luminescence dating lab in North America! We also highlight research on how climate change may impact the Lake Tahoe Basin, management of Nevada’s wetlands, water scarcity in the West, and desert forests. In addition, we feature briefs on how our scientists are using their expertise to improve flood control on Mount Charleston, protect a historical cemetery, and partner with students on climate research.

This 2023 Storymap celebrating Nevada Day includes DRI research projects spanning the conservation of Nevada orchids, the future of the Lake Tahoe basin under climate change, water insecurity in Nevada’s Native American communities, and many more.  

When the U.S. military has questions about how environmental conditions impact its ability to protect troops, DRI’s Integrated Terrain Analysis Program (ITAP)  gets to work problem-solving. DRI’s science writer tagged along during fieldwork in Alaska for an inside look at the team’s work. She joined  Jennifer Kielhofer , Ph.D, and  Nicholas Patton , Ph.D. — two scientists with expertise in soil science and paleoclimatology — to see how they use their knowledge of landscape evolution to depict and map the layers beneath our feet. 

This 2023 Storymap celebrates the Lake Tahoe Summit, held annually to bring scientists, policymakers, and the community together to discuss the wellbeing of the Tahoe Basin. Research projects highlighted include measuring microplastic contamination throughout the watershed, the creation of the Tahoe Open Data Platform, and restoration efforts at Spooner Meadow. Check out the full Storymap for details on these projects and more. 

In this semi-annual report, our cover story highlights research being done by DRI’s Integrated Terrain Analysis Program (ITAP) team to help the military protect our troops. This research team conducts field experiments for a variety of defense needs. We also highlight a new, two-year project examining climate intervention strategies, our work to protect America’s National Parks from air pollutants, several water-related highlights, our new STEM Lab, which provides an important resource to educators, and an inspiring story about how legacy donor Marianna Vaughan encouraged the next generation of scientists.

The DRI Ice Core Team heads back to Greenland during summer 2023 to investigate the processes that impact gas records trapped deep in the ice. This Storymap includes a detailed field journal updated by researchers during their time in Greenland, including stunning photos and videos of their Arctic fieldwork.