Dakota State University

Source: https://dsu.edu

Archived: 2026-04-23 15:33

Dakota State University
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Dakota State University
Dakota State University
Welcome to Dakota State University
At Dakota State University, we are rising. Our students are driven by a singular focus — be forward-thinking. As a community, we strive to define the future for ourselves and the world. We don't just stand by. We create, we innovate, we push ourselves to action.
DSU Cyber 27
Points of Pride
99.2%
placement rate for our latest graduating class
80+
Degrees and Programs
36+
student clubs
76%
students receiving financial aid
Empowered to Define the Next Big Thing
Madeline Hegg '24
Elementary Education
By the third grade, Madeline Hegg already knew what she wanted to be when she grew up. Like many individuals who choose to pursue a career in education, she was inspired by teachers throughout her schooling.
Madeline Hegg '24
Elementary Education
By the third grade, Madeline Hegg already knew what she wanted to be when she grew up. Like many individuals who choose to pursue a career in education, she was inspired by teachers throughout her schooling.
“The teachers I’ve had in my educational journey have given me so much and inspired me to do the same for younger students,” Hegg said.
Now in her final semester, Hegg, an Elementary Education major with minors in reading and technology, is currently a student teacher in the Harrisburg School District.
Originally from Mitchell, S.D., she was drawn to Dakota State to earn her degree based on its legacy as a teacher’s college, the technology mission and built-in minor, and the campus size.
“The relationships I’ve built with my university instructors have been amazing,” she said. “They care that I get through school and become a teacher, but they also care about me personally and my goals, aspirations, hobbies, just everything.”
Hegg has grown close to these educators. “They do more than just teach,” she said. “They care. They’re your friend, your mentor, and your guide. The teachers here are 100% invested in their students.”
While all of them inspire Hegg, she especially looks up to Betsy Schamber.
“Every time I’ve mentioned her name, there has been someone who has shared how amazing she was as their teacher in Madison’s middle school,” Hegg said.
Outside of the classroom, Hegg has enjoyed making lifelong friends and finding entertainment in Madison.
“The hard thing is there’s not a lot to do in Madison, but DSU makes up for it with campus activities,” she explained.
One of her favorite memories is attending Zumba classes with all her friends during her freshman year. Another memory is more recent, when Hegg served as a camp counselor for CybHER during the summer of 2023.
“For a week, I got to watch 100 middle school girls gain confidence and knowledge in technology,” she said.
Serving as a camp counselor allowed Hegg to gain more experience as an educator while also enjoying her favorite part of teaching, often referred to as ‘the light bulb moment.’
“Their eyes light up, and they get excited because they’re proud of themselves,” she said. “When a student understands what they’re learning it opens so many opportunities for the next topic, lesson, and subject.”
Hegg is currently finishing up her semester of student teaching, applying for positions in the next school year, and is excited to continue her journey as an educator.
“The relationships that DSU staff have built with me have encouraged me to go out and build those types of relationships with my own students,” she said.
ELEMENTARY EDUCATION (BSE)
Inspired to Educate
Denyce Bravo '24
Biology (BS)
Denyce Bravo, a senior Biology major from the Philippines, was interested in a research project about bees, but also enjoyed aspects of microbiology.
Denyce Bravo '24
Biology (BS)
People have used honey for thousands of years as a medical treatment. A new project at Dakota State University shows why honey is useful to treat infections on a molecular basis by looking at honey produced by bees that gather nectar from alfalfa and its antimicrobial properties.
Denyce Bravo, a senior Biology major from the Philippines, was interested in a research project about bees, but also enjoyed aspects of microbiology.
“I learned that alfalfa also produces honey, so I decided to do something with alfalfa since it’s such a big part of agriculture in South Dakota,” Bravo said. DSU students have been researching various properties of alfalfa for four years.
Dr. Andrew Sathoff, Assistant Professor of Biology, is serving as Bravo’s mentor on the project and is enjoying the expanding alfalfa research.
The two collaborated with DSU Art Professor Alan Montgomery, a hobby beekeeper. Montgomery used alfalfa for his bees and provided the honey for testing and research.
“I impregnate a small filter with honey in different concentrations, and then I let it grow with the bacteria,” Bravo explained.
“This is a standard antimicrobial activity,” Sathoff explained. “You blot honey on a filter paper disk and then see if the honey kills the bacteria.”
