School of Mines researchers and professors received $670,000 in research and development funding during November 2008. This brings the current Fiscal Year 09 total to more than $10.5 million, with six months remaining in the fiscal year. In comparison, the total amount awarded for FY08 was $10.1 million.
The awards are funding research in departments across campus. Some research is basic, and is designed to create new knowledge or to add to the literature on a given topic. Other research is applied, and is meant to produce real-world products. The School of Mines has placed an emphasis on applied research to benefit the state, region and nation.
The School of Mines, an engineering and science university in Rapid City, is home to several research institutions and centers, and plans are underway to expand the number of graduate degrees and to enhance the technology-transfer process.
The November award highlights:
Dr. Lew Christopher, director, Center for Bioprocessing Research and Development, received $500,000 in additional funding from the South Dakota Board of Regents for the project, "Center for Bioprocessing Research and Development."
Dr. Jon Kellar, chair and professor, materials and metallurgical engineering, and Dr. Keith Whites, professor and Steven P. Miller chair, electrical and computer engineering, received $170,000 in additional funding from the South Dakota Department of Tourism and State Development for the project, "The 2010 Initiative: Science-Based Leadership for South Dakota."
