Four South Dakota students have been selected as a result of a national competition to participate in a national Cyber-infrastructure Student Engagement Program organized by the National Science Foundation’s Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (NSF EPSCoR). South Dakota State University students Adam Anderson, Philip Albu, Joseph Schmidt, and Dakota State University student Dylon Kiley will all participate in the program.

The program engages students in a year-long experience designed to provide them with opportunities that explore cyberinfrastructure (CI) and high performance super-computing applications. By expanding the awareness of, and ability to access and deploy these resources and services, the students will be provided the skills to become champions and mentors within South Dakota’s CI community for expanding computational science. These CI resources and services can be provided on and between campuses; by federal agencies; as well as through other state, regional, national and international CI providers.

The student participants attended a kick-off/orientation meeting at Clemson University in February, and have begun regularly scheduled on-line training programs that run through September. Successful completion of the training program will qualify the participants to attend the Super Computing 2012 Conference on November 10-16 in Salt Lake City, Utah, where they will participate as certified “Technical Student Volunteers.” At the culmination of the program, the students will be asked to evaluate their campus CI capabilities based on what they’ve learned. This evaluation will serve as a resource for the South Dakota CI community to continue to expand the state’s computational science capabilities.

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From the University of South Dakota University Relations VERMILLION, S.D. -- A chemistry professor at the University of South Dakota is being lauded for his outstanding research with both NASA and the National Science Foundation (NSF).

Ranjit Koodali, Ph.D., an associate professor of chemistry at the University of South Dakota, is in the process of helping NASA develop structures that will make it possible for people to live on the moon. He is also developing a process cited by the NSF to rapidly create a novel material that generates hydrogen in the presence of water and sunlight. The results of this research could lead to further developments of an alternative fuel source using solar energy. Thanks to a $207,485 grant from NASA, Koodali’s research focuses on the design of a multi-functional structural composite insulation system for lunar habitats. According to Koodali, this project will directly address NASA's Exploration System Mission Directorate (ESMD) to develop a sustained human presence on the moon and Mars, and to promote exploration and commerce. The goal of this research includes developing and evaluating the performance of constituent insulating nanomaterials, and fabricating and testing load-bearing, high-thermal-insulation composite panels assembled from selected constituent materials. The project will be carried out through collaboration of faculty members and students from USD, the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, NASA research scientists, the Kennedy Space Center and industrial partners. Additional research by Koodali, “Mesoporous Material Transforms Solar Energy Into Fuel,” has been cited in the NSF FY2013 Budget Request to Congress. “Mesoporous Material Transforms Solar Energy Into Fuel” is part of the Research Infrastructure Improvement Award’s PhotoActive Nanoscale Systems, and involves developing a method to rapidly create a novel material that generates hydrogen in the presence of water and sunlight. The research expands the understanding of how to generate fuel using visible sunlight rather than ultraviolet light. Because the hydrogen generation occurs at room temperature, the process easily scales up to large production volumes. Applications of the new material range from removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to the mitigation of environmental pollution. The complete NSF FY13 Budget Request to Congress is available for viewing online at: www.nsf.gov/about/budget/fy2013/pdf/EntireDocument_fy2013.pdf. "The NSF is a key steward of federal funding for scientific research in the U.S.," said Laura Jenski, Ph.D., Vice President for Research at USD. "Having Dr. Koodali’s important research highlighted in this way is an honor for USD and underscores the valuable research happening at South Dakota universities." Koodali is a member of the South Dakota Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) and he serves as the graduate program director for the USD Chemistry Department. He also serves on several university committees, including University Research Council, University Scholarship Committee, and the University Strategic Planning Committee. In addition, he also serves as the secretary of the Sioux Valley section of the American Chemical Society (ACS). He will serve as the program chair of the Energy and Fuel Division of ACS for the year 2014. A photo of Dr. Koodali is available for download at .

About The University of South Dakota

Founded in 1862, The University of South Dakota is designated as the only public liberal arts university in the state and is home to a comprehensive College of Arts and Sciences, School of Education, School of Health Sciences, the state's only School of Law, School of Medicine, the accredited Beacom School of Business and the College of Fine Arts. It has an enrollment of more than 9,900 students taught by 400 faculty members. More information is available at www.usd.edu/press/news. This material is available in an alternate format upon request. Please contact University Relations at 605-677-5759. If you are a person with a disability and need a special accommodation to fully participate in any university activity or event, please contact Disability Services at 605-677-6389 as soon as possible, but no later than 48 hours before the event, so that appropriate arrangements may be made.

