The National Center for Research Resources of the National Institutes of Health developed the Institutional Development Award (IDeA) program to assist historically low-funded states to develop infrastructure that will enhance the state's ability to attain competitive research funding.

South Dakota has two active IDeA awards, the second of which was made in the fall of 2001 for the Biomedical Research Infrastructure Network, led by the University of South Dakota.

 

 

Please use the following to cite BRIN support:

"This publication / presentation was made possible by NIH Grant Number 2 P20 RR016479 from the INBRE Program of the National Center for Research Resources. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of NIH."



The 2010 Undergraduate Fellows Program begins in May with convocation on July 26.
For more events related to the 2010 UGF program, please click on the Calendar/Information tab.

Here is "The Safety Song" from the the Sounds of Science Web site:



February 15, 2010: Deadline for applications.
March 2010: Selection committee meets.
May 2010: Program begins.
July 26, 2010: Convocation (1-day).

 

 



USF Augie SWC USD MMC link to Dakota Wesleyan link to OLC link to BHSU link to SWC link to Augie link to Mt. Marty link to Univ. of Sioux Falls link to USD medical school
Click on a partner's logo on the above map to visit their Website.



The Undergraduate Research Fellowship (UGF) Program Mentors

Mentor (click to see bio)
Organization
Contact
USDSSM
USDSSM
USDSSM
USDSSM
USDSSM
USDSSM
USDSSM
USDSSM
USDSSM, Sioux Falls
USDSSM, Sioux Falls
USDSSM, Sioux Falls
USDSSM, Sioux Falls
USDSSM, Sioux Falls
Sanford Research/USD
Sanford Research/USD
Sanford Research/USD
Sanford Research/USD
Sanford Research/USD
Sanford Research/USD
Sanford Research/USD
Sanford Research/USD
USD Computer Science
USD Biology Dept.
Augustana College
Augustana College
Augustana College
Augustana College
Augustana College
Black Hills State U.
Black Hills State U.
Black Hills State U.
Black Hills State U.
Black Hills State U.
Black Hills State U.
Black Hills State U.
Dakota Wesleyan U.
Mt. Marty College
Mt. Marty College
South Dakota State
South Dakota State
South Dakota State
South Dakota State
South Dakota State
U. Sioux Falls
U. Sioux Falls
U. Sioux Falls
U. Sioux Falls

anderson Cynthia Anderson, Ph.D., SD BRIN Prgm. Coordinator, Research Faculty, BHSU

  • Postdoctoral Research, Molecular Genetics, Black Hills State University
  • Ph.D., Plant Sciences, Montana State University
  • B.S., Biology, Montant State University
Current Research: My personal research interests lie in understanding how organisms respond to pathogens and their environment at a genetic level.  I am currently developing a new research project to study the alteration of gene expression in species of members of the Brassicaceae that lead to pseudoflower production upon infection by the fungal rust pathogen, Puccinia monoica.  However, as the associate director of WestCore, I oversee a variety of rather diverse research projects.  Two of my projects are centered around understanding the affect of atmospheric particulate matter on human health:  1) we are seeking to understand the fungal compositon of the near-tropospheric bioparticulate matter by assessing the biodiversity of airborne allergenic and human disease-causing fungi present in outdoor air, especially in rural mining, agricultural and forested regions; and 2) we are developing aquatic and terrestrial bioindicators for atmospherically derived mercury in order to better understand the role of atmospherically derived mercury on regional ecosystems.  These bioindicators will aid in the detections of biologically active levels of mercury contamination in the soil and water of sensitive ecosystems.  Other projects in which I am involved explore the biodiversity of microbial populations in understudied environments.   Top

bergman David Bergmann, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Biology, BHSU

  • Ph.D., Entomology, North Dakota State University
  • Ph.D., Biochemistry, University of Minnesota
  • M.A., Biological Sciences, University of Missouri-Columbia
  • B.A., Hamline University, St. Paul, Minn.
Current Research: Dr. Bergmann's recent research has investigated the biochemistry and molecular biology of the oxidation of methane and ammonia by the methanotrophic bacteria, such as Methylococcus capsulatus Bath and the chemolithotrophic bacteria, such as Nitrosomonas europaea. He has been interested primarily in an enzyme, cytochrome P460, which catalyzes the oxidation of hydroxylamine (a metabolic intermediate in the pathway for ammonia oxidation) to nitrite. With undergraduates at BHSU, he is currently developing systems to over-express this enzyme in bacteria and perform site-directed mutagenesis on it to gain insights into its structure, catalytic properties, and possible evolution. Bergmann is interested in microbial ecology, especially concerning microbial transformations of nitrogen and methane in the environment. Also, he is studying the succession of heterotrophic bacteria on the gills of rainbow trout using a combination of traditional and molecular techniques. Dr. Bergmann's recent publications on PubMed Top

birger Chad Birger, M.S., Instructor of Mathematics, USF

  • M.S., Computer Science & Statistics, South Dakota State University, Brookings, S.D.
  • M.S., Mathematics, South Dakota State University, Brookings, S.D.
  • B.S., Mathematics/Computer Science, University of Sioux Falls (S.D.)
Current Research: Top

chauhan Subhash Chauhan, Ph.D., Scientist, Cancer Biology Research Center
Assistant Professor, Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, USDSSM

  • Ph.D., Major Reproductive Endocrinology, Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Lucknow, India
  • M.S., Zoology, H.N.B. Garhwal University
  • B.S., Zoology, Botany and Chemistry, H.N.B. Garhwal University, Shrinagar, Garhwal, India
Current research: Dr. Chauhan's primary research interest is to identify and characterize the diagnostic and therapeutic targets for gynecological malignancies (ovarian, cervical and endometrial cancer). The main focus of his research is to elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of cell-cell adhesion and anti-adhesion molecules that cause gynecological cancers. This research is aimed for the identification and characterization of biomarkers that aberrantly express or localize in cancer cells of reproductive tract in order to develop newer tools for early disease diagnosis. Top

chaussee Michael Chaussee, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Bacterial Pathogenesis, USDSSM

