News | Graduate Program of Hydrologic Sciences

Colloquium and Events

Colloquium schedule

Please join us at our colloquium to help welcome a series of guest speakers. For more information, contact the program director.

Fall 2024 schedule
Date and time	Speaker and topic	Location
Friday, October 4 at 3 p.m. Social at 4 p.m.	, Senior Hydrologist & Watershed Coordinator at Truckee Meadows Water Authority, will talk about water management and source water protection in the Truckee Meadows. Co-hosted with Geography Department	DMSC 103
Friday, October 18 at 3 p.m. Social at 4 p.m.	, Assistant Professor in the Department of Earth and Climate Sciences and leads the Rivers Lab at San Francisco State University, will talk about river energy balances. Co-hosted with the Department of Geological Sciences and Engineering	DMSC 103
Friday, November 22 at 3 p.m. Social at 4 p.m.	, Utah State University Department of Watershed Sciences, will talk about nutrient loading from the atmosphere to surface waters.	DMSC 103

Krishna Pagilla's wastewater survey tracks COVID-19 Delta variant in Truckee Meadows

Student testing samples The highly contagious COVID-19 Delta variant has been successfully identified and tracked in Truckee Meadows wastewater since June 2021, establishing the monitoring process as a viable means of detecting new COVID-19 variants that may be present in Washoe County.

And while the Truckee Meadows COVID risk meter – based on several factors – remains very high, the level of Delta variant in the community has been trending down since September and the Risk Meter prediction is for the risk in the community to inch lower next week.

In continuing studies and monitoring of Truckee Meadows wastewater, researchers at the �Ƽ��Ӱ�ԭ��, working with the City of Sparks, the City of Reno and Washoe County, have been able to identify a number of COVID-19 variants that are present in the community, and initially detected the variants in wastewater months before they were identified from clinical monitoring. can detect them in wastewater simultaneously or even before being detected through sequencing of clinical samples.

Our impact

Nevada Today news stories from Hydrologic Sciences and the departments and centers that contribute to the program.

Sudeep Chandra holds a finger up in one hand while holding a microphone in another looking toward the right of the frame.

Global Water Center makes local and international impacts

Water research on campus buoyed by the center is far-reaching

A man climbs a piece of ice with a rope and a ladder beneath him. He is wearing a helmet, a backpack, and a bright orange jacket.

New Nevada State Climatologist seeks to meet state’s needs

With hiring of new state climatologist, University research reaches new heights

Two men hold a fish with dense foliage behind them. The fish has a hooked jaw, a light-colored belly and a darker back.

Feared Extinct, the "Mekong Ghost" Fish Reappears

Rediscovery of the elusive giant salmon carp is a call to action for the protection of the Mekong River and its remarkable biodiversity

Changing winters are impacting Lake Tahoe and other freshwater ecosystems

Recent research sheds light on how freshwaters are threatened by climate change and impacts to winter

A group of people stand in a line smiling for a photo in front of a helicopter. They're standing on the top of a mountain.

Understanding the geology of Chilean volcanoes

Geology professor receives renewed funding to continue work on Cordón Caulle

A view of a distant mountain peak from another mountain with a green valley and pine trees below. The sky is cloudy.

Public invited to participate in free, expert-led geology field trip to Sierra Valley on Oct. 19

The Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology hosts annual Earth Science Week field trip

People squat and stand next to the shoreline of Lake Tahoe and smile toward the camera.

International collaborations strengthened at Lake Tahoe Summit

USAID group hosted by �Ƽ��Ӱ�ԭ�� attends Lake Tahoe Summit

Julie Loisel smiles in front of a mountainous landscape.

Peatland geographer Julie Loisel funded by NSF CAREER Award

Loisel awarded $816,000 to study peatlands in the tropics

A measuring stick in the foreground. The background, in focus, has two people standing in a slot canyon with water between them and the measuring stick.

Research published in PNAS proposes a new model that predicts river tributary length and spacing

The work may improve scientists’ ability to route water, sediment, and nutrients through river networks

Julie Loisel and Cody Reed stand in the Tahoe Meadows smiling.

Geographer turns peatlands workshop into a “science vacation”

Julie Loisel hosted the workshop at the �Ƽ��Ӱ�ԭ�� at Lake Tahoe

Andrew Siciliano smiles in front of a brick building and a leafy tree.

Geology student receives Goldwater Scholarship

Andrew Siciliano wants to pursue geochemistry research

Plastic waste is shown mixed in with a catch of many small fish.

River ‘plastisphere’ serves as home to ecosystem-draining organisms

New research explores the microbial communities that live on plastic waste and how they impact the 2nd most biodiverse river in the world

An aerial view of the San Andreas fault, running diagonally across the image from the top left to the bottom right. Below the fault lie some mountains. The landscape is very brown.

