Drew Peltier

Drew Peltier, assistant professor in the School of Life Sciences, is only half joking when he tells you the reason he is in his field is because he couldn’t find a real job. Growing up in California, around some of the largest organisms on Earth — redwood trees — was also a big influence. …“Las Vegas and the surrounding areas are the perfect experimental laboratory to learn about the limits of tree physiological tolerance to extreme climates,” says Peltier, “and my research shows many tree species are exceptionally drought resilient, but we need to take care of our urban trees.” …Research in the lab focuses on trees across the Western U.S., from tiny pinyon pine to the tallest and largest trees on earth, like coast redwood and giant sequoia. …It is extremely clear at this point that we need to rapidly transition to alternative energy, like solar and wind, as soon as possible.