  • Postdoctorate, Microbiology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, NIAID, NIH, Hamilton, Mont.
  • Ph.D., Microbiology, University of Oklahoma
  • B.S., Microbiology, University of Minnesota
Current Research: Streptococcus pyogenes is responsible for a variety of human diseases ranging in severity from uncomplicated pharyngitis or "strep throat" to life-threatening invasive diseases such as necrotizing fasciitis and toxic shock syndrome. Although the molecular mechanisms responsible for severe outcomes of infection are complex, S. pyogenes secretes many proteins to the extracellular environment that contribute to virulence. Dr. Chaussee's laboratory uses a variety of genetic approaches, including functional genomics, to study the function of streptococcal exoproteins and their role in pathogenesis. Top

cole Tony Cole, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Biochemistry, DWU

  • Ph.D., Plant Molecular Virology, University of Missouri
  • M.S., Physical Biochemistry, Kansas State University
  • B.S., Organic Chemistry, Ft. Hays State University
Current Research: Identification and characterization of virus-induced cell death genes in two Australian Nicotiana species Top

John Dixson John Dixson, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Chemistry, BHSU

  • Ph.D., University of Iowa
  • M.S., University of Iowa
  • B.A., University of Northern Iowa

Current Research: My research interests are in the area of synthetic organic chemistry with applications to the design and syntheiss of small organic molecules to address malaria as well as other tropical diseases. I am currently focused on two projects: one aimed at exploring the inhibition of the enzyme farnesyltransferase and its effect on malaria. The second, which is in the initial stages, involves a collaboration with Dr. David Sullivan at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine exploring treatments for malaria using small molecules that Dr. Sullivan identified with activity on the Plasmodium falciparum in a screen of a library of known drug molecules.

Dr. Dixson's personal Web page with a list of recent publications is here. Top

duffy Jetty Duffy-Matzner, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Organic Chemistry, Augustana

  • Ph.D., Organic Chemistry, University of California-Davis
  • B.S., Boise State University
Current Research: The pursuit of novel ionophoric macromolecules based upon 3,4-linked tetrahydrofurans. The purpose of this project is to explore the synthesis of compounds such as the novel tetraester macrocyclic compound. These polyesters will be generated from 3,4-derivatized tetrahydrofurans, unlike many known 2,5-substituted tetrahydrofuran macrocycles, such as nonactin. The biological importance and ion selectivity of the new series of tetraester macrocycles would then be examined. Top

kegland Kristi Egland, Ph.D., Scientist, Signal Transduction Institute, Cancer Biology Research Center Assistant Professor, Dept. of Ob/Gyn. and BBS, USDSSM

  • Ph.D., Molecular Biology, University of Iowa
  • B.A., Washington University, St. Louis

Current research: Identifying specific breast cancer proteins for use as targets of immunotoxin therapy. Top

pegland Paul Egland, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Biology, Augustana College

  • Postdoctoral Fellow, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md.
  • Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Iowa
  • Ph.D., Microbiology, University of Iowa
  • B.A., Biology, Luther College, Decorah, Iowa
Current research: The genetic mechanism of interspieces communication between the human dental plaque bacteria Streptococcus gordonii and Veillonella atypica. Top

eyster Kathleen Eyster, Ph.D., Professor, Endocrinology and Genomics, USDSSM

  • Ph.D., Physiology, University of Arizona
Current Research: The major foci of Dr. Eyster’s laboratory are endocrinology and reproduction.  Three research projects are under investigation.  The first project focuses on the genomics of endometriosis.  Endometriosis is an estrogen-regulated disease that causes infertility and pain in affected women.  This research searches for genes that are involved in the pathogenesis of endometriosis.  The second project focuses on the effects of estrogen on the cardiovascular system.  Women develop cardiovascular disease at a later age than men, typically after the menopause.  This research addresses the hypothesis that estrogen has direct protective effects on the cardiovascular system when the vasculature is healthy, and that estrogen exacerbates cardiovascular disease when the blood vessels are unhealthy.  The third project examines hormonal regulation of signal transduction in the ovary.  Techniques used in these projects include DNA microarray analysis, real time RT-PCR, Western blot, and cell culture. Dr. Eyster's recent publications on PubMed Top

gonzalez Jose Gonzalez, Ph.D., Assistant Prof., Plant Molecular Genetics/Genomics, SDSU

  • Ph.D., North Dakota State University
Current Research: My general area of research is plant molecular genetics and genomics with an emphasis on applications to crops of interest to South Dakota agriculture. Currently my laboratory, in collaboration with other groups at SDSU, is working in the development of native grasses as feedstocks for ethanol production from cellulose. We are focusing on prairie cordgrass as a suitable biofuels grass species to be grown in this region of the country. We have several funded projects including collaborations with several industrial partners. My lab also has interests in other crops such as wheat and soybeans, particularly in the development and application of genomic solutions to plant breeding efforts. Top

harris Fathi Halaweish, Ph.D., Professor of Chemistry, SDSU

  • Ph.D., Pharmaceutical Chemistry/Natural Products, University of Wales, Cardiff, Wales
  • M.S., Pharmacognosy, University of Mansoura, Egypt
  • B.A., Pharmacy, University of Mansoura, Egypt

Current Research: My research interests are focused on the chemistry, metabolism, synthesis, tissue culture production of the biologically active organic natural products and their utilization as pharmaceutical and agrochemical agents. The high degree of biodiversity of plants represents a wealth of novel organic natural com pounds to be explored. Our objective is to isolate active components from plant extracts which shows potential activity [such as antitumor and antiviral] through bioassay guided fractionation. I am currently studying acetogenins which have a potent cytotoxic, a potent antitumor against ovarian, leukemia and prostate cancer. Ribosome inactivating proteins (RIP) from cucurbits [a potential anti-tumor and anti-AID agents] is another research program I am pursuing it. Another objective of my research is to evaluate the potential activities and toxicity of plants used in Native American medicine.