Nature article proposes new way to identify faults that might pose earthquake risk

The researchers found geometric complexity of nearby faults could play a role in the risk of earthquakes

Better bike paths as one solution to heat and climate change-induced traffic congestion around Lake Tahoe

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency approves the 2024 Active Transportation Plan as warming temperatures and congestion continue to impact the region

A boy works with a woman to affix a device to a passenger car window. The device looks like a mallet with a long handle.

Reno/Sparks selected to be part of Urban Heat Mapping Campaign

The summer 2024 effort will involve community volunteers and is supported by the National Institutes of Health, NOAA, Climate.gov and Heat Watch

Three women work at a booth surrounded by maps, documents and booklets. They are tabling for the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology.

Mackay shines at AEMA 2023

Mackay School faculty and students made an impact at annual conference

A black and white photo of Manzanita Lake covered in snow, with buildings surrounding the Quad in the background.

Quarterly Climate Report and Outlook – January through March

Interim Nevada State Climatologist Tom Albright reviews the past three months and what it means for the state

Andrew Zuza smiles, wearing a medal and standing next to another man who is smiling on a stage.

NBMG geoscientist wins Young Scientist Award from GSA

The Donath Medal is awarded to a young scientist for outstanding research

The path between the Block N and the MIKC with people walking past. The sky has some clouds, and the leaves on the trees are bright orange.

Quarterly Climate Report and Outlook – October through December

Interim Nevada State Climatologist Tom Albright reflects on the wet summer in Nevada and what the next few months might bring

Aerial drone image of the Lake Tahoe shoreline

�Ƽ��Ӱ�ԭ�� at Lake Tahoe researchers present at the 2023 Tahoe Science Conference

Scientists and natural resource managers gather to collaborate on environmental policy

An aerial view of the massive stingray sitting in water atop a green tarp held by people all around the stingray.

Giant freshwater stingray tracked by University project makes it into Guinness Book of World Records

Researchers from the Wonders of the Mekong project tagged the fish when it was caught over a year ago

A south-facing shot of the University Quad, with students lying against trees, walking along the Quad, and throwing a football.

Nevada Drought Update for September 2023

This report brings to a close a three-and-a-half year stretch of having at least one Nevada county under drought watch

Ted Scambos and and Gabi Collao Barrios download ocean temperature data from beneath Thwaites Glacier Ice-Shelf in Antarctica.

Program that leases high-tech tools to environmental scientists wins new funding

�Ƽ��Ӱ�ԭ�� coordinates program assisting hundreds of scientists around the globe

View of a walk way with railings in front of Lake Tahoe in a sunny day.

Why has the water clarity of Lake Tahoe improved?

Director of the Ozmen Institute for Global Studies, Global Water Center and University Professor Sudeep Chandra provides vital insight about why Lake Tahoe’s clarity has improved

A rainstorm passes between a mountain range and a marshy area, with sagebrush and a road in the foreground.

Nevada Drought Update for August 2023

Drought still remains in southern Nevada, but has disappeared in most of the state

Overlooking Lake Tahoe on a fairly sunny day with several clouds in the sky.

Quarterly Climate Report and Outlook – July through September

Nevada State Climatologist Steph McAfee shares a report on Nevada’s climate over the past few months, and what to expect in the next quarter

A photo from a high vantage point of Lake Mead. The water levels are low as indicated by the bathtub rings around the lake.

Nevada Drought Update for July 2023

Nevada reservoirs are in good condition across the state; Lake Mead's levels have been rising

A plastic cup floats on the shoreline of Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe has high concentration of microplastics, global research shows

Research published in Nature reveals concentrations of microplastics in 38 lakes with plastic debris from textiles frequently identified

A screengrab from a video recording of a Zoom meeting. There are 7 participants in the Zoom meeting on 6 screens. Two men share a screen in the middle.

American Geophysical Union’s Hydrology Section Fellows discuss the future of science

The session took a deep dive into the responsibilities of scientists to diversify the field

The back of the Mackay statue facing toward the Quad. The grass is green and the trees lining the Quad are fully leafed out. The sky is blue with some scattered clouds.

Nevada Drought Update for June 2023

The wet spring across much of Nevada alleviated drought and may provide a buffer against a rapid return to drought

A table tent listing sponsors of the Mackay School. There is a fork and plate in the foreground.

Mackay Banquet celebrates excellence in Mackay community

The annual banquet was held on April 28

Sudeep Chandra sits to the left of President Sandoval with Zeb Hogan on the right in a podcast recording room with three mics on the table in front of them.

Sagebrushers season 2 ep. 5: Sudeep Chandra and Zeb Hogan

College of Science faculty share their world adventures and the impact they are making here in Nevada

Mackay Mines from a low angle showing off the spring blooms.

Nevada Drought Update for May 2023

Only a small portion of the state is still in drought, and Lake Mead levels are forecasted to improve. Fire risk in northwestern Nevada is likely to be higher than normal by July.

Person holding up a picture of Cave Rock at Cave Rock at Lake Tahoe.