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Dr. Ranjit Koodali, Associate Professor of Chemistry at USD, and a member of SD EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement (RII) Award's PhotoActive Nanoscale Systems (PANS) has had his EPSCoR RII research cited in NSF's FY13 Budget Request to Congress as an example of the transformative science and engineering that NSF is funding.

The highlight is presented on p. 15 of the budget overview. (.pdf)

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Amanda Remick is not teaching a debating class. She’s not teaching a writing class or a logic class, either, but all of those skills can surface within a few moments of her “Introduction to Agriculture, Foods and Natural Resources” course.

The course, in the Stanley County School District, falls into the category called Career and Technical Education. It’s a category that Ashley Parker, media relations manager with the Association for Career and Technical Education, says often carries a reputation for being narrowly skills-based – and not rigorously academic. That, she says, is no longer accurate.

Parker, who’s based in Washington D.C., was visiting Pierre last week to talk about CTE.

Read More On the Capital Journal Website

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Winter 2012 SD EPSCoR Update Now Available Online: http://bit.ly/wh6gCx (.pdf)

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From www.sdbor.edu

PIERRE, S.D. – Paul Turman, who has led academic assessment, institutional research, and student success initiatives for the South Dakota Board of Regents, is the public higher education system’s new vice president of research and economic development.

“Dr. Turman brings a keen understanding of public higher education to this task. He also recognizes the important role that higher education plays to enhance and support economic and workforce development in South Dakota,” said Jack Warner, the regents’ executive director and CEO. “Paul has been with the regents’ staff since 2006; we are very pleased to have one of our own assume these responsibilities going forward.”

As vice president, Turman will lead the public university system’s focus on research and development initiatives and serve as the board’s point person on multiple efforts to translate more university-based research into positive economic development for South Dakota.

Turman has a history of successful research, having published 32 peer-reviewed research articles, in addition to three co-authored books and five book chapters. He has presented 57 manuscripts at professional conferences and been recognized for contributions to research in his discipline, receiving 12 top manuscript/article awards since 2000. Turman continues to serve a variety of roles in national, regional, and state organizations related to his discipline and higher education, while also continuing to serve on the editorial boards for three scholarly journals. 

A native of Fort Pierre, S.D., Turman was associate professor of communication studies at the University of Northern Iowa prior to returning to his home state to work for the Board of Regents. While at Northern Iowa, he received awards for outstanding research, teaching, and the advising of student organizations. He holds a Ph.D. in communications studies from The University of Nebraska-Lincoln, as well as bachelor and master’s degrees from South Dakota State University. 

Turman succeeds Gary E. Johnson, the regents’ vice president of research since 2008, who plans to retire this year after a distinguished career devoted to public- and private-sector research and the academic world.

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Students pursuing STEM (Science,Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) advanced degrees in South Dakota had an ideal opportunity to further their knowledge with the Preparing For Life After Graduate School Workshop. The workshop, which was geared towards career development, held in Chamberlain, SD was as a joint effort between SD EPSCoR and the American Chemical Society (ACS) to teach graduate students and postdoctoral scholars about STEM career ioptons and how to prepare for them.

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SD EPSCoR supported graduate students and postdocs were asked, "How has working in the lab and doing research contributed to your education?"

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SD EPSCoR supported graduate students and postdocs were asked, "What inspired you to pursue a career in science and research?"

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SD EPSCoR supported graduate students and postdocs were asked, "What are some of the problems you have faced participating in research?"

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The South Dakota Launch Conference, which occurs every year in February during National Entrepreneurship Week, is one of four finalists for an Excellence in Entrepreneurship Education Innovation Award.

For the past six years, South Dakota colleges and universities have gathered together for the annual South Dakota Launch Conference to share in a common goal — advancing entrepreneurship education in South Dakota. Dakota Wesleyan University's Kelley Center has hosted the event in Mitchell since its 2006 inception. 

That outreach has now brought the conference and its organizers national attention. 

The South Dakota Launch Conference, which occurs every year in February during National Entrepreneurship Week, is one of four finalists for an Excellence in Entrepreneurship Education Innovation Award through the United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (USASBE) — an award that not only calls attention to Launch, but the nomination celebrates the partnership that created it. 

