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) |
| 11:45 a.m. | Lunch & Learn |
| 1:30 p.m. | Doctoral sessions commence, KML 201 and MadLabs 112 |
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
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 29
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
DakotaCon impacts careers
March 20, 2025
DakotaCon is an annual cybersecurity conference that is a great venue for anyone who wants to explore the field of cybersecurity. The agenda includes a lineup of distinctive speakers, a competition, and business trainings.
Three DSU teams place in annual analytics competition
March 19, 2025
Three teams of Dakota State University students earned the top three spots in the 3rd annual Data Analytics Competition on March 17. Event sponsored by Sanford Health.
Research events highlight DSU accomplishments
March 7, 2025
Dakota State University’s rising research efforts will be highlighted at the annual Research Week on March 17-23. Competitions, student research presentations, a cybersecurity conference, and several guest speakers are on the agenda.
DSU Entrepreneurs Day returns to Madison
February 14, 2025
Dakota State University’s seventh annual Entrepreneurs Day is returning to Madison on Friday, March 28, in the Beacom PREMIER Complex. The event will be open to the public and livestreamed.