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.
Meet Monica Gehrig
Monica Gehrig joined DRI in summer 2023. She works with the STEM Education Program to bring science education to Nevada schools and builds partnerships with organizations like the Atomic Museum and the Southern Nevada Water Authority. Born and raised in Louisiana, she is now based at DRI’s Las Vegas campus. In this interview, Gehrig shares her passion for science education and why she considers it central to understanding the world, her circuitous path to DRI, and her many hobbies outside of work.
Meet Victoria Wuest, Graduate Researcher
Victoria Wuest is a graduate research assistant with the Division of Hydrologic Science at DRI in Las Vegas, mentored by Duane Moser, Ph.D.
Field Notes From a DRI Research Team in Greenland: A Story Map
In May 2022, a team led by scientists from DRI in Reno, Nevada departed for Greenland, where they plan to collect a 440 meter-long ice core that will represent 4,000 years of Earth and human history.
Meet Brianda Hernandez Rosales, Graduate Researcher
Brianda Hernandez Rosales is a graduate research assistant with the Division of Hydrologic Sciences at DRI in Reno. She recently earned her Master’s degree in hydrogeology from the Graduate Program of Hydrologic Sciences at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR).
Northern Nevada Science and Technology Festival April 26 – 30
Calling all teachers! Show off the amazing science that happens in your classrooms every day and enter to win some fun raffle prizes. Here are two ways to win: 1. Science in School BINGO Download, complete, and submit the attached BINGO card any...
VEX GO Competition Showcase
There will be a VEX 123/GO Showcase Booth at VEX Worlds. Teams are welcome to participate! All four VEX GO Competition Fields will be open for kids to play on and there will be several interactive GO stations for kids. If your 123/GO teams can't...
VEX IQ Invitational Scrimmage at Sparks Middle School
Sparks Middle School is hosting a Robotics Scrimmage for VEX IQ on April 30th, 2022. They plan to have several game fields up and running! Students and parents are both invited. If you are interested in attending please email Linda at...
Meet Dennis Hallema, Ph.D.
Dennis Hallema, Ph.D., is an assistant research professor of hydrology with the Division of Hydrologic Sciences at DRI in Las Vegas. He specializes in data modeling and natural catastrophe research.
Inspiring solutions: DRI’s Community Environmental Monitoring Program tracks radioactivity in Nevada’s air and water
For more than 40 years, DRI’s Community Environmental Monitoring Program (CEMP) has worked to address fears about radiation exposure and provide answers to the concerned public in communities surrounding the NNSS through a simple but impactful solution: putting radioactivity data in the hands of the people.
FIRST Seeking Northern Nevada Volunteers
Volunteer with FIRST Nevada! Get involved with the local competative robotics scene and share the joy of robotics education with local students - no experience necessary!Upcoming Volunteer OpportunitiesFIRST Tech Challenge League Tournament Date:...
Las Vegas student celebrates Bar Mitzvah by raising funds for Nevada Robotics program
Caleb, a Las Vegas middle schooler, chose to give back to celebrate his Bar Mitzvah. Caleb reached out to DRI’s Nevada Robotics program with a desire to help raise money to give greater access to robots for students at a Title 1 middle school in the Las Vegas area.
VEX IQ Robotics Tournament at Vaughn MS
Vaughn Middle School in Reno, NV is hosting a VEX IQ Robotics Tournament on February 19th, 2022. Doors will open at 8:30 am on the day of the event and team check in will begin at 9:00 am. Students and parents are both invited to attend. If you...
Seeking answers from the ashes
How did recent Sierra Nevada fires such as the Caldor, Tamarack, and Dixie impact soil properties in burned areas? An interdisciplinary team of DRI scientists has received funding from the National Science Foundation to find out.