Once active compounds are isolated using preparative HPLC, their structures are solved using various NMR experiments, MS, LC-MS, GC-MS, UV and IR. For compounds that seem particularly promising we then explore methods to prepare them by tissue culture or synthesis and/or semi-synthesis.

Another research interest of my program is plant-animal and plant insect biochemical interactions, and environmental effects [such as ozone depletion & UV-B] on biosystems.
Click here for Dr. Halaweish's Web page. Top

harris William Harris, Ph.D., Senior Scientist, Director, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases Institute Professor, Internal Medicine/Basic Biomedical Sciences, USDSSM

  • Ph.D., Human Nutrition, University of Minnesota
  • B.A., Chemistry, Hanover (Ind.) College

Current Research: Dr. Harris’s research has focused primarily on fish oils (omega-3 fatty acids), lipid metabolism and cardiovascular disease. He has been the Principal Investigator on three NIH R01 projects focusing on omega-3 fatty acids and human lipoprotein metabolism. He has recently been examining the effects of these oils on cardiac function in healthy subjects and patients with cardiovascular disease. In 2004, Dr. Harris proposed that blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids may be a new risk factor for cardiovascular disease and has been testing that hypothesis in epidemiological investigations. Future studies will focus on the role of omega-3 fatty acids and other lipid-lowering drugs in the treatment of metabolic syndrome, and on the cellular mechanisms by which omega-3 fatty acids impact myocardial function. Top

hoppe Adam Hoppe, Ph.D., Asst. Professor, Biochemistry, SDSU

  • Ph.D., Biophysics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
  • M.S., Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin, Madison
  • B.A., Physics & Mathematics, Concordia College, Moorhead, Minn.

Current Research: The biological focus of my lab is to explain how the motility and inflammatory functions of macrophages are controlled by spatially-encoded biochemistries downstream of the macrophage colony stimulating factor receptor (mCSFR). mCSFR signaling is known to control the accumulation of macrophages in tissues where they mediate innate immune responses or aid in disease progression of atherosclerosis and cancer. By applying our quantitative techniques to this problem, these studies should provide new insights into the mechanisms of organized receptor signaling while potentially identifying novel pharmacological targets for controlling macrophage behavior and treatment of human diseases. Top

jaggi Meena Jaggi, Ph.D., Research Scientist, Signal Transduction Institute Assistant Professor, Dept. of Ob/Gyn and Basic Biomedical Sciences, USDSSM

  • Ph.D., Reproductive Biology, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
  • M.S., Zoology/Cytogenetics, University of Allahabad, India
  • B.S., Botany/Chemistry/Zoology, University of Allahabad, India

Current research: The primary focus of Dr. Jaggi's research is to identify and evaluate the functional significance of cell-cell adhesion molecules known as cadherins and catenins in normal development and cancer progression and to understand the regulation of cadherin/catenin complex activity by protein kinase D1 (PKD1/PKCmu) signaling. We have identified a novel interaction between E-cadherin/beta-catenin complex and protein kinase D1 (PKD1), an important modulator of several kinase signal-transduction pathways in benign and malignant human diseases. Downstream signaling of the E-cadherin/beta-catenin and PKD1 interaction alters malignant phenotype of cancer cells. Dr. Jaggi's laboratory is currently delineating molecular mechanisms involved in the beta-catenin and PKD1 interaction and in regulation of integrity of cell junctions and cell proliferation. Another project investigates the alteration of signal transduction pathways in prostate, colon, breast and gynecological cancers using genomic and proteomic techniques. The laboratory employs a variety of in vivo and in vitro approaches including cell culture, transfection, gene cloning, molecular biology techniques, Western blotting, immunoprecipitation and in vitro binding assays, immunofluorescence microscopy, immunohistochemistry, reporter assays, cell cycle, cell adhesion, motility and proliferation assays. Dr. Jaggi's recent publications on PubMed. Top

larson Mark Larson, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Biology, Augustana College

  • Postdoctoral Fellow, Centre for Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, UK
  • Ph.D., Pharmacology, University of North Carolina
  • B.A., Biology/Chemistry, Concordia College, Moorehead, Minn.
Current Research: Effects of omega-3 fatty acids on the platelet function (with Dr. Bill Harris). Top

lee Dr. John H. Lee, M.D., Surgeon Scientist, Sanford Research/USD; Associate Professor (Adjunct), USDSSM

  • M.D., University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Minneapolis, Minn.
  • B.S., Biology/Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, Calif.
Current Research: The Role of HPV in Head & Neck Cancer. The overall goal of this project is to identify genetic factors that are associated with predisposition to and progression of head and neck malignancies. Current evidence indicates that the development of head and neck cancer is associated with exposure to environmental carcinogens (e.g. tobacco and alcohol use) and infection with human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV infection is predominant in a subset of head and neck cancers called oropharyngeal cancers. For example, ~50% of tonsillar carcinomas contain and express HPV sequences. There is also now significant evidence that PTP-BL loss plays a role in the development of genetic instability and cancer progression. HPV has been shown to degrade PTP-BL, the enzyme that adds telomere repeats back to chromosomes. Because of their different etiologies, HPV+ and HPV- head and neck cancers provide an ideal system to study the role of PTP-BL Lossand genetic instability in the transformation of epithelial cells by different mechanisms. Top

li Yi-Fan Li, M.D., Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Basic Biomedical Sciences, USDSSM

  • M.D., Chengde Medical College, Chengde, China
  • Ph.D., Physiology, Beijing Medical University, Beijing, China
  • M.S., Physiology, Anhui College of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
Current Research: Neurohumoral control of cardiovascular functions: (1) Interactions of neurotransmitters/modulators in central autonomic pathways and central mechanisms involved in altered autonomic functions in cardiovascular diseases including heart failure, diabetes. (2) Interactions of neurotransmitters/modulators within the hypothalamus in endocrine regulations and their roles in regulation of cardiovascular functions in physiological and pathophysiological conditions.

