Science Distilled, a new lecture series created by DRI and The Discovery, makes cutting-edge science approachable through presentations on current and curious topics held at hip locations in a social atmosphere.
How collaboration, citizen science and community participation in conservation has kept Tahoe blue.
We are all proud of our bright blue, watery gem that splashes at 6,225 feet above sea level. It is easy to soak in the vistas of Lake Tahoe while forgetting the labors of love that went into sustaining the health of its waters from threats like stormwater pollution and aquatic invasive species. At this Science Distilled event, you’ll hear from scientists and community organizers on the front lines of maintaining the quality of the water at Lake Tahoe.
Lake Tahoe’s global successes in environmental research and conservation have only been possible due to collaborations between non-profit organizations, community members, and scientists. Speakers will highlight seminal partnerships between scientists and the community, the ecological history of the lake, and key policies and education programs that have made these successes possible.
Renowned leaders in research and engagement – Darcie Collins, PhD from Keep Tahoe Blue (League to Save Lake Tahoe), Alan Heyvaert, PhD from DRI, and Sudeep Chandra PhD from UNR – will share their experiences in citizen science, community engagement, and stewardship. Join us and learn how you can also get involved in exciting citizen science projects and more.
Time: Doors open at 7:00pm, presentation begins at 7:30pm
Location: Patagonia Outlet, 130 S. Center Street, Reno
Photo courtesy of Dylan Silver | tahoeclarity.com
Darcie Goodman Collins, PhD
Before taking her role as Executive Director of the League to Save Lake Tahoe, best known as Keep Tahoe Blue, Darcie earned her doctorate at University of California, Santa Barbara. She brings her background in the study of freshwater systems to determine how environmental science can integrate with community engagement to inform public policy. She has developed numerous citizen science programs for both the League and Save the Bay in San Francisco, California.
Alan Heyvaert, PhD
Alan’s work at DRI focuses on mitigating the impacts of urban areas to improve water quality in Lake Tahoe and beyond. His work studying freshwater systems brought him to the Lake Tahoe Basin, and he has focused on the effective design of stormwater monitoring systems. Alan has also contributed to the efforts of resource management agencies at Lake Tahoe.
Sudeep Chandra, PhD
Sudeep is a UNR Professor and the Director of the new Global Water Center: Solutions for Sustainability. Sudeep’s research focuses on the conservation and restoration of aquatic ecosystems with a goal of improving environmental policy based on scientific information. Sudeep has been a strong advocate of cooperative international research and conservation, and he also is a leader in place-based learning for environmental research and education.
