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Detra Page
Communications Manager
702-862-5597
Detra.Page@dri.edu
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Frequently Asked Questions about DRI
Desert Research Institute. So do you just study the desert?
We do study desert environments, but our research encompasses so much more! DRI was founded by an act of the Nevada State Legislature in 1959 to study Nevada’s arid lands, but DRI’s research has evolved greatly since then. Today, DRI scientists work across three research divisions on all seven continents, conducting projects on everything from the effect of wildfire smoke on air quality to ancient climate changes traceable in Arctic ice, and just about everything in between.
How is DRI funded?
DRI receives about 15% of its funding from the State of Nevada, which supports campus operations and maintenance. Otherwise, DRI is a soft-money institution, and research projects are funded by grants and contracts that faculty apply for. The majority of DRI’s grants and contracts come from federal agencies.
How many people work at DRI?
Over 400 faculty, students, and staff work at DRI. Over 100 of our faculty are PhDs, and their expertise covers over 40 scientific disciplines.
Is DRI part of the University of Nevada, Reno or University of Nevada, Las Vegas
DRI is an independent organization, one of eight in the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE). We are a non-degree granting institution focused exclusively on conducting environmental research, but undergraduate and graduate students from other NSHE institutions, like the Universities of Nevada, Reno and Las Vegas, work in our labs and can be advised by our researchers while completing their degrees elsewhere.
How can I support the work DRI does?
Does DRI give tours to the public?
DRI is a closed research campus and does not offer public tours. Sign up for the DRI Bulletin to get monthly updates about the DRI news and events throughout the year.