As we enjoy the longest days of the year, I hope that you are all well and enjoying the summer! NRM has been humming along with a very busy end to our spring semester 😊.
The faculty and their lab groups are now out and about conducting important research, attending meetings, and hopefully taking a well-deserved break. We love hearing from you all, so please do not hesitate to contact us with any news you would like to share.
Warmest regards,
Michele
Faculty & Staff News
Recognition of Service Milestones
May 2, 2025 | Brookings campus
During the recent faculty meeting held on May 2, we had the honor of recognizing two distinguished members of the South Dakota State University community for their longstanding service and outstanding contributions.
Dr. Lan Xu, Professor, was acknowledged for 25 years of exemplary commitment to teaching, research, and mentorship, shaping the academic and professional growth of countless students.
Mr. Pete Bergmann, Lead Researcher for the National Wetland Inventory (NWI), was recognized for 30 years of dedicated service, advancing both the university’s mission and the field of wetland research.
Dean Cassady was present to extend his personal appreciation and present each honoree with a commemorative service pin. The occasion was made even more special with the presence of Mr. Bergmann’s wife, Lisa, and son, Steven, who joined the celebration.
NRM extends our sincere gratitude to Dr. Xu and Mr. Bergmann for their unwavering dedication and the lasting impact they have made on the university and its community.
NRM Highlights
URSCAD
April 15, 2025 | Brookings campus
Twelve NRM undergraduate students participated in the annual URSCAD (Undergraduate Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity Day), where they presented posters showcasing their research and scholarly efforts. We extend our sincere appreciation to all 12 NRM students who represented the department with professionalism and dedication: Kaden Ball, Cole Cannon, Annie Feden (Schultz-Werth Award), Allison Fischer, Alex Johnson, Thea Klarenbeek, Katherine Pfeifle (Undergraduate Research Award),
Andrew Pick (Schultz-Werth Award), Taylor Sutton, Peter Nester, Jason Uden, and Carter Whalen.
The SDSU Graduate School hosted the 3rd Annual GRSCAD (Graduate Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity Day) in the Volstorff Ballroom of the Student Union. The event highlighted the academic and creative contributions of graduate students from across campus. We are proud of our 27 NRM graduate students for their contributions and participation in this campus-wide celebration of research and scholarly excellence!
Maya Pendleton, Ph.D. student mentored by Dr. Amanda Cheeseman, delivered a featured presentation on Addressing Knowledge Gaps of Bats of Conservation Need in South Dakota.
The event continued with Graduate Student Poster Shows, providing attendees with insights into ongoing research and scholarly contributions from a wide range of disciplines. We extend our sincere appreciation to the following students for showcasing the high caliber of research within NRM: Abdulallah Alomair, Allison Boehm, Joseph Cammarano, Karma Choki, Kelsey Crowley, Mia DiCianna, Carter Dollen, Aysah Dondlinger, Brenden Elwer, Ashley Fazekas, Kassidy Frame, Vivian Hulugh, Alexandra Kovary-Turnsek, Helen Kruger, Bret Lang, Natalie Liberati, Anna Manson, Charles McDunn, Katherine Millman, Hannah Mulligan, Victor Pineiro, Kayla Reed, Sean Ryder, Evan Spencer, Walter Wafula, Stephanie Webster, and Logan Zebro
The event concluded with the Graduate Student Recognition, where students were acknowledged for their accomplishments in scholarship and professional development. Helen Krueger, M.S. student mentored by Dr. Bill Severud, was recognized for completing the Graduate Professionalism Academy Certificate (Bronze Level).
2025 Honors Medallion Ceremony
May 7, 2025 | Brookings campus
Four NRM undergraduate students graduating with the prestigious Fishback Honors College distinction received the Honors Medallion at this special ceremony. These honorees were celebrated for their involvement on campus and in the community, emphasizing their engagement and leadership with the communities they interact with.
As part of this recognition, each student selected an SDSU faculty or staff member who played a meaningful role in their academic journey. The NRM honorees and their chosen mentors are:
Annie Feden (Mentor: Dr. Lora Perkins)
Andrew Pick (Mentor: Dr. Lan Xu)
Taylor Sutton (Mentor: Dr. Bill Severud)
Erin Thomas (Mentor: Amanda Wilder, M.S.)
Department Activities
NRM Open House & Grad Student Recognition Day
April 11, 2025 | Brookings campus
NRM hosted its first-ever NRM Open House, welcoming faculty, staff, graduate students, and state and federal stakeholders from across South Dakota, Nebraska, and Minnesota. The event marked an exciting milestone for the department, providing a platform to showcase research, build connections, and highlight the incredible work being done within NRM.
The day featured a seminar, lab tours, a networking lunch, and a graduate student poster session & award ceremony. Nearly 30 students presented their research posters, highlighting the breadth of work being done in the department. Eleven students received awards for academic excellence. Congratulations to all awardees!
Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make the first NRM Open House a success. We look forward to continuing this new tradition!
NRM proudly hosted an Earth Day Celebration bringing together students, faculty, and community members for an afternoon focused on sustainability and environmental education. Six interactive booths offered hands-on activities highlighting conservation, habitat management, and ecological monitoring.
American Fisheries Society (AFS)
Park Interpretation and Management Club (PIMC)
Pheasants Forever Chapter
Range Management Club
Soil Respiration
Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation Club (WFCC)
Participants who visited at least three booths were treated to SDSU’s signature ice cream sponsored by the College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences, served with compostable utensils—a sweet and sustainable reward!
Thanks to all who joined us in celebrating and promoting environmental stewardship!
NRM is pleased to introduce a new student organization, Park Interpretation and Management (PIM) Club. This club is designed to support students interested in careers related to parks, natural resources, and public engagement through interpretation. The PIM Club offers opportunities to develop and practice a wide range of professional skills, including:
Naturalist programming
Community outreach and involvement
Professional development and training
Interpretive media design, including signage and exhibit creation
Field-based activities such as hiking and camping
The club fosters interdisciplinary learning and collaboration, and students from all majors are welcome and encouraged to participate. We look forward to seeing students engage in this valuable and enriching new opportunity.
The day before Commencement, NRM gathered in the McFadden Biostress Atrium to honor and celebrate our graduating seniors. Surrounded by proud family members, dedicated faculty, and supportive staff, we reflected on the hard work, personal growth, and accomplishments of this exceptional group of students. The event was a meaningful occasion filled with memorable stories, smiles, and anticipation for the promising futures that lie ahead. NRM extends our heartfelt congratulations to the Class of 2025 and look forward to witnessing the impact they will make in the world.
In Memory of Bruce Eichhorst: A Lasting Legacy at Oak Lake Field Station
May 22, 2025 | Oak Lake Field Station
NRM gathered to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Bruce Eichhorst, NRM Instructor and OLFS Assistant Director for Education and Outreach, who sadly passed away last fall after a courageous battle with cancer.
From 2019 through the summer of 2024, Bruce inspired and mentored countless students through his work with NRM 230, high school camps held at the Station, and regular courses on campus. His unwavering passion for teaching and deep love for the natural world created an indelible impact on all who had the privilege to learn from him.
Bruce’s beloved family, colleagues, students, and advisees gathered together on this day to celebrate his life, his tireless enthusiasm for nature, and his profound commitment to education.
As a tribute to Bruce's dedication, a memorial bench, generously built by Pete and Lisa Bergmann, has been placed on the porch of the Station Administrative Building with this quote: "We Can Never Have Enough of Nature" (H.D. Thoreau). This thoughtful gesture serves as a quiet place for reflection and remembrance.
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