DSU joins INBRE research network, expanding opportunities for student researchers

July 29, 2026

MADISON, S.D. - Dakota State University students now have expanded opportunities to participate in cutting-edge scientific research thanks to the university's recent addition to the South Dakota IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE), an initiative funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

The partnership marks a significant milestone for DSU, opening doors for undergraduate students to collaborate with faculty researchers, work alongside scientists across South Dakota, and gain valuable experience that prepares them for graduate school, professional programs, and careers in research.

"We've wanted to be part of the South Dakota INBRE network for years, so it's a big deal," said Dr. Andrew Sathoff, DSU's Director of Undergraduate Research and chair of the department of Mathematics & Science. "It's a big win for us because DSU students can now apply to work at any lab in the INBRE network. We're sharing resources, building collaborations, and creating opportunities that simply weren't available before."

South Dakota INBRE is part of a nationwide NIH initiative designed to strengthen biomedical research in states that historically receive less federal research funding. In addition to supporting faculty research, the program provides paid research experiences for undergraduate students and connects participating institutions through a statewide network of mentors, laboratories, and specialized research facilities.

For students, one of the greatest benefits is flexibility.

Rather than being limited to research opportunities at their home institution, DSU students can apply to work with faculty mentors at universities throughout the INBRE network. Likewise, students from other participating institutions can conduct research at DSU.

"This really opens doors for students," said Dr. Alex Dececchi, assistant professor of Biology and DSU's INBRE faculty representative. "If a student has interests that don't perfectly align with the research happening on our campus, they now have access to mentors and specialized facilities across the state while still remaining a DSU student."

The network includes South Dakota's public universities as well as several private institutions, giving students access to expertise in disciplines ranging from biology and exercise science to bioinformatics and emerging biomedical technologies.

The opportunities extend beyond academic interests. INBRE-funded summer research positions provide students with paid research experiences, allowing many to focus on scientific discovery without sacrificing summer income.

"A lot of students want to do research, but financially they have to work during the summer," Dececchi said. "Receiving funding through INBRE means they can get paid to conduct research. That's a significant benefit and makes these opportunities accessible to students who otherwise might not be able to participate."

The competitive nature of the program also helps students distinguish themselves when applying to graduate schools and professional programs.

"These are opportunities that set students up for the next step," Sathoff said. "People know what the NIH INBRE program is because it's nationwide. Having that experience on your résumé is a gold star that can help students get into graduate school, medical school, dental school, or whatever path they choose."

Beyond student funding, INBRE strengthens DSU's research enterprise by supporting faculty mentors and fostering new collaborations with researchers across the state.

This year, five DSU faculty research projects received INBRE funding, spanning disciplines including plant pathology, chemistry, exercise science, paleontology, and biomedical sciences.

Sathoff, whose own research focuses on bacterial diseases affecting South Dakota's alfalfa crop, said the partnership allows faculty to connect students with meaningful research experiences while expanding collaborative opportunities with researchers at other institutions.

"We're building collaborations through this network, and some of those collaborations have already started to pay off," Sathoff said. "As people become familiar with the expertise we have at DSU, we're already seeing opportunities to work together on new projects."

For Dececchi, the program also highlights an aspect of Dakota State that prospective students may not immediately recognize.

"Our students are presenting at state, national, and international conferences. INBRE allows us to build on that momentum while helping more students discover what research can do for their future," he said.

As DSU continues expanding its research portfolio, university leaders see INBRE as another step toward preparing students to solve complex problems, contribute to scientific discovery, and become leaders in their chosen fields.

"We're not competing against one another," Dececchi said. "INBRE creates a high tide that lifts everyone. Students benefit, institutions benefit, and ultimately research across South Dakota becomes stronger."

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