University of Nevada, Reno Year in Review - 2024

University of Nevada, Reno

YEAR IN REVIEW

THROUGHOUT OUR 150-YEAR HISTORY, the University of Nevada, Reno has proudly worked to meet the growing needs of our state. Our mission as the state’s original land-grant institution has been to provide knowledge, discovery and engagement for all of the communities of Nevada, our region, our nation and the world.

The past year, in particular, has seen the University reach new levels of impact that are helping us serve the economic, social, environmental and cultural needs of the citizens of Nevada. Our programs, initiatives and community-based collaborations have all met specific needs, provided timely solutions and mapped out what the future holds for our ever-changing state.

In this publication, you will learn about many of these successes. These stories include: student community volunteer efforts, groundbreaking research and scholarship by our nationally recognized faculty, innovation through cutting-edge collaborations with industry such as the Tech Hub, sustainability and clean water programming for Nevada’s future, diversity efforts to build a University that is reflective of the state’s growing population, building a healthier Nevada through a wider range of clinics and healthcare, K-12 education initiatives, and much more. These stories encapsulate a broader body of work and institution-wide spirit that speaks to the promise and potential of the people of our University in changing lives.

For 150 years, we have been Nevada’s needed “silver gate” where opportunity becomes an instant reality for all. Each day, we anticipate and create Nevada’s future through transformational work that is done by the talented and dedicated students, faculty and staff of the University of Nevada, Reno.

We have had quite a year. I hope you enjoy this publication.

Go Pack!

Brian Sandoval President, University

of Nevada, Reno

Celebrating 150 years of history

We acknowledge that the University of Nevada, Reno is situated on the traditional homelands of the Numu (Northern Paiute), Wašiw (Washoe), Newe (Western Shoshone), and Nuwu (Southern Paiute) peoples. These lands continue to be a gathering place for Indigenous Peoples and we recognize their deep connections to these places. We extend our appreciation for the opportunity to live and learn on their territory.

Serving All of Nevada

THE UNIVERSITY SHARES RESEARCH, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERTISE DAILY IN EVERY COUNTY THROUGHOUT THE SILVER STATE.

Explore University campus and office locations at maps.unr.edu

University of Nevada, Reno Extension

Nevada Small Business Development Center

University of Nevada, Reno Extended Studies

University of Nevada, Reno Experiment Station

University of Nevada, Reno Distance Education

University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine

Nevada Industry Excellence

Humboldt Elko

White Pine

Pershing

Lander Eureka

Storey

Carson City

Douglas

Esmeralda

Washoe

Lincoln

Clark Lyon

— An Inspiring Vision for the Future —

Wolf Pack Rising

OUR MISSION

Inspired by its land-grant foundation, the University of Nevada, Reno provides outstanding learning, discovery and engagement programs that serve the economic, social, environmental and cultural needs of the citizens of Nevada, the nation and the world. The University recognizes and embraces the critical importance of diversity in preparing students for global citizenship and is committed to a culture of excellence, inclusion and accessibility.

OUR VISION

The University of Nevada, Reno’s vision is to educate and graduate the best-prepared, confident leaders for the state, national and global community; to be a nexus for research and creativity that focuses on vital issues of our time; and to serve as a catalyst for the betterment of our society.

OUR VALUES

In all of its activities, the University is guided by the following values: • Excellence in all of our endeavors • Integrity in all of our actions • Inclusiveness of diverse cultures and identities • Collaboration between disciplines and programs and with community partners and stakeholders

The University’s ’23-’27 STRATEGIC PLAN

Goal 1: STRENGTHEN THE PACK

{ Enable inclusive excellence for students, faculty and staff }

Strategy 1: Increase equitable student outcomes while growing enrollment to 25,000 by FY2030

Strategy 2: Become a career destination for diverse faculty and staff

G oal 2: INVEST IN OUR FUTURE

{ Deliver the services, organization and infrastructure required to support a growing University }

Strategy 1: Enable our success with an agile organizational model and leading business operations

Strategy 2: Deliver the physical and technological infrastructure necessary to support our future

G oal 3: LEAD FOR NEVADA

{ Enhance the delivery of our land-grant mission }

Strategy 1: Enrich our academic portfolio

Strategy 2: Increase service to and collaboration with communities across the state

Goal 4: TRANSFORM THE WORLD

{ Elevate our top-tier research and contributions }

Strategy 1: Progress toward becoming a top 100 R1 institution and a top 50 NSF public research and development university

Strategy 2: Move toward achieving American Association of Universities’ membership indicators

Goal 5: MAKE SILVER AND BLUE THE NEW GREEN

{ Lead in environmental expertise and campus sustainability }

Strategy 1: Establish Reno-Lake Tahoe as an epicenter of sustainability education, research and leadership

Strategy 2: Amplify our environmental sustainability, biodiversity and climate change leadership

Goal 6: EXPAND THE WOLF PACK IMPACT

{ Reinforce our impact to Nevada and beyond }

Strategy 1: Strengthen the University’s reputation and brand recognition nationally and globally

Strategy 2: Enhance connections to and pride in The Wolf Pack Way

unr.edu/wolf-pack-way

TechWise Program provides software engineering students with a clear pathway to success.

Inspiring the Wolf Pack

UNIVERSITY GATEWAY PROJECT

A joint project from the University and City of Reno, the Mathewson Gateway Project transitions between the historic University campus and urban edge of downtown Reno to leverage social encounters, drive community engagement and foster economic growth replete with a mix of academic and research uses.

TRIBAL COLLEGE PREP CAMP

The Tribal College Prep Camp began in 2022 with 17 students, growing to more than 110 in the summer of 2024 and drew students from other states, including Oklahoma, California and Arizona. The camp includes a series of sessions where representatives from various academic programs from across the University present their degree programs aimed at exposing students to college and career path opportunities.

INTERNATIONAL WORK

E.L. Cord Center for Global Engagement was founded in 2024 following the creation of the “Chief International Officer” position in the Office of the Provost. Professor Mehmet S. Tosun was appointed the University of Nevada’s first Chief International Officer on January 1, 2024. E.L. Cord Center for Global Engagement will serve as University’s central office for international activities and programs with primary focus on managing international partnerships, hosting international faculty, students and other visitors to our university, coordinating international exchange and study abroad programs, and helping with international student recruitment.

FEE WAIVERS

The University expanded fee waiver eligibility for Native American, foster youth, active-duty military, POW/MIA families, Purple Heart recipients, and more, and will continue to identify ways to support underserved populations as they pursue their educational dreams. A total of 155 University students benefited from fee waivers in the 20232024 academic year with a value of $589,013.98.

GOOGLE TECHWISE PROGRAM

The University was one of five colleges in the country to be selected for the TechWise Program, giving 20 students the opportunity to become world-class entry-level software engineers by the time they graduate. This 18-month program provides a full program scholarship, $5,000 stipend, and 1-on-1 mentorship from skilled Google mentors.

EXTENSION + UNLV PARTNERSHIP

The University of Nevada, Reno’s outreach arm, Extension, formalized a $1.7 million partnership with UNLV to fund projects that will address common health, social and environmental challenges affecting communities in Clark County.

Engaged Students Inspire Us All

University students volunteer with Spread the Word Nevada.

COMMITMENT TO DEMOCRATIC ENGAGEMENT

• In 2023, the University of Nevada, Reno, was named a Voter Friendly Campus for the fifth year by Campus Vote Project and NASPA. The University was one of only 258 campuses to receive this designation.

• For 2024, the University of Nevada, Reno received the ALL IN Highly Established Action Plan seal. The University was one of 93 campuses that earned this recognition for effectively demonstrating the University’s leadership, commitment, landscape, goals, strategies, reporting, and evaluation of college student voting efforts.

COMMUNITY SERVICE EXCELLENCE ACROSS NEVADA

• ASUN students posted 93,390 volunteer hours in GivePulse™ as of spring 2024. This community volunteerism has an economic impact of $2,655,364 in Nevada’s communities.

• Partnerships with Vitalant® generated 457 units of donated blood from students and staff which helped to save 1,425 lives.

• As part of the yearlong celebration of the 150th anniversary of the University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada residents ordered specialty license plates from the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles with the University’s new sesquicentennial logo. More than $122,000 was raised for student scholarships and Pack Provisions—the on-campus food pantry.