Rhonda Pole, executive director of the Kelley Center for Entrepreneurship at DWU, coordinates Launch in partnership with the Enterprise Institute; South Dakota EPSCoR; South Dakota Governor's Office on Economic Development; South Dakota Small Business Development Centers; and fellow educator and coordinator Barb Heller with the South Dakota State University Entrepreneurial Studies Program. 

Heller and Pole will present at the USASBE conference in New Orleans, along with the other three finalists for the award. Each finalist will give a presentation in front of their peers, and the audience will choose the winner. 

The other three finalists are the Brock School of Business-Samford University, Birmingham, Ala.; the University of Utah, Salt Lake City; and the University of Texas-Dallas. 

"Being nominated really is an honor, and that's not an empty 'Oscar'-type cliché," Pole said. "Making it to the finals for a prestigious award such as a USASBE award is huge in our field."

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Research Profile: Katrina Jensen, Assistant Professor of Chemistry, Black Hills State University

What if a simple combination of two or more materials could unlock the door to a nearly limitless supply of clean, efficient energy? While the concept may seem far-fetched, a growing number of researchers have begun analyzing the use of metal oxide semiconductors to accomplish just that. By acting as a catalyst for using sunlight to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, metal oxides show tremendous potential for creating a clean-burning, renewable energy source. The only problem is, with millions of metal oxide combinations possible, finding the right formula will prove to be a daunting task.  That’s where the SHArK (Solar Hydrogen Activity Research Kit) Project at Black Hills State University comes in.

As part of an ongoing research collaboration amongst more than 30 institutions across the nation, the SHArK project, established by Bruce Parkinson at the University of Wyoming, has created a centralized, online research community where scientists regularly share the results of their experiments with metal oxides. The goal of the project is to eliminate duplicate experiments in this emerging field, while allowing scientists at primarily undergraduate institutions to continuously collaborate and share research results in a comprehensive, interactive database.
“With all of the different metal oxide combinations possible, distributive research, where scientists collaborate and share results, increases the likelihood of finding a successful combination,” said Katrina Jensen, assistant professor of chemistry and SHArK Project Coordinator at Black Hills State University. “The SHArK project has brought researchers together so we can work together to inch towards discovering new compounds that could eventually make clean, renewable fuel a reality.” 

Central to the SHArK project is a powerful data acquisition system that allows researchers to upload and share the results of their experiments. Once uploaded, research entries are archived in a searchable database where collaborators can view the results of any SHArK experiment, past or present. As the database continues to grow, so does the SHArK community's collective knowledge of metal oxide properties--making it progressively easier to steer future research in the right direction.
 
“The database is key to driving research forward,” said Jensen. “The goal of the project is to combine metals to form materials with synergistic properties in order to discover catalysts that are less expensive than the current state-of-the-art technology.  Alone, this task would be overwhelming.  However, collaboration through the SHArK Project allows researchers to see what materials have been tested so far in order to decide what to evaluate next.”
While the SHArK project is still a far ways away from solving global energy problems, a number of the program's experiments have begun to exhibit favorable results, including numerous tests with compounds featuring combinations of iron, copper, bismuth, cobalt and zinc. Results of the tests have been carefully documented in the SHArK databank, and they continue to drive the program's research forward.

“Our hope is that through continued evaluation of metal oxide materials, it will eventually be possible to develop a solar-powered fuel cell that's as affordable as it is efficient, ”said Jensen. “While SHArK is just a small step towards accomplishing that, every entry in the database brings us one step closer to making it a reality.”

For more information on the SHArK program, visit: http://www.thesharkproject.org/

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From first-year graduate students to tenured senior faculty, anyone involved in scientific research is well aware that teamwork and close communication lie central to accomplishing a project’s goals. But what happens when a vital member of a research team lives in a different region of the state and cannot be there in person to discuss a crucial aspect of a project? Enter the South Dakota Access Grid.

By combining state-of-the-art video conferencing technology with high-definition cameras, powerful presentation tools, and a high-speed fiber optic conection courtesy of the Research Education and Economic Development (REED) network, the South Dakota Access Grid has ushered in an exciting new era in research collaboration and distance education.

“From bringing small groups of researchers together to delivering educational content to entire classrooms of students, the Access Grid has brought our state’s research teams together in ways that were previously unthinkable,” said James Randle, communications technician at the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology. “In a state where our major universities are sometimes located over 400 miles apart, this is an absolutely essential tool.”

