Advancing research and creativity at Lake Tahoe

Fostering innovative research and creative endeavors that protect and celebrate our unique environment.

The University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe is a hub for interdisciplinary research and creative expression inspired by the Sierra Nevada. Our campus cultivates inquiry-driven collaboration that responds to regional needs and global challenges. From environmental science to the fine arts, our work is grounded in a deep commitment to community, innovation and sustainability.

People conducting research on a snowy slope overlooking Lake Tahoe, with evergreen trees and distant mountains under a clear blue sky.

Interdisciplinary research initiatives

At Lake Tahoe, research goes beyond the lab or lecture hall. It takes place in the forests, on the shoreline and within the communities of the Tahoe Basin. Faculty, students and local partners come together to explore the intersection of science, policy and the environment.

Creative arts and writing programs

Creativity thrives at high altitude. The Lake Tahoe campus is home to dynamic programs in visual arts, media and literature, offering year-round opportunities to create, collaborate and exhibit.

 

The Holman Arts & Media Center building at the University of Nevada, Reno, Lake Tahoe campus. The structure features a modern mountain-lodge design with beige stucco walls, warm wooden accents, and a second-story balcony framed by metal railings. A large sign reading “Holman Arts & Media Center” is mounted on the front wall. The building is surrounded by neatly trimmed shrubs and a gravel pathway, set against a backdrop of tall evergreen trees and a clear blue sky, evoking a serene alpine environment.

Recent news and upcoming events

Projects at Lake Tahoe continue to make national impact. Recent studies include ecological monitoring following the Caldor Fire and the development of new sustainability metrics for rural tourism.

Research highlights

Featured research: Microplastics in Lake Tahoe

Research published in the scientific journal, Nature, reveals high concentrations of microplastics in Lake Tahoe, with plastic debris from textiles frequently identified.

Read more about microplastics in Lake Tahoe

Featured research: Smoke over Lake Tahoe

University research supported by the League to Save Lake Tahoe aims to understand how the living and nonliving particles in Lake Tahoe are changing due to smoke in the Lake Tahoe Basin airshed, and what that means for Lake Tahoe’s clarity and ecology.

Read more about wildfire smoke impacts on Lake Tahoe

Events calendar

From exhibitions and readings to lectures and workshops, our calendar features vibrant programming throughout the year. Explore upcoming events.

Upcoming events

Get involved

Student and community research opportunities

Join faculty-led research efforts as a student or partner. Whether assisting with field data collection or contributing to creative exhibitions, your participation makes a difference.

Support innovation at Lake Tahoe

Invest in the future of research and creativity. Contributions help expand access to programs, fund student opportunities and drive discoveries that matter.

Research and creativity flourish where people are inspired by their surroundings. At Lake Tahoe, the natural world is more than a backdrop — it's a catalyst for discovery. Join us in shaping a more informed, creative and sustainable future.