 Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., right, addresses some 200 DRI faculty and staff following presentation of an engraved crystal plaque by DRI President Dr. Stephen Wells in appreciation for the senator's efforts on behalf of the environment and higher education. (Photo by Ron Kalb) |
Despite several inches of snow on the ground deposited by early January storms, it was one of the warmest receptions ever seen at the Northern Nevada Science Center according to veteran DRI-watchers. An enthusiastic crowd of more than 200 Desert Research Institute faculty and staff packed the E.W. Stout Conference Center on Jan. 6 to welcome Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., and show gratitude for his efforts on the institute's behalf.
Earlier in the day, Nevada's senior senator toured DRI's Reno campus and was briefed on two key DRI initiatives he guided through congressional approval last year—the Computer Automated Virtual Environment facility, called CAVE, and desert terrain studies.
In legislative sessions last year, Reid ensured that $3 million was earmarked for the CAVE facility, which will be used for training military personnel to operate helicopters, tanks and other vehicles in desert environments. CAVE is a multi-person, room-sized, high-resolution, 3D video and sound environment used to create virtual experiences.
DRI President Dr. Stephen Wells characterized the event as a special occasion to thank Sen. Reid for his outstanding contributions to the nation, to Nevada and to the institute's research agenda.
“Senator Reid's name is synonymous in Nevada with clean water, clean air and protection of the land. He has been in the thick of nearly every effort to devise solutions to the state's environmental problems through his commitment to research infrastructure at DRI and the universities,” Wells said. “Whether supporting development of new technologies, promoting alternative energy or bringing diverse interests together to build consensus solutions, Senator Reid has been a champion of Nevada's environment and economy.”
Wells thanked the senator personally. “I want to take this opportunity to tell you that DRI scientists are now pursuing critical work because of your leadership and your staff. We are deeply grateful. Thank you, Senator, for your efforts on behalf of DRI and all of Nevada.”
Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., left, presents DRI President Dr. Stephen Wells with a “big check” representing the $3 million earmarked in legislation Reid guided through passage for a virtual-reality CAVE facility to be constructed at DRI. (photo by Ron Kalb) |
To acknowledge the senator's work for DRI, the environment and higher education, Wells presented Reid with an engraved crystal plaque.
In brief remarks, Reid thanked Wells and called education “a chief cornerstone of society” in which DRI plays a significant role. He characterized DRI as world famous and applauded its contributions to better understanding global warming, arid lands and water resources.
Referring to CAVE and desert terrain studies, Reid said, “These have worldwide implications, not the least of which is what we're doing to give our fighting men and women better tools to be better fighters, smarter fighters. The work being done here (at DRI) is going to simulate lots of different things so that when our armed services go into an area they will have already been there even though it's all done virtually.”
Reid also praised DRI's heavy involvement in protecting state water resources, particularly Lake Tahoe, Pyramid Lake and Walker Lake.
“DRI has been heavily involved in the work at Lake Tahoe and needs to become more involved,” Reid said. “And, of course, my project, which I was a lone wolf crying in the winds eight or nine years ago, is Walker Lake. Now, we've got every major environmental publication writing major articles about it, but we're losing Walker Lake. We've done a pretty good job of saving Pyramid. It's on the road to recovery—Walker is not. It has been neglected. The fish are dying. We're going to have to do better than what we've done and DRI is involved in that.”
Associate Research Professor Dr. Joe McConnell, right, briefs Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., on work being done at DRI's Ice Core Lab during a recent tour. (Photos by Ron Kalb) |
Reid's tour also included a demonstration of LORAX, a remote-sensing technology patented by DRI scientists and used to measure particulate matter in the exhaust plumes of passing vehicles. The new system uses LIDAR, often called “laser radar,” which in effect allows LORAX to conduct smog checks as vehicles drive by.
At the Ice Core Lab, Reid also saw the latest in high-resolution methods for analyzing minuscule amounts of chemicals in ice sheets.
Last year, DRI's landmark analysis of ice in Greenland between 1750 and 1998 showed lead deposits corresponded to changes in industrial activity, economic conditions and technological applications. Lead levels dropped more than 85 percent following implementation of the Clean Air Act.
In the days following the senator's visit, Wells said he heard many comments from DRI faculty and staff about Reid's keen understanding of the value of world-class science and technology as well as his appreciation for DRI's efforts. “It was an incredible morale booster to have the senator here, and we are looking forward to his next visit,” Wells said.
–Ron Kalb
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