Land, Water, Place: An Art and Science Collaborative

Scholars, curators, academics and students will present interactive discussions focused on our complex relationships with land, water and place

A man in a black long-sleeved t-shirt presents at the front of a room full of people. He is pointing a clicker at a screen.

Talks on the future of geothermal energy in Nevada at the Energy Solutions Forum

Jack Norbeck spoke about Fervo Energy's project with Google using geothermal energy in Northern Nevada

Aaron Konig kneels on a riverbank preparing scientific samples.

Society for Freshwater Science announces Aaron Koning as recipient of Career Award

Global Water Center researcher pursues conservation solutions that sustain aquatic diversity and human needs

A view of Manzanita Lake, with blooming trees in the foreground.

Quarterly Climate Report and Outlook - April through June

Nevada State Climatologist Steph McAfee provides an outlook and report for climate and weather

A brick building with a dogwood tree that is starting to bloom in front of it. The name of the building reads, "Effie Mona Mack"

Nevada Drought Update for April 2023

Drought was alleviated across much of Nevada

Monster Fish exhibition opens at Discovery Museum

Associate Research Professor Zeb Hogan's work to find, study and protect freshwater megafish featured

Jim Faulds hands Senator Catherine Cortez Masto an award. The award is a block of wood with a plaque and a piece of a gold-colored rock on it. They are both dressed formally and are smiling for the photo, being taken in an office.

Mackay School professor presents award to Senator Cortez Masto

Senator Cortez Masto received the AASG’s Pick and Gavel award

A photo of the Truckee River reaching the tops of the riverbanks. There is snow on the ground all around the river.

Nevada Drought Update for March 2023

State Climatologist shares a quarterly update about Nevada’s ongoing drought

University expedition highlights long-term research on the Mekong River

International collaborations with the Global Water Center contribute to successful conservation efforts

League of American Bicyclists invites University Bicycle Working Group members to National Bike Summit

Support from the national bicyclist organization continues after the Reno-Sparks area was selected as one of five communities nationwide to host a Bicycle Friendly Community Workshop.

Daniel Trugman smiles in a selfie on a mountaintop. He is wearing a green beanie.

Assistant professor wins prestigious Seismology Society of America award

Daniel Trugman joined the University in 2022

A person wearing gloves holds a rock in their hand. The rock is dark gray on the exterior, but the interior is cut and is a shiny bronze color.

How do I know if I found a meteorite?

Geologist explains differences between meteorites and meteor-wrongs

Daniel Trugman Honored with Charles F. Richter Early Career Award

Nevada Seismological Laboratory professor receives prestigious award honoring outstanding contributions to the Seismological Society of America

Campus accessibility research sheds light on how to create more accessible spaces

Student researcher Lea Gifford suggests ways in which the Wolf Pack can help make spaces across campus more accessible

Centuries-long drought in the Great Basin shown to be a recurring pattern

A multi-centennial drought termed the Late Holocene Dry Period could serve as a map for future climate projections, Indigenous human responses a model for resilience and adaptability

An aerial view of the McDermitt Caldera shows a visible depression in the landscape in the shape of a lightbulb.

How lithium-rich ores are made

Philipp Ruprecht aims to identify how and when lithium deposits are enriched

Biden appoints College of Science’s Scott Tyler to nuclear waste panel

Brings extensive experience in hydrological sciences to DOE’s review board

Water runs down a valley through a dam, where pelicans are sitting at the base.

Nevada State Climatologist Steph McAfee provides some insight about our state of water

Nevada has been experiencing drought after drought

Researchers working in barn-like building that houses ichthyosaur fossils

Probable ichthyosaur birthing grounds revealed in Nevada with the help of undergraduate researcher

Research in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution provides a new explanation for why so many of the extinct marine reptiles died in the same location in central Nevada

Lauren Sankovitch surrounded by Marvel Universe books and objects on display

The power of science (fiction)

Graduate student Lauren Sankovitch brings a MARVELous background of experience to the Department of Geological Sciences and Engineering

Four people sit on the ground surrounded by jackets and cooking items. They are all facing the camera and smiling, dressed warmly.

How to cook chicken on a volcano

Six years of research leads to new theories (and new cooking methods) at the Puyehue Cordón Caulle volcano

Christine Johnson appointed to Advisory Committee on Reconciliation in Place Names

Department of Geography professor will use her professional experience to help remedy past erasures

A screengrab from Zoom shows three women in the top left corner, a woman on another screen in the top right corner, and a woman at the bottom in another screen.

Interdisciplinary team studies impact of housing on Latino health in Washoe County

A Robert Wood Johnson Foundation grant helps geographers, health scientists and community leaders identify areas of need

A microscopic image shows two large grains of pollen that look like spiky yellow balls on a butterfly leg, which is a straight line horizontally with grooves in it.

Museum collections shed light on butterfly adaptations over time

Research looking at preserved butterflies reveals the complex story in a grain of pollen

A person stands in a clearing holding a large drill. Another person stands nearby with a notebook under their arm. They are standing in a mountainous area with the ocean visible in the background.

