USD researchers awarded more than 250000 in state Competitive Research Grants
The grant program, managed by the South Dakota Board of Regents, invests in researchers to enhance the research capabilities and capacities of the state universities and benefits the state’s economic development. USD grant monies total $264,350. The recipients include:
- Hongmin Wang – Role of Ubiguilin in Ischemic Stroke - $93,450 - Stroke is a leading cause of high mortality and long-term disability in the United States and is associated with excessive production of aberrant proteins. However, the effect of these aberrant proteins on nerve cell repair following strokes remains unclear. Dr. Wang’s research project proposes the study of the removal of aberrant proteins on the survival of nerve cells following stroke.
- Gopinath Mani – Polymer-Free Dual Drug-Eluting Coronary Stents - $87,450 - Atherosclerosis is a condition in which the arteries that supply blood to the heart are blocked due to build-up of cholesterol plaque. Drug-eluting stents are implanted to treat this condition. However, late stent thrombosis is a serious complication that is associated with the currently available drug-eluting stents. Dr. Mani’s research project aims to treat late stent thrombosis using a novel drug-eluting stent.
- Vincente Guiseppe – Development of a Radon Progeny Surface Contamination Study for Deep Underground Experiments - $83,450 - Neutrinos are one of the most abundant particles in the universe and yet scientists have only recently begun to fully understand them. Studying dark matter and neutrinos will enable discovery of new types of energy and a better understanding of radiation such as radon. Dr. Guiseppe’s research focuses on developing methods to investigate and predict contamination from natural radiation as interference to ultra-sensitive neutrino and dark matter experiments. This will be beneficial in helping to minimize the harmful effect of radon in homes and other occupied spaces.
The University of South Dakota emphasizes research on campus with incentives and dedicated research services to promote the benefits of faculty research.
“This is a great way to spotlight some of the important research happening here at the university,” said Dr. Laura Jenski, Vice President of Research at USD. “We are proud of our accomplishments, and it’s encouraging that the state recognizes the benefits of the research being conducted at the universities around the state with programs like the Competitive Research Grant Program.”