Research Week
Dakota State University's annual Research Week will be March 23-27, 2026, leading into DakotaCon.
A campus-wide and community-wide celebration of DSU Research and Creative Activity, the week features a range of events detailed below, all concurrent with our annual Doctoral Residency. Come join the festivities and see how research is rising at DSU!
Schedule for research week 2026
Monday, March 23 - East Hall 100
Data Analytics Competition
The Data Analytics Competition at DSU has returned for the fourth year, sponsored by Sanford Health.
This free event allows collegiate teams to evaluate big data sets and make data forecasts for real-world business needs while helping students grow their critical thinking, collaboration, and presentation skills.
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 12:00 p.m. | Check-in for teams/advisors |
| 1:00 p.m. | Welcome |
| 1:10 p.m. | Competition Begins |
| 2:30 p.m. | Networking Break |
| 3:15 p.m. | Sanford Health comments |
| 4:00 p.m. | Awards & Closing Remarks |
Tuesday, March 24
Doctoral residents arrive on campus
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 8:30 a.m. | Check-in, Beacom Collaboration Space (BIT 106) |
| 9:00 a.m. | Welcome, Beacom Collaboration Space (BIT 106) |
| 10:00 a.m. | DSU/SMIT MOU Signing, Beacom Collaboration Space (BIT 106) |
| 10:45 A.M. | Doctoral sessions commence, KML 201 and MadLabs 112 |
| 11:45 a.m. | Lunch & Learn |
| 2:30 P.M. | Special guest lecture with Professor Eun-Chang Choi (TCB 201) |
Guest lecture – Professor Eun-Chang Choi
Professor Eun-Chang Choi is Chair of the Cybersecurity Graduate Program at the Seoul Media Institute of Technology (SMIT), where he leads initiatives at the intersection of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and technology policy. His work focuses on AI-enabled cyber threats, global cybersecurity governance, and the legal and policy frameworks shaping emerging technologies.
He has contributed to international education and policy efforts through engagements with organizations such as the United Nations Internet Governance Forum, the ITU Academy, and UNESCO programs supporting next-generation AI training. In these roles, he has helped advance global conversations around cybersecurity, AI, and digital governance.
Professor Choi has held academic and research appointments at leading institutions including the University of Oxford and Yale Law School. He is the author of multiple books on internet regulation, disinformation, and AI governance, and his work bridges technical, legal, and policy perspectives on cybersecurity in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Wednesday, March 25
| time | Event |
|---|---|
| 8:30 a.m. | Comps Prep Session, TCB 201 |
| 9:00 a.m. | Meet the Faculty, TCB Auditorium (203) |
| 9:45 a.m. | Coffee & Networking Break, TCB 201 |
| 10:00 a.m. | Programming continues, KML 201 & MadLabs 112 |
| 6:00 p.m. | DSU Advancement Dinner, BPC 206 Doctoral Residents and invites guests only |
Thursday, March 26
| time | Event |
|---|---|
| 9:00 a.m. | Doctoral programming in KML 201 and MadLabs 112 |
| 1:00 p.m. | Research Symposium in Beacom Collaboration Space (106) and BIT classrooms |
| 3:30 p.m. | Keynote session with Philip Niedermair, BIT 106 |
Afternoon classes suspended; faculty bringing students to Research Symposium
Research Symposium Program
Keynote Speaker - Philip Niedermair
Philip Niedermair is a senior executive, board chair, and strategic advisor with more than 30 years of leadership experience in cybersecurity, national security, technology, and governance. He has advised leaders across government, industry, nonprofit organizations, and academia, with a focus on building partnerships, strengthening governance, and advancing mission-driven growth.
He currently serves as Chairman of the Advisory Board for the Technology Advancement Center (TAC), a nonprofit established by the NSA and U.S. Cyber Command to support cybersecurity workforce development, innovation, and collaboration across government, industry, and academia. In this role, he provides strategic oversight and helps guide initiatives that strengthen national resilience and talent development. He also serves as Senior Advisor to the Cyberspace Solarium Commission 2.0.
Throughout his career, Niedermair has served on numerous boards and advisory councils and has advised major organizations in both domestic and international settings. His leadership emphasizes strong governance, financial stewardship, risk management, and institutional accountability to support long-term stability and trust.
Friday, March 27
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 11:30 a.m. | Entrepreneurs Day, BPC 206 |
Come support student innovation and see the next generation of entrepreneurs in action at Entrepreneurs Day. Hear from Teresa Wrich, Megan Marzolf, and Jessica Meyers, then watch DSU students pitch their business ideas as they compete to launch their ventures.
DakotaCon
Friday, March 27 - Sunday, March 28
Join us for three days of talks and training led by experts in the cybersecurity field. This small conference offers a welcoming environment where you can connect directly with speakers and engage with fellow security professionals.
Friday’s talks are free to attend.
Research Week News
Dakota State University Ready for Research Week
March 20, 2026
Dakota State University’s annual Research Week is set for March 23-27, highlighting DSU’s rising research efforts.
DakotaCon returns to DSU March 27
March 18, 2026
DakotaCon, now in its 13th year, will take place on Friday, March 27 at the Dakota Prairie Playhouse. The one-day conference features focused talks and training with experts across cybersecurity industry.
DSU, SMIT to sign strategic partnership agreement
March 18, 2026
DSU and SMIT will formalize a new international academic partnership during a MOU signing ceremony at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, March 24
Entrepreneurs Day set for March 27
March 17, 2026
DSU's eighth-annual Entrepreneurs Day returns to campus on Friday, March 27 at the Beacom PREMIER Complex, beginning at 11:30 a.m.
DSU, Sanford Health Host Data Analytics Competition
March 17, 2026
The 4th Annual Data Analytics Competition, hosted by the College of Business & Information Systems and Sanford Health, will take place Monday, March 23.