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title: NRM 2026 August Newsletter
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| View in browser Jobs Directory Department Head's Message   Dear Alumni, Donors, and Friends,   This will be my last official greeting as NRM department head. As you know Sandy Smart is stepping in as the Interim department head and Josh Leffler is our assistant department head. I thank them both for their commitment and leadership to our department!   Our building has been undergoing an almost 3-year upgrade on air handling and lab hoods and this work will be ending soon!  All will be delighted to be in our new improved space in the fall!  Our mammal collection will finally have its own space joining our bird, fish, invertebrate, and herbaria in designated areas with faculty curating each one.  Our outreach and extension activities have been well received this summer including our annual high school camp at Oak Lake Field Station, Rangeland Days, and our Native plant expos held throughout the state.   The faculty research programs are humming along, and we have had many graduate students complete their degrees in the last few months. Many undergraduates have also completed their degrees, were academic stars and are landing their dream jobs! We are proud of all of them and their accomplishments!   One Day for State is Sept 10, 2026 and we hope that many of you will contribute to NRM’s Excellence fund. All funds as in past years, are utilized to provide experiential learning opportunities for our students!   It has been an honor to be the NRM department head for the last 11 years. I wish everyone the best both professionally and personally and hope to see you around the state.   Warmly,   Michele Please visit the Department of Natural Resource Management to view information about our department in addition to our vision and mission statements.  Upcoming Events Dr. Dudash Retirement Reception August 17 \| McCrory Gardens   After 11 years of dedicated service as Department Head, Dr. Michele Dudash will retire on August 21. Please join us in celebrating her retirement and thanking her for her leadership and mentorship: Monday, August 17 at McCrory Gardens One Day for STATE! September 10 \| Virtual Event   One Day for STATE is a 24-hour giving campaign hosted by the SDSU Foundation, designed to celebrate the university and encourage philanthropic support from the Jackrabbit community worldwide. The event highlights the impact of donations on student experiences, academic programs, and campus initiatives, showing how collective generosity can transform the future of SDSU.   In NRM, all funds raised support student experiential learning opportunities in the classroom and beyond. Activities include on-the-ground training, meeting attendance, club activities, student travel, research, and professional development that enable them to enter the workforce well prepared. Click to Participate! NRM Highlights Annual Meeting of the American Society of Mammalogists June 12-15 \| Norfolk, VA   The Martin and Short Labs represented NRM at the 2026 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Mammalogists (ASM) in Norfolk, Virginia. Dr. Alex Shupinski presented her postdoctoral research on bison habitat suitability. M.S. student Angie Lemminger shared her work examining bison social network structures, while Ph.D. student Ariel Berenyi-Tonesi presented research on fossil small mammal communities in Wind Cave National Park. M.S. student McKenzie Boyer also presented a poster exploring foot morphology in hoofed mammals. More photos on Facebook Department Events Undergraduate Graduation Reception May 8, 2026 \| McFadden Biostress Lab   This year, we continued one of our valued NRM traditions with our