Research at DSU: SRI, GRI, FRI

Dakota State University (DSU) continues to strengthen its culture of research through three excellent research programs: the Student Research Initiative (SRI), the Graduate Research Initiative (GRI), and the Faculty Research Initiative (FRI). These opportunities give undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty members the chance to pursue original projects, gain mentorship, and share their work with the DSU community. Furthermore, the program encourages everyone to work on something they’re passionate about by funding research projects.

First, the SRI program supports faculty-student teams, with up to two undergraduates working alongside a faculty mentor on projects that go beyond typical coursework. Students receive stipends, mentors receive funding, and all participants present their results at the Spring 2026 Research Symposium. One team will also represent DSU at the statewide poster session in Pierre. The SRI program encourages all undergraduates, including freshmen, to work with a faculty on a topic of choice.

The GRI provides graduate students with up to $500 for research that demonstrates scholarly advancement and readiness for publication or professional presentation. Proposals undergo blind peer review ensuring a fair review of all proposals, and awardees will also share their findings at the 2026 DSU Research Symposium.

Finally, the FRI supports faculty research and creative work with up to $3,000 for individuals or $5,000 for collaborative teams. The initiative prioritizes new tenure-track faculty but is open to all, with funded projects showcased during Research/Doctoral Residency Week in March 2026.

Together, these initiatives highlight DSU’s commitment to advancing research at levels ranging from undergraduates to experienced faculty members.