Neuroimmunoregulation: (1) Autonomic regulations of cytokine generation and release and their roles in cardiovascular diseases. (2) Central and peripheral actions of cytokines on neuro-endocrine functions and their roles in regulation of cardiovascular functions. Morphometry of normal and diseased hearts. Top

lushbough Carol Lushbough, Assistant Professor, Computer Science, USD

  • M.A., Computer Science, University of South Dakota
  • M.A., Mathematics, University of South Dakota
Current Research: Many emerging computational opportunities in bioinformatics require access to multiple repositories, community databases and project databases for use in domain-specific research, typically conducted upon subsets of all relevant data. Because each data source is accessed with a distinct query language and returns results in unique formats, researchers must either rely on a small number of primary data sources or exert large efforts to learn multiple specifications. The bioextract server is a federated database service designed to consolidate and serve data extracts from accessible, heterogeneous, biomolecular databases. It offers a central distribution point for uniformly format-ted data from various data sources. The basic operations of the bioextract server allows researchers via a Web browsers to: specify data sources; select clean-ing and analytic tools; flexibly query the sources with a full range of relational operators; determine download formats for their resulting extracts; save workflow, name and keep query results persistent for re-use. Data sources may be classified as public or belonging to specific research groups. This provides collabora-tive groups with the ability to share distributed data without having to make that data public. Top

maddox David Maddox, Ph.D., Director of Basic Research, Avera Research Institute Professor of Internal Medicine, USDSSM

  • Postdoctoral Fellow, Renal Physiology, University of California, San Francisco
  • Ph.D., Physiology and Biophysics, University of Iowa
  • Graduate work in Biology, New Mexico Highlands University
  • B.A., Biology and Mathematics, Blackburn College, Carlinville, Ill.

Current Research: Obesity is associated with hypertension, type 2 diabetes, high blood lipid levels, cardiovascular disease and kidney failure. The primary focus of Dr. Maddox's research is the pathogenesis of obesity-linked kidney disease using a genetic model of obesity, the obese Zucker rat. Studies are aimed at examining the early molecular events leading to the development of kidney failure and examining new treatments, both dietary and pharmacologic, to prevent and possibly reverse obesity-linked kidney disease. Techniques that will be used include real time PCR, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, DNA microarrays, and image analysis, as well as a variety of chemical and radioimmunoassay techniques. Dr. Maddox's recent publications on PubMed Top

manna Adhar Manna, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, USDSSM

  • Ph.D., Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
Current Research: Staphylococcus aureus (also known as Staph, Superbug or MRSA) is one of the major opportunistic commensal pathogens in both community and clinical associated settings causing disease in human with substantial morbidity and mortality. Staphylococcus expresses a large number of virulence factors, which are regulated by a wide range of global regulatory systems that enable them to establish infections and cause diseases. Major focus of our laboratory is to identify effective anti-staphylococcal agents based on using two approaches. First approach is targeting transcriptional regulators - by understanding the molecular mechanism of virulence gene regulation by staphylococcal specific Sar-family proteins and S. aureus pathogenesis. Second approach is to develop metal oxides derivate nanoparticles based therapeutic agents capable of limiting the ability of Staphylococcus or Gram-positive organisms to cause disease. Top

matzner Steve Matzner, Ph.D., Chairman, Biology, Augustana College

  • Ph.D., University of California, Davis
  • M.S., University of California, Davis
  • B.A., Augustana College
Current Research: Please visit Dr. Matzner's Web site. Top

mcroy Will McRoy, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Biology, Mounty Marty College

  • Ph.D., University of North Carolina
  • B.S., Illinois College
Current Research: Many problematic human viruses, such as Influenza and HIV, are of zoonotic origin.  How these viruses ‘jump’ the species barrier from an animal host into the human population is poorly understood.  Dr. McRoy’s lab is using the coronavirus mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) as a model system to study molecular determinants of host range expansion.  Of particular interest is the evolutionarily conserved Class I fusion protein mechanism, found in viruses such as Influenza and HIV as well as MHV, and its potential role in mediating species jumps. Top

miskimins Keith Miskimins, Ph.D., Senior Scientist and Director, Cancer Biology Research Center Professor, Basic Biomedical Sciences, USDSSM

  • Postdoctoral Fellow, Yale University
  • Ph.D., Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Arizona
  • M.S., Genetics, University of Arizona
  • B.S., Zoology, University of Wyoming

Current Research: Dr. Keith Miskimins is interested in mechanisms that regulate growth of both normal and cancer cells. His research is currently focused on proteins that regulate cell cycle progression. A major goal is to understand how the cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor p27 is regulated and how this regulation is altered in breast cancer cells. Top

Munger Karen Munger, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Physiology and Pharmacology, USDSSM; Chief, Division of Research, Internal Medicine, Avera Research Institute & VA Medical Center

  • Ph.D., Physiology/Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego
Current Research: Basic science research opportunities in renal physiology are available in a USD-affiliated laboratory located in Sioux Falls.  Dr. Munger is interested in the role of the NMDA calcium channel in normal kidney function.  NMDA has been described in the brain and is involved in plasticity and learning.  NMDA is also responsible for damage sustained after ischemia (“stroke”).  Dr. Munger has recently discovered the NMDA receptor in the rat kidney and is investigating the role of NMDA in normal renal function in rats. The renal NMDA receptor is regulated by protein intake and is involved in normal hemodynamics and growth in the kidney. Various analytical and surgical techniques are used in the laboratory including whole kidney clearances techniques, small animal surgery, gel electrophoresis, immunohistochemistry, real time PCR, microscopy, and quantitative analysis. Many student projects are available. Top

mwangi George Mwangi, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Chemistry, USF