Developed and implemented largely through SD EPSCoR funding, the Access Grid uses a collection of cameras and microphones in various Internet-ready university classrooms to deliver multiple HD audio-video feeds to each participating room. A control station at each site allows operators to arrange the different video feeds on a large-format video screen in each classroom so participants can interact with each other in real-time while also viewing content from a computer at the presenting site. Video inputs at each site allow users to sync their own laptops and peripheral devices to the Access Grid so they can share presentations, diagrams, and video content with fellow users. An additional integrated document camera also allows presenters to place anything from printouts to actual device prototypes under a full-color, zooming camera that can send a live video feed to each site for instant feedback.

“The Access Grid’s large-format video conferencing and flexible presentation capabilities make it ideal for collaborative research,” said Randle. “We’ve been hosting weekly meetings amongst EPSCoR researchers for quite some time now, and we also have a number of STEM classes scheduled to take place over the Grid in the coming months.”

While the Access Grid’s initial video feeds were delivered in standard-definition, recent high-definition camera upgrades at South Dakota State University (Brookings, SD), the University of South Dakota (Vermillion, SD), and the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology (Rapid City, SD) have brought the Access Grid’s video capabilities to the forefront of modern videoconferencing technology.

“The increased image clarity of the access grid’s new HD cameras has put the quality of our video among the nation’s finest,” said KeithGriebel, communications technician at SDSU. “These HD video feeds give users the sensation of actually being in the room with each other!  The other new HD equipment allows presenters to display vivid, color-rich presentations with more pronounced color and detail.”

Additional recent additions to the Access Grid equipment at the South Dakota School of Mines &Technology (Rapid City) have now given it the ability to interface with other standard videoconferencing equipment and technologies.  Utilizing the Digital Dakota Network (DDN), it allows other universities and entities to join in on Access Grid activities.  

“With the development of the Access Grid we’ve seen a pronounced increase in communication amongst South Dakota’s university research departments,” said Griebel. “When we put  researchers in a position where they can easily communicate and collaborate regularly, good things are bound to happen.”

The Access Grid currently has two classes scheduled for the Spring of 2012 through SD EPSCoR’s IGERT program, Advanced Photovoltaics (SDSU) and Synthesis and Characterization of Nanomaterials (USD). For more information on Access Grid classes, visit: http://sdigert.org/

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From The PANS Website:

As one of South Dakota State University's lead photoactive nanoscale systems (PANS) researchers, Dr. Hongshan He has a seasoned team of researchers working with him along with a lab that boasts some of the state's most advanced photovoltaics research equipment. Nevertheless, his passion for understanding and improving solar technology came from something much simpler.

"When I was a child, I was very fascinated by how a small blue window on a calculator could provide enough electricity for the device to work," said He. "That fascination inspired me to pursue an education and career focusing on PANS research, and it really opened the door for understanding a field of science that is truly today."

He's passion for PANS research eventually took him to some of China's top universities, including Lanzhou University (Lanzhou, China) and Zhongshan University (Guangzhou, China). Following his dissertation and research rotations, He landed at SDSU in 2007, where he now works as an assistant professor and principle investigator for the university's EPSCoR-supported inorganic and organic photovoltaic materials research group.

The once small research group has now blossomed into a diverse, full-fledge research force that includes six dedicated research assistants, ranging from undergraduates to post-graduates. Their combined efforts aspire to broaden and improve our scientific understanding of industrial solar technology.

"While traditional solar technology uses expensive crystalline silicon solar cells, our group is focused on finding cheaper, more efficient ways to convert solar energy into usable electricity," stated He. "By focusing our research on photovoltaic materials that are abundant in nature and easy to manufacture, we hope to discover new ways to make solar technology more affordable in a large-scale industrial setting."

He's non-traditional approach to researching solar technology aims to create a better understanding of the photovoltaic properties of carbon-rich, inorganic materials. These readily available materials exhibit a number of unique properties, including photo absorption, electron generation, and electron migration. Together, these qualities can be fine-tuned to meet the needs of a number photovoltaic devices.

"We have found that small organic molecules can be used to fabricate a variety of different solar devices, such as dye-sensitized solar cells," explained He. "Particularly, we have found that porphyrin dyes, the same compounds used in nature to harvest sunlight when growing green plants, exhibit great potential for solar power application."

