We had a great time at the Mother’s Day Farmer’s Market last weekend! We provided hands on energy and aviation activities for families to explore! 💐💡✈️
In April, lawmakers in Maine passed a bill that would have created the first statewide moratorium on data centers. While Governor Janet Mills later vetoed the measure, the proposal highlights a growing national debate over how and where these facilities should be built.
In Northern Nevada, that conversation is already playing out. As more projects are proposed across the region, attention has shifted to regulation and long-term impacts. Others argue the risks may be exaggerated.
Erik Hentzel and Sean McKenna with the Desert Research Institute have been tracking the rapid growth of data centers in Nevada. Their research shows that newer cooling systems can reduce direct water use. They point to the scale of energy demand that could strain the state’s power grid.
As other states explore restrictions or pauses, Nevada is still balancing economic benefits with long-term impacts on its grid, water and communities.
Hear more at KUNR.org or click the link in our bio. #datacenter #northernnevada @driscience
🎙️Reporting by KUNR intern, James Perez
📷 Kaleb Roedel / Mountain West News Bureau
Ongoing research in collaboration with the Desert Research Institute (DRI) and the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) might reveal how much microplastics are polluting the once pristine lake.
Monica Arienzo, an associate research professor in the division of hydrologic sciences at the Desert Research Institute, said microplastics originate from various sources that are difficult to identify. However, he said that the plastic pollution issue has one major solution.
“I believe that the best thing we can do to reduce plastic pollution and microplastics in our waterways, in our environment, is to eliminate the use of plastics,” Arienzo said.
The City of South Lake Tahoe banned single-use water bottles for commercial vendors in April 2024. Laura Patten, the natural resource director at Keep Tahoe Blue (KTB), said installing water refill stations around South Lake Tahoe and educating nearby businesses about the policy are part of the effort.
Click the link in our bio or visit KUNR.org to hear more. @driscience@keeptahoeblue #laketahoe #keeptahoeblue #microplastics
🎙️Reporting by KUNR intern, Malory Shaw @malorynshaw
📷 Kat Fulwider / KUNR
Science in action at Wasatch Academy! 🌎📈
We recently welcomed Desert Research Institute (DRI) representative Dale Anderson to campus for the installation of an earthquake detection device on campus. Wasatch Academy is among the first schools selected in what is planned to be a state-wide network of devices to monitor the movements of the earth along the Wasatch fault.
With help from our IT team, the device was quickly up and running — already generating real-time seismic data. Our STEM faculty are excited to use the data in classes ranging from geology and statistics to coding.
Curious to explore the data yourself? Visit the Raspberry Shake “Shakenet” website and search for our station ID: RFADE. 🌐
#WasatchAcademy #WATigers #GoTigers #boardingschool #boardingschoollife
Interested in deepening your knowledge of the plant life at #TuleSprings? We’re partnering with @tulespringsnm and @protectorsoftulesprings to bring you Botany Volunteer Training that will cover:
🌱Identification of rare and native plant species found at the monument
🌱How to accurately collect and submit field data using Survey123
🌱Best practices for conducting surveys in the field
We only have a few slots left so follow the link in our bio to register ASAP!
#DiscoverDRI #DRIecolab #TUSK #TuleSpringFossilBeds
DRI’s STEM Education Team had a great time attending Roy Gomm Elementary School’s Science Night on April 21! Do you think you could fly a paper plane through the target?
Check out the new Community Outreach Page on DRI’s STEM Education website to learn more about our upcoming outreach events.
#DiscoverDRI #DRISTEMedu #STEMeducation #aviation
Have you ever heard of milk plastics? Or wanted to learn what happens when a plastic cup sinks to the bottom of a lake? Join us for the Microplastics professional development training where we will explore these topics and more! In this training, you will gain expertise in identifying, analyzing, and addressing the pervasive issue of microplastic pollution. Equip yourself with hands-on activities and resources to empower students with the knowledge and skills to make a positive impact on our planet’s health! Register at tinyurl.com/DRIMicroplasticPD
#DRISTEMEd #DRISTEM #STEM #STEMEducation #Microplastics
This week, we proudly recognize the educators who inspire curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning in their students! We have the privilege of partnering with Pre-K-12 educators across Nevada, supporting them with hands-on professional development, real-world STEM research connections, and classroom-ready resources such as Green Boxes and STEM Co‑Lab lending library technology equipment. Educators, you are the driving force behind this work. Your creativity and dedication transform these tools into meaningful learning experiences that help students build critical thinking skills and envision themselves as future scientists, engineers, and problem-solvers. Thank you for your leadership, passion, and commitment to student success. Your impact extends far beyond the classroom, and we’re grateful to be part of your STEM education journey!
Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! 🧑🏫❤️
In partnership with the @truckeemeadowswaterauthority , the Desert Research Institute STEM Education Program has created four virtual lessons! These virtual resources are flexible to allow for either self-directed student learning and exploration (flipped classroom) or teacher-directed instruction. This professional development training will lead educators through the online resources and allow educators to discuss how these resources could best be implemented in their classrooms. Sign up through the link in our bio.
#WaterConservation #StemEducation #DRISTEM #DRISTEMEd
This Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, NSHE is celebrating the students, educators and leaders who help shape a stronger Nevada. We're honoring the culture, histories and voices that enrich our campuses and expand what’s possible through higher education. 💙 #AAPIHeritageMonth #NSHE
💜 Celebrating Women Who Inspire 💜
Join us in honoring Jennifer Schultz, being recognized by Desert Research Institute as a 2026 Woman of Achievement.
With more than 35 years of Human Resources leadership in Northern Nevada, including nine years with DRI, Jennifer has led all aspects of HR, including training and development, recruitment, compensation, Title IX compliance, and employee relations. A Society for Human Resources Management Senior Certified Professional, she serves as a strategic partner supporting DRI faculty, staff, and research initiatives, and streamlining processes.
Nevada Women’s Fund is proud to celebrate women like Jennifer who are making a meaningful impact in our community and inspiring others through their work.
#WOA2026 #WomenOfAchievement #CelebratingWomen #NevadaWomensFund
Permafrost coring is difficult work at one of the coldest places around Fairbanks.
Sometimes tools freeze. Sometimes the ground can be reluctant to give up much.
With the temperature 15 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit below zero in late March, a small team from the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute and the Desert Research Institute nevertheless headed to the bottom of the Goldstream Valley in Fairbanks to sample the permafrost in a variety of vegetation and terrain settings.
How did they do it? Explore this interactive StoryMap to find out:
https://www.gi.alaska.edu/news/reading-permafrost
Or find it through the link at our IG profile page.
📹 by Eric Marshall
