NDSU EXPLORE
Summer undergraduate research experiences

• Ying Huang NDSU Welch Faculty Fellow Professor of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering and RCA Undergraduate Research Director

The NDSU EXPLORE undergraduate research program is designed to provide valuable hands-on research experience to undergraduate students at North Dakota State University, focusing on key strategic areas such as food, energy, and water security, cybersecurity, life sciences, and entrepreneurship. The summer 2024 program offered 15 students the opportunity to work closely with faculty mentors and graduate or postdoctoral researchers on innovative projects, while also providing additional professional development through workshops and training.

On Aug. 2, 2024, students presented their research at the 2024 NDSU Summer Research Poster Session. NDSU EXPLORE aligned with the fifth purpose of the EDRF, which is to provide experiential learning opportunities for students.

BISON TO THE BAKKEN
A new summer program designed to connect students in agriculture, business and engineering
with top employers in the ND energy sector

• Kathryn Birkeland NDSU Ronald G. and Kaye S. Olson Dean of the College of Business
• Alan Kallmeyer NDSU Interim Dean of the College of Engineering
• Greg Lardy NDSU Joe and Norma Peltier Vice President for Agriculture; Dean of the College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources; Director of the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station; Director of Extension

North Dakota State University’s Bison to the Bakken program is a new summer initiative designed to connect students in business, agriculture and engineering with the top employers in North Dakota’s energy sector. The initiative strengthens the connections between the university, energy companies and communities in western North Dakota. The initial program will take place in May 2025.

Bison to the Bakken will offer social and cultural experiences, academic credits and a further understanding of the energy industry. It will also enhance the employment opportunities for students in North Dakota after graduation.

PILOTING A SERVICE-LEARNING/COMMUNITY LEARNING PROGRAM
Designed for students in the College of Arts and Sciences

• Kimberly Wallin NDSU Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences
• Jenni Momsen NDSU professor of Biological Sciences

The Service-Learning (S-L) Program at NDSU's College of Arts and Sciences seeks to connect academic learning with community engagement by enhancing student learning, fostering civic responsibility, and addressing community needs. Through a phased approach—planning, execution, and reflection—the program will collaborate with faculty, students, and community partners to implement projects, provide orientation, and evaluate outcomes. By addressing specific needs and fostering long-term partnerships, the S-L Program aims to make a lasting impact on both students and the community.

Seven courses in the College of Arts and Sciences have been selected for this program, and student teaching assistants have been hired to support each course's service-learning projects. Instructors and teaching assistants have been preparing by participating in a service-learning workshop and building strong partnerships with various community organizations including Pathways, YWCA, MN Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Sanford Health, Essentia, Fargo Cass Public Health, GiGi's Playhouse Fargo, local schools, Churches United, and Global Refuge. 

COMMERCIALIZATION ANALYST INTERNSHIPS

• Zane Gernhart executive director of NDSU Research Foundation

Two graduate students are completing internships with the NDSU Research Foundation. Interns receive hands-on training in intellectual property basics, patent prior art searches, market research, technology commercialization, and technology marketing. The skills gained by participating in this internship will assist students pursuing careers in technology transfer, research and development, entrepreneurship, or patent law.