Matthew Lachniet
Professor, Department of Geoscience
College of Sciences

Lachniet is a leading climate scientist, whose work focuses on understanding long-term climate change and water resources in the Great Basin, the American Southwest, and Central America. His research has been published in top-tier journals and has advanced scientific understanding of drought, monsoon systems, and the links between ocean temperatures and regional climate. He is also the founder of UNLV’s Las Vegas Isotope Science Laboratory, a hub for research, collaboration, and community outreach.

Lachniet is equally recognized for his commitment to student success. He teaches a wide range of undergraduate and graduate courses and has mentored numerous master’s and doctoral students, while maintaining outstanding teaching evaluations. Beyond the classroom, he is an active science communicator, frequently sharing his expertise with public audiences and media outlets.