On April 25, 21 graduate students presented their research at the Desert Research Institute (DRI) in Reno. The event was organized by Kathleen Rodrigues, PhD, Assistant Research Professor of Luminescence. It served as a platform for DRI-affiliated graduate students to network and enhance their presentation skills while showcasing their research.
Bianca Martinez, a second-year Ph.D. student in Atmospheric Science, won recognition for her project titled "Flavoring Chemical Class Determines Toxic Carbonyl Emissions from Electronic Cigarettes." She highlighted the health risks posed by harmful compounds emitted during vaping.
Abigail Sandquist, a fourth-year Ph.D. student in Hydrology through the Graduate Program of Hydrologic Sciences at UNR, was also among the winners. Her research on canopy storage aimed to improve understanding of water capture by forest canopies across different ecosystems.
Alyssa Radakovich, a third-year Ph.D. student in Hydrogeology at UNR, focused on human health risks associated with persistent organic pollutants in the Arctic. Her study emphasized the need for risk management and environmental remediation.
The poster session provided an opportunity for these students to share insights into significant scientific challenges and potential solutions.
For more information about conducting graduate research at DRI while earning a degree through UNR or UNLV, visit [DRI's Graduate Programs](https://www.dri.edu/education-workforce-development/graduate-programs/).