STUDENTS EXCEL AT FEEDING THE FOOD-INSECURE

Pack Provisions strives to support all members of the University of Nevada, Reno with the daily resources they need to be successful. This mission is carried out by providing access to perishable and nonperishable foods, meals on campus, and hygiene items. Community partners include Northern Nevada Food Bank, Catholic Charities, Blessing Box, Kimmie Candy, Rail City Garden Center, Chartwells, and Junior League of Reno, Inc. On campus partners include Wolf Pack Meats and Desert Farming Initiative who provide University grown meat and produce. Data indicates that addressing food insecurity increases persistence and graduation rates for these vulnerable populations:

• 22% to 28% of students reported being food insecure

• Students of Color are more likely to be food insecure than White students

• 25% of all food-insecure students grew up in food-insecure households

Student Services

MONEY MENTORS: BUILDING FINANCIAL FUTURES ONE DOLLAR AT A TIME

NEVADA SCHOLARS OF TOMORROW

Nevada Money Mentors (NMM) is on a mission to instill financial literacy, foster community, and support students in becoming financially capable individuals. In the past year, NMM captivated the student body with innovative events like “The Price is Right” in collaboration with New Student Initiatives (NSI). This event combined

financial education with fun, allowing students to compete in mini games to test their financial awareness while winning prizes worth over $1,000. Such initiatives not only educated, but also engaged the student body in meaningful ways.

Our one-on-one financial coaching supported 113 students in 2023 through personalized guidance on critical topics such as budgeting, credit, investing, student loan repayment, and much more. Additionally, our outreach efforts reached over 2,800 students, leveraging social media and campus collaborations to amplify our message.

Through engaging programs, innovative resources, and personal support, NMM is not just teaching students about money—we’re empowering them with confidence to build brighter financial futures.

Since 2017, the University of Nevada, Reno has been operating the Nevada Scholars of Tomorrow program out of the University’s Las Vegas Office for Prospective Students. The objective is not only to boost the enrollment of Black students at the university but also to enhance their degree achievement. Participants in the program spend 10 months and more than 32 hours tackling various challenges related to the admissions process, college readiness, sense of belonging, and campus navigation.

Over the past three years, the Nevada Scholars of Tomorrow has organized specialized campus visits for nearly 100 admitted Black students, connecting them with current Black students, Black faculty/staff, campus resources, Black alumni, and campus leadership to address historical barriers faced by Black students in higher education. In the academic year 2023-24, we assisted students in securing external scholarships through scholarship essay workshops, initiated a Faculty-Student mentorship program, established an oncampus support club, and provided financial literacy workshops for students and their families.

FINANCIAL AID

Statistics for all University of Nevada, Reno students

$197M

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE GIVEN TO STUDENTS IN 2023-24

75% OF ALL STUDENTS RECEIVED SOME FORM OF AID (92% were new freshmen)

67% SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED TO NEW FRESHMEN

$13,000 AVERAGE AMOUNT AWARDED TO ALL STUDENTS

$12,000 AVERAGE AMOUNT OF ALL AID GIVEN TO NEW FRESHMEN (combining merit and need based)

VETERAN’S SERVICES

The military has a unique culture which veterans carry with them as they transition to a student veteran.  Veteran Services provides an opportunity to openly dialogue with the campus and Reno communities to promote awareness around the potential challenges they may face during their transition from the military to the academic environment.  Our aim is to provide insight into the military culture to empower faculty and staff support student veterans in through their academic career.

Veteran Services partnered with the School of Social Work to facilitate a study on the impact the Veterans and Military Center (VMC) has on student veterans, family members, and other military connected students to gather qualitative data on the resources and services provided.

Academic and Career Support: The VMC’s comprehensive support was crucial in their academic and career achievements through proactive and deeply involved advising approach, therefore, the staff has a significant role in empowering student veterans to excel academically and professionally.

Sense of Community and Belonging: The VMC was crucial in fostering a strong sense of community and belonging which was vital as they navigated their university experiences. Described as a “safe space” where veterans felt comfortable, accepted, and free to express themselves.

Mental Health and Wellbeing: The VMC offered a sanctuary where they could find solace, practical resources, and a supportive community to navigate the emotional and psychological challenges many find when transitioning to campus.

Veterans Week is celebrated with transformation of Gateway Plaza with a display of 2,000 American flags and a visual recognition for those that served and sacrificed. Additionally, VMC respectfully retires American flags that are no longer fit for service by burning flags in a small yet fervent fire. The ceremony provides an opportunity to thoughtfully reflect on the history, significance and importance of the American flag.

unr.edu/career-studio

Career events attracted over 5,000 attendees and featured more than 450 companies.

Internships Prepare State’s Workforce

In 2023, the Nevada Career Studio established a paid STEM Internship Program with a $1.4 Million Grant from the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development. The program received 136 student applications for ten positions in the first year. The program has expanded with more than 1,100 student applications for 82 internships in the spring and summer of 2024. We anticipate students’ and employers’ continued interest and growth in this opportunity.  As of summer 2024, this program received over 1,300 student application for 92 internship opportunities with Start-ups and Tech companies.

A strong partnership between the Nevada Career Studio (NCS) and ASUN to offer the Pack Internship Grant Program continues to offer undergraduate students paid internships with local start-ups, nonprofits and public/government agencies. In 2023 NCS processed 626 applications for 41 paid internships.

• Partnered with New Student Initiatives to introduce 4,000+ incoming students to career resources.

• Teamed up with the First-Generation Center to offer a Career Development Week series for 150+ FirstGeneration students.

WHERE DO OUR RECENT GRADS WORK?

• Health care and health services

• Education/research

• Business and finance

• Public policy, Service, International Affairs

• Engineering/manufacturing

• Other

HOW MUCH ARE OUR RECENT GRADS EARNING?

• Bachelor’s $53,614/yr.

• Master’s $73,803/yr.

• Ph.D./Professional $89,190/yr.

• Average salary of all degree levels $62,245/yr.

CAREER STUDIO CONNECTS STUDENTS TO JOBS

4,400+ STUDENT PARTICIPATION IN CAREER PROGRAMMING

6,288 STUDENT JOB BOARD USAGE

2,306 NEW EMPLOYERS JOINING OUR NETWORK

4,800 BACHELOR’S, MASTER’S AND DOCTORAL DEGREES AWARDED

CLASS OF 2023

71% WORKING GRADUATES STAYED IN NEVADA 60% STAYED IN THE GREATER RENO AREA

unr.edu/lake-tahoe

Students from our Northern Nevada International Center help clean Lake Tahoe beaches.

INTERDISCIPLINARY SCHOLARLY WORK TO PROTECT LAKE TAHOE

The University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe is committed to the preservation and study of environmental solutions for a changing climate stemming from interdisciplinary collaboration that aims to protect Lake Tahoe and the surrounding watershed. Through multi-organizational partnerships, projects conducted at Lake Tahoe range from global microplastics research (published in the scientific journal “Nature”) to groundbreaking fusions of art and music in the exhibit “Human, Robot, Human,” and to the development of the Tahoe Environmental Observatory Network. Funding, through a Federal Congressional appropriation, was recently acquired for two new research vessels that are scheduled to arrive in 2025, assisting with the University’s continuing research impact happening at Lake Tahoe. To help prepare future generations of sustainability leaders, staff worked to develop the Sustainability Certificate program, launching in fall 2024, where University of Nevada, Reno students of all majors are invited to live in the mountains for one semester and gain an interdisciplinary, contemporary mastery of sustainability.

BRINGING UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, RENO EXPERTISE TO INCLINE VILLAGE

Sharing access to educational resources with the community is part of the mission of the University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe. Last year brought the first free lectures as part of the Tahoe Series (formally Talks at Tahoe).

The annual Summer Arts Workshops celebrated 39 years of enriching the community with visual arts through public weeklong workshops, hosting world-renowned artists like Phyllis Schafer. Through service-learning courses at the Lake Tahoe campus, students worked with local organizations, sharing their skills with the community to help with ongoing efforts to protect the lake and bring outdoor education to local students. The campus also hosted groups including Upward Bound, Deans Future Scholars, and the 2023 class of the Summer Study of the U.S. Institutes for Global Student Leaders on Climate Change and the Environment program.

