Academics
Neuroscience Journal Club brings students, faculty together through group discussions
Students and faculty gather to present new research, topics and breakthroughs in the Lee Medical Building every other week. The USD Neuroscience Journal Club gives students and faculty the opportunity to share insights about important topics in the neuroscience community. Lee Baugh, associate professor of basic biomedical sciences and Neuroscience Journal Club course director, leads the meetings to expose students […]
New dean of medical student affairs hired
Dawn Bragg was recently hired as the new dean of medical student affairs. Her first day was Feb. 15 and she accepted the position in November of 2017. Bragg said what attracted her to USD were several colleagues within the Sanford School of Medicine and the university’s commitment to South Dakota communities. Before coming to […]
Students present research to legislators in Pierre
Two USD students were invited to the State Capitol on Monday to present their research with 10 other students from South Dakota Board of Regents schools. Alexandra Dolezal and Kami Pearson were nominated by faculty they work with to represent USD. Kami Pearson, a senior psychology major, delivered her presentation “Psychological and Biological Indicators of College Students with […]
Study abroad programs offer students unique experiences
USD students have the opportunity to gain unique experiences studying abroad with the help of detailed planning set up by the Center for Academic and Global Engagement (CAGE). The pre-departure process for studying abroad set students up for academic, professional and individual growth on their excursions. Pre-departure Virginija Wilcox, study abroad assistant director, helps prepare students […]
Grieve reflects on challenges of position, passion for students
Known for her signature red glasses, Kim Grieve, dean of students and vice president of student services, is also well-known across campus for how she works with students and faculty members. Grieve oversees many of the university’s day-to-day operations as the vice president of student services, dean of students, interim cheer coach, and helps guide […]
Female students and faculty challenge gender stereotypes in male-dominated majors
In a USD computer science classroom full of men, one female student is not afraid to leave her seat, approach the whiteboard and scribble her thoughts over it to find a solution to the lab at hand. Senior Alexis Layne, a computer science major, is breaking down gender stereotypes in her male-dominated major by working […]
Senate Bill 103 proposal could prohibit undocumented students from attending state universities
In reaction to the introduction of a sanctuary campus resolution in Student Government Association by former SGA senator Josh Arens last year, a state Senate bill has been proposed. Senate Bill 103, which could potentially prohibit undocumented students from attending South Dakota Board of Regents schools and receiving in-state tuition and financial aid was introduced by Sen. Stace […]
USD graduates first physics Ph.D. student
Three years after obtaining her master’s, postdoctorate researcher Wenzhao Wei was on her way to becoming USD’s first physics Ph.D. student. Before Wei, there were two other physics students expected to graduate before her. But because of personal reasons, they didn’t make it past the master’s program. Wei, who graduated in August and is now […]
Business school celebrates faculty through scholar series
The Beacom Scholar Series showcases the business school’s faculty through presentations of their research. Venky Venkatachalam, dean of the business school, implemented the Beacom Scholar Series when he came to USD. “It was very important for me at that time to have this Beacom Scholar Series as a forum to showcase faculty research contribution,” he […]
Male students challenge gender stereotypes in chosen majors
For years, gender roles have impacted what jobs men and women pursue. The Volante talked with three male students who’ve entered majors that are primarily pursued by women or often stereotypically thought of as feminine. Nursing According to the United States Census Bureau, only nine percent of nurses in the U.S. in 2011 were male. […]