Digital Commons Network^™

College Of Natural Sciences Newsletter, Spring 2025, College Of Natural Sciences

College of Natural Sciences Newsletters and Reports

Page 1 Dean's Message from Dr. Sen Subramanian
Page 2 Student Spotlights
Page 3 Kaushik honored, Three-Minute Thesis, & Ice Cores revealed
Page 4 Alumni Spotlight
Page 5 Day of Scholars
Page 6 Cyanide research, Record Research Expenditures, Adhikari awarded Miller Research Award
Page 8 Hanson Receives NSF Grant
Page 9 Snow Lab Research Team
Page 10 Faculty Awards
Page 11 Drone Day
Page 13 Khalaf Awarded Presidential Award

Impact Of Polysaccharides On Advancing Plant-Based Meat Alternatives, Prashant Dahal, Clifford Hall, Srinivas Janaswamy

Dairy Science and Food Science Faculty Publications: 2022 to Present

Plant-based meat products are a valued choice for vegetarians and others. Their production has been perceived as an innovation promoting animal welfare and sustainability. However, there are challenges in simulating desirable appearance, texture, and flavor using only plant-based protein sources. Polysaccharide addition during the formulation and texturization of plant proteins can improve the physi- cochemical and sensory properties of texturized protein products. In this regard, a clear understanding of the fundamental properties of polysaccharides is essential for transforming plant proteins into fibers or nonfilamentous protein aggregates. Enhancing water-holding capacity, gelation, and binding functionality is crucial for overcoming structural and textural …

2025 Little International Agricultural Exposition Catalog, Little International Agricultural Exposition South Dakota State University

Little International "Little I" Agricultural Exposition Catalogs

This is the catalog for the 102nd Little International 'Little I' Agricultural Exposition, held on March 28 & 29, 2025.

Dairy & Food Science News, March 2025, Department Of Dairy And Food Science

Dairy & Food Science News

Message from the Department Head
Faculty & Staff Updates
Department Faculty Earn Awards
Midwest Regional Dairy Challenge Competition hosted by SDSU
Small-Scale Dairy Processing Project
Recruitment Updates & Opportunities
Recent Activity
Alumni Mentorship Program
SDSU Food Science Research in the News
Student Updates
Events & Calendar

2025 Sdsu Data Science Symposium Abstracts, South Dakota State University

SDSU Data Science Symposium

Abstracts for keynotes, invited sessions, and posters for the 2025 SDSU Data Symposium.

2025 Sdsu Data Science Symposium Schedule, South Dakota State University

SDSU Data Science Symposium

2025 SDSU Data Science Symposium

2025 Sdsu Data Science Symposium Schedule, South Dakota State University

SDSU Data Science Symposium

2025 SDSU Data Symposium Schedule

2025 Sdsu Data Science Symposium Abstracts, South Dakota State University

SDSU Data Science Symposium

Abstracts for keynotes, invited sessions, and posters for the 2025 SDSU Data Symposium.

Evaluating A Pilot Nutrition Education Curriculum For Autistic Young Adults: Rev It Up! For Asd, Samantha Schaap

Health and Nutritional Sciences Graduate Students Plan B Capstone Projects

Objective: People with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have poor diet and exercise behaviors, which lead to higher prevalences of overweight/obesity and diet-related diseases. Young adults with ASD are particularly understudied regarding nutrition educational approaches; thus, our study aimed to examine the impact of Rev It Up! for ASD, an adapted Extension nutrition and physical activity curriculum adapted for this population.
Methods: The Rev It Up! curriculum was reviewed by four experts in autistic education to identify adaptations needed for the Rev It Up! for ASD pilot. The intervention was conducted in 10, 90-minute sessions from February-April 2025, where students participated …

Growing South Dakota (Winter 2025), College Of Agriculture, Food And Environmental Sciences

Growing South Dakota (Publication of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences)

[Page] 2 Native Plant Initiative on a mission
[Page] 4 Gees give back
[Page] 7 Christensen named assistant dean
[Page] 8 Fennell honored in plant biology
[Page] 9 New ag communication faculty
[Page] 10 SDSU Extension awards
[Page] 12 Veterinary medicine class welcomed
[Page] 13 Coulter honored
[Page] 14 National beef award winners
[Page] 15 Department celebrates 100 years
[Page] 16 Southeast Research Farm growing
[Page] 18 Saving the flock
[Page] 22 Energize conference inspires
[Page] 24 BeefSD helping producers
[Page] 25 SDSU Extension retirements
[Page] 26 New food safety testing service
[Page] 27 Bringing back bison
[Page] 28 Jackrabbits …

Cooperative Extension Service Records, Sdsu Archives And Special Collections, Hilton M. Briggs Library

University Archives

The Smith-Lever Act of 1914 established a national agricultural extension system, which was implemented at South Dakota State College, building on earlier efforts like Farmers' Institutes. Over time, the service expanded to provide personalized assistance to farmers, youth programs like 4-H, and specialized technical expertise in various agricultural fields.

