News at SDState

Avian metapneumovirus is a highly contagious virus causing respiratory and reproductive disorders in poultry, leading to significant animal welfare concerns and economic losses. The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research is providing South Dakota State University a $150,000 Rapid Outcomes from Agricultural Research grant to develop a diagnostic tool and vaccine for the virus. SDSU is providing matching funds for a total investment of $300,000.

Researchers in South Dakota State University's Department of Dairy and Food Science are improving the shelf life of strawberries and raspberries using biodegradable packaging material.

Researchers in South Dakota State University's Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory were the first to identify a new strain of avian metapneumovirus — a highly contagious disease that is currently causing significant problems for the U.S. poultry industry — and are now working toward developing a safe and effective vaccine.

A new project from South Dakota State University's College of Natural Sciences looks to improve the soybean plant's ability to naturally fix nitrogen, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers.

Rachel Short and Gazala Ameen, two assistant professors in South Dakota State University's College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, have each received one of the National Science Foundation's most prestigious grants for early career faculty to pursue biology research projects.

Adam Devlin, a recent master’s graduate in the South Dakota State University Department of Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science, worked on a collaborative project with faculty in the School of Design to bring awareness to the hardships of South Dakota farmers and the effects of soil composition in various subjects.

Londa Nwadike, a Bruce native and 2000 South Dakota State University alumna, has been named the David A. Thompson Endowed Department Head and Professor of Dairy and Food Science at SDSU.

By the narrowest of margins — two points out of more than 2,000 — the SDSU Quarter Scale Tractor Team came up just short of winning its third consecutive national title. Competing at the 27th annual International Quarter-Scale Tractor Student Design Competition at the Expo Gardens Fairgrounds in Peoria, Illinois, the South Dakota State University team placed third out of 21 teams.

In the heart of the Midwest, South Dakota State University is guided by the leadership of President Barry Dunn. He brings expertise from his time as a farmer, rancher, researcher and academic to the state’s land-grant university.

The annual South Dakota State University Celebration of Faculty Excellence recognized 30 faculty members, researchers and scientists Tuesday. The event honors faculty members in the university's colleges for outstanding research, teaching and service.