While the organic compounds provide the absorption properties required for solar energy transfer, He's research group has found that inorganic nanomaterials, such as titanium dioxide nanotubes, can also provide an efficient means through which electrons can be readily extracted from organic sunlight absorbing materials. This realization has led to some significant breakthroughs in PANS research.

"On the inorganic side, we have developed a new method for fabricating freestanding titanium dioxide nanotubes. The method significantly cuts down on the time and difficulty it takes to construct the tube arrays, which are normally difficult to make" said He. "On the organic side, we have also developed a method for aligning dye-based solar units that has increased their energy conversion efficiency significantly."

While energy over-consumption continues to be a big problem worldwide, He's research has shown that sometimes the path to solving a big problem starts by taking a very close look at the small things around us.

"We are confident that our research on organic and inorganic nanoscale materials will eventually lead to some major breakthroughs in solar technology," said He. "Ultimately, we hope these breakthroughs will lead to smarter, more cost-efficient solar technology—reducing our dependency on harmful fossil fuels and provide for a cleaner, greener tomorrow."

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From The PANS Website:

Coming from a country where clean, renewable energy is an urgent need, it comes with little surprise that USD's Dr. Ranjit T. Koodali has traveled around the world on a quest to uncover newer, more efficient avenues for harnessing the sun's energy. Hailing from Kerala, India, one of the world's most population-dense regions, it's safe to say that Koodali's research on solar power has both professional and personal significance of their organization.

"As populations continue to grow worldwide, there has never been a more urgent time to develop alternative forms of energy," said Koodali. "At its very core, photoelectrochemistry strives to transform solar radiation into clean, efficient energy, such as hydrogen or electricity, while minimizing its impact on the environment."

A graduate of the Indian Institute of Technology (Madras), Koodali's early career saw him working with some of the field's most dynamic photoelectrochemistry research teams, including stints with Dr. Itamar Willner (Hebrew University of Jeruslaem) and the late Dr. Larry Kevan (University of Houston). His experiences as a member of those groups spurred a passion for the characterization and synthesis of microporous and mesopourus nanostructured materials—porous, semiconductive materials that harbor the potential to make solar energy conversion much more efficient.

"One thing that drove my initial interest in photovoltaics was the fact that so many semiconductive microporous and mesoporous materials can be found in nature," explained Koodali. "The vast variety of pore sizes and shapes in these materials leaves much territory to be explored in the realm of photoelectrochemistry."

Koodali's extensive research on various semiconductor, nanostructured materials eventually landed him a spot as an associate professor of chemistry at the University of South Dakota (USD) in 2005, where he soon became involved with SD EPSCoR a year later. What started out as a modest research initiative soon blossomed into a dedicated team of 5 full-time graduate students, 4 undergraduate students and several associate collaborators at universities and laboratories across the nation—all in the pursuit of better, cleaner energy.
Since then, Koodali's team has led the way to several important breakthroughs in the science of photovoltaics, including the development of semiconductive oxide materials that cut back on pollutants more actively than commercial grade titanium dioxide materials. The group has also successfully prepared highly active mesoporous materials for solar hydrogen production. Combined, these discoveries show great promise for improving the efficiency and reliability of solar energy technology.

"We are hoping that the synthetic methods developed for the preparation of these mesoporous materials are scalable and can eventually be applied towards the mass production of high-efficiency solar cells," added Koodali.

While the environmental and technological benefits of high-efficiency solar cells are evident, Koodali's research also houses the potential to stimulate rigorous economic growth for the state of South Dakota. As part of a state-wide effort from the Governor's Office of Economic Development (GOED), Koodali's research team and others throughout the state remain a key resource for attracting potential alternative energy manufacturers—offering the promise stimulating economic growth and creating hundreds of new jobs throughout the state.

"With energy being one of the target industry sectors for the Governer's Ofice of Economic Development (GOED), Koodali's research team and others throughout the state are a valuable resource for attracting and helping existing solar energy companies—offering the promise of stimulating economic growth and creating new jobs throughout the state," said Mel Ustad, Director of Research and Commercialization for the GOED.

The benefits of Koodali's talents are not limited to just South Dakota alone. In the spirit of creating even further dialogue on the latest advancements in chemistry and photovoltaics, Koodali recently helped co-organize a graduate symposium to be held at the ACS National Meeting & Exposition in Denver, Colorado this summer from August 28-September 1, 2011.