This collection documents the Cooperative Extension Service's work in South Dakota, including Administrative Records, such as annual reports, impact statements, and the service's history and philosophy. It features 4-H Publications, including guides and historical materials, as well as Personnel Communications distributed to Extension staff. News Releases cover outreach efforts from 1939 …

Gibney’S Guide: How To Be A Student Soldier, Blake Gibney

Honors Capstone Projects

This paper exemplifies originality through its unique synthesis of academic, physical, and leadership principles tailored specifically for ROTC cadets. By integrating insights from authoritative sources, such as SDSU's diverse academic offerings and U.S. Army training standards, this guide provides a creative framework that bridges the gap between scholarly excellence and military preparation. Its structured approach to addressing the challenges of student soldiers, combined with actionable strategies, reflects a high level of scholarship, showcasing research-driven recommendations and practical applications. The paper’s alignment with ROTCspecific values and its emphasis on personal discipline and professional growth further highlight its innovative perspective, making it …

Potential Of Anogenital Distance As A Genetic Selection Trait In Canadian Holstein, G.R. Dodd, F.S. Schenkel, F. Miglior, T.C. Bruinjé, M. Gobikrushanth, J.E. Carrelli, M. Oba, D.J. Ambrose, C.F. Baes

Dairy Science and Food Science Faculty Publications: 2022 to Present

Maintaining optimal fertility in dairy cattle herds is a global challenge that is typically addressed through the genetic selection of fertility indicator traits. However, many of the traits currently implemented in breeding programs are heavily influenced by environmental factors, resulting in a slow rate of genetic improvement. Anogenital distance (AGD) has recently emerged as a promising fertility indicator trait due to its association with favorable reproductive outcomes and its higher heritability estimates compared with currently evaluated traits. This study aimed to enhance the understanding of AGD's genetic potential by estimating its genetic parameters in Canadian Holsteins, assessing the reliability …

Effects Of Storage Conditions On The Composition, Physical Properties, And Functionalities Of Peas And Lentils, Fatimah Alsaeed

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Peas (Pisum sativum L.) and lentils (Lens culinaris) are nutritionally rich pulses valued for their high protein, fiber, and starch content. Although their composition and health advantages are widely known, little is known about the effects of long-term storage on their functional qualities and nutritional value. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of storage conditions and duration on the proximate composition, physical attributes, and techno-functional traits of lentils and peas. Storage conditions included bin (BIN; -30 to 41°C, 20–98% RH), non-environmentally controlled warehouse (NECW; -23 to 32°C, 25–84% RH), and environmentally controlled warehouse (ECW; 19–21°C, 50–53% …

Innovative Approaches To Enhancing The Functional Properties Of Dairy Products: Evaluating Water Hydration Effects On Fat-Free Mozzarella Baking Performance And Impact Of Hyaluronic Acid On The Functional Properties Of Milk, Suresh Ganpatbhai Sutariya

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In recent years, the dairy sector has experienced a significant rise in the healthy eating trend, with consumers increasingly seeking products that are fat-free, free from added sugars, and high in protein. Additionally, specialized health dairy items enriched with functional ingredients such as probiotics, prebiotics, and bioactive peptides are gaining traction for their added health benefits. This dissertation covers three studies in two domains: the first on water hydration's impact on fat-free mozzarella baking, and the second on the influence of hyaluronic acid, and its combination with kappa-carrageenan, on the physical properties of milk. One such product, Fat-free mozzarella is …

Evaluating The Success Of The Rev It Up! Curriculum Training On The Self-Efficacy Of Sdsu Extension Expanded Food And Nutrition Education Program (Efnep) & Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - Education (Snap-Ed) Paraprofessional Educators In Teaching Adolescents, Oluwatemilorun Akinsanya

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Objective: Evaluate self-efficacy changes among Extension paraprofessional nutrition educators after receiving an adolescent curriculum (Rev It Up!) training. Methods: Paired t-tests on three adapted scales measured changes at pre- (T1), post- (T2), and 1 yr post-intervention (T3): the Teacher Interpersonal Self-Efficacy Scale (TISS), Nutrition Teaching Self-Efficacy Scale (NTSES), and Self-Efficacy and Nutrition Teaching Methods scale (SNTMS). Results: Six educators completed the TISS and NTSES; 5 completed the SNTMS. The TISS showed significant improvement from T1 to T2 only (p= 0.03); the NTSES showed improvement between T1 and T2 (p= 0.01) and T1 and T3 (0.01); and there were no significant …

