Calendar of Events

“Unprecedented” will be remembered as the watchword of 2020. Together, we have faced unforeseen challenges in our education, work, business, social, and home lives brought on by the global pandemic. With life seemingly overturned, creative uses of technology to connect us and overcome these struggles have emerged in unexpected places. This Science Distilled event brings together leaders from across Nevada to share their experiences of resilience, hope, and innovation. We will explore the imaginative ways that they are using technology…

Science and storytelling in the Great Basin The Great Basin and Eastern Sierra Nevada have inspired countless writers, artists, poets, musicians, and scientists who strive to understand the place we call home. This Science Distilled event, in collaboration with Nevada Humanities, welcomes Kendra Atleework, author of the acclaimed book and 2021 Nevada Reads selection, Miracle Country: A Memoir of a Family and a Landscape, in conversation with two Desert Research Institute scientists who have dedicated their careers to the study…

Per Patagonia Outlet COVID-19 mitigation policy, face coverings MUST BE WORN by all event attendees, regardless of vaccination status. Whether about the pandemic, wildfires, extreme weather, or other crises, we are now accustomed to seeing headlines with terms like “unprecedented”, “record-breaking”, or “increasing magnitude and intensity”. While these apocalyptic words might make some want to run for the hills, an entire generation of students are choosing career paths that will bring them directly into the eye of the storm. What…

Per Patagonia Outlet COVID-19 policy, face coverings are recommended, but not required at this event. “From science to insanity and back again”… Science is a pathway to adventure! What does it feel like to be a scientist? Join us for a family-friendly TED-style talk on the places that science can take us, illustrated with stories and experiences by Ted Hartwell. Bring your five senses as Ted shares his adventures in archaeology, comets and asteroids, community environmental monitoring, and more. He…

Our energy future will contain diverse renewable energy options, and these emerging technologies have a direct connection to the landscape around us. Here in the Great Basin, we find many sources of this energy literally underfoot, including what is needed for geothermal production and energy storage for batteries. This makes our region central to important energy topics for the future, and a key driver of emerging energy technologies. Our featured speakers at this Science Distilled event include Dr. Bridget Ayling,…

Science Distilled is thrilled to partner again with Nevada Humanities and to welcome back author Kendra Atleework, author of Miracle Country: A Memoir of a Family and a Landscape. She will be joined by DRI scientist Ben Hatchett, Ph.d. and Reno-based artist Megan Berner. The evening will center on a conversation about witnessing the changing landscape through each panelist’s lens of expertise and experience. The evening will begin with an introduction to each speaker, followed by a panel discussion, and…

From the mythical Jackalope, to endangered pupfish, to inverted sea anemones found only in Antarctica, the world is filled with creatures yet to be understood. Join us for a lively discussion with three panelists who bring unique perspectives on the rigors of scientific research and how to tell the stories of the animals being studied so that even a mildly science-curious person can understand and engage with the discoveries. During intermission, attendees at this Science Distilled event are welcome to…

In the Spring of 2022, a group of DRI scientists traveled to Greenland with the intent of extracting 4,000-year-old ice cores which tell the story of climate, volcanoes, and human activity. The arduous journey and even more arduous task of drilling and extracting ice cores isn’t without risk or danger. Join us to dive into their research, their journey to Greenland, and to hear the stories they found embedded in the ice. Location: Downtown Reno Library, 301 S. Center Street,…

Despite their small size, the cloud seeding team at Desert Research Institute has a mighty impact on Nevada and the West by increasing snow pack in targeted areas by up to 20 percent. Join us at this edition of Science Distilled to delve into the world of cloud seeding and its impact on our increasingly drought-stricken region. This event features a short documentary film and panel discussion followed by audience Q&A. Location: Downtown Reno Library, 301 S. Center Street, Reno…

If you have lived through a Northern Nevada summer, you are no stranger to wildfires and the resulting smoke that engulfs our community. Join us as we hear from a panel of experts discussing the technology used to monitor and predict wildfires, air quality, and the impacts on public health, and wildfire prevention. This event features a short documentary film and panel discussion followed by audience Q&A. Location: Downtown Reno Library, 301 S. Center Street, Reno Times: Doors open at…