Eroding rocks can put carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. What does that mean for the climate?

Graduate student Mara Nutt looks for answers in the Santa Ynez Mountains

A woman wearing a blue rain jacket stands next to a large rock face. She is surrounded by mosses and trees.

Nick Zentner Field Trip to the Cascades with Professor Stacia Gordon makes an impact on YouTube

Mackay School of Earth Sciences and Engineering Professor Stacia Gordon hits the road for another YouTube cameo

A woman and a man shake hands in front of another woman holding a glass award.

Celebrating the 2022 College of Science Distinguished Alumni

Among the awardees are Las Vegas’s city planner, a globe-trotting fish biologist, a psychologist providing culturally sensitive services and more

Aging infrastructure in rural Nevada sees alumni-led improvements

Yerington nears the completion of a USDA-funded project to remove and replace the rural Nevada city's 100-year-old sewer and water systems.

adjusting instruments on tower on Antarctic ice shelf

Thwaites Glacier under threat from warming sea temperatures – College of Science scientists use fiber-optics to study ice-shelf melting

Chris Kratt travels to Antarctic to set up temperature sensing devices and retrieve data

A mountainous landscape shows a canyon carved by a river.

How old are the Sierra Nevada mountains, really?

Researchers in the Department of Geological Sciences and Engineering weigh in on a hotly debated topic in tectonics and geomorphology: the age of the Sierra Nevada mountain range

A house’s porch stands unsupported by the ground that used to lie beneath it.

Yellowstone flooding response includes geotechnical surveys

Assistant geological engineering professor Michael Gardner visited the sites of flooding in Yellowstone National Park to determine how geostructure integrity was compromised

A male and a female stand on an ice sheet, posing with a LGBTQ+ Pride flag.

Exploring ice and expanding access

Hydrogeology student Drake McCrimmon found space to be himself while doing science on the Greenland ice sheet.

A man wearing a hat and sunglasses stands on red rocks in front of a rock arch.

Paving the Wolf Pack Way: Garrett Vice ‘08

Paving the Wolf Pack Way is a series of stories showcasing Wolf Pack Way alumni from the College of Science.

World’s largest freshwater fish found, released in the Cambodian Mekong River by Global Water Center team

International team now tracking the 661-pound giant freshwater stingray's movements to better understand, protect the species and key freshwater habitats

Discover Science Podcast with Harrison Schmitt

Discover Science podcast: Harrison Schmitt on his trip to the Moon

Apollo 17 astronaut Harrison Schmitt discusses what it was like to be on the Moon's surface, what we're still learning from the samples brought back to Earth and what the future of lunar exploration looks like

The "Weclome to Nevada" sign posted along a highway in eastern Nevada.

Lucas Ingvoldstad named USDA Director of Rural Development in Nevada

Alumnus of the Department of Geography’s Land Use Planning Master’s program aims to address climate change and invest in climate-smart infrastructure in rural Nevada

A flowing creek with green foliage and mountains behind it.

Study sheds light on what influences water supplied by snowmelt

�Ƽ��Ӱ�ԭ�� leads study looking at over 500 locations in the U.S.

Funding in flight: Making climate change prediction models more accurate

Researchers from the Department of Geography are making use of new drone technology with support from the Global Climate Change Foundation.

Earth Day expedition to search unexplored deepest pools of Mekong River

International effort led by USAID Cooperative Project, Wonders of the Mekong, to launch April 22

Gloomy water supply outlook in Nevada prompts new collaborative effort

College of Science researcher leading one-year project to address urban and rural water issues

Douglas Boyle poses for a photo on the Sierra Nevada University campus.

Douglas Boyle named Associate Vice Provost for Research and Creative Activities in Lake Tahoe

Longtime �Ƽ��Ӱ�ԭ�� faculty member brings experience to new position after Sierra Nevada University acquisition; appointment to begin July 1

Eli Everest (right) leans over with a man to her right to tag a fish.

World Water Day 2022: Faculty around the globe work to protect water resources

The Global Water Center is made up of faculty from all over the University community. Learn about their work to better understand and protect our most precious resource.

releasing Mekong giant catfish into lake

World’s largest, most endangered freshwater fishes released in Cambodian lake

Tagging and release of Mekong giant catfish, giant barb and river catfish highlight the immense value of biodiversity and ecosystems in the region

Astronaut and flag in the foreground with Earth in the background far away.

Apollo 17 astronaut, scientist and moonwalker Harrison Schmitt visits University March 31

The Discover Science Lecture Series continues with a visit from Apollo 17 astronaut and scientist Harrison Schmitt who stepped off the Moon's surface on December 19 during the last lunar visit.

Southern Nevada water supply faces Colorado River restrictions

Creative strategies needed to address long-term shortages, say three �Ƽ��Ӱ�ԭ�� professors

Nick Zentner (left panel) wears headphones in front of a chalkboard. Stacia Gordon is sitting in the right panel.