“Our University fosters a vibrant community of globally acclaimed researchers. Their innovative work not only garners international recognition but also enriches our campus life, nurtures student growth and strengthens our northern Nevada community.”

— Mridul Gautam, Ph.D., Vice President for Research and Innovation

Student researchers test a drone in the University’s Applied Research Facility.

Excellence in Research & Innovation

The University of Nevada, Reno is a Carnegie® R1 research university committed to the pursuit of knowledge that addresses the important issues of our time, drives social mobility and advances Nevada’s economic prosperity. Over the past decade, the research enterprise at the University has grown substantially thanks to our commitment to building an inclusive, diverse and collaborative research environment. Research & Innovation is focused on providing faculty, staff, student and industry support that enables the University’s vision of producing impactful discoveries and fostering innovation and commercialization.

IMPACT OF KNOWLEDGE FUND INVESTMENTS

$8.7 million invested in the Nevada Center for Applied Research and Innevation Center over 10 years

$319 million+ in venture capital raised by affiliated startups (cumulative)

489 companies, agencies and organizations engaged through memberships or agreements (currently)

803 jobs created by affiliated companies (cumulative)

43 companies with University-based operations (currently)

$234 million in grants, contracts, gifts and agreements (cumulative)

FUTURE-FACING EDUCATION AND OUTREACH: K-12 ROBOTICS CENTER

• Developed with support from Tesla and EDAWN, this unique University facility for robotics-based education and competition teams encourages creativity, innovation and fun, and – more importantly – is strengthening the path to degrees and careers.

• A new opportunity for young innovators: Mini-Makers Summer Robotics Camp – a dynamic and engaging experience designed specifically for children ages 5-8. The summer camp is the perfect blend of fun and learning, aimed at sparking curiosity and fostering a love for science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM) at an early age.

NATIONAL HONORIFICS AND AWARDS

$189M

INCREASE SINCE FY 2013 117%

The University is a comprehensive, doctoral university, classified as an R1 institution with very high research activity by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education® C ARNEGIE CL ASSIFICATION VERYHIGHRESEARCHACTIVIT Y R1 IN TOTAL RESEARCH EXPENDITURES FOR FY 2023

$287,000 IN RESEARCH EXPENDITURES PER FACULTY MEMBER

• 5 American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Fellows in the last 2 years

• 19 National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER Awards in the last 3 years

• 7 National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Fellowships in the last 6 years

• 2 new members of National Academies

UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, RENO LEADS THE WAY ON REGIONAL TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION HUB DESIGNATION

On July 2, 2024, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Raimondo and U.S. Senator Rosen announced that the University of Nevada, Reno was awarded a $21.5 million Regional Technology and Innovation Hub Phase 2 grant as part of the University’s efforts to build a comprehensive lithium batteries, critical element, and other electric vehicle materials ‘loop’ across the state. Designated as one of only 32 regional technology and innovation hubs by the U.S. Economic Development Administration

in October 2023 out of more than 400 nationwide applicants, the University of Nevada, Reno will use its Phase 2 award to support broad workforce development efforts across the state in this emerging industry sector and to support the development of new career pathways for Nevada’s Native American and Indigenous communities as part of the Nevada Tech Hub’s Native Nations Center. Led by the University Center for Economic Development, the Nevada Tech Hub includes

over 80 individual consortium members, including representatives from the public sector, private sector and various communitybased non-profit organizations with the goal of closing ‘gaps’ in the sector’s supply chain from extraction to processing to advanced manufacturing and recycling. The Nevada Tech Hub consists of 16 of Nevada’s 17 counties, seven of the state’s eight regional economic development authorities, and both of Nevada’s two U.S. Economic Development Administration designated Economic Development Districts. While significant by itself, the Nevada Tech Hub represents just one of several ways that the University continues to lead the state’s transformation into the ‘Lithium State’, helping meet critical national security goals, launch new and innovative climate change mitigation strategies, and build a globally competitive economy that will create high paying and high skill jobs for all Nevadans.

The University of Nevada, Reno is one of 44 unique teams to receive the first-ever U.S. National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engines Development Award, which aims to help partners collaborate to create economic, societal and technological opportunities for their regions. This two-year Type-1 Engine Award, which began in May 2023 with approximately $1M in initial funding, is tasked with creating a network of collaborators and a strategy to submit for a competitive execution proposal, which could mean up to $160 million in NSF funding.

The University, the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development and Truckee Meadows Community College are partner organizations in the NSF Engines Development Award: Advancing the circular economy for lithium batteries (NV). It aims to pioneer a complete lithium supply chain, from resource management of critical materials, to the rejuvenation, repurposing, and recycling of lithium batteries, and to the reinvention of the future generations of batteries.

“An ‘innovation ecosystem’ is not created by a few people in a board room; it’s not sustained only by external federal funding. It’s built by everyone; it’s sustained by collaboration and commitment to building a regional, technology-based economy that benefits everyone,”

Mridul Gautam, vice president for research and innovation at the University, said. “It’s an economy that is built on world-class STEM education at all levels, from kindergarten to Ph.D.s. An economy that’s built on streamlined and high-tech workforce training programs that give people the tools they need for high-wage, competitive jobs right here in the state. An economy that’s built on meeting the nation’s clean energy goals and national security priorities.”

From this award and initial efforts has come a newly named statewide initiative, Recharge Nevada - A Coalition for Energy Innovation. The coalition is forging a resilient future for Nevada, encompassing the many statewide efforts and funded projects that align toward a common goal: An innovation economy based on the lifecycle of lithium batteries and critical materials.

Researcher holds nickel sulfate extracted from recycled batteries.

“The state is abuzz with activity, spanning use-inspired research, workforce and economic development strategies, private-sector innovations, and educational initiatives,” Gautam said. “Recharge Nevada serves as a catalyst for advancing sustainable mining practices, reliable domestic energy storage technologies and beyond.”

RESOURCES

unr.edu/cabnr

“As our state faces increasingly complex challenges such as those posed by climate change, food insecurity and chronic health conditions, I truly believe our College is poised to help meet these challenges. Through the collaborative work of our traditional and nontraditional educational programs, our research and our community engagement, we are chipping away to find innovative, practical solutions for Nevada communities, as well as global applications.”

— Dean Bill Payne, Ph.D.

College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources

ADVANCING OPTIMAL HEALTH AND QUALITY OF LIFE THROUGH NUTRITION

There is a growing demand for food and nutrition experts to help curb the prevalence of chronic health conditions. In 2023, the Nutrition Department responded by developing a dietetics specialization program that has all the coursework available online, as part of the M.S. in nutrition program; only the internship portion is completed in person. The program is designed to accommodate students and professionals with busy, structured schedules and is aimed at increasing the state’s pool of qualified Registered Dietitian Nutritionists.

ADDRESSING WORKFORCE SHORTAGES IN OUTDOOR RECREATION MANAGEMENT

The Natural Resources & Environmental Science Department recently partnered with the Nevada Division of Outdoor Recreation to launch a specialization in sustainable outdoor recreation management, as part of the B.S. in environmental science program. The program emphasizes sustainability and stewardship of our natural resources, combining environmental science and business courses to prepare students for in-demand careers in Nevada’s outdoor-based tourism industry.

ENHANCING STEM EDUCATION THROUGH HIGH SCHOOL PARTNERSHIPS

College researchers continue to collaborate with local high schools to spark interest in science careers and enhance STEM education opportunities. In 2023, faculty in the College’s Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Department collaborated with Hug High School in Reno to deliver a weeklong lab that introduced high school students to biotechnology and its agricultural applications. The lab helped to demystify scientific concepts for students and enable them to see themselves pursuing careers involving biotechnology and biochemistry.

ADVANCING IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT WITH NEW TECHNOLOGIES

Researchers in the Department of Agriculture, Veterinary & Rangeland Sciences began a collaborative three-year project in 2023 to develop precision irrigation management software to help farmers better manage water supply, especially for Nevada’s leading cash crop, alfalfa. Precision irrigation allows center pivot irrigation systems to apply variable amounts of water to a field, which can lead to water savings.

Experiment Station

Founded in 1874, the Experiment Station is the research unit of the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources and maintains a network of field labs and research facilities across Nevada comprising nearly 14,000 acres. Faculty conduct research, and collaborate with community partners to support agriculture and food security, promote community health, help sustain natural resources, and stimulate economic development.

