Research at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
Welcome to Research at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology.
The School of Mines is home to 17 research organizations composed of Research Centers, Labs, Institutes and other research programs including two National Science Foundation Industry/University Research Centers and the National Institute of Atmospheric Sciences. We are also proud to be the home of the Museum of Geology, soon to be co-located in the new Paleontology Building being built on campus. The Museum is home to one of the largest fossil collections in the region and is also one of the best documented collections in the nation which makes it an exceptionally valuable research tool. These on campus organizations allow students opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom and also enables them to experience a preview of what life will be like in the work force after graduation. Along with providing applied learning opportunities for students, the research organizations are also national leaders in research in their subject area, and many of the research organizations also include international components as well.
Scope of Research
The research endeavor at the School of Mines has been flourishing over the last decade. From researching new technologies for processing plant-derived materials into biomaterials such as ethanol to monitoring seismic activity at the National Science Foundation’s newly selected Deep Underground Science and Engineering Laboratory, projects being undertaken at the School of Mines have the potential to affect life in our state, our nation, and our world.
Cross-disciplinary Research
A key factor in the success and strength of the School of Mines research program is a university climate that nurtures and supports cross-disciplinary work. Our small size and common goals have helped us make strides in creating a campus environment where collaboration and the sharing of knowledge and resources are not just frequent, but the norm.
A Premiere Technological Research University
With the ongoing support of our research sponsors and corporate partners, our mission is to continue to build and sustain a program worthy of our position as a premiere technological university. We thank everyone who has helped to make our success possible.
To our faculty, we are committed to providing a healthful climate in which your research, scholarly, and service activities will flourish. We know that you have dedicated yourselves to discovery and that you work long and hard hours to be successful. Our mission is to support you with services that advance your professional development, help you secure funding, assist you with project management, and represent your interests both inside and outside the University. Each one of us takes personal responsibility for that mission. When you have a problem, we hope to take care of it quickly. The Office of Sponsored Programs is responsible for the processing and submission of all research projects and grants at the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, and for the subsequent administration of all research projects and grants awarded. I encourage you to explore our website where you will find more details about the services we provide.
To our students, whether it’s a manned voyage to Mars, using DNA-based forensics to fight terrorism, or simply designing a truly environment-friendly SUV, the simple fact is that tomorrow’s leaders will be those skilled enough, curious enough, intelligent enough, to research ... discover ... and invent tomorrow. At the School of Mines, these are the kind of scientists, engineers, and leaders we’ve been graduating since 1885. As an undergraduate or graduate student at the School of Mines, you’ll work in high-tech laboratories and routinely collaborate with faculty on cutting-edge scientific research and development initiatives in the fields that interest you. Our students research everything from national defense to nanotechnology to remote sensing, global warming, fiber-reinforced composites, ultra-lightweight space systems, futuristic transportation, energy resource development, and mineral extraction and processing. Students design, build, and test alternative fuel vehicles at our Center of Excellence for Advanced Manufacturing and Production (CAMP), win international engineering competitions, make presentations at national conferences, and conduct research at off-campus sites as far away as Norway, Guatemala, Mozambique, and Mongolia.
To the business community, we are committed to the growth and economic development of the Rapid City region and the State of South Dakota. We welcome research and service partnerships that will utilize the expertise and interests of our faculty and staff in addressing the needs of our community and region. A number of forces are coming together to increase the potential for South Dakota School of Mines and Technology to contribute to the economic growth of the State of South Dakota.