  • Ph.D., University of New Hampshire
Current Research: Chemical sensor based on dopamine molecular imprinted polymers The aim of this research is to develop a chemical sensor that is selective and specific for dopamine. Dopamine is an important neurotransmitter, a chemical messenger between the nerve cells in the mammalian brain. It also plays an important role in the function of the renal, hormonal and cardiovascular systems. Therefore the development of dopamine quantification in blood and other biological systems is very important. The specific binding sites for dopamine will be created in polymers during the imprinting process. Molecular Imprinted polymer (MIP) microspheres will be synthesized via precipitation polymerization. The dopamine print molecule, the principal monomer, N-Isopropyl acrylamide or vinyl caprolactum, and the functional monomer methacrylic acid will be dispersed in the solvent by sonication. The crosslinker, stabilizer and initiator will then be added to this mixture. The functional monomer will form a complex with the dopamine print molecule and following polymerization, their functional groups will be held in position by the crosslinked polymeric structure. Removal of the print molecule will reveal sites that have a molecular memory, which will allow the polymer to selectively rebind the dopamine analyte. Top

neufeld Dan Neufeld, Ph.D., Professor of Cellular and Molecular Biology, USDSSM

  • Ph.D., Tulane University
Current Research: The role of extracellular matrix in wound healing and tissue regeneration. Top

oconnell Timothy O'Connell, Ph.D., Scientist, Cardiovascular Research Center, Signal Transduction Institute/Assistant Professor, Basic Biomedical Sciences, USDSSM

  • Ph.D., Pharmacology, University of Michigan
  • B.S., Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago
Current research: Studying α1-adrenergic receptor regulation of cardiac hypertrophy and function during both developmentand disease using both α1-AR knockout mice and cultured adult mouse myocytes. Top

paulson Alicia Paulson, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Biology/Neuroscience Group, USD

  • Teaching Fellow, San Francisco State University
  • Postdoctoral Fellow, University of California, Davis
  • Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Texas
  • Ph.D., Cell & Developmental Biology, University of Minnesota
  • B.S., Biology, University of Puget Sound
Current research: The neural crest forms a large variety of cell types in the developing embryo including sensory and enteric neurons, glia, and pigment cells.  These cells originate in the dorsal portion of the neural tube, undergo an epithelial to mesenchyme transition to leave the neural tube and commence migration through embryonic tissues to their destinations.  These processes involve dynamic cell-cell and cell-ECM interactions mediated by cadherins and integrins respectively.  We are interested in the functions and expression regulation of the Type II mesenchymal cadherins that play key roles in the morphogenesis of the neural crest.  We use avian embryos as our model system as the embryos are easy to access and to manipulate gene expression in at very early embryonic stages.   The two main foci of the lab right now are 1) the genomic regulation of cadherin7 expression in the developing nervous system and 2) characterizing the role of cadherin19 in Schwann cell precursors, a neural crest cell type. Top

JPetersen Jason Petersen, Ph.D., Research Assistant Professor, Internal Medicine, USDSSM; Research Scientist, Avera Research Institute

  • Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Neb.
  • Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Department of Biochemistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
  • Ph.D., Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of South Dakota
  • B.S., Biology, Bethel College, St. Paul, Minn.
Current Research: The ultraviolet component of sunlight induces DNA damage which can be lethal or mutagenic to cells. In response to this threat, cells have developed mechanisms of DNA repair. The current aim of Dr. Petersen’s research is to use molecular map-based cloning to identify and characterize genes involved in these DNA repair processes in the model organism Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Top

ronan Patrick Ronan, Ph.D., Research Assistant Professor, USDSSM, Avera Research Institute

  • Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Texas Southwestern at Dallas
  • Ph.D., Biology, University of South Dakota
  • M.A., University of South Dakota
  • B.A., Earlham College, Richmond, Ind.
Current Research: Dr. Ronan's research is directed at understanding the mechanisms underlying stress-induced behavioral disorders, such as depression and sleep disorders. In order to study the roles genes play in stress and anxiety he is employing the strategy of using non-replicationg viral vectors to introduce short DNA constructs to discreet regions of the rat brain that can silence the expression of target genes by a process known as RNA interference. This is an approach that could perhaps be used for gene therapy in humans. Students could be involved in behavioral testing, both assessing anxiety as well as arousal state (sleep studies). Limited data analysis along with EEG analysis as well as some stereotactic surgery if desired would pe possible. Basic histology techniques will be taught including tissue preservation, sectioning, staining, and mounting. Other lab techniques include immunohistochemistry and Western Blot analysis for detection of proteins in tissues, in situ hybridization and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to measure mRNA expression, fluorescent microscopy, including confocal microscopy, and working with recombinant DNA constructs. Top

sarver Shane Sarver, Ph.D., CCBR Director and Professor, Biology, BHSU

  • Ph.D., Zoology, Louisiana State University
  • M.S., Fisheries, Humbolt State University
  • B.S., Biology, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Current Research: The development of a research program in the evolutionary genetics of the genes responsible for transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. The neurological diseases classified as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies are diseases of animals with a curious underlying biology. The current project takes a new approach to the TSE problem, specifically examining the evolutionary genetics of the genes responsible for TSE's, particularly in deer and elk (chronic wasting disease or CWD) and the previously unstudied American bison. This research involves the molecular genetics laboratory at BHSU and the proteomics and genomics facilities at USD school of medicine. Top

scholten Evelyn Schlenker, Ph.D., Professor, Physiology, USDSSM

  • Sabbatical, Neuroendocrinology, The Rockefeller University, New York, N.Y.
  • Post-doctoral Fellow, Respiratory Physiology, University of Florida, Tallahassee, Fla.
  • Ph.D., Physiology, SUNY, Buffalo, N.Y.
  • B.S., Biology, CCNY, New York, N.Y.
Current Research: Research in my laboratory focuses on two main themes. First, understanding factors in the nervous system and respiratory muscles that lead to the development of alveolar hypoventilation, an inadequate ability of the respiratory system to meet the metabolic demands of the body. Animal models that we have used to investigate the development of alveolar hypoventilation include the dystrophic hamster, hypo and herthyroidism in hamsters, and mice infected with a neurotrophic virus. Second, understanding factors that lead to gender differences in the control of breathing in rats. Research in this area has focused on how different neuortransmittor systems (such as opioids, NMDA and non-NMDA receptors) and estrogen receptors modulate breathing differences in male and female rats. For more information, please visit Dr. Schlenker's Web site. Top