annual Undergraduate Graduation Reception held in the Biostress Atrium. Graduating seniors gathered with their families and friends to celebrate this important milestone, enjoying SDSU ice cream and spending time with NRM faculty and staff who are excited to see the graduating students pursue their dreams. We are incredibly proud of each graduate and the unique journeys that brought them to this achievement. As they step into their next chapter, we wish them continued success, fulfillment, and meaningful impact in their future endeavors. Congratulations all! More photos on Facebook NRM230 Natural Resource Management Techniques Course May 11-15, 2026 \| Oak Lake Field Station   About 60 students, joined by NRM faculty members and graduate teaching assistants, participated in an immersive week-long field course at Oak Lake Field Station. This intensive experience provided students with valuable opportunities to apply classroom knowledge in a hands-on, real-world setting. Throughout the week, students developed practical skills in a wide range of field techniques. Activities included wildlife sampling across multiple taxa - fish, amphibians, birds, mammals, and aquatic invertebrates - as well as habitat assessments and environmental data collection. Students also gained experience in vegetation surveys, plant identification, soil characterization, and water quality testing.   In addition to building technical competencies, the course emphasized collaboration and problem-solving. Working in teams, students practiced critical thinking while collecting and analyzing data in dynamic field conditions. These experiences are essential for preparing students for careers in natural resource management, where adaptability and teamwork are key. Overall, the course provided a meaningful opportunity for experiential learning, helping students strengthen their field skills, and deepen their understanding of ecological systems and management practices. More photos on Facebook Natural Resources High School Camp June 8-12, 2026 \| Oak Lake Field Station   High school students from across the region participated in our high school camp at the Oak Lake Field Station, where they spent five days exploring the science and management of natural resources.   Throughout the week, campers worked alongside instructors (Kirsten Engeseth and Riley Mounsdon) to identify wildlife species, collect environmental data, and practice field sampling techniques used by natural resource professionals. Activities included bird identification, aquatic ecology investigations, and lake monitoring exercises that gave students firsthand experience in natural resource management. In addition to developing scientific knowledge and field skills, participants built teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills through collaborative outdoor activities. Evening campfire gatherings and group discussions provided opportunities for students to connect with peers who share an interest in the outdoors and environmental stewardship.   The camp continues to inspire students to explore careers in conservation and natural resource management while fostering a greater appreciation for South Dakota's natural environments. More photos on Facebook Extension & Outreach Activities Rangeland & Soil Days June 9-10, 2026 \| Belle Fourche   SDSU Extension Range Field Specialist Kaylee Wheeler and NRCS SD State Range Specialist and NRM Alumnus Emily Rohrer led this year’s South Dakota Rangeland & Soil Days in Belle Fourche, bringing together more than 150 youth, ages 8 to 18, and their families for 2 days of competition and hands-on learning about South Dakota’s working rangelands.   