Noted Desert Research Institute scientist retiring after 45 years
One of the Reno-based Desert Research Institute’s premier scientists is retiring after 45 years as an employee at the environmental research arm of the Nevada System of Higher Education.
Dr. John Hallett, a research professor and director of DRI’s Ice Physics Laboratory, was honored by the institute’s Faculty Senate earlier this month.
In 1998, the atmospheric physicist became the first DRI faculty member to win the regents’ Researcher Award.
His prolific scientific career generated millions of dollars in research funding and resulted in more than 100 peer-reviewed articles in scientific journals.
Hallet’s groundbreaking work on the role of ice crystals in the atmosphere helped earn him an international reputation.
Cirrus clouds formed by ice crystals cover much of the planet and play a key role in determining the Earth’s energy balance by absorbing light from the sun and radiation from Earth.