SUPPORTING DRYLAND AGRICULTURE, ENHANCING FOOD SECURITY AND SYSTEMS

As the University celebrates its rich history, the Experiment Station celebrates its Valley Road Field Lab near campus, acquired in 1899, that now features state-of-the-art research facilities, including a Greenhouse Complex, hoop houses and research field plots to increase irrigation efficiency and identify lower-water-use crops for human consumption, livestock feed and biofuels production. It is home of the Desert Farming Initiative, which provides educational and research opportunities for students, faculty and community members aimed at advancing climate-smart farming and food systems. Over the last year, the Initiative:

• Launched the Nevada Farm Apprenticeship Program to bolster local food systems and support those aspiring to start or expand a small-scale farm operation.

• Developed the Grow Organic Nevada Program, to help meet the growing demand for organic produce by helping organic producers mentor producers seeking to become certified organic.

• Helped launch the Nevada Farm Network, a grower-led initiative that helps producers connect and share resources.

• Produced 10,600 pounds of produce, distributed via food banks, Pack Provisions and farmers markets, to help bolster food security.

“I valued all of the one-on-one conversations I had while seeding with others, learning more about each person and their current lives. Introducing people to such a unique program felt like opening the door for the future of agriculture.”

— Trishtin Lieu, 2022 graduate with a B.S. in agricultural science and 2023 Desert Farming Initiative AmeriCorps Service Member, who is now a research technician for the College.

HELPING NEVADANS

• Manage pests effectively and sustainably

• Optimize livestock nutrition and production

• Improve irrigation system efficiency

• Improve crop productivity, diversity and resiliency in a changing climate

• Sustainably manage Nevada’s natural resources and wildlife ecosystems

• Access safe, secure and abundant food

• Access nutrition and health-related research to improve well-being and prevent disease

Extension

As the outreach unit of the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources, Extension delivers research-based knowledge and education to address critical community needs across the state.

PARTNERING IN OUR COMMUNITIES TO HELP NEVADANS THRIVE

• Launched a partnership with UNLV that is funding $1.7 million in programs to address common health, social and environmental challenges affecting communities in Clark County.

• Teamed up with educators and firefighting agencies to develop wildfire science curriculum for high schools and created a Fire Science Academy Program at the Academy of Arts, Careers and Technology in Reno that prepares students to become firefighters upon graduation and earn college credits.

• Developed a youth mentorship program with Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department that uses horticulture and mentorship to change the lives of students at several at-risk high schools.

TRAINING OUR WORKFORCE AND THOSE WORKING WITH VULNERABLE POPULATIONS

• Provided best practices and information to anyone who advocates for, works with, or supports victim-survivors of domestic or intimate partners violence.

• Provided a free monthly Spanish-language breakfast series offering education and support to Latina entrepreneurs and business owners in Clark County.

• With a $650,000 grant, embarked on a partnership with Western Nevada College to enhance harvesting and processing training programs for the meat and poultry industry.

EDUCATING TOMORROW’S LEADERS THROUGH AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS

• Provided more than 25,000 Nevada youth with hands-on learning experiences in agricultural science, STEM, civic engagement, healthy living and outdoor education through club, camp, in-school and after-school programs.

• Expanded the Nevada 4-H camping program by establishing a new camp in Alamo through a collaborative agreement with Clark County and Lincoln County. The new facility provides educational and outdoor experiences for youth in southern Nevada, similar to the existing camp at Lake Tahoe.

DELIVERING NUTRITION EDUCATION AND PROMOTING PHYSICAL ACTIVITY TO THOSE WITH LOWER INCOMES

• Provided educational programs to address the most pressing nutrition and physical activity needs of those receiving SNAP benefits (food vouchers/ assistance), including increasing access to healthy foods by helping farmers markets accept benefits and increasing awareness of where they can be used.

Professor Tamzen Stringham teaches students in the Rangeland & Fire Ecology Program.

Extended Studies

Extended Studies, part of the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources, provides critical lifelong learning and skill development for individuals, organizations and communities through professional courses and certificate programs that contribute to economic and social development. It also offers customized training for private businesses and public entities, summer camps for children and degree-related programs.

GENERATING CHILDREN’S INTEREST IN S.T.E.A.M. THROUGH SUMMER CAMPS

Extended Studies has been coordinating the KIDS University educational school break camps for more than 20 years. The camps foster an early interest in art, writing, computer coding, science, space, robotics, health care, math and sports, and are all taught by licensed teachers or experts in their fields. The program also provides many campers with their first exposure to the University campus. In 2023, more than 322 students enrolled in a weeklong STEAM-based summer camp, with many students enrolling for multiple weeks.

FURTHERING EDUCATION FOR RANGELAND MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONALS

Extended Studies provides professional development opportunities, such as the Rangeland & Fire Ecology Education Program, developed by the College’s Department of Agriculture, Veterinary & Rangeland Sciences at the request of the Bureau of Land Management.

In 2023, 51 professionals participated in the program, which provides working professionals a pathway to further their education and earn rangeland ecology and management college credits to meet federal hiring requirements for rangeland management specialists and for general and natural resource specialists.

WATER AND SANITATION EDUCATION IMPROVES QUALITY OF LIFE IN AFRICA

As part of our land-grant mission to improve quality of life, Extended Studies, in partnership with the Desert Research Institute’s Center for International Water and Sustainability, continues to organize and administer the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Project and environmental resource management efforts in Africa. This work improves health outcomes in children and adults by providing sources of clean drinking water, improved sanitation facilities and education in basic hygiene practices such as handwashing. In 2023, 33 African participants who are also World Vision employees earned post-graduate certificates in International WASH, positioning them for careers such as environmental health specialists, public health officers and program coordinators.

“The College of Business is proud of the contributions to the community and state by its faculty and its many engagement programs that include the Nevada Small Business Development Center, Nevada Business Environmental Program, Center for Regional Studies, University Center for Economic Development, and the Ozmen Center for Entrepreneurship.”

Nevada Global Business students study abroad in London.

— Dean Greg Mosier Ed.D.

2023 GRADUATES

Undergraduate Students ............ 675

Graduate students ...................... 195

The College of Business

IMMERSING STUDENTS INTO THE WORLD OF INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

The College of Business Nevada Global Business Program offers immersive learning through international classes in Singapore, South Korea, Toronto, New York, London, Turkey, and Argentina. Students gain practical insights, network with industry leaders, and explore diverse business environments. Through real-world context and memorable experiences students are business ready.

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING WITH LOCAL BUSINESSES

Igor Makienko, Ph.D., an associate professor of marketing, and Jessica Rixom, Ph.D., an assistant professor of marketing, regularly have their students work with local clients. Their project-based courses, as well as others in the College of Business, provide experiential learning opportunities at both the graduate and undergraduate levels while providing valuable local business support.

“INTRO TO BUSINESS” CULTIVATES LEADERSHIP IN HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

The College of Business hosts “Intro to Business” sessions for local Upward Bound high school students, aimed at fostering professional development and business skills. This initiative provides students with practical knowledge and mentorship from faculty and business professionals. The sessions prepare students for future academic and career endeavors and cultivate their sense of leadership and innovation.

$1M APPROPRIATION TO SBDC

SBDC was appropriated $1 million during the 2023 legislative session to increase support to small businesses across Nevada.

9,212 JOBS SUPPORTED

2,952 CLIENTS COUNSELED

268 NEW BUSINESSES STARTED

$47.1M IN CAPITAL FUNDING 2023 NEVADA ECONOMIC IMPACT

“The College is committed to learning and development inside and outside of the classroom. Our research, service, outreach and teaching through a Life Long Learning lens provides our students effective ways to engage with and moving our communities.”

— Dean Donald Easton-Brooks, Ph.D.

Students compete against ChatGPT in groundbreaking education course.

College of Education & Human Development

HOME VISITING PROGRAM FOR PREGNANT INMATES IS FIRST IN THE COUNTRY

INNOVATIVE TEACHING METHODS PREPARE FUTURE EDUCATORS

The Child and Family Research Center at the College of Education & Human Development offers a beacon of hope to incarcerated individuals at the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Jail who are pregnant. Serving pregnant incarcerated individuals fills a critical gap in prenatal parenting education. The Home Visiting Team’s role extends beyond jail walls. They continue to support mothers and families even after release, ensuring a smooth transition back into the community and providing ongoing parenting guidance. The program is expanding to reach incarcerated individuals with children up to five years old. The goal of the program is to provide a supportive environment that empowers these individuals and their families to thrive as parents long after they’ve left the confines of jail.

