Research
Pioneering spirit, transformative thinking
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.
Research and Economic Development Annual Report
College of Arts and 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 and 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 and 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 and 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.
“We have an emerging science department that allows students to start performing research early in their academic life.”
Sammy Drummond, Physical Science '21
Research Week 2024
DSU’s annual Research Symposium features cutting-edge, creative, academic achievements and research by our students and faculty.
This event highlights the extensive undergraduate research opportunities available to DSU students through internships, research courses, experiences, and grant-funded projects.
Stop by The Beacom Institute of Technology in the Collaboration Center between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to view 2024’s projects.
Undergraduate research
Dakota State University offers undergraduates of all disciplines the opportunity to partake in the most advanced research opportunities. These opportunities pose the biggest questions, require the toughest of research, and demand collaboration to advance their missions.
Consume research at an exemplary level. Work in modern labs with the latest technology. Improve problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Collaborate with peers and faculty who share your passion. Divulge in novel experiences. View the world from a new perspective. Embark on a research journey that will change your academic career.
Graduate research
Our graduate programs embed research in their core, giving students a deeper understanding of their disciplines. Take on projects like big data for future disease prediction, social media to inform societal health habits, or mobile computing applications to encourage self-managed health.
Work closely with faculty advisors and collaborate on groundbreaking research. Push the boundaries of your knowledge. Be a part of a transformative breakthrough. Elevate your career and discover the solutions to the world’s most demanding questions.
Faculty research
DSU faculty members are dedicated individuals who push themselves and their students to be the best in their fields. Their research constantly advances those fields, hones their expertise, and informs excellence in teaching and service. Their work confronts national and global challenges. It fosters creativity and innovation. They share it through publications and other media. They maintain the highest academic and ethical standards.
MadLabs®
Since its grand opening in 2019, Madison Cyber Labs (MadLabs®) has become Dakota State’s hub for research, development, and economic opportunity. At 38,500 square feet, this first-of-its-kind dedicated research and development facility brought together generous public and private support to offer students, faculty, and staff from all four of DSU’s colleges access to the latest technologies, an open floorplan, and an array of different research labs – all fit to foster a collaborative atmosphere.
Goldwater Scholars
Our student researchers accomplish big things. We are proud to say that two of DSU’s science students, Hope Juntunen and Vaille Swanson, have received the Barry Goldwater Scholarship, in 2017 and 2018 respectively. This scholarship is the most prestigious and competitive undergraduate mathematics and science scholarship award in the United States.
News
Welynn animation accepted to world film festival
Daniel Welynn’s animation Karuk Fire Race has been accepted into several film festivals, including The World’s Independent Film Festival in San Francisco. He is an associate professor in the College of Arts & Sciences at Dakota State University.
Research shows experiential learning happens in simulations
Dr. David De Jong, dean of the College of Education & Human Performance, collaborated with Dr. Sara Dexter of the University of Virginia, an international leader in simulation research, to publish a research paper on this topic. “Experiential learning through simulations in fully online asynchronous courses: Exploring the role of self-debriefing,” has been accepted for publication in The Internet and Higher Education.
Fall research grants awarded at DSU
Dakota State University offers funded research opportunities to undergraduate and graduate students through mentored research initiative programs. Sixteen undergraduate and seven graduate students were awarded funds to complete their research projects for the 2024-25 academic year.
Contact Information
Research and Economic Development | (605) 256-5100 | Email
Research Compliance, IRB, and Export Controls Office | (605) 256-5100 | Email