Reducing Food Waste Among College Students Through Educational Messaging, Olivia Husmann

Schultz-Werth Award Papers

The environmental and societal impacts of food waste continue to be demonstrated in reports, governmental documents, and independent research. While it is not the leading source of food waste, the foodservice industry has an important role in bringing awareness of the detriments of waste to its consumers. The following paper offers observations on food waste behaviors in college students at South Dakota State University (SDSU), specifically at Larson’s Commons dining hall during the 2024 spring semester. The study explores whether advocating for decreased food waste through infographics at dining tables changes the amount of food and drink wasted during the …

Southeast South Dakota Experiment Farm Annual Progress Report, 2025, Southeast South Dakota Research Farm

Agricultural Experiment Station and Research Farm Annual Reports

This is an annual report of the research program at the Southeast South Dakota Research Farm in cooperation with the South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station and the SDSU College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences and has special significance for those engaged in agriculture and the agriculturally related businesses in the ten-county area of Southeast South Dakota. The results shown are not necessarily complete or conclusive. Interpretations given are tentative because additional data resulting from the continuation of these experiments may result in conclusions different from those based on any one year.

Quantification Of Auxin-Cytokinin Response During Primary Root And Lateral Root Development In Common Bean, Gurdeep Singh

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Roots support water and nutrient uptake, anchorage, and soil interactions through continuous growth at the primary root tip (PRT). In common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), new cells are produced in an open root apical meristem and subsequently elongate in the elongation zone, and together these processes drive root tip progression through the soil. Lateral roots (LRs) arise in the differentiation zone, where pairs of pericycle founder cells dedifferentiate, divide asymmetrically, and form lateral root primordia (LRP) that pass through defined developmental stages before emergence. Auxin and cytokinin (CK) are central regulators of both primary root growth and LR development, yet their …

Programming Carcass Composition Through Gestational Nutrition, Sydni Elise Borders

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of maternal nutrient restriction during mid-gestation on the performance of the dam, feeding performance, carcass composition, and genetic expression in the offspring. Cows (n = 46) were randomly assigned to one of two treatments based on global nutrient intake: 1) fed to achieve and/or maintain a BCS of 5 or 6 (Positive Energy Status [PES]; n = 24) or 2) fed to lose one BCS during 99 days of mid-gestation (Negative Energy Status [NES]; n = 22). Cows in NES had greater decreases (P < 0.05) in body fat stores and muscle mass, elevated NEFA concentrations, and displayed decreased (P < 0.05) DMI, HP, and GHG emissions. There were no differences in milk components or volume produced between treatments (P > 0.05). There were no differences in …

Impact Of Minimally Processed Red Meat On Biomarkers Of Cognitive Decline, Saba Vaezi

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Evaluation Of High-Moisture Ear Corn As A Roughage Source In Finishing Diets Fed To Beef Steers, Riley J. Leeson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this study was to evaluate the feedlot performance, rumination activity, and carcass characteristics of high moisture ear corn (HMEC) as a roughage source in finishing diets fed to beef steers. Backgrounded steers (n = 191; initial shrunk weight [4% BW] = 449 kg  23.9 kg) were assigned randomly to 1 of 24 pens (8 steers/pen) with pens randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatments (6 pens/treatment): control diet with hay fed at 10% roughage equivalency (RE; HAY10), or HMEC at either 14% (EAR14), 10% (EAR10), or 6% (EAR6) RE. High-moisture ear corn was assumed to …

Finishing Location And Forage Diversity Influences Carcass Characteristics, Meat Quality Attributes, Terroir, And Color Stability Of Grass-Finished Bison Bulls, Garrett Tyler Weldy

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The overall objective of this thesis is to determine the influence of finishing location and forage diversity on carcass characteristics, meat quality, terroir, and color stability of grass-finished bison bulls. The specific objectives were 1) Determine the effect of finishing location on carcass characteristics, meat quality attributes, and terroir of grass-finished bison bulls, 2) Investigate the effect of forage diversity on the carcass characteristics, meat quality attributes, and terroir of grass-finished bison bulls, and 3) Determine the effect of finishing location on the meat color stability of grass-finished bison bulls. Overall, results indicate that finishing location influenced carcass characteristics, objective …

Comparative Evaluation Of Fungal Strains For The Bioprocessing Of Soybean Hulls Using Cheese Whey As Fermentation Medium, Ruchita Bhattarai