Participants practiced plant identification, explored soils and ecological sites, and learned how rangeland stewardship connects plants, animals, land, and people. The event highlighted the value of getting students outside and building the next generation of rangeland professionals and land stewards.   The NRM Department was well represented, with Dr. Sandy Smart, Dr. Krista Ehlert, Dr. Sean Di Stefano, and two graduate students from the Di Stefano Lab, Payton Lemme and Ethan Rising, participating alongside agency partners from NRCS, USFS, and others. South Dakota Rangeland & Soil Days is also supported by the South Dakota Section of the Society for Range Management. More photos on Facebook Native Plant Expos: Native Plant Initiative Brings Plants and Education Across South Dakota   The Native Plant Initiative (NPI) continued its outreach across South Dakota this June with a series of Native Plant Expos featuring native plant sales and educational programs. The season began at McCrory Gardens in Brookings during the Garden Discovery Festival. Additional expos were held in partnership with the Rapid City Garden Club at the Education Garden, Beautify Spearfish at The Snapper’s Club, Rock Garden Nursery in Sioux Falls, and East Pierre Landscape and Garden Center. Approximately 30 species of native grasses and wildflowers were available for purchase grown from regionally collected seed by SDSU students. These native plants provide habitat for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife while helping gardeners incorporate native species into their landscapes.   Educational presentations were provided by Dr. Lora Perkins, professor and SDSU Extension Native Plant Specialist, who discussed proper native seed storage. Extension Specialists, Robin Buterbaugh shared recommendations for native plants that provide food and habitat for birds and Allison Dollen compared establishing native plants from seed versus seedling transplants. M.S. student Alex Kovary explained the importance of selecting seed sources and plant materials adapted to the region.   👉 Follow NPI: Facebook \| Instagram Oak Lake Field Day July 9 \| Oak Lake Field Station   Oak Lake Field Station recently welcomed members of the local community, SDSU colleagues, and guests from beyond the region for a day of learning, discovery, and connection. The day began with a series of engaging presentations. Dr. Michele Dudash, NRM Department Head, opened the program with welcoming remarks and an introduction to the station's mission and impact. Kirsten Engeseth followed with a presentation on undergraduate education opportunities at Oak Lake Field Station and the valuable hands-on learning experiences available to students. Research presentations covered a wide range of ecological topics. CJ Klopfenstein of Purdue University Fort Wayne discussed the ecology of Franklin's ground squirrels and the important ecosystem services they provide. Dr. Kelton Welch of the Ecdysis Foundation shared insights into bioinventories for regenerative farmers and highlighted the work being conducted at Blue Dasher Farm and through BugBox. Amadeu dos Santos Neto, Ph.D. student, presented his research on pollinators and flowering plants in the Prairie Coteau region. Following the morning presentations, attendees enjoyed a lunch provided by Oak Lake Field Station, including SDSU ice cream from the Agricultural Experiment Station. The afternoon featured guided tours of the station, offering visitors a closer look at ongoing research and conservation efforts. Tour highlights included Pete Bauman's discussion of controlled prairie fires and their role in grassland management, Dr. Lora Perkins' laboratory and work with the Native Plant Initiative, and Amadeu dos Santos Neto's demonstrations of pollinator research and the DRAGNet project. Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the day a success!   