Where is Las Vegas Campus?

The Las Vegas Campus of the Desert Research Institute (DRI) specializes in research and educational programs tailored to urban desert environments, water resources, and ecological restoration. As a key site for applied environmental science, it provides graduate-level courses and professional training in partnership with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, focusing on the unique challenges of the Mojave Desert region.

• Hydrologic Sciences: Courses delve into urban hydrology, aquifer recharge, contamination remediation, and flood risk assessment. Students master techniques like tracer studies, numerical modeling with MODFLOW, and field sampling in the Las Vegas Valley, addressing issues like groundwater depletion from rapid urbanization.
• Earth and Ecosystem Sciences: Program offerings include desert ecology, invasive species management, soil remediation, and restoration of native habitats. Through classroom lectures and field trips to nearby sites like the Spring Mountains, learners study biodiversity loss, wildfire impacts, and sustainable land use practices.
• Atmospheric and Climate Sciences: Specialized courses explore urban heat islands, air pollution dynamics, and regional climate variability. Training covers aerosol measurement, lidar technology, and climate adaptation strategies, with emphasis on the effects of the Colorado River Basin on local weather patterns.
• Environmental Engineering and Policy: Courses on sustainable infrastructure, water policy, and environmental impact assessments equip students with skills in regulatory compliance, stakeholder engagement, and green technology implementation for arid cities.
• Advanced Analytical Methods: Workshops focus on geochemical analysis, remote sensing with drones, and data visualization tools, enabling precise environmental monitoring and forecasting.

The Las Vegas Campus integrates research with education, offering access to unique facilities such as the Water Resources Center and ecological labs. Participants engage in real-time projects, like monitoring the Las Vegas Wash or modeling urban water cycles, fostering innovation in resource management. The curriculum supports doctoral and master's candidates, with opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration across DRI divisions. Emphasizing practical, solution-oriented learning, these programs prepare professionals for roles in government agencies, consulting firms, and academia. Courses often incorporate case studies from southern Nevada's growth pressures, highlighting the interplay between human development and natural systems. Flexible scheduling accommodates working researchers, and mentorship from faculty involved in high-profile studies ensures a robust educational experience. This approach not only advances scientific knowledge but also contributes to resilient communities in desert environments, aligning with DRI's broader goals of environmental stewardship and sustainability.