South Dakota Mines Names Ben Braaten as New Vice President for Research

South Dakota Mines has hired Ben Braaten, Ph.D., a distinguished leader with a vision of connecting research with industry and economic development, as its next vice president for research.

Braaten, who is currently the electrical and computer engineering department chair at North Dakota State University, will take over for Laurie Anderson, Ph.D., who will retire in June after 15 years with the university. Braaten will join Mines on June 1.

“Ben Braaten brings an exceptional combination of research excellence, leadership, and industry partnership that aligns perfectly with the mission of South Dakota Mines,” said Mines President Brian Tande, Ph.D. “His impressive record of securing major research funding, building interdisciplinary collaborations, and translating discoveries into real-world applications will help strengthen our research enterprise and expand opportunities for our students and faculty.”

In his role at NDSU, Braaten led the strategic growth of research capacity, interdisciplinary collaboration and industry-aligned innovation. His research spans applied electromagnetics, antennas, metamaterials, RF sensing, and electromagnetic-responsive materials, with applications in agriculture, biomedical systems and advanced manufacturing. Braaten said he is excited to start his next chapter at Mines, adding that his values aligned with those of Tande and the university’s staff and faculty.

“Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work with many outstanding people at Mines, and their talent, dedication and commitment to scholarship truly stand out,” Braaten said. “I value working collaboratively with others by listening carefully, supporting one another, identifying resources, championing experiential learning, accelerating venture creation and building on existing strengths.”

He has published more than 190 peer-reviewed journal and conference papers, advised over 20 graduate theses and dissertations, and is a member of the National Academy of Inventors. Braaten has also secured nearly $40 million in externally funded research initiatives supported by federal agencies, state programs and private industry.

“My North Star with regards to leadership includes two items: to serve the advancement of faculty, staff and students, and enhance the economic impact of Mines on the region,” he said. “I am really looking forward to working with the people at Mines on creating a vibrant research culture that is open, thoughtful and mindful of others. From this position, together we can build strategic inroads with industry and funding agencies.”

Throughout his career, Braaten has focused on building partnerships with state agencies, economic development organizations and industry to expand sponsored research, accelerate technology transfer and create experiential learning pathways for students. He looks forward to continuing this vision at Mines.

“When considering the federal funding landscape and potential industry partnerships, many arrows point to transdisciplinary research programs that converge on solving complex problems,” Braaten said. “The good thing about these programs is that all faculty, staff and students have a seat at the table to participate in meaningful discussions and contribute to impactful research. By enhancing a vibrant research culture, Mines can further position itself to develop these collaborative programs and strengthen its engagement with funding agencies and industry partners.”

When Braaten is not launching initiatives, developing programs and building research spaces, he enjoys fly fishing, even when he doesn't catch anything, gardening, and restoring cars – he recently finished a 1930 Ford Coupe and is currently working on a 1931 Ford Roadster.

Most of all, his hobbies revolve around time with his five children. “That time together makes the moments away from research and academia especially meaningful,” he said.

Growing up two hours north of Belle Fourche, Braaten spent much of his time in the Black Hills with his grandparents. Now, he looks forward to returning to those roots while bringing a fresh perspective to the research landscape at Mines.