YouTube becomes SciComm avenue for geological sciences professor

Stacia Gordon has been featured in several videos on CWU Professor Nick Zentner's YouTube channel.

Anne Nolin talks climate change, wildfire and snowpack on CNN International

Protect Our Winters group featured in "Winter Sports are on Thin Ice"

Brown (left) and Vahidi are wearing goggles and are in focus in the background, with lab equipment out of focus in the foreground.

Mission Support and Test Services supports undergraduate research

Student researchers studied security in a variety of fields.

Jon DeBoer kneels, holding a brown lizard out in front of him.

New lizard defense mechanism observed

Two graduate students in the geography program spotted a new behavior in a lizard species.

Two people each stand in front of a booth display for CREG and the Mackay School.

AEMA 2021 annual meeting sees prominent Mackay School presence

Students, faculty and alumni participated in many aspects of this year's AEMA conference

post-fire revegetation in Oregon Cascades

Snow cover critical for revegetation following forest fires

College of Science study finds climate change a factor in decrease of snowpack in the Western United States

Adrian Harpold working with technology in a forest.

�Ƽ��Ӱ�ԭ�� researcher honored by premier earth science society

Snowmelt and mountain ecosystems research vital to resource management in times of changing climate

College of Science celebrates 2021 distinguished alumni

Alumni from the College of Science and the Mackay School of Earth Sciences and Engineering were commended at last night's annual event.

Autumn Harry hikes atop a mountain peak wearing a backpacking pack.

Reclaiming the land, remapping history

Through research and mapping, geography graduate student and member of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Autumn Harry recognizes Indigenous place names to honor her Numu (Northern Paiute) homelands.

House and building debris from flooding in Europe

Devastating floods in Europe bring geoengineers to study impact on infrastructure

Michael Gardner visited Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium as part of a reconnaissance team to see how geo-structures performed with severe flooding.

Earth Science Week guided tour explores water in western Nevada

Tour western Nevada’s hydrologic cycle and rapidly evolving landscapes with the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology Saturday, October 16

Aerial photograph of Caldor Fire encroaching on Lake Tahoe

Caldor Fire impact on Lake Tahoe’s clarity, ecology studied amidst ongoing wildfire season

As extended smoke and ash continue to impact the Lake Tahoe Basin, researchers hope to better understand if and how the iconic alpine lake can recover.

Scenic mountain landscape view in Fallon.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and �Ƽ��Ӱ�ԭ�� announce new research partnership

Joint research efforts will tackle important science and technology challenges ranging from climate change and water resources to sustainable energy and national security

Algal blooms an emerging threat to clear lakes worldwide

�Ƽ��Ӱ�ԭ�� part of comprehensive study

two researchers installing seismometer in ground

�Ƽ��Ӱ�ԭ�� scientists and engineers collaborating on seismic survey for earthquakes

Unraveling the sub-surface geology of the Truckee Meadows using fiber-optics

Wildfire smoke alters lake ecosystems on regional scale

�Ƽ��Ӱ�ԭ�� Global Water Center researchers studied impacts of six major 2018 wildfires

A sepia-toned photo shows the Mars landscape with a hill and rocky features.

Is there life on Mars?

Professor and Chair of the Department of Geological Sciences and Engineering and member of the Mars Exploration Rover Team answers questions about roving on Mars.

James Church sits at his desk in his campus office.

University professor’s invention from over a century ago continues to be impactful today

In 1908, James Church’s interest in snow and the mountains led to the invention of the snow sampler, a device that greatly advanced the development of snow science

High-Resolution Still Image of Perseverance's Landing

Roving Mars: From Sojourner to Perseverance

Foundation Professor and planetary scientist Wendy Calvin will discuss the evolution of Mars rovers in her March 11 Discover Science virtual lecture.

Macrosystems biology: science journal explores new knowledge in ecological frontier

�Ƽ��Ӱ�ԭ�� conducts international rivers study based on new approaches in science

Marine Plankton face threat of extinction as planet warms

Census of marine plankton fossils reveals inability to adapt to large shifts in climate

Student sits in living room with a cap and gown on with the �Ƽ��Ӱ�ԭ�� commencement program on the television.

The resilient class of 2020

'We faced hardship and some disappointments along the way, but we all made it through in the end'

Study in Thailand identifies benefits of community-based freshwater fish reserves

Results of research published in science journal Nature could help freshwater fisheries worldwide

Researchers quantify carbon changes in Sierra Nevada meadow soils

Collaborative study indicates meadows hold promise to help control carbon released into the atmosphere

UV Vessel works at night to kill invasive aquatic plants

Vessel equipped with ultraviolet light attacks invasive aquatic plants at Tahoe

Public-private partnership project shows favorable results

Global decline of migratory fish, Nevada fish migration affected by dams, development

College of Science’s Zeb Hogan co-author of comprehensive global report

James Simmons holds a Lahontan Cutthroat Trout at Summit Lake

Lahontan Cutthroat Trout thrive at Paiute’s Summit Lake in far northern Nevada

University collaborates with tribe to protect the longest self-sustaining population of trout

Exploring the relationship between space, race and STEM attainment on the Discover Science podcast

Dr. William F. Tate IV speaks with the College of Science about his research revealing the uneven contours of the education pipeline.

