Program Information

SDSM&T Research Experience for Teachers Site
Inspiring Educators in Rural America through Research

Phase 1: April 23, 2007 - June 24, 2007 (Advanced Preparation)
Phase 2: June 25, 2007 - July 27, 2007 (On-Campus Research)

Program Description

The Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (SDSM&T) is pleased to announce the availability of research opportunities for 6th through 12th grade science teachers. This opportunity will allow pre-service and practicing science teachers the opportunity to participate in and contribute to the greater body of research ongoing at SDSM&T. Exciting research opportunities have been available in areas such as:

Characterization of Toxic Metal Release during Friction Stir Welding of Aluminum Beryllium Alloys
Pretreatment of Biomass Leading to Enhanced Ethanol Production
Polymeric Membrane-based Separations and Systems
Biomimetics: Damage Tolerance in Spider Webs
The Biological Reduction of Iron Oxides for Hazardous Waste Remediation
Development of genetically engineered biosealant for crack remediation
Transport of Dissolved and Suspended Compounds in Western South Dakota Streams: A Laboratory Analytical Approach
Avian Paleontology
Manmade and Natural Composite Interphase: Inter-relationship of Chemistry and Mechanics
Monitoring of off-site contamination from abandoned uranium minesites within Custer National Forest, Harding County SD.
Assessing the Environmental Effects of Nano-particle Processing
Biomedical Applications of Laser Powder Deposited Hydroxyapatite on Titanium Substrates.
Purification of High Molecular Weight Biopharmaceuticals: A Comparison of Ion-Exchange Membranes and Packed Bed Chromatography
Intelligent Digital Signal Processing
Image Processing and Computer Vision
The Development of r-Mesh Refinement Methods to Support Computational Mechanics Applications.
Investigations Into Liquid Metal Embrittlement of MP159 NI-CO Alloys by Liquid Aluminum During Friction Stir Welding

Research projects are subject to change. The aforementioned projects are listed to give a general idea of what may be available. See the "Project Descriptions" tab for more details

Phase 1: In order to have selected applicants ready for their time on-campus and to maximize their on-campus research experience, it will be necessary to prepare in advance at home. The two months prior to the on-campus experience is looked upon as a key component for the ultimate success of the experience. Participants will be expected to read through literature and become comfortable with terminology and background information on their chosen/assigned research field as selected by the cooperating mentor. Contact information will be exchanged prior to phase one to allow for communication between participant and mentor to answer any questions that come up concerning the research and literature.

Phase 2: While on-campus participants will gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art research instrumentation. A dedicated faculty will guide you in your research providing mentoring for successful research progression. Participants will be expected to develop an instructional unit that will be presented to students, and a poster highlighting the research findings. The instructional unit will consist of compiled material by participants and will act as the vehicles by which the participant will transfer the ideas, concepts, and skills they acquired during their RET experience to their students beginning in the academic year immediately following their summer experience. The poster will represent an authentic component to the overall research experience. The poster will effectively report accomplishments that can be used by fellow researchers and faculty mentors. Tasks to be completed during the five weeks on campus beyond the research itself would include: SDSM&T Orientations, Scientific Instrumentation Seminars, Internet and Library Search Seminars, Formal and Informal Meetings, Brainstorming Sessions, Brown Bag Lunch Discussion Series, Final Presentations/Research Symposium, and Exit Reviews. Informal social, recreational, and cultural events planned throughout the five weeks on campus will provide participants a variety of opportunities to enjoy the beautiful Black Hills and Badlands of South Dakota.

Stipend and expenses

Participants will receive a stipend of $5000 for the five week on campus period along with $1000 for materials and equipment to carry out the developed instructional unit. Assistance will be provided to help locate on-campus housing. Travel support will be provided on a case by case basis. A limited amount of travel funds are available for participants to travel to professional meetings to present your research results during the 07-08 academic year. Graduate credit will also be offered.

Application Procedure and Requirements

The program will be accepting applications from South Dakota 6th through 12th grade science teachers as well as pre-service science teachers at a South Dakota institution of higher education. Applicants who teach at a Reservation School servicing Native American students are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants must commit to participating in the entire program. To apply, please complete the application form and return it and the requested supplemental information to:

Dr. Todd Menkhaus; c/o Linda Embrock Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering South Dakota School of Mines and Technology 501 East St. Joseph Street Rapid City, SD 57701-3995

To receive full consideration all application materials must be postmarked no later than April 6th, 2007. If you have questions please contact Brant Miller by phone (605) 923-0050, or e-mail - bmiller@dsdk12.net.