Tahoe Discovery Lab expands innovation at University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe

The lab provides collaborative space for interdisciplinary research and innovation

Mar. 13, 2026 at 8:00am

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The Tahoe Discovery Lab at the University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe campus is reshaping how ideas are born. It is a hub that connects the region's scientific strengths with national and international collaborators to accelerate discovery, innovation and workforce training within Tahoe's uniquely cooperative and environmentally focused setting.

Why it matters

The Tahoe Discovery Lab represents the kind of integrated, place-based learning that defines the university's future, strengthening the connection between research, teaching and community engagement while expanding access for students across disciplines.

The details

The Tahoe Discovery Lab is not a single facility, but a hub that connects the region's scientific strengths with national and international collaborators. It fosters deep engagement rather than transactional interaction, with professors and students from around the world engaging in conversation and collaboration over multiple days. The lab serves as the laboratory base for a growing Chemical–Ecology Field Station and anchors the university's Innovation Program, which hosts one-credit weekend courses, entrepreneurship challenges, prototype development, and industry-aligned training modules.

  • The Tahoe Discovery Lab was formally recognized earlier this year, when Christopher S. Jeffrey was named the Harold Walter Siebens Endowed Chair in Entrepreneurship at the University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe.
  • The Bioinspired Innovation Course, a one-credit immersive weekend experience, brought together students from science, liberal arts, business, and biotechnology in early 2026.

The players

Christopher S. Jeffrey

A professor in the Department of Chemistry and director of the Hitchcock Center for Chemical Ecology, he was named the Harold Walter Siebens Endowed Chair in Entrepreneurship at the University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe.

Doug Boyle

The interim vice provost and dean of the University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe.

Jeff Thompson

The executive vice president and provost of the University of Nevada, Reno.

Morgan Yeager

A graduate student in the chemistry department and participant in the Bioinspired Innovation Course.

Michael 'Mick' Hitchcock

The interim CEO of Biomea Fusion and a speaker during one of the courses at the Tahoe Discovery Lab.

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What they’re saying

“I keep coming back to the idea of discovery not just as a concept, but as a place. The Tahoe Discovery Lab isn't just a facility. It's a way of working.”

— Christopher S. Jeffrey, Professor, Department of Chemistry and Director, Hitchcock Center for Chemical Ecology

“The endowed chair strengthens graduate and undergraduate education across the University, with a focus on sustainability, the environment, the arts and interdisciplinary studies. As the University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe's inaugural appointee, Dr. Jeffrey will play a leading role in shaping and launching an Innovation Certificate program at the Lake Tahoe campus.”

— Doug Boyle, Interim Vice Provost and Dean, University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe

“The Tahoe Discovery Lab represents the kind of integrated, place-based learning that defines our future as a university. It strengthens the connection between research, teaching and community engagement while expanding access for students across disciplines.”

— Jeff Thompson, Executive Vice President and Provost

“Chatting with professionals gave me an insight into the broad scale and interdisciplinary aspect of the work. There really are limitless possibilities.”

— Morgan Yeager, Graduate Student, Chemistry Department

“I always believe that science is done by people and in fact often by multiple people working on different parts of the same problem. This can only happen when people get together and have conversations, build ideas and trust, and imagine possibilities.”

— Michael 'Mick' Hitchcock, Interim CEO, Biomea Fusion

What’s next

The Tahoe Discovery Lab will continue to host one-credit weekend courses, entrepreneurship challenges, prototype development, and industry-aligned training modules to advance innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The takeaway

The Tahoe Discovery Lab at the University of Nevada, Reno represents a new model of integrated, place-based learning that fosters deep engagement, interdisciplinary collaboration, and access to industry leaders - all within the unique setting of Lake Tahoe. This approach is shaping the future of the university and preparing students for careers beyond the classroom.