Research
At Dakota State University, we nurture an environment that celebrates and rewards innovation. Both students and faculty have the means and the opportunities to be agents of innovation in South Dakota and beyond.
DSU researchers have earned national awards and recognition exploring new directions and germinating groundbreaking ideas.
The DSU research experience
"There's a lot of uncertainty being an international student and moving from another country. But coming to DSU, was life-changing in terms of the opportunities available to learn and grow as a researcher."
College of Arts & Sciences
DSU's research emphasizes the application of technology to the arts, humanities, science, math, music, and theatre. Projects include interdisciplinary performance blending music and video games, as well as a site-specific sculptural installation exploring the history of our tech-focused mission.
College of Business & Information Systems
With recognition by federal agencies like the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security, and the NSA, DSU is positioned as a leader in cybersecurity, health informatics, and data analytics research. DSU also hosts the annual security conference, DakotaCon, which brings the nation's best cybersecurity experts to our state.
The Beacom College of Computer & Cyber Sciences
Our research agenda includes projects in machine learning and artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction, visualization and graphics, cybersecurity, and cyber operations. We are also studying gender disparities in computer science education.
College of Education & Human Performance
Education and Human Performance faculty and students conduct interdisciplinary research at the intersection of the humanities and technology. Often, there's an emphasis on practical applications in the classroom. Current projects include research on the impact of multitasking on learning.
Research Week 2026
DSU’s annual Research Symposium features cutting-edge, creative, academic achievements and research by our students and faculty. This event highlights the extensive research opportunities available to DSU students through internships, research courses, experiences, and grant-funded projects.
Undergraduate research
Dakota State University offers undergraduates in every discipline the chance to engage in advanced research. Work alongside faculty and peers, explore meaningful questions, and gain hands-on experience in modern labs using cutting-edge technology. Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills while beginning a research journey that can transform your academic career.
Graduate research
Research is at the core of Dakota State University’s graduate programs, giving students a deeper understanding of their fields. Work closely with faculty on projects ranging from big data for disease prediction to social media and mobile technologies that support healthier communities. Expand your expertise, contribute to meaningful discoveries, and advance your career through impactful research.
MadLabs®
Since opening in 2019, Madison Cyber Labs (MadLabs®) has served as Dakota State University’s hub for research, development, and innovation. This 38,500-square-foot facility brings together students, faculty, and staff from all four DSU colleges to collaborate using cutting-edge technology in a flexible, open research environment designed to spark discovery and economic opportunity.
News
Building Resilient Digital Ecosystems
Dakota State University alumnus, Aravindh Sekar, Ph.D. ’24, developed the Strategic-Decentralized Resilience Theory framework to explain who why emerging technologies succeed or fail.
Sathoff selected for Excellence in Teaching Award
Dr. Andrew Sathoff has been selected for the American Phytopathological Society’s 2026 Excellence in Teaching Award.
Research reveals Microraptor could glide
Dr. Alex Dececchi and an international team of researchers have made another discovery related to dinosaurs and early flight.