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.

What’s in the Burnt Remains of the LA Wildfires?

What’s in the Burnt Remains of the LA Wildfires?

DRI scientists deployed to Los Angeles to collect ash, soil, and dust samples from burn zones in the hopes of illuminating the unique risks of wildland-urban fires. These urban fires presented a unique opportunity to understand how materials like plastics, metals, and even lithium batteries from electric cars can transform into environmental contaminants when they burn.

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Meet Ben Hatchett

Meet Ben Hatchett

Benjamin Hatchett, Ph.D., is an assistant research professor in the Division of Atmospheric Sciences at the Desert Research Institute in Reno. Ben has been a member of the DRI community since 2005 when he began as an undergraduate lab assistant. He...

Why scientists are studying stories during the COVID-19 pandemic

Why scientists are studying stories during the COVID-19 pandemic

The family dinner table. The water cooler with coworkers. Your social media feed. Bedtime with your toddler.   What do all these places have in common? They’re full of stories.   Look closely at your day and, chances are, you’ll notice that stories...

Meet Steve Bacon, M.S.

Meet Steve Bacon, M.S.

Steve Bacon, M.S., P.G., C.E.G. is an associate research scientist of geomorphology with the Division of Earth and Ecosystem Sciences at the Desert Research Institute in Reno and a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Nevada, Reno. Steve...

Meet Ken McGwire, Ph.D.

Meet Ken McGwire, Ph.D.

Ken McGwire, Ph.D., is an associate research professor of geography with the Division of Earth and Ecosystem Sciences at the Desert Research Institute.

Meet Julie Albright, DRI’s Technologist of the Year

Meet Julie Albright, DRI’s Technologist of the Year

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...

Donor-powered research solving critical environmental problems

Donor-powered research solving critical environmental problems

DRI is a non-profit, which means that we rely on financial support from donors to make our projects possible. Thanks to individual contributions from community members, seed grants were awarded to eight teams of DRI researchers last year...

Dust Control at the Oceano Dunes

Dust Control at the Oceano Dunes

DRI researchers continue a long-term effort to help park officials understand and manage dust emissions from California’s Oceano Dunes.