Biology and Microbiology Department Research

The Department of Biology and Microbiology provides an intellectually vibrant, collegial and interdisciplinary research environment. Research is focused in seven areas, and faculty work on a range of life forms including mammals, plants, fungi, bacteria and viruses. Research in the various laboratories is supported through grants from various funding agencies, including the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health and U.S. Department of Agriculture. Our graduates find positions in academia, medicine, veterinary and medical research and biotech industry.

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Improved regulation of transpiration through stomatal pore size and aperture would improve yields in severe environments.
Core Facilities
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Functional Genomics

Offers interdisciplinary gene function research and training in viral, bacterial, plant and animal systems.
Research samples in a lab
Genomics Sequencing

Offers DNA sequencing services using Illumina NextSeq 500 and MiSeq platforms.
Avera Health & Science Center
Core Campus Mass Spectrometry

Provides researchers with access to advanced mass spectrometry instrumentation.
Research Focus Areas
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Biotechnology and Synthetic Biology

Applies molecular biology, biochemistry and molecular genetics to develop enhanced agricultural, environmental, clinical and industrial products.
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Discipline-Based Education

Studies how people learn biological concepts, scientific practices and how best to evaluate teaching and learning
Grad student using microscope
Immunology and Microbiology

Studies how microbial pathogens replicate and cause diseases in humans and agricultural animals.
ADRDL Molecular Diagnostic Work
Mammalian Cell and Molecular Biology

Investigates molecular and cellular mechanisms that comprise life.
Biological Sciences
Plant and Animal Microbiomes

Studies humans and plants as ecosystems for microbes and correlate the microbes with the host phenotype and function.
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Plant Cell and Molecular Biology

Works to address the agricultural challenges of the 21st century.
Bio lab
Systems Biology

Uses mathematics and computer modeling to enable a better understanding of complex biological interactions.
Students working in a Lab
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Summer Opportunities
Undergraduate Research

The Department of Biology and Microbiology provides an intellectually vibrant, collegial and interdisciplinary research environment for undergraduate students.

Some opportunities include:

Contact us
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Department of Biology and Microbiology
Physical Address
1066 Campanile Ave.
Brookings, SD 57007
Mailing Address
SAV 228, Box 2104A
Brookings, SD 57007
Hours
Mon - Fri: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
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