Professor Geoff Blewitt sits alongside a GPS station on a mountain that overlooks the valley of Reno and Sparks, Nev.

Using worldwide GPS data to study changes in Earth’s crust, from the Ice Age to today

The University’s 2020 Outstanding Researcher award recognizes the amazing discoveries, scientific contributions and career of Geoff Blewitt

Photo of Tommy Thompson sitting at the base of a rock face holding a map.

Tommy Thompson, Professor Emeritus and former director of the Center for Research in Economic Geology, graduates his 100th graduate student

Two women testing data collection equipment in the forest

Prediction tool shows how forest thinning may increase Sierra Nevada snowpack

University researchers design water quantity tool to help with forest-thinning plans

Split screen showing screen grab of a young girl (left) and a man flyfishing (right) both with Sci-On Official Selection laurels overlain on the images.

Sci-On! Film Festival to feature two College of Science films

Watch the short documentary Fertile Waters and an episode of Mineral Monday, both official selections in the festival, on May 5 at 7 p.m. at the virtual festival.

Heather Winslow standing on the crater wall.

AGU Outstanding Student Presentation awarded to graduate student Heather Winslow

Department of Geological Sciences and Engineering student receives prestigious award granted to the top 5% of student participants.

Joel Scheingross and his PhD adviser Michael Lamb surveying waterfall plunge pools on Dry Meadow Creek in the Southern Sierra Nevada (credit: Roman DiBiase)

Joel Scheingross receives the 2019 Luna B. Leopold Award

Assistant Professor in the Department of Geological Sciences and Engineering honored as an early career scientist by the American Geophysical Union.

Drop, Cover and Hold On in the Great Nevada ShakeOut public earthquake drill

College of Science’s seismological lab uses drill to help Nevadans learn, prepare for earthquakes

Doug Smith posing for a photo with a gray wolf in snowy Yellowstone National Park.

College of Science honor exceptional alumni

The College of Science and Mackay School honored an impressive group of alumni at the annual Alumni of the Year reception on September 25.

Great Nevada ShakeOut public earthquake drill Oct. 17

�Ƽ��Ӱ�ԭ��’s seismological lab uses drill to help Nevadans learn and prepare for earthquakes

A young Cambodian boy sorts fish on a dai net fishery boat.

Wonders of the Mekong Project receives USAID award funding

Biology professors Zeb Hogan and Sudeep Chandra receive 4 years of funding for their research in Cambodia.

Community leaders, science experts featured at 2019 Global Climate Change Summit

The Sept. 23 conference will discuss how climate change is impacting Nevada

Mineral Monday field trip to Lake Tahoe

The College of Science favorite is back for a new season

Final AlertTahoe fire camera installation complete near Emerald Bay

Camera goes live on �Ƽ��Ӱ�ԭ��’s AlertWildfire website

Seismic Nevada: Sequence of 60 earthquakes in Sun Valley, Washoe Valley earthquake

College of Science leads effort to monitor, research, assess earthquake hazards

Ken Nussear sits in a plane wearing vintage army gear and a vintage parachute pack. He sits behind another similarly dressed man.

Remembering Normandy, a commemorative jump

Professor of Geography and US Army veteran paratrooper Ken Nussear participated in the 75th anniversary reenactment of D-Day

New mechanism found for waterfall formation

Earth history calculations could change

The Lady Muckers take on the 41st Annual International Collegiate Mining Competition

The Mackay Muckers had enough female recruits for both men's and a women's teams for the first time in five years.

Margery McKnight Carr infront of Mackay Mines building

A woman among men: Margery's story

Margery McKnight Carr was the only woman and the third in history to have graduated from the Mackay School of Mines in 1951

Wendy Calvin looks back at 15 years of working on Mars

College of Science geologist on the science team for the rover Opportunity

old photograph of two women in front of Mackay Statue

A place in history: the Mackay School

A look back at some remarkable images from the Mackay School's past.

