DSU students attend annual SD Biotech meeting
November 5, 2025
Several Dakota State University students joined Dr. Andrew Sathoff in attending the SD Biotech Summit annual meeting recently in Sioux Falls.
Dr. Ashley Podhradsky, a SD Biotech Board member, invited Sathoff and the students, Norah Zoller, Amelie Steins, Vanessa Ocansey, and Basbo Ayelazono.
To the best of Sathoff’s knowledge, these students were the only undergraduates in attendance. “I was impressed that they felt comfortable asking pointed questions in front of the whole crowd,” he said.
The event was the first conference Steins had attended, and she found it helpful to hear from people from various industries discuss innovation in South Dakota and workforce needs. An international student from Germany, Steins is optimistic about businesses and organizations addressing brain drain in South Dakota. Brain drain is used to describe highly trained and intelligent people leaving a particular area or region for better opportunities elsewhere.
“It was really nice to be able to speak out about it and offer our opinions on why we might look to go somewhere else after school,” Steins explained.
She also connected with a company that uses artificial intelligence in bio data analysis, the area of biology Steins is interested in pursuing a career in. Steins appreciated the advice provided by attendees on research and learning about innovative ideas for the future in South Dakota.
“It definitely makes me excited to stay and watch the growth,” Steins said.
Ocansey found the meeting affirming and empowering. “As a student, being included alongside experienced professionals and getting to share my own perspectives made me feel that my input was valued.”
Ocansey also appreciated the open and honest conversations about various issues and that action is already being taken to address them.
“The most valuable part was partaking in strategic conversations and hands-on roundtable discussions,” Ocansey said. “The event didn’t just present information but encouraged everyone to share ideas, ask questions, and help shape the direction of South Dakota’s biotech ecosystem. In particular, the focus on collaboration across academia and industry was inspiring.”
Sathoff enjoyed watching the students interact with other attendees. “They made lots of connections with policy makers and biotech industry leaders, which will probably lead to summer internships,” he said.
“We had an excellent time and were very grateful that Ashley extended the invite.”
“It was incredibly rewarding to watch our DSU undergraduates walk into the SD Biotech Summit with confidence, ask thoughtful questions, and build meaningful connections with industry leaders,” said Dr. Ashley Podhradsky, Vice President of Research & Economic Development. “Opportunities like this don’t happen by accident – they happen because of faculty like Dr. Sathoff, who invest deeply in our students and open doors for them. Experiences like these truly shape their paths and expand what they believe is possible.”