"The event will aim to bring together some of the brightest young minds in engineering and chemistry to discuss a variety of topics ranging from computational methods to photoelectric chemistry," said Koodali.

While Koodali's pursuit of cleaner, more efficient energy has taken him many places during his young career, much work remains before large-scale mesoporous oxide solar cells become a reality.

"Ultimately, we hope that our research will lead to new energy sources that will mitigate environmental pollution," said Koodali. "With the funding and framework that SD EPSCoR has put together for our research, we are getting closer and closer to that reality each day."

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From The PANS Website:

Dr. Barrett Eichler, the interim EPSCoR coordinator for Augustana College took the time to share with us a little more about Augustana's growing PANS research group along with some of the latest research developments at the college during a brief Q&A session.

Q: How long have you been working on PANS research at Augustana?
A: Technically, since the beginning of this current PANS grant, which is a little less than two years.

Q: What other research groups have you been involved with?
A: Just last month I joined two Grand Opportunities groups that are investigating Reconfigurable Antennas on Flexible Substrates-Broadband Multilayer Filters (Dimitris Anagnostou) and Cost-Effective Excitonic Solar Cells (Brian Logue). We are excited about starting these projects, and this summer will be the first time that I will be working with PANS funding for student researchers!

Q: What first interested you in PANS research?
A: The promise of renewable energy. I think we all realize that the energy requirements of humanity are never going to decrease and that we should always be looking at new technologies. There is also a natural progression with my research on organic light-emitting diodes to convert to photovoltaics. The organosilicon compounds that I have been studying, siloles, have been recently of interest as photovoltaic materials after about 10 years of OLED research.

Q: How many students and faculty are involved in PANS research at Augustana?
A: There are five professors and twelve students that will be involved with PANS research for Summer 2011.

Q: What are some of the primary investigative areas that your group will be focused on?
A: We are a synthetic chemistry group concerned with organic and organometallic materials. Specifically, we work on pi-conjugated diarylacetylenes and siloles. These are a good semiconducting molecular species that they are especially known for their luminescence. We believe these properties could prove to be quite useful in solar cells, and we plan on trying to synthesize some siloles to incorporate into photovoltaic devices and to investigate their use in printable antennas.

Q: How has EPSCoR funding helped improve your research infrastructure?
A: Last year, we purchased a 400 MHz nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer, which has greatly increased our productivity in the lab. We have used the device in many of our courses, and it has allowed us to conduct experiments that were very difficult to do with our past facilities. We are also in the process of purchasing electronics and computers to help with our physics and computer science projects.

Q: What other EPSCoR-sponsored universities have you recently collaborated with?
A: We recently worked with the University of South Dakota to use their X-ray crystallography facilities for our research, and USD's researchers have also come to Augustana to use our new NMR instrument. We also recently gained the ability to meet with other universities over the internet, and we are thankful that EPSCoR has given us the ability to work on projects and use facilities that were previously unavailable to us. We are really looking forward to collaborating with our fellow PANS researchers as our program continues to grow at Augustana.

For more information on Dr. Eichler, visit his website at: http://faculty.augie.edu/~beichler/

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At the core of the EPSCoR mission lies an ambition to provide South Dakota's universities with the latest and best technology available to help further our understanding of solar technology. For Keith Whites, a lead researcher at South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, EPSCoR funding did just that.

Since 2004, Whites has been at the helm of ongoing research projects focused on applications for direct-write printing. The EPSCoR funded research that began in 2007 aspires to develop inkjet printers as a potential means for producing high-efficiency solar cell collector networks. Central to the project has been an advanced PixDro LP50 Desktop Print System that EPSCoR helped secure as part of an ongoing effort to advance PANS research throughout the state.

"Being an extremely broad field, PANS research covers a lot of territory in the lab these days," said Whites. "As complicated as some PANS technology can be, industrial inkjet printers are proving to be an efficient avenue for quickly manufacturing inexpensive collector networks—our PixDro printer has helped our research team do just that."

From students to faculty, the PixDro printer has remained a focal point at SDSMT, as the university's PANS research team continues to research newer, more efficient ways to create high-efficiency photovoltaic devices. This ongoing effort has attracted dozens of researchers from all walks of life since the project's initial inception.