As the academic landscape continues to evolve, professors in the College of Education & Human Development are pushing the boundaries of traditional online instruction. The college offers a groundbreaking online instructional approach that enrolls ChatGPT as a fullfledged student in a class. In this untraditional online course, students compete against ChatGPT, attempting to outscore it on weekly assignments related to second language acquisition. To infuse a sense of familiarity and cultural relevance, the professor has embedded an in-class game around Frank Herbert’s novel and the popular movie adaptation, ‘Dune.’ As students progress through the course and the associated game, they deepen their understanding of second language acquisition and analyze the transformative cultural and intellectual impact of artificial intelligence on instruction and their own academic work.

EARLY DISCOVERY OF DYSGRAPHIA AND DYSLEXIA

Researchers Lindsay Diamond, Ph.D. and Abbie Olszewski, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, reveal early behavioral indicators of dysgraphia and dyslexia in children’s writing. Analyzing children’s writing may provide earlier diagnosis and targeted support. Additionally, they have $2.5 million in federal grant funding to prepare early childhood special educators and speech-language pathologists to work with young children with disabilities.

2023 GRADUATES

Undergraduate Students ............ 197 Graduate students ...................... 177

unr.edu/engineering

“Engineers impact the future in so many ways — from roads and bridges to artificial intelligence to clean energy to aerospace. The College of Engineering is dedicated to preparing students to take on these crucial societal roles.”

— Acting Dean Indira Chatterjee, Ph.D.

College of Engineering

CHANGING LIVES WITH CUTTING-EDGE RESEARCH

From artificial intelligence to pavement science, engineering faculty are advancing technologies and systems that will impact our communities, the nation and the world. Professor David FeilSeifer’s work with AI technologies may benefit children with speech and language challenges. Assistant Professor Maryam Sarmazdeh and her colleagues at the University of Nevada, Reno Med are working on a protein engineering research project that could eventually help women at risk for preterm labor. And in the ongoing global effort to limit climate change, an asphalt pavement mix formulated with recycled plastic, a project overseen by Professor Elie Hajj, recently was tested successfully on a California Highway.

UNDERGRADUATES SHOWCASE PRODUCT DESIGNS AT INNOVATION DAY

At the undergraduate level, Engineering students are prepared to design projects that can improve quality of life. Innovation Day is an annual community event in which our seniors, working in teams of three to six, showcase engineering products that are ready for the marketplace. These projects range from water filtration systems to local bridge reconstructions to building portable power carts capable of serving industrial loads. Many of the teams work in partnership with local companies. In 2023 those companies included Tesla, civil engineering firm Lumos & Associates, and video game development studio Squanch Games.

PREPARING THE NEXT GENERATION OF ENGINEERS WITH K-12 PROGRAMS

Over the next decade, the need for engineers is expected to grow in several key fields, including civil engineering, aerospace engineering and computer science, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The College of Engineering is meeting that need by supporting the students before college. Our K-12 program includes Engineering summer camps as well as the Mentoring for Achievement & Knowledge in Engineering (MAKErs) Club, developed to increase college enrollment among low-income and first-generation students.

2023 GRADUATES

unr.edu/liberal-arts

“It has been a privilege to lead the college through a year of continued growth and collaboration. Together, we have embraced interdisciplinary initiatives, advanced pioneering research, and fostered a dynamic academic environment. I am proud of our collective dedication to academic excellence and our commitment to preparing global citizens and future leaders.”.

— Dean Casilde Isabelli, Ph.D.

College of Liberal Arts

HUMANITIES PROJECT AIMS TO END DISCRIMINATION IN HOME DEEDS

Jake Dorman’s (Associate Professor, History) public humanities project entitled “The Racist Covenants Research Project ” promotes public education and redaction of discriminatory and racist covenants in Nevada home deeds. SB 368 appropriated funds for the project and the project has recently received a grant from the American Council of Learned Societies to expand its geographic coverage. The mission is to document and understand structural racism, beginning with investigating, mapping, interpreting, and educating about racist restrictive covenants, provisions in property deeds that historically prevented people of color from owning or occupying homes in neighborhoods of their choice.

NEW PROGRAMS ADDRESS THE LACK OF ASL INTERPRETERS IN NEVADA

The Department of World Languages and Literatures has started a new minor in American Sign Language and is actively developing a bachelor’s degree program in ASL Interpreting, led by Instructor and interpreter Andrea Juillerat-Olvera. Deaf education is a major need in Nevada and these are some of the efforts needed to address the lack of ASL interpreters in the area. Historically, there has never been a deaf school in the state, all the deaf students are mainstreamed at their local school.

RESEARCHERS WORK WITH KLAMATH TRIBES ON NUTRITION PROJECT

Geoff Smith (Professor, Anthropology) and PhD student Richie Rosencrance joined members of the Klamath Tribes and staff from the University of Oregon Museum of Natural and Cultural History to collect cattail seeds in a wetland just outside of Klamath Falls. The visit was part of an ongoing effort to record the micronutrients of various traditional foods available to Great Basin Indigenous communities. Called the “Traditional Nutrition Project,” this collaborative undertaking received support from the Sven and Astrid Liljeblad Endowment in Great Basin Studies in 2023.

GRANT FUNDS ACQUIRED TO BETTER UNDERSTAND RURAL AREAS

Elizabeth Koebele (Associate Professor, Political Science) is Co-PI on a recently awarded a $1.78M National Science Foundation grant titled “Where We Live (W2L): Local and Place Based Adaptation to Climate Change in Underserved Rural Communities.” The project will bring researchers from the three universities together to tease apart how perception drives adaptive capacity and adaptation. The research team will partner with local, state, tribal and federal organizations in rural communities. These communities constitute nearly 84% of U.S. land and are home to only 14% of the population. These areas serve as critical sources of food, freshwater, habitat and energy as well as supporting carbon sequestration, education, recreation and tourism.

COLLEGE OF SCIENCE

unr.edu/science

“The College of Science museums are bridges between our campus and the broader community. Our innovative museum curators provide a variety of experiences for visitors, from augmented reality to interaction with live animals to immersive games, inspiring curiosity in visitors.”

— Dean Louisa Hope-Weeks, Ph.D.

Students learn about sensor, display, and computing technology through virtual reality.

College of Science

The College of Science houses three museums on campus, all of which contribute to the University’s critical missions of research and education in northern Nevada. Visitors to the museums range from K-12 students to prospective students to curious locals to international tourists. Each of the museums in the College of Science serves the broader community by offering programming and learning opportunities at a low or no cost.

COLLEGE OF SCIENCE MUSEUMS: A GATEWAY TO COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

The Museum of Natural History received a record number of visitors in 2023 and has expanded its programming to include workshops about identification of living things: bees, grasses, bats and more. These workshops, open to everyone but mostly attended by local, state and federal employees, help familiarize those managing and protecting wildlife with Nevada’s unique species.

2023 GRADUATES

Undergraduate

The W. M. Keck Earth Science and Mineral Engineering Museum supports the research missions of faculty in the Mackay School by accepting relevant specimens and providing access to its extensive collections. The Keck Museum recently expanded into a new space in the Mackay Mines building, which now houses exhibits showcasing current active research in the Mackay School.

Many northern Nevada K-12 students have fond memories of a field trip to the Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center. The planetarium’s iconic roofline tracks the sun across the sky and encompasses a massive dome theater that will be receiving an exciting refresh. In October 2023, the Gillemot Foundation donated the largest gift in the University’s history. The gift established the George W. Gillemot Aerospace and Aeronautics Department in the College of Engineering and provides the planetarium with funding to replace its current dome technology with modern LED screens that will showcase vibrant views of the heavens in the northwest corner of campus, as well as funding to pay for field trip expenses for local schools.

“As we evaluate the progress we’ve made toward our goals and begin working to expand on others, students continue to be at the forefront of our mission. The Orvis School of Nursing graduates will be the leaders and changemakers in increasing access and expanding quality in our community.”

