Nanoscience & Biomedical Engineering

At South Dakota Mines, our biomedical and nanoscience programs prepare students to work at the forefront of innovation — where engineering, science, and technology come together to solve real-world challenges. From improving human health to designing materials at the atomic scale, students gain the knowledge and research experience to drive the next generation of discovery.

Meet Our Faculty

Biomedical Engineering

South Dakota Mines offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees in biomedical engineering, equipping students to succeed in the rapidly growing field where healthcare meets engineering. Through a combination of hands-on learning, interdisciplinary coursework, and research opportunities, graduates are prepared to design medical devices, develop biomaterials, and advance healthcare technologies that improve lives.

Nanoscience & Nanoengineering

The nanoscience and nanoengineering graduate programs at South Dakota Mines focus on the study and manipulation of matter at the atomic and molecular levels — dimensions where unique materials and groundbreaking phenomena emerge. Students gain a broad foundation in science and engineering principles while exploring applications in areas such as materials science, energy, medicine, and electronics. These programs prepare future researchers and innovators to engineer systems at the nanoscale and shape technologies that define the future.

Nano Expo

The "Nano Expo" is a student-led event held each spring to showcase the research activities of the program's graduate students. Prizes are awarded for the best presentations.

Spring Seminar Series

Each spring, Nano offers a seminar series, with presentations on Thursdays at 4 p.m., except for holidays. Anyone is welcome to attend. Seminar speakers, titles, and abstracts are emailed to the campus community each week.

Prepare to be inspired by the cutting-edge curriculum, research, practical applications, and visionary thinking that these esteemed professors bring to the field. Get ready to embark on a journey of discovery and advancement as you learn.

Dr. Steve Smith

My expertise focuses on exploiting light-matter interactions with nanomaterials using optical imaging and spectroscopy methods.

Dr. Jennifer Leberknight

Biomedical Engineering Program Coordinator and Learning Facilitator

Work with our renowned faculty and collaborate on groundbreaking projects that address real-world challenges. The hands-on experience and expertise you will acquire here will not only contribute to your academic growth but also prepare you for successful careers in academia, industry, or government agencies.

Research Opportunities

The research required to engineer systems at these length scales will require professionals with a broad understanding of fundamental principles and the ability to cross-over into other fields. The nano program provides the training to allow scientists and engineers to address these challenges and the opportunity for students to engage in such research at South Dakota Mines.

Dr. Jennifer Leberknight

Lecturer/NANO-BME Program Coordinator

Jennifer.Leberknight@sdsmt.edu
Phone: (605) 394-1911
Office: EEP 235