scholten Shane Scholten, M.S., Assistant Professor, Exercise Science, USF

  • Ph.D. Candidate, Nutritional Science, South Dakota State University
  • M.S., Exercise Science, University of Nebraska, Omaha
  • B.S., Fitness/Wellness Mgmt, Dakota State University, Madison, S.D.
Current Research: Nutrition related research including antioxidants, Insulin Growth Factor – 1, and other nutrients on exercise performance and prevention of disease. Research on “sprint fitness.” The purpose was to determine the effectiveness of exercise thirty minutes for three days per week in three weeks. The pilot study has shown a statistically significant difference in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, resting heart rate, flexibility, muscular endurance and body weight. Top

shearer Gregory Shearer, Ph.D., Research Scientist, Sanford Research/USD

  • Ph.D., Physiology, University of California, Davis
  • B.S., Biochemistry, University of California, Riverside
Current Research: My current project seeks to understand how oxygenated polyunsaturated fatty acids can act on myocyte membrane ion channels to affect contractility. Fatty acid alcohols are thought to inhibit contractility while fatty acid epoxides increase contractility. This study will establish the effects of fatty acid alcohols and epoxidies and compare those derived from the more common n-6 fatty acids such as arachdonate to the n-3 derived ones such as eicosapentaenoate and docosahexenoate, which are commonly found in fish oils. Contracting heart muscle cells and the effect on calcium influx will be used as a bioassay to establish the effects. Top

siemens David Siemens, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, BHSU

  • Postdoctoral Fellow, Max Planc Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
  • Postdoctoral Fellow, USDA, University of Montana
  • Ph.D., Biology/Ecology, Northern Arizona University
  • M.S., Northern Arizona University
  • B.A., Biology, University of California, Los Angeles
Current Research: Gene expression in biologically meaningful contexts: Functional genomics in close wild relative of the model organism Arabidopsis thaliana. Top

soeffing William Soeffing, Ph.D., Professor of Biology, USF

  • Ph.D., Anatomy, University of South Dakota
  • M.S., Zoology, South Dakota State University
  • B.A., Zoology, South Dakota State University
Current research:

Successive to continuing comparative investigations regarding the characterization of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853) cultured in hyperbaric environments, this study will examine the reduction rate changes and residual accumulations induced as P. aeruginosa switches from aerobic to anaerobic denitrification under normobaric conditions.  Results of preliminary aerobic and anaerobic normobaric denitrification studies distinguish contrasting commencement delays, reduction rates and residual accumulations, suggesting that P. aeruginosa may select alternative oxidation-reduction systems in the transition between normoxic and anoxic conditions.  Of particular interest to this study, will be the increased cell-cell adhesion phenomenon (biofilm or biofilm-like formation) that has been observed in previous studies.  This increased cell association, at the atmosphere-media interface, has the propensity to produce microenvironments that could differ dramatically in composition, thereby significantly affecting the aforementioned characteristics of denitrification.  Results from these studies may have relevance to issues surrounding Pseudomonas spp. involvement in the epidemiology, pathology and chemotherapy of external and middle ear infections of personnel living in extreme environments (i.e., submarines, space stations and undersea habitats), synergetic chemotherapeutic and hyperbaric oxygen treatment of severe burn victims, and multi-staged nitrate bioremediation processes. Top

spellman Garth Spellman, Ph.D., Research Faculty, CCBR/WestCore, BHSU

  • Ph.D., Biological Sciences, University of Nevada-Las Vegas
  • M.S., Zoology, University of Alaska-Fairbanks
  • B.A., Biology, Carleton College, Northfield, Minn.
Current research: Dr. Spellman's excellent biography is available at his Web site. Top

telleria Carlos Telleria, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Reproductive Endocrinology /Endocrine-related Cancer, USDSSM

  • Ph.D., Reproductive Endocrinology, University of San Luis, Argentina

Current Research: The major area of research undertaken in Dr. Telleria's laboratory deals with the molecular mechanisms by which steroid and peptide hormones control function, survival and physiological death (apoptosis) of ovarian cells. In vivo, ex-vivo and in-vitro experimental approaches are used combined with state-of-the-art techniques for the study of apoptosis and gene expression. The ultimate goal is to understand the mechanisms of ovarian cell death to be able to i) reestablish function in cases of infertility caused by luteal dysfunction and corpus luteum inadequacy, in which the primary problem is the insufficient quantity or duration of progesterone secretion that leads to repetitive pregnancy losses; and ii) accelerate cell death in the case of ovarian cancer, which is the fourth most frequent cause of cancer death among women and the leading cause of death from gynecological malignancies. Dr. Telleria's recent publications on PubMed Top

wang XJ Wang, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Molecular Cardiovascular Biology, Director of MD/PhD Program, Basic Biomedical Sciences, USDSSM

  • MD - Hubei Medical University (Wuhan University School of Medicine), Wuhan, China
  • Ph.D. - University of South Dakota
  • Distinctions
    • International Society for Heart Research (ISHR) - American Section Young Investigator Award
    • Heart Failure Society of America (HFSA) Young Investigator Award
    • American Heart Association Postdoctoral Fellowship Award
    • American Heart Association Scientist Development Award
    • American Heart Association Established Investigator Award
Current Research: Protein quality control in the heart. The cause and effect of defective protein degradation pathways in cardiomyopathies.
Dr. Wang's Web page. Top

wanous Michael Wanous, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Biology, Chairman, Natural Sciences Division, Augustana College

