A natural, plastic-like alternative is sorely needed to curb the ongoing plastic waste crisis, and according to South Dakota State University researcher Srinivas Janaswamy, a sustainable remedy is within reach. Janaswamy has demonstrated how biodegradable films can be created from switchgrass, a prairie grass native to South Dakota. 

South Dakota State University has been selected to lead a research project that will analyze the racial and geographic disparities in mortality with end-stage renal (kidney) disease with a focus on Native American and Hispanic populations in South Dakota. Semhar Michael, associate professor of statistics in SDSU's Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering, is the principal investigator.

Michael Gonda, a professor in South Dakota State University's Department of Animal Science, has been awarded the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s National Award for Excellence in college and university teaching in food and agricultural sciences for 2023. Pictured above is Gonda, right, with Manjit K. Misra, director of the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. (Photo via APLU and Nick Klein Photography)

A new study from South Dak0ta State University's Department of Natural Resource Management has identified the Missouri River basin's live bait trade as a pathway for invasive carp to potentially increase their range.

Research in the News

Phys — "Researcher turns switchgrass into bioplastics" 

The Brookings Register — "South Dakota State team set to lead NIH AIM-AHED project"

Crop Life — "Additional Cropping Systems Keep Seed Dealers Connected to Producers" 

The Brookings Register — "Study shows Missouri River region's live bait trade as potential pathway for invasive species"

Innovating Plastics — "SDSU researcher turning switchgrass into bioplastics"

APC — "Swine Trends Episode 8: Innovative Approaches to Optimize Pig Health and Feeding Strategies"