More photos on Facebook Northen Plains Water Voice IV June 2026 \| Whooper Highway Podcast   Protecting the endangered Whooping Crane requires collaboration among conservation organizations, researchers, and wildlife professionals. During the Whooper Highway journey, SDSU Extension Water Resources Field Specialist David Kringen had the opportunity to connect with the International Crane Foundation to learn more about ongoing efforts to conserve this iconic species and its habitat. On their bicycle route near Highmore South Dakota, Dave spoke with Andy Caven and Mike Forsberg about the challenges facing Whooping Cranes and the collaborative work underway to support the species' recovery. The conversation highlighted the importance of research, habitat conservation, education, and partnerships in ensuring the long-term survival of this remarkable bird. Please check out the new video from Dave's visit with the Whooping Crane Foundation staff.   👉 Pedaling the Whooper Highway webpage 2025-2026 Dean's List The Dean's List recognizes undergraduate students who achieve a GPA of 3.5 or higher over a semester while completing at least 12 credit hours. We are proud of your hard work and dedication. Congratulations to our NRM students for their outstanding academic achievement!   Program Code CPPM = Conservation Planning & Park Management EES = Ecology & Environmental Science EES-RNG = EES with Rangeland Ecology & Management specialization NRLE = Natural Resource Law Enforcement WFS = Wildlife & Fisheries Sciences 2025 Fall Amelia Amrhein (WFS) Kirsten Anderson (WFS) Caden Bierema (CPPM) Keegan Blaha (NRLE) Cody Brink (WFS) Nash Burdick (NRLE) Nicklaus Busse (EES-RNG) Tammie Collins (NRLE) Karina Cunningham (EES) Cole Dekker (WFS) Nicole DeVader (EES) Nora Erickson (EES) Anna Fuerst (EES) Blake Giese (NRLE) Roman Gilmore-Metz (WFS) Logan Graf (WFS) Emma Graves (EES) Ethan Gullickson (EES) Coy Hamilton (WFS) Kyle Haroldson (NRLE) Adam Hejny (NRLE) Alex Josephson (NRLE) Samuel Koch (NRLE) Lillian Laven (EES) Kincade Lehman (WFS) James Lipovsky (WFS) Caleigh Loger (CPPM)   Brennon Lyman (NRLE) Bradley McHugh (EES) Chase McMath (NRLE) Layla Mickle (NRLE) James Micucci (WFS) Chloe Mossberg (NRLE) Claire Murray (EES) Cooper Olson (WFS) Kaiden Olson (NRLE) Cooper Pajich (EES) Owen Paul (WFS) Katherine Pfeifle (EES) Dylan Rambo (WFS) Brianna Ross (EES) Peyton Seaburg (NRLE) Riley Shaal (WFS) Joshua Switzer (CPPM) Miah Thiel (WFS) Jared Tibodeau (WFS) Logan Tyndall (WFS) Dillon Unzelman (NRLE) Emily Walz (EES) Travis Weininger (NRLE) Thomas Wetjen (NRLE) Alaina Wolter (EES) James Ziegahn (EES) 2026 Spring Amelia Amrhein (WFS) Kirsten Anderson (WFS) Lillie Armbruster (WFS) Anthony Auch (EES-RNG) Kaden Ball (WFS) Sydne Bauer (WFS) Caden Bierema (CPPM) Amanda Birk (EES) Keegan Blaha (NRLE) Brindy Bolander (WFS) Addison Borka (EES) Emily Borkowski (WFS) Ava Brenner (CPPM) Cody Brink (WFS) Karissa Brunner (EES) Nicklaus Busse (EES-RNG) Elly Butts (WFS) Karina Cunningham (EES)  Andrew Dammen (EES-RNG) Mya Dissing (WFS) Kyra Dohm (EES) Ryan Dolezal (NRLE) Elizabeth Drovdal (WFS) Nora Erickson (EES) Katherine Fischer (EES) Logan Foltz (EES) Anna Fuerst (EES) Lily Geffre (EES) Blake Giese (NRLE) Kendra Gilbert (WFS) Zoey Gilmore (EES) Hunter Gloden (CPPM) Logan Graf (WFS) Emma Graves (EES) Ethan Gullickson (EES) Carina Guzik (WFS) Coy Hamilton (WFS) Adam Hejny (NRLE) Jacob Herm (NRLE) Cole Heronimus (WFS) Graham Honetschlager (EES) Bethanie Hueter (NRLE) Micah Hunter (WFS) Kanyon Janssen (NRLE) Adam Jensen (EES) Brayden Johnson (WFS) Samuel Koch (NRLE)   Julienne Korst (EES)  Nicholas Kriens (WFS) Georgia Kuehn (NRLE) Lillian Laven (EES) James Lipovsky (WFS) Brynlee Lokkeberg (EES) Brennon Lyman (NRLE) Nolan May (WFS) Bradley McHugh (EES) James Micucci (WFS) Kaden Minturn (WFS) Kolton Ogle (NRLE) Cooper Olson (WFS) Ankit Pandey (EES) Andrew Panka (CPPM) Hunter Peterson (WFS) Katherine Pfeifle (EES) Isabella Pollman (CPPM) Evan Popowski (NRLE) Gavin Radabaugh (WFS) Dylan Rambo (WFS) Carly Rickenbaugh (EES) Kyra Rimstidt (WFS) Brianna Ross (EES) Peyton Seaburg (NRLE) Louis Seiler (WFS) Riley Shaal (WFS) Darcie Skrbec (EES) Ashlyn Sorensen (WFS) Conrad Stockinger (WFS) Joshua Switzer (CPPM) Miah Thiel (WFS) Hunter Thilges (WFS) Jared Tibodeau (WFS) Cidney Tidgren (NRLE) Logan Tyndall (WFS) Dillon Unzelman (NRLE) Eleanor Voigt (WFS) Ashley Wacker (WFS) Sam Waegli (CPPM) Travis Weininger (NRLE) Wilbert Werner (CPPM) Alaina Wolter (EES) Morgan Wright (WFS) James Ziegahn (EES) Zoe Zoncki (EES) 2025-2026 NRM Graduation Congratulations to all! BOT-M = Botany Minor RNG-M = Range Minor BIOS-NRM = Biological Sciences w/ Natural Resource Management specialization WFS = Wildlife & Fisheries Sciences 2025 Fall Braeden Barthel (CPPM-PAM) Emmie Dittmar (NRLE) Lucas Eide (NRLE) Owen Eli (WFS, RNG) Brody Erdman (WFS) Sif Gullikson (WFS) Tessa Gustafson (CPPM) Justin Heyer (EES, RNG-M)   Alex Josephson (NRLE) Kaden Krutzfeldt (WFS, RNG-M) Jack Linneman (WFS) Chase McMath (NRLE) David Morell (CPPM, RNG-M) Lane Schmidt (WFS) Preston Stueve (NRLE) Abdul Alomair (Ph.D., BIOS-NRM, Lan Xu) Carter Dollen (M.S., WFS-Fisheries, S. Chipps) Bret Lang (Ph.D., BIOS-NRM, Lora Perkins) Emily Macklin (M.S., WFS-Wildlife, A. Cheeseman) Kat Millman (M.S., WFS-Wildlife, J. Stafford) 2026 Spring Kirsten Anderson (WFS, RNG-M) Benjamin Anteau (WFS, RNG-M) Sydne Bauer (WFS) Keegan Blaha (NRLE) Brindy Bolander (WFS) Addison Borka (EES) Karissa Brunner (EES) Nicklaus Busse (EES-RNG) Grace Carruthers (CPPM, RNG-M) Tammie Collins (NRLE) Kyler Dahl (WFS) Lainna Duncan (NRLE) Lainna Duncan (WFS) Lucas Eide (NRLE) Lily Geffre (EES, BOT-M) Hunter Gloden (CPPM, RNG-M) Jackson Harberts (NRLE) Adam Hejny (NRLE) Kaleb Holm (EES) Kaleb Holm (WFS) Micah Hunter (WFS, RNG-M) Kanyon Janssen (NRLE) Keaton Johnsen (NRLE, RNG-M)   MacKinzey Jurey (CPPM, RNG-M) Julienne Korst (EES) Georgia Kuehn (NRLE) Lillian Laven (EES) Caleigh Loger (CPPM) Jordan Magee (EES) Bradley McHugh (EES, BOT/RNG-M) James Micucci (WFS) Claire Murray (EES) Savannah Nordby (WFS) Cooper Olson (WFS) Andrew Panka (CPPM, RNG-M) Katherine Pfeifle (EES) Evan Popowski (NRLE) Louis Seiler (WFS, RNG-M) John Sump (EES-RNG) Payton Theodosopoulos (WFS) Hunter Thilges (WFS, RNG-M) Travis Weininger (NRLE) Wilbert Werner (CPPM, RNG-M) Thomas Wetjen (NRLE) Alaina Wolter (EES) Mia DiCianna (M.S., BIOS-NRM, J. Leffler) Allison Dollen (M.S., BIOS-NRM, L. Perkins) Rylie Franklin (M.S., BIOS-NRM, L. Perkins) Vivian Hulugh (M.S., BIOS-NRM, J. Zavaleta Cheek)  Charley McDunn (M.S., WFS-Fisheries, D. Coulter) Sean Ryder (M.S., WFS-Wildlife, B. Severud) BJ Schall (Ph.D., WFS, S. Chipps & A. Coulter) Kelsey Schroeder (M.S., WFS-Fisheries, C. Cheek & A. Coulter) 2026 Summer Joey Cammarano (M.S., BIOS-NRM, L. Perkins) Kassidy Frame (M.S., WFS-Fisheries, A. Coulter) Elena Friedman (M.S., BIOS-NRM, J. Zavaleta Cheek) Tyler Geltmacher (M.S., BIOS-NRM, L. Perkins) Ali Karnes (M.S., BIOS-NRM, Lora Perkins) Natalie Liberati (M.S., WFS-Fisheries, D. Coulter) Jeff Tillery (M.S., WFS-Wildlife, B. Severud) We Greatly Appreciate Any Support You Can Provide! To contribute, please click the button below and make your selection to Excellence Fund for Natural Resource Management  under the Designation section. Donations to the Department Department of Natural Resource Management, McFadden Biostress Laboratory, Natural Resource Management-Box 2140B, University Station, Brookings, SD 57007, 605-688-6121 Unsubscribe Manage preferences |
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