  • Visiting Scientist, John Innes Centre, Norwich, Norfolk, UK
  • Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Missouri-Columbia
  • Ph.D., Genetics, University of Missouri-Columbia
  • M.S., Plant Breeding, Texas A&M University
  • B.S., Agronomy/International Agriculture, University of Minnesota
Current Research: The goal of the research is to identify, map to chromosome arm, and study interactions of the genes that regulate the transcription of the genes of the starch biosynthetic pathway in bread wheat. The genes encoding the enzymes in the starch biosynthetic pathway contribute to the production of starch, which is the main energy source of human nutrition worldwide and also the starting point in the production of renewable biofuels. Dr. Wanous's Web page. Top

wu Chun Wu, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Chemistry, Mount Marty College

  • Ph.D., University of New Mexico, Alberquerque
  • M.S., Sichuan University
  • B.S., Sichuan University

Current Research: (1) Rational design, synthesis and evaluation of potential inhibitors of Class II Giardia fructose-1, 6-bisphosphate aldolase for alternative treatment of  giardiasis and (2) Investigation of potential drug targets for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Infections. Top

yang Da-Qing Yang, Ph.D., Staff Scientist, Sanford Research/USD

  • Ph.D., Biochemistry/Molecular Biology, Kansas State University
  • M.S., Microbiology, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai, P.R. China
Current Research: Regulation of protein translation by ATM in tesponse to insulin. The objective of this research is to further explore the cytoplasmic function of ATM protein in regulation of protein translation in insulin signaling pathways. Our hypothesis is that ATM, in response to insulin, may phosphorylate multiple protein translational factors, in addition to 4E-BP1, to regulate cell growth and proliferation. The Specific Aims of this project are: I. Characterization of upstream kinases that regulate ATM activity in insulin signaling pathways. II. Characterization of downstream substrates of ATM which regulate protein translation in response to insulin. Top

you Youngjae You, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Organic & Medicinal Chemistry, SDSU

  • Postdoc, SUNY at Buffalo
  • Ph.D., Chungnam National University, Korea
  • M.S., Chungnam National University, Korea
  • B.Pharm., Chungnam National University, Korea

Current Research: My research spans the identification, design, and synthesis of small molecules for medical and biological applications. Multidisciplinary knowledge and skills are practiced in natural products, organic, and medicinal chemistry.
Current interest focuses on three areas: Developing New Photosensitizers, Dendrimeric Drug Delivery System Based on Nano-biophotonics, and Rational Drug Design and Synthesis.

For a more in-depth look at Dr. You's research, please visit his lab's Web site: Lab of Medchem & Biophotonics at SDSU, and his personal Web site: Dr. Younjae You.  Top

zehfus Micheal Zehfus, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Chemistry, BHSU

  • Ph.D., Biochemistry/Biophysics, Oregon State University
  • M.S., Biochemistry, University of Chicago
  • A.B., Chemistry, Ripon College, Ripon, Wis.
Current Research: Presently there are two major research efforts in Dr. Zehfus' lab. The first deals with analyzing the thiamine levels (vitamin B1) in various tissues of walleye and salmon taken from Lake Oahe in central South Dakota; the second deals with determining the strength of a backbone hydrogen bond in an alpha helix. Right now the main effort in Dr. Zehfus’ lab has been in the development of a non-radioactive assay for the thiaminase, the enzyme that is responsible for the destruction of thiamine in fish. Top

Ruanbao Zhou, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Microbiology, SDSU

  • Postdoctorate, Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University
  • Ph.D., Plant Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, Peking University (China)
  • M.S., Plant Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, Anhui Normal University (China)
  • B.S., Biology, Anhui Normal University (China)

Current Research: Cyanobacteria, through billions of years of evolution, have become well-tuned biological devices that can efficiently harvest solar energy, the one limitless source of energy on Earth, and convert that energy into a variety of reduced carbon compounds. Because of their simple requirements for rapid growth and ease of genetic manipulation as well as industrialized production, cyanobacteria are particularly attractive organisms for bioenergy production.

One topic of research in my laboratory is focused on developing a suite of engineered Anabaena strains that are separately capable of directly converting CO2 and H2O into fuel ethanol, long-chain alcohols and other commodity chemicals using free solar energy. Through purposefully genetic alteration of targeted metabolic pathways, we will redirect Anabaena’s carbon flow from producing stored bioenergy precursors (i.e., lipids and polysaccharides) to direct production of excreted products. This will enable continuous product recovery from culture fluid, while maintaining a viable cell “factory” in a recirculating photobioreactor system.

The other research in my laboratory is focused on genome-wide study of regulated intramembrane proteolytic activation of membrane-anchored transcription factors in Anabaena variabilis.Top


ID Weeks Library @ USD
USD Lommen Health Sciences Library

To date: The USD libraries made significant progress in delivering online databases and full-text journal articles to all SD BRIN participating institutions. During the three years of BRIN funding (2002-2004), total usage of BRIN-funded library databases was 13,665 hits. This increased to 115,352 in 2007 alone. While these numbers include faculty and students from USD utilizing the databases, ScienceDirect purchased only for the partner institutions increased from 1,234 hits to 9,512 hits during the same time period.

Other enhancements or additions attributed to SD BRIN include:

  • expanded access to Science Direct and Biosis
  • new resources from Nature Publishing Group
  • expanding the original Biosis database to include all Biosis Previews materials
  • EBSCOHost package geared toward undergraduate students
  • EBSCOhost’s Computers & Applied Sciences Complete database
  • Wiley Intersciencejournals (2003)
  • upgraded Ariel ® software and equipment for delivery of articles to network members

Any faculty member or student from participating SD BRIN institutions may access anything physically located at the USD libraries or the BRIN-sponsored science databases at any time. Since 2006 PubMed instruction on the library BRIN resources Web page provides introductory online search assistance and training. Undergraduate research fellows are all trained in the use of BRIN library resources during the compliance training at the beginning of their summer research experience.