— Interim Dean Cameron Duncan, Ph.D.

Orvis School of Nursing

VR STUDY AIMS TO REDUCE VIOLENCE AGAINST HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS

The Orvis School of Nursing (OSN) hosts an annual immersion experience to boost students’ critical thinking, clinical judgment, and confidence. To bridge the education-to-practice gap, OSN’s Graduate Faculty evaluated VR-based simulation in deescalation training and crisis communication for nurse practitioner students. The study also explored interprofessional relationships through collaboration with the University Police Department using VR for de-escalation training. Thirty-seven students participated in this two-day VR immersion, which received an exemplary review from the University of Nevada, Reno Institutional Review Board.

RENOVATED SIMULATION LAB PREPARES STUDENTS FOR CLINICAL CHALLENGES

The Orvis School of Nursing announced the completion of the simulation lab renovation at our Redfield Campus. The renovated Redfield lab features four high-fidelity simulation suites for practicing care planning, medication administration, prioritization, and clinical reasoning skills, crucial for supplementing time at clinical sites and providing a safe environment for clinical growth. Led by Professor Haley McNeil, the simulation operations team develops case scenarios that allow students to practice therapeutic communication techniques and hone nursing skills to enhance patient safety and comfort.

BWINDI PARTNERSHIP ENHANCES CARE WITH CROSS-CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

Four representatives from Uganda School of Nursing, Bwindi, and Bwindi Community Hospital traveled to Reno, Nevada, for a 19-day educational visit. This partnership with Orvis School of Nursing aims to enhance care in both regions by sharing cross-cultural experiences. Funded by the Rotary Club of Reno and The Rotary Foundation, the visit supported the new skills lab, library, classrooms, computer lab, simulation equipment, and two scholarships for degree nurses. Ugandan tutors also received training to improve their teaching methods and equipment use.

PARTNERSHIP WITH RENOWN FOUNDATION ADDRESSES NURSING SHORTAGES

The Gerald “Jerry” Smith Academic-Practice Partnership with the Renown Foundation will fund up to 24 Orvis School of Nursing students annually, covering tuition, fees, and books. Students will get a paid apprenticeship at Renown Health and a guaranteed job upon graduation and licensure. This partnership allows the Orvis School of Nursing to add 8 more students to its Bachelor of Science in Nursing program each year, addressing the nursing shortage in northern Nevada. Renown will provide clinical spaces, equipment, and a nurse educator for student training. Additionally, Orvis School of Nursing will merge its Traditional and Accelerated BSN programs, increasing the annual enrollment to 192 students.

“It is crucial we address state public health policies and spread awareness of the importance public health plays in our everyday lives.”

— Dean Muge Akpinar-Elci, M.D., MPH

School

of Public Health faculty and students at the Nevada Legislature after participating in dynamic legislative sessions.

School of Public Health

IMPROVING HEALTH THROUGH POLICY AND SYSTEMS CHANGE

INNOVATIVE IMPACT IN NEVADA COMMUNITIES

In 2023, the School of Public Health (SPH) held its first advocacy day at the Nevada Legislature, providing a unique opportunity to engage with the legislative process. More than 60 students, faculty, and staff met with state legislators, attended committee hearings and observed Assembly and Senate sessions. SPH Faculty also provided subject matter expertise to inform state legislation—from bills increasing public health funding (Senate Bill 118), to enhancing concussion safety protocols for K-12 athletes (Senate Bill 80), and identifying solutions to address behavioral health workforce shortages (Senate Bill 91). The School of Public Health also hosted a conversation among public health leaders from across the state about the future of public health in Nevada. Participants discussed how public health agencies, academic institutions, and community partners can work together to enhance alignment and collaboration to improve the health of communities statewide.

2023 GRADUATES

The Center for the Application of Substance Abuse Technologies (CASAT) provided critical training to strengthen the behavioral health workforce by delivering 216 unique trainings on problem gambling, ethics, de-escalation, and drug trends and prevention to 15,286 individuals. CASAT also trained more than 700 health care providers on Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) for opioid and substance use disorders and distributed 64,120 fentanyl test strips and 50,075 naloxone kits to prevent and reverse drug overdose.

The Center for Surveys, Evaluation, and Statistics collected data on health-related risk behaviors to inform policies and programs.

The Dementia Engagement, Education, and Research (DEER) Program developed the Dementia Self-Management Guidebook and launched the Dementia Self-Management Program helping individuals develop personalized strategies to support their journey with dementia.

The Larson Institute worked to support mental health among Black adolescents by training youth as policy advocates to help improve health equity in Nevada. It also worked with faith-based institutions to educate their communities on various health topics and co-published a toolkit to help organizations advance health equity in the workplace.

THE DONALD W. REYNOLDS SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM

unr.edu/journalism

“The Reynolds School’s Hitchcock Project for Visualizing Science has been a critical medium for our community to learn about science locally and beyond. When our students are engaged in science reporting projects and the produced stories are aired on our local NPR station, KUNR, they gain valuable experience by realizing the impact they have made through their journalism practices.”

— Dean Gi W. Yun, Ph.D.

Lake Tahoe.

The Reynolds School of Journalism

JOURNALISM STUDENTS DIVE DEEPER INTO THE WORLD OF SCIENCE COMMUNICATION

On the heels of a record-breaking winter in the Tahoe Basin, students from the Reynolds School of Journalism sought to discover how spring snowmelt will affect water clarity in Lake Tahoe.

For over 50 years, researchers have been monitoring and tracking water clarity at different spots in the lake on an almost weekly basis. In April, students and faculty from the Reynolds School’s Hitchcock Project for Visualizing Science spent a day on the lake alongside researchers capturing the process of water clarity testing.

In partnership with the Tahoe Science Advisory Council, the Hitchcock Project produced an ArcGIS StoryMap entitled “Understanding Lake Tahoe Water Clarity,” giving an in-depth look at Lake Tahoe water clarity, the scientific process, and how this information can be shared within our community and used in the fight against climate change. The team captured stunning drone footage of the research boat, filmed interviews with scientists and researchers and ultimately created an interactive report that illustrates a critical local issue. “This is exactly the kind of project I’d love for more students to get involved with because we’re dealing with a really important local environmental issue and how we communicate that to the broader public,” said Hitchcock Project director Kelsey Fitzgerald.

As part of the Reynolds School of Journalism, the Mick Hitchcock, Ph.D., Project for Visualizing Science is an initiative that seeks to teach students how to communicate science effectively and combat misinformation through curriculum and experiential learning opportunities.

Through a partnership with the Hitchcock Project and KUNR Public Radio, who celebrated 60 years on the air this year, student stories that focus on localized news about science, health and the environment are published by KUNR.

Vanesa De La Cruz Pavas (’23) and Sydney Peerman

“As we build upon a tradition of excellence in medical education, research, patient care and community engagement, our vision remains A Healthy Nevada. Whether we are providing healthcare through the Student Outreach Clinic or working to advance science by creating new diagnostics for infectious diseases or therapeutic options for patients with muscular dystrophy, UNR Med’s students, residents and faculty are committed to the health and well-being of our community.”

— Dean Paul J. Hauptman, M.D.

School of Medicine

MEDICAL STUDENTS PROVIDE FREE CARE AT STUDENT OUTREACH CLINIC

The Student Outreach Clinic (SOC), a free community clinic established in 1996 and operated by medical students at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med), plays a pivotal role in serving uninsured and underserved populations in northern Nevada. In 2023, SOC students, with support from volunteer faculty, delivered comprehensive care to 648 patients, 584 of whom were uninsured.

The SOC offers invaluable hands-on experience for first-year medical students, significantly enhancing their comfort and proficiency in patient interactions by their second year. Many students state that this practical exposure is integral to their medical education and professional development. The clinic’s services encompass general and specialized care, including pediatrics, women’s health and geriatric care, as well as dermatology and reproductive services such as vasectomies, birth control prescriptions and IUD insertions. Additionally, the SOC’s rural outreach clinics, particularly those in Yerington, Nevada, focus on migrant farmworkers—a seasonal community with substantial healthcare needs and limited resources. In 2023, these rural

clinics served 128 patients, many of whom received care multiple times throughout the year.