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Globally, soybean is the most widely cultivated oilseed crops, and serve as the primary source of cooking oil, contributing to around 50% of global oilseed production. During the industrial processing of soybean oil, a significant amount of soybean hull (SH) is produced, which makes up about 8% of the grain yield, resulting in approximately 18–20 million tons of hulls, one of the largest by-products in the soybean industry. The hulls have limited commercial value and are primarily used as fiber additives in dairy cattle feed, but a large portion is still discarded as agricultural waste. Similarly, cheese whey (CW), a …

Impacts Of Early/Mid-Gestation Shearing On Umbilical Blood Flow And Lamb Birth Weight, Mara Johnson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Studies outside the USA have reported that shearing pregnant ewes during mid to late gestation increases lamb birth weight. Our hypothesis was that shearing pregnant ewes on day 50 of gestation would increase umbilical blood flow (UBF), fetal size, lambing and placental weights. Twenty-eight Polypay ewes were randomly assigned to two treatments: shorn (S) and sham-shorn (Control, CON) and divided in singleton (S: n=4; CON: n=4), twins (S: n=5; CON: n=5) and triplets (S: n=5; CON: n=5). Umbilical BF and fetal and placental measurements were obtained via ultrasonography every 10 days from day 50 to 110 of gestation. Lamb birth …

Impact Of Parental Involvement On Children’S Mental Health, Syeda Tasnime Kabir

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study estimates the causal effect of parental involvement on the mental health of primary school children in Bangladesh. Using an instrumental variables strategy that leverages local parental involvement norms, I find that increased parental involvement significantly reduces cognitive and emotional difficulties. Notably, I find that the protective effect of parental involvement varies by socio-economic context, showing weaker effects for children of mothers who married at an older age and those whose fathers live outside the household, but stronger effects in joint families. Furthermore, I identify two key mechanisms underlying these effects: accommodating parenting style and improved household hygiene practices. …

Isolation And Characterization Of Rhizobia Bacteria From Midwest Soils, Jr Loya

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Symbiotic bacteria, known as rhizobia, can colonize the roots of legume plants and then convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form by the host through the process called biological nitrogen fixation (BNF). Many of these bacteria produce other plant-growth-promoting benefits, such as nutrient acquisition, phytohormone production, and the modification of plant stress responses. Agricultural inoculants made from these bacteria have helped reduce the need for man-made nitrogenous fertilizers, known causes of pollution and eutrophication. There are additional benefits in developing bacteria inoculants local to regional soils. The ability to survive and compete in Midwest soil and climates present an opportunity …

Development Of A Bean Cookbook To Assist Families With Low Income Utilize Legumes Provided In Nutrition Assistance Programs, Kira Moneke

Health and Nutritional Sciences Graduate Students Plan B Capstone Projects

Introduction: This project aimed to create a cookbook designed to help individuals receiving food assistance through programs like WIC, FDPIR, TEFAP, SNAP, and local food pantries, utilize beans, peas, and legumes in their meals. The focus was on providing easy, accessible recipes using six different types of beans to improve diet quality.
Methods: The cookbook was developed considering limited cooking skills, equipment, literacy, and time that may be barriers to preparing healthy food for low-income adults. Selected recipes were compiled into an educational cookbook.
Results: Recipes were tested and developed for six types of beans and aquafaba. …

Assessing The Prevalence Of Food Security Among South Dakotan Families Who Have Children With Disabilities, Erica Declark

Health and Nutritional Sciences Graduate Students Plan B Capstone Projects

Background
Almost 13% of U.S. families experienced food insecurity in 2022; i.e., an inability to acquire enough food to meet household members’ needs. Many factors can influence food security status, such as environmental conditions, social factors, and financial costs. Families with children who have disabilities may be at higher risk for food insecurity due to additional financial stressors related to these children’s care.
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of food insecurity among South Dakota families who have children with disabilities. We hypothesized that South Dakota families with children with disabilities are at an increased …

Out-Of-Pocket Healthcare Expenses Are Associated With Food Insecurity Among South Dakotan Families Who Have Children With Disabilities, Halie E. Kruid

Health and Nutritional Sciences Graduate Students Plan B Capstone Projects

Background
In 2023, 17.9 percent (6.5 million) of households with children experienced household food insecurity, i.e., an inability to acquire enough food to meet household members’ needs. Many socioeconomic factors can influence food security status, such as environmental conditions, social factors, and financial costs. Families with children with disabilities (CWD) may be at higher risk for food insecurity due to additional financial stressors related to these children’s care.
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of food insecurity, as well as the medical and financial factors associated with an increased food insecurity prevalence, among South Dakota …