DRI and Northern Nevada Public Health are seeking Washoe County residents to participate in a research project focused on the health impacts of heat and wildfire smoke. The study is open to individuals aged 18 or older who live in Washoe County.
The project aims to investigate how high temperatures and wildfire smoke affect indoor air quality, temperature, and overall well-being. Researchers will collect data from participants’ homes to better understand how these environmental factors influence health, especially for those without central air conditioning.
“We know that both extreme heat and wildfire smoke exposure come with health risks, and we’re hoping to gain clarity on how these overlapping events can exacerbate the toll on the human body,” said Kristin VanderMolen, Assistant Research Professor of Atmospheric Science at DRI who is leading the study.
Participants will receive five home visits from the research team between summer 2025 and spring 2026. Each visit will last between 30 and 60 minutes. The first visit includes installing indoor and outdoor sensors for heat and smoke as well as a basic health check. Subsequent visits during periods of wildfire smoke will include additional checks of heart and lung function. The final visit involves removing the sensors and sharing information gathered about participants’ exposure to heat and smoke. All collected data will be anonymized.
More details about the project are available at https://www.dri.edu/project/heat-wildfire-smoke/. Interested community members can also contact heatandsmokeproject@gmail.com or sign up through an online recruitment form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScSnlqxppZno9zvZ5VaxOBoPrmD8VREOjkd-bzYNN7Q0ZO71Q/viewform
An interview with lead researchers Kristin VanderMolen (DRI) and Brendan Schnieder (NNPH) discussing the project can be viewed at KOLO 8 News Now: https://www.kolotv.com/2025/07/14/heat-wildfire-smoke-research-project/
For more information about DRI’s ongoing work related to wildfire risk, visit https://www.dri.edu/what-we-know-about-wildfire-risk-and-prevention/
Founded in 1959, DRI is a non-profit research institute based in Nevada that works with communities locally and globally on scientific challenges. The institute supports over 600 staff across its Reno and Las Vegas campuses, generating significant economic impact through sponsored research projects each year.
For further details about DRI’s mission or activities, visit www.dri.edu.