The SOC also addresses critical barriers to care, including insurance gaps, limited coverage options, language barriers, transportation challenges, and childcare needs. For Spanish-speaking migrant workers, the clinic provides free translation

services, enhancing patient care and offering students the opportunity to practice interprofessional collaboration.

By bridging these gaps, the SOC not only provides essential healthcare services but also fosters a deeper understanding of community needs among future medical professionals.

THE FUTURE OF PEDIATRIC CARE STARTS HERE: INAUGURAL YEAR OF RESIDENCY PROGRAM

In July 2023, the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, in partnership with Renown Health, proudly launched the inaugural Pediatrics Residency program. This initiative represents a pivotal step forward in addressing the physician shortage across Nevada. By expanding residency opportunities, UNR Med is increasing the number of available providers locally as well as nurturing a vital pipeline of highly skilled physicians who are likely to stay and practice in Nevada. This program is set to significantly enhance health care delivery, particularly in underserved and rural areas, thereby making a substantial contribution to the long-term improvement of Nevada’s health care infrastructure.

FIRST NEVADA APHASIA CAMP HOSTED BY THE SPEECH PATHOLOGY AND AUDIOLOGY DEPARTMENT

In September 2023, the inaugural Nevada Aphasia Camp was held at Sierra Nevada Journeys’ Grizzly Creek Ranch. Aphasia, a condition typically resulting from stroke and affecting approximately two million people in the United States, impairs an individual’s ability to understand and produce language. This condition can disrupt various forms of communication, including speech, reading, writing, and even mathematical abilities.

Hosted by the Speech Pathology and Audiology Department, the Aphasia Center of Nevada offers complimentary psychosocial programming such as conversation groups and an aphasia book club. These initiatives are instrumental in creating a supportive and cohesive community for individuals affected by aphasia. By bringing together participants from diverse backgrounds, the camp not only helps them reconnect with challenging activities but also strengthens a network that might otherwise remain fragmented, enhancing both individual well-being and community integration.

The first class of four pediatrics residents, one chief resident, and leaders from UNR Med and Renown.

In September, 21 participants journeyed from Reno to Grizzly Creek Ranch for the first annual Aphasia Camp.

A Legacy of Excellence

50 Years: The first graduating class of M.D. students celebrated 50 years since graduation and opened a time capsule from 1973.

4,022 physicians have been trained in undergraduate and graduate medical education programs since the first M.D. (1973) and first residency and cohort (1983) commencement.

30%* of M.D. graduates are currently practicing in Nevada, and 37% of GME participants (residents and fellows) are licensed and currently practicing in Nevada.

50 Years: The Speech Pathology and Audiology Department celebrated 50 years of educating students at The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine.

70% of Physician Assistant Studies graduates currently practice in Nevada.

30 Years: The Sanford Center for Aging celebrated 30 years of providing gerontology education and services for seniors in northern Nevada.

330,000+: The number of hours of patient care UNR Med residents provided to the northern Nevada community.

10 Years: Project ECHO celebrated a decade of providing telehealth consultations for specialty care to patients in rural and under-served areas.

658 patients received free care at Student Outreach Clinics, including 584 uninsured patients and 128 patients in rural sites in Yerington, Fallon and Silver Springs.

33% of Physician Assistant Studies graduates currently practice in an underserved or rural setting.

*The retention stats included (30.0% for UME and 36.7% for GME) are considerably lower than the actual percentage due to a lack historical data and insufficient information regarding the number of alumni who are deceased and/or no longer actively licensed and practicing in Nevada.

“With the current state of mental and behavioral health in Nevada and workforce shortages, it’s never been a more important time for the School of Social Work to grow.”

— Dean Lillian Wichinsky, Ph.D., LMSW.

School of Social Work

SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK OPENS NEW BUILDING

In fall 2023 the School of Social Work reached another milestone, officially opening their new building. The new School of Social Work building creates a dedicated space for students, faculty, alumni and the community to gather, learn, and make new discoveries. During the ribbon cutting the School also unveiled the School of Social Work Tree of Giving, which honors people who support the School’s General Scholarship Fund so students can access the resources they need to complete their degrees and launch impactful careers.

INSPIRED PEOPLE MAKING POSITIVE COMMUNITY IMPACT

The School of Social Work is building a workforce to meet the mental health and social service needs of the state. Social Workers serve our most vulnerable populations, addressing mental health, homelessness, poverty, health care, food insecurity, policies, environmental issues, aging, disabilities, equity and the many other issues that affect Nevadans. With over 800 students at the Bachelor’s and Master’s level, online and on-ground, the School’s community impact is vast. Students engage in practicums throughout the state and country, providing services while they learn. Our graduates support the community in a range of areas including hospitals and clinical settings, not-for-profits, the legislature and corporate social responsibility.

STUDENTS SERVING THE COMMUNITY WHILE THEY LEARN

The School of Social Work boasts approximately 600 community partners nationally who provide enriching practicum experiences for students. Students have the opportunity make real impact during their practicums. For example, students with the Children’s Cabinet have been screening for mental health needs of 7th grade students by completing clinical interviews through the Signs of Suicide (SOS) program throughout all Washoe County School District middle schools.

SUPPORTING NEVADAN FAMILIES WITH SPECIAL HEALTH CARE NEEDS

Assistant Professor Lex Owen leads evaluation and provides strategic input for Nevada’s Family-to-Family Health Information Center, a peer-based support service for families of children and youth with special health care needs. In FY24, the Family Navigation Network served 148 families throughout Nevada related to system navigation, financing health care, partnering with health care providers, accessing a medical home, early and continuous screening and adolescent health care transition. In efforts to build capacity for family-professional partnerships, Dr. Owen has also facilitated trainings for over 100 primary care providers and community health workers on serving patients with disabilities and chronic health conditions.

unr.edu/grad

“We all benefit from graduate education: individuals, by advancing their careers, and our entire society, because we need sophisticated solutions in an ever-more complex world.”

Students attend GradFIT, an academic program for first-generation and underrepresented populations.

— Dean Markus Kemmelmeier, Ph.D.

The Graduate School

RECORD NUMBER OF GRADUATES FROM DOCTORAL AND MASTERS PROGRAM

The Graduate School recorded the largest number of advanced degrees in his history. There were 190 doctoral degrees and 1,085 Masters degrees whose advanced knowledge and skills boost the students’ individual careers as much as they support the economies of Nevada and our region. The graduates included 42 Doctorates of Nursing Practice, the fastest growing doctoral program at the University, whose superior competence in health care serves to address severe community needs.

The Graduate School awarded more than $1,000,000 in Graduate Fellowships and Scholarships

3-MINUTE THESIS COMPETITION SHOWCASES

EXPERTISE AND TALENT

Last year was the 10th annual 3-Minute Thesis competition. Graduate students have 180 seconds and a single slide to narrate their research, with topics ranging from archeology, structural engineering to English poetry and the development of novel medicines. Every year, this turns into a feast of scholarship and rhetoric where the audience is enthused by the brilliance of the work and the persuasiveness of the engaging presentations. Winners take home monetary prizes and the honor to compete at regionals. Our graduate students have had an impressive showing at the regional 3MT competition during the Western Association of Graduate Schools annual conference. In 2023, Jennifer Heppner (pictured) won third place across all 3MT competitors in the Western states, and in 2024, Kendra Isable won second place.

GRADFIT PREPARES FUTURE GENERATION OF GRADUATE STUDENTS

In 2023 the Graduate School celebrated its 10th annual GradFIT. Undergraduates from various schools in our region were invited to learn about graduate school. This week-long, fully funded experience helps those who are interested, and many from disadvantaged backgrounds, to experience what it would be like to enter the next chapter in their educational journey. Events include visit to labs, in-depth conversations with students and scholars, and preparation of graduate school applications—but also a trip to Lake Tahoe—to convey that at the University of Nevada, graduate students earn their advanced degree while being surrounded by natural splendor.

“Honors College students represent the very best of our society. They exemplify our values of resilience, ingenuity, stewardship, and equity in everything they do. There is no greater joy, or responsibility, than activating their dreams and encouraging their success.”

— Dean Matt Means, P.S.

Honors students enjoy a transformational experience of learning, discovery and engagement.

