Dakota State University students will soon have access to more biomedical research opportunities after the university joined the South Dakota IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence, a program funded by the National Institutes of Health.

The partnership gives DSU students the chance to work alongside researchers across South Dakota while gaining hands-on experience that can help prepare them for graduate school, medical school, and research careers.

Dr. Andrew Sathoff, DSU’s Director of Undergraduate Research, says becoming part of the statewide network has been a long-term goal for the university. He says the partnership allows DSU students to apply for research positions at any participating institution while also bringing students from other universities to Dakota State.

Students can earn income while conducting scientific research, making those opportunities more accessible for students who might otherwise need to take traditional summer jobs.

University officials say joining the network is another step in expanding research opportunities at Dakota State while strengthening biomedical research across the state through collaboration rather than competition.