"We currently have five full-time students, one research engineer, and three faculty dedicated to researching and applying the PixDro printer's photovoltaic capabilities," added Whites. "So far we are finding this printer to be an extremely efficient tool for printing solar cell collector networks on an industrial scale."

The latest in a line of advanced research and development printers, the PixDro LP50, uses a compact design and a flexible print head configuration to let researchers disperse a wide variety of colloids, solvents, UV fluids, and other liquids onto a number of different print surfaces. This flexibility makes it an ideal companion for PANS research, as Whites' research team continues to experiment with different photovoltaic materials.

"The PixDro printer has helped us discover that printing inexpensive, industrial-scalable solar collector networks is quickly becoming a reality in the research world," stated Whites. "EPSCoR funding has been absolutely pivotal in helping us come to this realization, and we are very excited for what the future holds for this technology." 

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From the PANS Website:

When it comes to photovoltaic technology, it is safe to say that silicon based solar cells have been a mainstay in the commercial solar market. While the efficiency of silicon solar cells has improved greatly through the decades, many challenges still remain when it comes to making the technology more affordable in the commercial arena. With this in mind, many researchers have begun experimenting with alternative designs for solar cells that can offer the same efficiently of pricey silicon solar cells in a much more affordable package.

One particular design that has generated significant interest in photovoltaics research is the concept of dye-sensitized solar cells, or DSSCs. By using a variety of highly absorbent dye molecules, DSSCs can effectively mimic the process of photosynthesis to produce usable electricity on a small scale—all in a much more cost-effective package than pricey silicon-based technology.

Expanding DSSCs to accommodate large-scale consumer needs continues to be a hot research topic at universities throughout the country, and thanks to SD EPSCoR funding, Brian Logue, associate professor of Chemistry & Biochemistry at SDSU, has made some significant strides towards developing new DSSCs for commercial use.

"The goal of our research team at SDSU is to develop and implement a variety of novel DSSCs for eventual commercial distribution," Said Logue.

"SD EPSCoR funding has helped us assemble a dedicated research team that continues to make strides towards developing scalable DSSCs for commercial use, and we are very excited for what the future holds for this technology."

With three graduate students, one postdoc student, and a number of SDSU faculty members on his team, Logue's group has begun researching and developing dye molecules that can expand the spectrum of photovoltaic devices to absorb near-infrared radiation (NIR), a nearly invisible light source that can greatly improve the potency of DSSCs.

"Near-infrared radiation harbors tremendous potential for improving current DSSC models," said Logue. "So far our team has been able to create three novel NIR absorbing dye molecules that we hope to implement into an efficient new solar cell design."

In addition to discovering the new dyes, Logue's group has also worked to develop a compact dye layer that engineers can apply to classical DSSC models to help improve their efficiency. Combined, these discoveries are a small step towards making scalable commercial DSSC technology a reality.

"Scalable DSSC commercial technology harbors countless environmental and economical benefits," said Logue. "By reducing our dependency on harmful fossil fuels, DSSC devices can help move us forward towards cleaner, more renewable energy—creating a better world for generations to come."

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From The PANS Website

With fuel prices soaring at all-time highs, there has never been a more important time to investigate alternative energy sources, and for Dr. Steve Smith of the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, that investigation has literally led to an unseen area of photovoltaics—infrared radiation.

As a spectroscopic imaging expert, Smith specializes in investigating new strategies to convert low-visibility light sources, such as infrared radiation, into high-energy light that can be contribute to improving the efficiency of photovoltaic devices.

"Our current SD EPSCoR-funded multi-university research team is focused on investigating infra-red to visible upconversion," said Smith. "While infrared radiation has typically been overlooked as an alternative energy source, when introduced to certain nanoscale materials, the spectrum of infrared light can be converted to create high-energy light that can be readily absorbed by photovoltaic devices."

Smith's research on spectroscopic imaging has helped atract a number of aspiring young researchers to the School of Mines and Technology to help further investigate the application of spectral conversion towards improving photovoltaic technology.
"Since b ecoming involved with SD EPSCoR in 2007, our current research team has grown to include five fulltime Ph. D students as well two undergraduate students," stated Smith. "The diverse background of our multi-university team has helped lead to several breakthrough discoveries towards using up-conversion for improving photovoltaics."