Bravo found that
E.coli
and
Staphylococcus aureus
are susceptible to honey inhibiting around 30% of bacterial growth.
“It works against both human and plant pathogens,” Sathoff said. “So, it’s providing broad spectrum activity.”
Bravo also tested Manuka honey, a type of honey from New Zealand and Australia that is sometimes used in hospitals for wound and burn healing. By testing the Manuka honey, Bravo showed that alfalfa honey had similar antimicrobial activity.
The research showed that proteins in honey attack bacteria, and the hydrogen peroxide in honey also functions as the main antimicrobial agent.
While she found that alfalfa honey has antimicrobial activity against human pathogens, she found lower antimicrobial activity against plant pathogens.
“Currently, Bravo is testing the antimicrobial activity of bee defensin-1, which is a bee peptide found in honey,” Sathoff explained. “Defensins are known to have broad spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungi.”
Bravo will attend the American Society of Microbiology Conference in Atlanta with Sathoff this summer to share her research results. After graduation, she plans to attend medical school.
Biology: Integrative Biology (BS)
David Siemienas '25
Cyber Operations (BS)
Dakota State University junior Cyber Operations major David Siemienas attended the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), an annual trade show organized by the Consumer Technology Association, in January.
David Siemienas '25
Cyber Operations (BS)
Dakota State University junior Cyber Operations major David Siemienas attended the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), an annual trade show organized by the Consumer Technology Association, in January.
CES is an annual event where exhibitors debut their latest advancements in consumer technology. Additionally, world business leaders discuss industry issues during a conference program at the showcase. This year, 4300 exhibitors, from startups to tech giants, participated.
While he’s watched CES online in years past, being able to attend in person was beneficial for Siemienas. He really enjoyed seeing the keynote speakers in person, hearing from industry game-changers, and networking.
Much of CES is focused on looking forward to the future, something DSU students like Siemienas are quite adept at. Based on what he saw at CES and advances in the industry, he sees personalized automation and automatic customizations becoming more integrated in consumer technology.
Time at DSU
Siemienas has always been interested in being on the cutting edge, particularly regarding technology.
“Being able to stay one step ahead of people is always a fun challenge, and so is trying to outsmart the bad guys,” he said.
This led him to DSU for its distinguished cyber programs, where he found extracurricular activities that fit his personal interests and allow him to bolster his cyber skills.
Growing up, he was interested in automating home processes and utilizing video security with devices like a doorbell camera in his family’s home. This inspired him to join the Smart Home Lab team in MadLabs. Siemienas works with DSU Professor Tom Halverson conducting smart home and energy-management research.
The project space includes a home kitchen with smart lighting, window shades, speakers, kitchen appliances, and a Rheem Marathon water heater.
“The Smart Home Lab has let me explore the home automation space pretty freely,” he said.
The Smart Home Lab isn’t his only campus activity. This and his experience running his own home network inspired him to join the CCDC team to work in the firewall position. They will be competing regionally at the end of February, and if they advance to nationals, they will compete again in April.
Cyber Operations (BS)
Let Your Passion Lead
Academics at DSU fuse active learning, expert teaching, and innovative technology into rich experiences that will prepare you for the future. Explore all DSU has to offer.
Majors & Degrees
Explore By
College
College of Arts & Sciences
Immerse yourself in research or explore your imagination. Whether you're interested in arts or biology, the College of Arts & Sciences provides you with the foundation for success in any field. Your passions are our specialties.
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College of Business & Information Systems
Become the leader you know you can be in the Dakota State College of BIS. Challenge yourself to oversee the intricate details of the business world and instill a sense of curiosity as you immerse yourself in hands-on projects and experiences. Discover how you can inspire the world.
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The Beacom College of Computer & Cyber Sciences
The cyber world is one full of data breaches, malware, hackers, and more. The Beacom College of Computer & Cyber Sciences offers elite training in programming, cybersecurity, and networking. Our programs are nationally recognized and ranked in cybersecurity education and research. Think critically. Be innovative. Find the next big thing.
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College of Education & Human Performance
Enhance the learning opportunities of tomorrow. Inspire a student to achieve their fullest potential. In the College of Education & Human Performance, you’ll be transformed into a devoted educator, with expertise in education fundamentals, pedagogy, and technology. Turn your love of teaching into more than just a career.
