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A founding college of the University, we have a long tradition of excellence in teaching, research and engagement programs that benefit the health and economic vitality of Nevada. We offer programs in:

• agriculture, horticulture, rangeland and veterinary sciences
• biochemistry and molecular biology
• children, youth and families
• community and economic development
• health and nutrition
• natural resources and environmental science

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Researchers shed light on river resiliency to flooding

College researchers use oxygen sensor data to estimate how long it takes river ecosystems to recover after floods

Claudene Wharton

The researchers estimated the recovery time of river productivity in Sligo Creek in Maryland, about 30 miles southwest of Baltimore, to be about 12 days, which is greater than the median recovery time of 7.3 days across all sites in the study and more typical of narrower rivers. Photo by Heili Lowman.

Researchers in the College have completed one of the most extensive river resilience studies. They developed a novel modeling approach that used data from oxygen sensors placed in rivers to estimate daily growth in aquatic plants and algae. The researchers then modeled the algal and plant biomass in 143 rivers across the U.S. to quantify what magnitude of flooding disturbs the biomass and how long the rivers take to recover.

The research is unique because it estimates changes in biomass more frequently than ever before without needing to directly sample rivers.

“Previously, you would have to go to a river and scrub rocks,” Assistant Professor Joanna Blaszczak, who led the research, said. “This is very time consuming, so the data have been extremely limited relative to our sensor networks.”

Leading the research with Blaszczak was . Assistant Professor Robert Shriver provided biomass growth modeling. The three are part of the College’s Department of Natural Resources & Environmental Science and Experiment Station.

They found that wider rivers without dams are more resilient, and rivers that had more frequent floods tended to recover more quickly.

Extension offers training for professionals working with domestic violence

‘Hope for Family Resilience’ provides in-depth training on domestic violence advocacy and support

Tenyson Fowler | Molly Malloy

Elizabeth Ornelas, Extension Hope for Family Resilience coordinator, teaches the 40-hour Hope Advocacy Training to the staff and volunteers at SafeNest in Las Vegas in January 2024. Photo by Clair Thomas.

A new training aimed at enhancing advocacy and support for victim-survivors of domestic or intimate partners violence is now available to anyone who advocates for, works with, or provides resources and support to victim-survivors, such as law enforcement, medical professionals, judges, lawyers, resource centers, therapists, social workers, teachers and victim advocates.

Developed by Extension’s Hope for Family Resilience Program, the new  provides updated, evidence-based best practices and information to help better serve and assist victim-survivors. Trainings this spring will be held March 4-7 in Reno and April 8-11 in North Las Vegas.

Extension partnered with the University’s College of Education & Human Development to develop and provide the training, which is suitable for both new and experienced advocates.

“Every aspect of the training is backed by rigorous research, ensuring that advocates are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge for their pivotal roles,” said Pamela B. Payne, associate professor with both Extension and the College of Education & Human Development.

Extension offers Nevada agriculture conferences to celebrate National Ag Month

Conferences gather agriculture producers, beekeepers and others to share knowledge and expertise

Claudene Wharton | Tenyson Fowler

Extension celebrates National Agriculture Month this March by hosting several conferences for Nevada agriculture producers and related businesses.

In celebration of National Agriculture Month in March and to help provide education and support for Nevada’s agriculture producers, associated businesses and others, Extension is partnering with other organizations to host three agriculture conferences throughout the state.

In addition to agriculture producers, the conferences also offer learning opportunities for chefs and restaurant owners, recreational gardeners, youth gardeners, and others, depending on the conference.

New director of development to lead fundraising efforts for the College

Robin Schimandle to elevate academic and research excellence through strategic donor engagement

Emma Lande

Robin Schimandle joins the College as the new director of development.

The College has hired Robin Schimandle as the new director of development to support the College’s various programs that promote student learning, scientific research, and community engagement and programs throughout the state.

Schimandle brings extensive experience and a proven track record in philanthropy, donor stewardship and engagement, having successfully led fundraising campaigns and donor engagement initiatives in previous roles. In her new position, she will collaborate with alumni, businesses, foundations and other key stakeholders to cultivate partnerships and secure financial resources for the College. These funds will support various initiatives, including student scholarships, internships, academic research and community engagement, as part of a diverse range of activities across the College’s units, including its four academic departments, Extension, the Experiment Station and Extended Studies.

"We are confident that Robin’s leadership will propel our fundraising efforts to new heights," said Bill Payne, dean of the College. "Her proven track record and strategic vision will be invaluable assets as we work to support the vital programs and initiatives within the College."

In addition to her experience in philanthropy, Schimandle also brings extensive expertise in marketing, advertising, communications and event planning.