The Honors College

THE HONORS CAREER & COMMUNITY MENTORSHIP

The Honors Career and Community Mentorship Program in the Honors College strengthens our community by connecting students with personal, academic, and professional mentors on and off campus. This program promotes personal and professional development, building stronger, more adaptive communities. It offers three unique tracks:

• Professional — connects highpowered professionals with students for development and networking.

• Research — matches doctoral and postdoctoral researchers with students for independent research opportunities.

• Connect — links community members with students for personal development in an informal environment.

46 students and 35 community members. Students can earn co-curricular credits, aiding in achieving an Honors distinction upon graduation, though many participate solely for the growth opportunities.

“Every mentee I have changes me a little. Their presence chips away at parts of me that I didn’t know existed, helping to form and polish me into the leader I look forward to being one day. Every mentorship experience is one of self-actualization and makes me feel more at one with humanity.”

—

Keely Rodriguez, (left) doctoral scholar and mentor

Mentors from various disciplines provide students valuable insight, helping them secure worldclass fellowships, high-impact internships, and shadowing opportunities. The program, which runs every semester, began its preliminary launch in summer 2023 with 10 students and 8 community members; By spring 2024, it served

This program is valuable to lawmakers and policymakers, creating a pipeline of well-rounded, professionally prepared graduates ready to contribute to society. It distinguishes our Honors College, showcasing our commitment to holistic student development and community engagement, and serves as a key differentiator and point of pride for our institution.

“This mentorship program was the push I needed to develop my goals and pursue a more in-depth search not only academically and careerwise, but also personally.”

—

Anya Tom, Honors College student

“The University Libraries advances its mission to further intellectual inquiry and innovation; partners with students and faculty in the creation of new knowledge; and provides access to scholarly resources, active learning environments, contemporary technology, and knowledgeable assistance.”

— Dean Catherine Cardwell, M.L.S.

Faculty and staff of the University Libraries show off their sesquicentennial display.

University Libraries

TAKING A LEAD ROLE IN THE UNIVERSITY’S SESQUICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

On October 12, 2023, the University kicked off a year-long celebration to honor its dynamic trajectory and significance to the state of Nevada. The Libraries played a central role in providing historical research, photos, and documents to the greater University community while creating numerous digital and in-person exhibits that capture our University’s rich and complex history.

BECOMING MEMBERS OF THE GREATER WESTERN LIBRARY ALLIANCE (GWLA)

After a selective application process, the Libraries achieved membership in the Greater Western Library Alliance. The Libraries is its 40th member. The GWLA membership approved this action through a ballot proposal conducted in March 2023. GWLA is recognized nationally as a leader in the transformation of scholarly communications and a facilitator in the application of new information technologies. This membership helps to raise the national profile of the Libraries.

LERTXUN-MARRAK: THE ARBORGLYPH COLLABORATIVE

After being awarded a National Historical Records and Publications Commission grant, the Libraries’ @One Digital Media and Technology Center and the Jon Bilbao Basque Library are participating in Lertxun-Marrak: The Arborglyph Collaborative, a tristate academic partnership between the University, Boise State University, and California State University, Bakersfield. The Collaborative is dedicated to preserving culturally historical, significant tree carvings, working to establish a network of interested organizations and individuals; developing protocols for documenting the carvings, including the creation of digital 3D models; and envisioning a framework for the public to access information about these historical carvings more easily.

CONFLUENCE: STREAM SCIENCE, HANDWRITING, AND URBAN CURBS

Artist Todd Gilens used the handwriting found in one of Special Collections and University Archives’ (SCUA) environmental collections to create an original font that was then used in a City of Reno public art installation. “Confluence” is a mile-long, 6,000-word poem currently installed on the streets of Reno. This art project demonstrates the potential of using SCUA’s collections for creative scholarship.

“Nevada Athletics is committed to the highest standards of excellence on the playing field, in the classroom, and in our community. We are proud to represent Nevada’s College Town.”

— Athletic Director, Stephanie Rempe

Nevada men’s basketball crowd unfurling the Wolf Pack banner.

Intercollegiate Athletics

WOLF PACK LAUNCHES “NEVADA’S COLLEGE TOWN”

In July 2023, Nevada Athletics launched Wolf Pack Fridays: an initiative to make Reno and its surrounding areas “Nevada’s College Town.”

To kick off the initiative, Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve issued a proclamation July 26, 2023, officially declaring Fridays in Reno “Wolf Pack Fridays.” Joyfully celebrating each Friday in honor of the University of Nevada furthers the goal of Wolf Pack Athletics and Athletic Director Stephanie Rempe to enshrine the city’s reputation as “Nevada’s College Town.”

A major component of Wolf Pack Fridays was inviting local businesses and residents to sign up for a welcome package, which included a Wolf Pack Friday flag-and-pole kit, sticker, and tote bag. Since July, numerous local businesses have proudly flown their Wolf Pack Friday flags in Reno and northern Nevada. Proceeds from every package purchased will go towards the Pack Excellence Fund, supporting Nevada’s over 400 student-athletes.

EXCELLENCE IN ATHLETICS

• Men’s Basketball Second-Straight NCAA Tournament appearance

• Five (5) Individual Mountain West Champions

• Scarlett Ferris (Women’s Swimming

– 100-Yard Backstroke)

• Frederica Kizek (Women’s Swimming – 1,650-Yard Freestyle)

• Halyn Senegal (Women’s Indoor Track & Field – 800 Meters)

• 4x400 Meter Relay (Women’s Indoor Track & Field)

• Emily Poole (Women’s Outdoor Track & Field – Javelin)

• Student-athletes completed 3,354 hours of community service.

NEVADA PARTNERS WITH LOCAL BUSINESSES

Nevada Athletics continued its successful efforts connecting with a vital conduit of support in Reno and northern Nevada: our local businesses.

Beginning with the successful launch of “Morning Howl,” the University’s first branded coffee, in partnership with Reno-based Hub Coffee Roasters, the Wolf Pack continued its roll out of branded products with local businesses. August 2023 brought two unique local team-ups: the exclusive Howlin’ Bold & Spicy BBQ Sauce with Brothers Barbecue, and The Wolf Pack Bar with Dorinda’s Chocolates. April 2024 brought the department’s biggest collaboration yet-- a special single barrel selection of Frey Ranch’s award-winning Four Grain Straight Bourbon.

University of Nevada, Reno Collegiate Academy

Collegiate Academy is a dual credit program offering high school students the opportunity to earn college credits at a discounted cost in their high school classrooms. Students graduate high school with full university credits on their college transcript that may be seamlessly applied at NSHE institutions or transferred to other colleges and universities nationwide.

The program implements current University of Nevada, Reno curriculum and coursework within high school classrooms. College faculty work with the high school teachers, meeting regularly to

review lesson plans, coursework and provide guidance and course specific professional development.

The result is courses that leverage both the content expertise of University faculty with the instructional expertise of high school teachers.

The university considers teachers for the Collegiate Academy program based on principal recommendation and resume/CV review by the corresponding university academic department. Teachers selected have a track record of student success and demonstrated teaching experience within their content area.

The University of Nevada, 1874–2024 CELEBRATE 150 YEARS OF INSPIRING MINDS AND SHAPING THE FUTURE 150 Years of Inspiring Excellence

This beautifully crafted table book invites you on a journey through the rich history of the University of Nevada, Reno, from its humble beginnings to its present-day prominence.

With more than 140 captivating images, this commemorative book offers a unique window into the evolution of an institution that has been a beacon of success and change across the state of Nevada.

Published in honor of the University’s 150th anniversary, this book is more than a celebration—it’s a testament to the lasting impact of the University of Nevada, Reno on generations of students, faculty, and the broader community.

Order your copy today and be part of the legacy!

University of Nevada, Reno

— Inspiring Excellence Since 1874 —

On Oct. 12, 1874, a small preparatory school opened its doors to seven students in Elko, Nevada.

With vision and determination, this tiny institution has grown into a nationally renowned comprehensive institution, the University of Nevada, Reno. Over the course of 150 years, the University has seen more than 125,000 graduates, campus-wide achievement that has included record levels of diversity and being classified among the nation’s top “Very High Research” institutions. Frank Norcross, who was a member of the University first class of graduates in 1891 said that, “In this University lies the fountain-head for the future greatness of this state.” For 150 years, this has been the “Inspiring Excellence” that the University of Nevada, Reno has come to represent.