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Explore By
Interest
Teaching
Discover the rewarding world of a teaching career. Inspire others, celebrate milestones, and feed your inner creativity while shaping our future. Explore subjects like; biology, english, elementary education, and special education.
Biology Education (BSE)
Business Education (BSE)
Computer Education (BSE)
Elementary Education (BSE)
Elementary Education/Special Education (BSE)
English Education (BS)
Esports Coaching Certificate
Exercise Science (BS)
Mathematics: Intermediate Education Specialization (BS)
Mathematics: Secondary Education Specialization (BS)
Master of Science in Educational Technology
Special Education (BSE)
Health
Choosing health care means supporting others. From creating exercise plans to learn how to use medical code, be an expert in a field where it matters most.
Biology: Integrated Biology (BS)
Exercise Science (BS)
Healthcare Coding Certificate
Healthcare Data Analytics Graduate Certificate
Health Informatics and Information Management (AS)
Health Informatics and Information Management (BS)
Health Information Specialist Certificate
Master of Science in Health Informatics and Information Management
Physical Education (BSE)
Business
Embark on a journey that will equip you with technology, management, and communication skills to become a business leader of tomorrow.
Accounting (BBA)
Artificial Intelligence in Organizations (BS)
Banking Security Graduate Certificate
Business Analytics Graduate Certificate
Business Management (AS)
Business Technology (BBA)
Communication Studies Minor
Computer Information Systems (BS)
Data Analytics Certificate
Finance (BBA)
Health Information Administration (BS)
Healthcare Data Analytics Certificate
Information Technology Graduate Certificate
Management (BBA)
Management Certificate
Management Minor
Marketing (BBA)
Master of Business Administration
Master of Science in Analytics
Master of Science in Health Informatics and Information Management
Master of Science in Information Systems
Mathematics (BS)
Professional Accountancy (BS)
Technology
Explore fundamentals like programming, network security, cybersecurity, and more. Discover our state-of-the-art labs, server room, and enterprise level hardware.
Artificial Intelligence (BS)
Artificial Intelligence in Organizations (BS)
Banking Security Graduate Certificate
Business Analytics Graduate Certificate
Computer Information Systems (BS)
Computer Science (BS)
Cyber Leadership and Intelligence (BS)
Cyber Operations (BS)
Cybersecurity Certificate
Data Analytics Certificate
Data Privacy Graduate Certificate
Digital Forensics Minor
Doctor of Philosophy in Cyber Defense
Doctor of Philosophy in Cyber Operations
Doctor of Philosophy in Information Systems
Ethical Hacking Graduate Certificate
High-Performance and Research Computing Certificate
Information Technology Graduate Certificate
Information Technology Management Certificate
Master of Science in Analytics
Master of Science in Computer Science
Master of Science in Computer Science Master of Science in Cyber Defense
Master of Science in Information Systems
Mathematics: Cryptography Specialization (BS)
Mathematics: Information Systems Specialization (BS)
Network and Security Administration (AS)
Network and Security Administration (BS)
Network and Telecommunications Administration Certificate
Network Services Certificate
Object Oriented Programming Certificate
Software Development (AS)
Software Development Certificate
Technology Database Management Systems Certificate
Web Application Development Certificate
Web Development (AS)
Digital Media & Communications
Go behind the scenes. Whether you’re a writer, web creator, or digital editor, create, contribute, and correlate the relationship between communication and digital media.
Computer Game Design (BS)
Computer Science (BS)
Digital Arts and Design: Computer Graphics (BS)
Digital Arts and Design: Digital Sound Design (BS)
Digital Arts and Design: Production Animation (BS)
Digital Photography Certificate
Digital Content Creation (BS)
Multimedia Certificate
Multimedia Design and Production Certificate
Video Production Minor
Web Application Development Certificate
Web Development (AS)
Website Design and Development Certificate
Math & Science
Whether you’re hypothesizing an experiment, or trying to solve a complex equation, our math and science degree options can suit your interests.
Biology Education (BSE)
Integrated Biology (BS)
Mathematics (BS)
Mathematics: Cryptography Specialization (BS)
Mathematics: Information Systems Specialization (BS)
Mathematics: Intermediate Education Specialization (BS)
Mathematics: Secondary Education Specialization (BS)
Mathematical Foundations of Cryptography
View All Majors & Degrees
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