Desert Research Institute Employee Directory
Environmental ServicesNevada, United States501-1000 Employees
Desert Research Institute (DRI) is a non-profit research organization affiliated with the Nevada System of Higher Education, operating as its scientific research arm with campuses in Reno and Las Vegas. Since its founding in 1959, DRI has pursued basic and applied interdisciplinary research, emphasizing scientific rigor and transparency while delivering high-quality information to policymakers, business leaders, and communities. The institute conducts global research projects and maintains satellite facilities in Boulder City, Nevada, and Steamboat Springs, Colorado, contributing to Nevada’s economic diversification and science-based education opportunities. DRI employs a mix of faculty, staff, and students who secure external grants and contracts to fund their work, and it has earned recognition for providing timely and accountable scientific outputs. The organization collaborates with regional partners, including educational and cultural institutions, to advance understanding of environmental issues and inform public discourse. Recent activities include public-facing science events and partnerships aimed at expanding science literacy and engaging communities in Nevada and beyond.