NDSU faculty, staff, students and the community will have an opportunity to learn about exciting, multidisciplinary research taking place across campus, encouraging potential collaborations and igniting new ideas during BisonSpark Talks.
The event is scheduled for Thursday, March 6, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the Oceti Sakowin Ballroom of the Memorial Union. BisonSpark Talks is free and open to the public.
“BisonSpark Talks is but a representation of the wide spectrum of breakthrough research and creative activity conducted by our faculty that serves North Dakota's citizens now and into the future,” said Colleen Fitzgerald, NDSU vice president for research and creative activity. “It is a fun way to celebrate our researchers, who identify and provide solutions to pressing challenges facing North Dakotans and everyone in the nation and the world.”
BisonSpark Talks are five-minute research presentations designed to engage and inspire the academic community. The event is open to all faculty, students and staff interested in learning more about the innovative research being conducted at NDSU.
NDSU faculty members will present their research spanning biological sciences, architecture, management, physics and more. Each talk will highlight groundbreaking discoveries and the potential societal impact of these studies.
The event will be hosted by Mark Strand, an NDSU professor in the School of Pharmacy and the Department of Public Health, and Jess Jung, associate dean for the NDSU College of Arts and Sciences.
Featured Presentations:
Britt Heidinger, biological sciences
Investigating the impact of bird window strikes on NDSU’s campus and exploring bird-friendly approaches along a critical migratory pathway.
Erin Gillam, biological sciences
Examining the decline of bat populations in North Dakota and their role in agricultural pest control, which reduces pesticide use and supports farmers.
Xin (Rex) Sun, agricultural and biosystems engineering
Utilizing AI-driven robotics and precision agriculture technologies to revolutionize farming, enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and workforce development.
Ganapathy Mahalingam, architecture
Developing a method to calibrate built environments using biosensing equipment to promote healthier living spaces. This pioneering research has led to a US patent application and future plans for a non-profit initiative.
Glenn Dorsam, microbiological sciences
Exploring VIP's role in livestock feed efficiency and obesity resistance in mice, offering potential applications for both agriculture and human metabolic health.
Jaeha Lee, art and design: Enhancing clothing accessibility for individuals with Down syndrome by improving fit, functionality, and shopping experiences, driving innovation in adaptive apparel.
Jaeha Lee, apparel, retail merchandising and design
Improving clothing accessibility for individuals with Down syndrome, promoting inclusivity in fashion and raising awareness of their unique needs. By collaborating with industry partners and advocacy groups, we are driving innovation in adaptive apparel and fostering entrepreneurship.
Joshua Marineau, management and marketing
Investigating how ADHD affects workplace relationships, providing insights into neurodivergent social networks and informing workplace policies.
Julia Bowsher, biological sciences
Studying bee aging and the unusual phenomenon of increasing telomeres with age, which could have implications for both pollinator health and human aging.
Katherine Tulibaski, management and marketing
Understanding why mothers leave full-time careers to stay home with children and examining the impact on workforce participation and parental stress.
Kimberly Booth, biological sciences
Discussing the importance of science communication and its role in securing research funding and addressing science denial in society.
Milsha George, plant pathology
Researching seed health to improve disease resistance and support sustainable farming practices in response to climate change challenges.
Warren Christensen, physics
Investigating how mathematics and physics education can eliminate barriers for students pursuing STEM careers, improving retention and success rates.
BisonSpark Talks underscores NDSU’s commitment to innovation and its role in advancing research that benefits North Dakota and beyond.
Attendees will have the chance to engage with presenters and explore how cross-disciplinary partnerships can drive impactful research. The event is an opportunity for faculty and researchers to spark new ideas, develop connections and contribute to the university’s dynamic research environment.
Visit the NDSU Research and Creative Activity website to view last year’s presentations.
For more information, visit the BisonSpark Talks event page.