At this installment in the Science Distilled series, audience members will be taken on a deep-dive into the surprising space where creativity and science commingle. Come learn why science needs creative minds and how creativity can be inspired by science. This event in the series is presented in conjunction with Artown and will feature a short documentary film, speaker presentations, and audience Q&A. Location: Desert Research Institute, Stout Conference Room, 2215 Raggio Pkwy, Reno Times: Doors open at 6:30pm, presentation…

Join us for this installment in the Science Distilled series for a scientific double feature. Explore the often misunderstood relationship between humans and whales in “The Whale Detective,” and then dive into the incredible intelligence and problem-solving skills octopuses possess in “Octopus: Making Contact.” Pull in, sit back, and enjoy two wonderful films guaranteed to be scientific blockbusters! Location: West Wind El Rancho Drive-In Theater, 555 El Rancho Drive, Sparks Times: Gate opens at 7:00pm, film begins at 7:30pm

In this final event in the 2023 series, Science Distilled departs from Earth and takes you on a journey to explore the beyond. Join our speakers as they share stories about quantum theory, astrobiology, and how the research of life in extreme environments on Earth can give us clues about where to look for life beyond our planet. Location: Downtown Reno Library, 301 S. Center Street, Reno Times: Doors open at 6:30pm, presentation begins at 7:00pm

Join us for an enlightening look at the power of models and forecasting in keeping the public informed about critical environmental and community concerns. Explore the dynamics of urban heat and extreme weather modeling. Discover the vital role of community dashboards in presenting quality of life data and how data is being used to accurately predict education outcomes. Gain a deeper understanding of how data-driven models can help us prepare for and respond to the challenges of our changing world,…

Join us for a profound evening as Science Distilled delves into the intricacies of the human mind. Our esteemed researchers and experts will navigate topics ranging from genetics and trauma, to the essential tools and resources for safeguarding oneself and how to support your community. This event will address challenging subjects including depression, suicide, and violence, with a focus on providing the audience with research-based insights and actionable strategies to address these pervasive societal issues. During intermission, attendees are welcome…

This installment in the Science Distilled series will explore the critical topic of climate resiliency and community solutions. Gain valuable insights into the science-backed approaches and community-driven actions that contribute to a sustainable, resilient future in the face of climate change. Location: Desert Research Institute, Elizabeth West Stout Conference Center, 2215 Raggio Parkway, Reno Times: Doors open at 6:30pm, presentation begins at 7:00pm

Join us for a thought-provoking conversation delving into the realm of extremes. We’ll explore the impacts and dynamics of extreme heat, flash flooding, atmospheric rivers, and even delve into the complexities of extreme human behavior. Through an analytical lens, we’ll decipher the mechanisms driving these phenomena and their far-reaching consequences on our environment and society. Discover the science behind these extreme occurrences and gain a deeper understanding of how they shape our world. Location: Desert Research Institute, Elizabeth West Stout…

Drive in, sit back, and get ready to watch a scientific film on the BIG screen! Join DRI, The Discovery and PBS Reno for the second annual Drive-in for Science, your chance to watch an amazing science documentary at the nostalgic El Rancho Drive-in in Sparks. Don’t forget the popcorn and Red Vines! Location: West Wind El Rancho Drive-In Theater, 555 El Rancho Drive, Sparks Times: Gate opens at 7:00pm, film begins at 7:30pm

LOW TICKET ALERT: Fewer than 10 tickets left for this event. Advance purchase recommended. Join us for an engaging science lecture that delves into Nevada’s rich and varied history through the lens of archaeology and geology. Discover the significance of Basque arborglyphs, explore the research at the DRI luminescence lab, and learn about volcanos in Nevada (yes, Nevada!) that erupted not that long ago. Location: Desert Research Institute, Elizabeth West Stout Conference Center, 2215 Raggio Parkway, Reno Times: Doors open…