By using a variety of nanoscale materials to help diffuse low-energy light sources, up-conversion offers an avenue for exploring the photovoltaic potential of light sources that are typically missed by conventional solar cells. In a similar fashion to fluorescent lighting, up-conversion particles become highly active when exposed to certain wavelengths of light, literally transforming invisible infra-red light into visible light.

"By experimenting with different strategies to improve the efficiency of up-conversion nanoparticles, our groups have been able to confirm significant improvements in the efficiency of converting the spectrum of infrared radiation to better-match the solar spectrum," said Smith. "By understanding the properties of these materials, we hope to eventually find a way to create low cost, high-efficiency spectral converters that could be applied to help improve the efficiency of solar cells."

Through the course of Smith's research, the SD EPSCoR research network has played a pivotal role in connecting Smith's group with other South Dakota researchers who are also investigating the application of up-conversion towards solar technology.

"Through SD EPSCoR, we've had the pleasure of working with Dr. Mary Berry and Dr. Stanley May of the University of South Dakota, who have developed a method for synthesizing high-quality, nanocrystaline up-conversion particles based on Ytterbium and Erbium, and the group of Dr. Mahdi Baroughi at South Dakota State University, which fabricates nanostructured metallic substrates which can significantly enhance the efficiency of up-conversion" explained Smith. "Being able to network with fellow researchers throughout the state has vastly improved our research, and we are very excited for what the future holds in this growing area of photochemistry."

The application of up-conversion is not just limited to solar technology. From fighting cancer cells to creating invisible inks to protect against counterfeiting, up-conversion is emerging as an exciting niche in photochemistry that has countless practical applications.
"Scientists have found ways to attach cancer fighting drugs to the same up-conversion nanoscale particles that we use for improving photovoltaics," said Smith. "These particles can be injected directly into the blood stream, where they can directly attack cancer cells upon being exposed to infrared radiation… it's a truly amazing process."

While there is still much territory to be explored in this emerging field of nanoscience, Smith is quick to acknowledge the important role that funding has played in creating a solid foundation for researching and applying up-conversion in photovoltaics.

"SD EPSCoR has helped fund several bright, young researchers who have made significant contributions towards our work," said Smith. "Combined with the equipment, networking, and technical resources that SD EPSCoR funds have put in place, it's safe to say that the future of photochemistry in South Dakota is looking bright."

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http://www.sdepscor.org/news_vSURF.html

Astrophysicist Neil Degrasse Tyson has said, "True science literacy is less about what you know and more about how your brain is wired for asking questions." In this tradition, SD EPSCoR is pleased to announce the release of a new website which will allow visitors to explore and learn more about the Sanford Underground Laboratory at the Homestake Mine in Lead, S.D.

Officially dubbed the Virtual Sanford Underground Research Facility (vSURF), the site is in the process of building an extensive online learning environment where users can explore the nature of scientific research, including virtual highlights from research projects at the Sanford Underground Laboratory's research facilities.

"The goal of the website is to leverage computer technology to help online visitors learn more about science and research," said lead vSURF designer, Dr. Stephen Krebsbach, head of Computer Science at Dakota State University

"From digital animations on timely scientific topics to interactive learning games, the site will create a fun, interactive environment where visitors can gain a greater understanding and appreciation for scientific research."

As part of the Sanford Center for Science Education (SCSE), vSURF will create an online portal where visitors can explore the Sanford Underground Laboratory's facilities through a series of online activities, including virtual lab tours, interactive experiments and numerous educational games. The overall goal of the project aims to provide a dynamic forum where the laboratory can share its facilities and research with anyone, regardless of their location.

"While the staff at the Homestake laboratory regularly entertains visitors during educational workshops throughout the year, they understand that only a small percentage of those interested can take part in these onsite activities," said Krebsbach.

"This said, vSURF will provide online students, scientists, and the general public with a wonderful opportunity to take part in the groundbreaking activities going on at SURF. A virtual visit may also build interest in visiting the Black Hills and SURF in the future."

Initial development of the vSURF site has come from a far-reaching collaborative effort that involved scientists, educators, and computer technologists from throughout the state. Collaborators worked closely with Krebsbach and his development team, Dr. Steven Graham (DSU) and Ms. Judy Vondruska (SDSU), to develop the site's extensive multi-user virtual environment. The collaboration was made possible due in part with funding from several organizations throughout the state and SD EPSCoR.

A number of video clips and previews of vSURF content are currently available on the vSURF website.

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