The future: In response to a request by all the PUIs and the USD medical school's science research faculty members, SD BRIN will contribute to the expenses for scientific research databases annually during Phase II of INBRE. SDBRIN will support current databases and their availability to faculty and students at participating SD BRIN institutions Augustana College, Black Hills State University, Dakota Wesleyan University, Mt. Marty College, Oglala Lakota College, Sinte Gleske University, Sisseton Wahpeton College, University of Sioux Falls and Basic Biomedical Sciences at SSOM. The USD libraries will support research and collaboration by providing SD BRIN librarians with reference support, training and assistance in accessing databases.


  • Application Process

  • Forms

 

BRIN UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH FELLOWS (UGF)
SELECTION PROCESS

The fellowship requires a commitment to scholarly activities. It is not just a summer job, but an excellent opportunity to learn and grow as a student researcher. It must be the main focus of your summer.

Applications for summer undergraduate research fellowships are due February 15. Applications are evaluated by the SD BRIN UGF Selection Committee made up of: SD BRIN Director Dr. Goodman, a representative from Augustana College, a representative from Black Hills State University, a representative from DWU, MMC or USF, and a representative from the USD Honors Program. Each committee member evaluates the applications individually and then the final selection is made at a group meeting at which all applications are discussed. It is the undergraduate fellows who are selected NOT the undergraduate fellow/mentor team. After the selection of the fellows, institutional representatives contact potential mentors and consult the mentor/location choices of the selected fellows in order to place fellows in a laboratory. Decisions and placements will be sent to the applicants around March 15.

Evaluation criteria used for selection of fellows:
Year in school – must not be graduating before the summer; sophomores and juniors have higher priorities than first year undergraduates
GPA – 3.0 required except for extenuating circumstances, which need to be described in the application
Personal statement – fellows with strong interest in either a research career or a biomedical profession, which includes a strong research component, are given highest priority.  Well written statements can be strengths for the final evaluation standing 
Reference letter – strong letter of recommendation from faculty member at home institution is necessary to evaluate the dedication of the individual and their honesty in choosing a research career
Repeat as fellows – while fellows are encouraged to pursue other opportunities for doing research after a SD BRIN fellowship, fellows may repeat for one or two years especially if they are making good progress towards a scientific manuscript for publication or if they are essential to the training program in the mentor’s laboratory
Choosing location – to encourage diversity of training for the fellows, fellows who choose to participate while working in a different institution may get priority over those choosing only to work at their home institution
Choosing discipline – fellows with a strong interest in biology and mathematics/computer science who plan on doing bioinformatics research receive high priority

The number of fellows to be selected each summer depends upon how many each partner institution can support from their SD BRIN or other funds. Some institutions will also be supporting undergraduate fellows for academic year research. All salary support is paid by the home institution to the fellows as is the $2000 to the laboratory of the mentor to purchase supplies.

 

APPLICATIONS:

  1. Download the application form.
  2. Fill out the application form.
  3. E-mail the application form to me (Mark Maxon).
    DO NOT MAIL THE APPLICATION FORMS TO THE BRIN OFFICE.
UGF Application Form (.docx) UGF Application Form (.doc)

LETTERS OF REFERENCE:

  1. Have your reference fill out the reference form. You can either download the form and e-mail it to your reference or direct them to this page to download it for themselves.
  2. Your reference must e-mail the form to me (Mark Maxon) directly.
    We will not accept the reference form if forwarded from the applicant - these must come directly from the reference.
    DO NOT MAIL THE LETTERS OF REFERENCE TO THE BRIN OFFICE.
Letter of reference (.docx) Letter of reference (.doc)

TRANSCRIPTS:

We are asking that you electronically transfer your transcripts this year. Some schools can do this for you. If you attend Augustana College, please follow these steps:
  1. Ask at the registrar's office to have your transcripts e-mailed to me (Mark Maxon).
If you attend any other school, please follow these steps:
  1. Obtain your transcripts from your registrar's office.
  2. Scan them as PDF files (smallest possible file size).
  3. E-mail them to me (Mark Maxon).

 

Training:

Please take the time to complete all of the following training modules. You must complete this training before you begin working in your assigned labs. Your particular institution may also have training that you must complete - check with your mentor.

1. UGF Introduction & Training Overview 10:58 (View this first!)

2. Responsible Conduct of Research (Ethics) 11:33

3. Responsible Conduct of Research: 10 Scenarios (download to use)

4. Animal Subjects 04:29

5. Human Subjects 16:51

6. Safety 11:29

7. Research Resources Orientation (Library Resources) 3:54
    Click on the black box entitled "Research Resources Orientation" to view video

8. USD Graduate Programs 4:08

Resources:

Burks, R. L. and M. M Chumchal.  2009.  To co-author or not to co-author: how to write, publish and negotiate issues of authorship with undergraduate research students.  Science Signaling 2, tr3.

SD BRIN Research Resources Orientation

USD Lab Safety Guide - Chemicals & Waste

APS Ethical Issues Poster (PDF)

US Dept of HHS's Office of Research Integrity (ORI)

ORI's Resources page

Roig, M. Avoiding plagarism, self-plagarism, and other questionable writing practices: A guide to ethical writing.  St. John's University. 03/12/2009

American Veterinary Medical Association

holdhusen
SD BRIN would like to thank
Deedra Holdhusen of USD Libraries
for her expert narrations.

 

Please use the following logos on your research posters.

The two SD BRIN logos are optimized for Web use. They may appear grainy if you right-click and download from this page. Click on these logos to be taken to the 300 dpi versions, then download. The logos are large, but you can downsize them after importing them into your poster making software, such as PowerPoint or Adobe InDesign. Contact me if you have any questions, need help or require something different.

SD map with PUIs SDBRIN


The next logos are sized as-is. Right click and save from this page:

header
NCRR

Please note the text in yellow in the left rail of this Web page. This is the exact wording used to cite SD BRIN support for any research that we sponsor. If you have any questions about citations, please consult your mentor or contact us.