Image of river basin developed through airborne lidar mapping technology

Revealing our dynamic landscape through new high-resolution topographic data

Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology’s regional-scale lidar mapping provides novel insights into earthquake, flood and glacial history

Damaged two-story building in Wells, Nevada, after a 6.0 earthquake in 2008

Great Nevada ShakeOut public earthquake drill Thursday, Oct. 18

�Ƽ��Ӱ�ԭ��’s seismological lab uses drill to help Nevadans learn, prepare for earthquakes

Historic Sierra Nevada peak site for newest AlertTahoe network camera

College of Science's Nevada Seismological Lab goes to great heights to help firefighters

Geography students help Reno refugees cultivate roots through community garden

Service learning opportunities offered in the geography department at the �Ƽ��Ӱ�ԭ�� has students building community ties for marginalized populations

Noelle Ruggieri next to an American Dance Festival sign

Member of the Pack: One of the first women to graduate in new dance major offered through the School of the Arts

Noelle Ruggieri grows as a dancer and choreographer after summer internship

Photo of Jim Bell's book: The Ultimate Interplanetary Travel Guide: A Futuristic Journey Through the Cosmos

Planetary Scientist Jim Bell will take you on a vacation through space

Discover Science Lecture Series brings solar system tour guide and astronomer to talk with community

Mineral Monday: field trip to Fly Ranch

Explore this incredible geological site and hear the Burning Man Organization's plans for the property in this special field trip edition of Mineral Monday.

Holy Fire captured on Alert Wildfire camera

Seismo Lab's AlertWildfire mountaintop camera network slated for Sonoma County

College of Science and UC San Diego team with regional agencies to help firefighting efforts

Graham Kent speaks at Tahoe Summit about AlertTahoe fire camera system

Funding for AlertTahoe fire camera network announced at Tahoe Summit

College of Science’s Graham Kent talks about successful mountaintop fire tracking system

Mineral Monday: Mackay Stanford Ore Deposit Collection

Explore one of the Keck Museum's off-site storage locations with curator Garrett Barmore.

Student Jolene Norton holds up her report titled "Reno Local Food Assessment."

Developing regional solutions through undergraduate research (May 2018)

Through Community-Based Research, students explore problems and offer understanding, tools and ideas to make a difference

Sierra mountaintop laboratory keeps track of some of the worst weather in the country

Sugar Bowl Resort, University partner to study regional weather, climate and water impacts for California and Nevada

Innovation award presented to AlertTahoe mountaintop fire camera team

College of Science leads efforts to bring internet to the wilderness for hazard monitoring

carrying equipment to AlertTahoe fire camera site

AlertWildfire mountaintop camera network tracked 240 western wildfires in 2017

College of Science leveraging technology for public safety

Two men on a boat smiling at each other and holding a core

The messy history of pristine landscapes

Researchers reconstruct the relationship between changing sociopolitical conditions and their effect on the landscape.

Active volcanoes lure College of Science geologist to remote Kamchatka

Philipp Ruprecht and team get treated to several eruptions in trek on northern peninsula

Professor Wendy Calvin with two students using a portable field spectrometer.

College of Science program helps launch the first multi-university graduate course

The �Ƽ��Ӱ�ԭ�� partners with five other universities nationwide to offer new topics in hydrology research.

Fulgurite on display at the W.M. Keck Earth Science and Mineral Engineering Museum.

Mineral Monday: Fulgurite

Each Monday, explore the many amazing minerals, fossils and historical objects on display at the W.M. Keck Earth Science and Mineral Engineering Museum with curator Garrett Barmore.

Campus aerial image from north campus looking toward south Reno

Nevada Seismological Lab reports swarm of 90 earthquakes in south Reno

University reports several magnitude 2 and lower quakes, no damage reported

Students pose for a photo on top of a large dirt hill

Game of drones: College of Science students test the use of unmanned aircraft systems for research

The �Ƽ��Ӱ�ԭ�� partners with five universities nationwide to teach new topics in hydrological research.

A photo showing the mountain range and fault line in Pleasant Valley following the 1915 earthquake.

Get Ready for Shaking during Annual Earthquake Drill

The Great Nevada ShakeOut is Oct. 19

The Graduate School Honors Graduate Dean’s Award Winners

AlertTahoe fire camera network readies for robust fire season, adds cameras

Nevada Seismological Lab system helps firefighters respond to wildfires with mountaintop monitoring

John Cushman is shown with members of his research working in the University's Greenhouse Complex.

Molecular genetics and biosystems design research improves water-use efficiency of plants

2017 Nevada Regents’ Researcher Award recognizes the contributions of CABNR Foundation Professor John Cushman

Controlling antimicrobial contamination of soil and water with bacteria

Environmental engineer Frank Yang wins awards with environmental contamination work

Climate change increases lethal dehydration risk in desert songbirds

College of Science-led multi-institution study focuses on southwest United States

Meet the Geothermal Energy Center’s new director

Bridget Ayling took over the director position at the GBCGE last spring

What Namibia can teach us

�Ƽ��Ӱ�ԭ�� associate professor Jill Heaton's work in the southern African nation benefits students both there and here

New fault discovered in earthquake-prone Southern California region

Scripps-led study offers new insights for hazard assessment models

University’s seismological lab uses drill to help Nevadans learn, prepare for earthquakes

Students listening to lecture in a classroom

University adds 16 new academic programs

New programs range from a minor in geography geotechnologies to graduate certificates in nuclear packaging

USGS awards $3.7 million for ShakeAlert Earthquake Early Warning System

Nevada Seismological Lab to initially integrate eastern California within the Tahoe-Truckee corridor

