The University of South Dakota

Transforming the Culture of Research

The Northern Plains Undergraduate Research Center (NPURC) supports an ambitious, multifaceted approach to transforming the undergraduate research culture at several regional colleges and universities.  

Student Opportunities

NPURC provides opportunities for both beginning and advanced chemistry students. Freshmen students immediately start research in their general chemistry laboratory courses, pursuing projects in water quality, nanoscience, ionic liquids, organic synthesis or related projects. Students may then opt to apply for intensive, summer-long research experiences, where one-on-one attention by individual faculty mentors will further develop nascent interests in chemistry. For advanced students, internships at national laboratories and private industry or study abroad opportunities are available.

Participating Members

• Augustana College (Sioux Falls, SD)
• Mount Marty College (Yankton, SD)
• Sinte Gleska University (Mission, SD)
• Dordt College (Sioux Center, IA)
• Buena Vista University (Storm Lake, IA)
• Fort Berthold Community College (New Town, ND)
• Briar Cliff University (Sioux City, IA)
• Nebraska Indian Community College
• University of South Dakota (Vermillion, SD)

Read more about NPURC's Partners.

Our Goals Are To:

• Implement multi-institutional curricular reform to bring research experiences to a large number of first and second-year students.
• Increase research productivity of NPURC participants located in the Northern Plains region by providing:
  • Undergraduate research support for NPURC faculty.
  • Research workshops and intensive research experiences for first and second year students.
  • Technical support and analytical services for research.
  • Symposia and lecture opportunities for faculty and student interaction.
  • Research opportunities for advanced undergraduates and high school teachers.

If you're a member of a chemistry department in the Northern Plains region (SD, IA, ND and MN) and are interested in participating in NPURC activities or need more information, please email us at npurc@usd.edu.