Nevada water resources specialist receives national award

University’s John Cobourn recognized for work with floods, Lake Tahoe’s clarity and other state water issues

Slower snowmelt affects downstream water availability in western mountains

CABNR scientist part of team studying areas with significant snowfall

World’s water ecology, ecosystem issues addressed by new Global Water Center

New University collaboration approved by the Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents

Motivated senior becomes the University’s 9th Barry Goldwater Scholar

Brandon Rasmussen receives scholarship to pursue research in geophysics and geology

Magnitude 3.9 one of 300 earthquakes near Gerlach, Nevada

Nevada Seismological Lab in College of Science continues to monitor seismic activity

Scott Tyler – taking the world’s temperature on land, in the sea and in the air

Lasers and fiber optic cable used for research projects around the world

Foundation Professor Scott Tyler named Fellow of American Geophysical Union

Recognized for advancements in environmental processes through novel measurement, theory and international collaboration

Governor calls on University drought experts

As appointees to the Nevada Drought Forum, Doug Boyle and Mark Walker will help set the course to water sustainability for Nevada

Professor recognized for work in the field of strong-motion earthquake research

�Ƽ��Ӱ�ԭ�� Professor John Anderson awarded the 2015 Bruce A. Bolt Medal

University Geology program excels at Geological Society of America meeting in Vancouver

Students took gold, silver and bronze medals in the Student Map Competition

University professor and undergraduate student continue work with Smithsonian

Team uses LiDAR and photogrammetry technology to create 3D scans of Ichthyosaur fossils

Climate change effects on Antarctic ice shelf monitored 24/7 with fiber optics

McMurdo ice shelf and sea water interface temperatures recorded for first time by �Ƽ��Ӱ�ԭ�� researcher

Secretary of Energy Moniz visits �Ƽ��Ӱ�ԭ�� to talk geothermal

Students, faculty, industry leaders, agency reps participate in informal forum on geothermal in Nevada

University fire cameras activated at Tahoe, newest camera tracking smoke from King Fire

College of Science seismological network does double duty as fire lookout system

Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology’s Cartography and GIS Lab receive Special Achievement award

Community and campus resource nationally recognized

Climate change puts endangered Devils Hole pupfish at risk of extinction

University and DRI research shows rare fish struggling to survive

Fire cameras activated, invasive species and nearshore work continues at Lake Tahoe

University and DRI continue important research work in many areas

Tracking socio-environmental systems of mountain areas topic of international meeting

�Ƽ��Ӱ�ԭ�� chosen for first-of-its-kind scientific gathering

Mountain ecosystems scientists to convene at University July 16-19

International workshop to discuss socio-ecologic issues of mountain environments

Students get shaken up in earthquake simulator; trailer comes to University campus

�Ƽ��Ӱ�ԭ��’s Nevada Seismological Lab brings training and education trailer to area schools

Interdisciplinary graduate programs give University distinction

Offers academic buffet for tailoring degree program, contributes to student employability

Professor receives international accolades for geological research

�Ƽ��Ӱ�ԭ�� professor Stacia Gordon to discuss her research on partial melting at awards banquet in Vienna

University professor to be honored at National Groundwater Expo

Scott Tyler will receive the John Hem Award for Excellence in Science and Engineering in December

Using Lake Tahoe photographs to blend art and science

Peter Goin has been using his photographs and those of others to research the visual history of Lake Tahoe for 25 years.

College of Science seismological lab tracks fires with multi-hazard camera network

New platform in works to monitor environment, multi-hazards for use by statewide emergency managers

University to join in Geothermal Summit and host National Geothermal Academy

University professor to sit on discussion panel at the National Geothermal Summit

Carson City earthquake swarm attracts attention of emergency managers

Nevada Seismological Lab and Nevada Department of Emergency Management send preparedness messages

Professor Franco Biondi awarded prestigious Fellowship to Harvard

College of Science forest researcher to study climate, environment over past centuries

�Ƽ��Ӱ�ԭ�� geologist receives national mining award

State Geologist Emeritus Jonathan Price nominated by colleagues

John Muntean new director of Center for Research in Economic Geology

Mackay School of Earth Sciences and Engineering unit leads industry collaboration

EarthScope selects Graham Kent to participate in national lecture series

Seismo Lab leader to talk on novel methods for underwater paleoseismology

Nevada Seismological Lab used quake-monitoring network to track Sutter’s Mill meteorite

Ken Smith's work helped locate impact area quickly, accurately

Geological Sciences' Russell is Dec. Employee of Month

Marie Russell, an ultimate 'can-do' person, is honored

Duck, cover and hold-on in “Great Nevada ShakeOut” earthquake drill 10/18 at 10:18

Series of 145 small quakes recorded by seismological lab in past week 10 miles from campus bring awareness to drill

2012 Earth Science Week provides free geological field trip

Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology guides “Tuff All Over: Exploring Faulted Volcanic Terrain in the Painted Hills, Virginia Mountains, West of Pyramid Lake"