2013-2014  Sigma Xi Lecture Series

Fall, 2013 Presentations: 5-6 PM in room 22A of the Lee Medical Building

October 17: Meghann Jarchow (Biology Department)

“Prairies versus corn for bioenergy: agronomic and environmental tradeoffs"

Cellulosic bioenergy production provides opportunities to utilize a range of cropping systems that can enhance the multifunctionality of agricultural landscapes. In this lecture, I will discuss ongoing research comparing prairie systems to corn-based cropping systems managed for bioenergy production.  We are finding that corn-based cropping systems are likely to play an important role in maintaining the high productivity of agricultural landscapes on fertile land, but alternative cropping systems, such as prairies used for bioenergy production, can produce substantial yield and require minimal externally-derived inputs.

November 12: Grigoriy Sereda (Chemistry Department)

December 10: Dongming Mei (Physics Department)

Spring Sigma Xi Banquet open to members, new initiates and friends 

Tuesday April 9th 6:30 pm at Valiant Vineyards Winery 

1500 W Main St  Vermillion, SD 57069

(605) 624-4500 


Buffet Menu: 
Salad: Spring Mix, Tortellini
Entre: Beef Bourguignon, Chicken Marsala
Vegetable: Potato Souffle, Mixed Vegetables
Dessert: Cheesecake, Rum Bread Pudding
Cash Bar

$18/per person (Send Checks by 4/5/13 to Doug Goodman, Computer Sciences)

“Confessions of a Neuroimager:  
What can we actually do with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)?” 

Since functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was introduced to the research community in the early 1990’s, its use in addressing questions relating brain functioning to behavior has expanded at a phenomenal rate.  Not only is this research tool one of the fastest growing fields in cognitive neuroscience, it also has impacted research from a wide variety of disciplines including biomedical and health sciences, business and marketing, forensics, and education, to name a few. fMRI has been widely adopted within the research community because it utilizes a safe, non-invasive magnetic field to take a picture of the brain while it is working.  Specifically, neuronal activity is able to be localized with high spatial resolution, typically on the order of less than 1/10 of an inch.  By combining this functional information with a conventional magnetic resonance image (MRI) we can provide an accurate depiction of how patterns of brain activity support our thoughts, feelings, emotions, and actions.  This presentation will discuss what is involved in performing fMRI research, as well as some of the common mistakes or misconceptions that surround this exciting research tool.

Lee Baugh came to the USD in December of 2011 after completing post-doctoral training at the Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen’s University, Ontario, Canada.  He completed graduate training at the University of Manitoba, in Winnipeg Manitoba, with an M.A. in 2005 and a PhD in 2010, both in Brain and Cognitive Sciences.  Dr. Baugh’s primary research interests are in examining the cognitive and neuropsychological foundations of skilled movement, and deficits in such movement that can arise both from healthy aging and neurological damage.  This question is one of fundamental importance in cognitive neuroscience, breaching the gaps between the brain, the mind, and the outside world. To address this topic, Dr. Baugh utilizes a multi-disciplinary approach that encompasses traditional cognitive psychology methodologies, neuropsychological patient investigations, fMRI paradigms, EEG, EMG, and the detailed analysis of movement kinematics.

Join Us for Talk III 

South Dakota's Ground Water

Wednesday, March 20, 2013 at 4:30 pm, Room 107 Lee Med

It’s probably safe to say that many of us take our drinking water for granted. This presentation will show why ground water is important to South Dakota and will briefly examine the major sources of ground water in the state. Some potential sources of ground-water contamination will be mentioned and an example of the vulnerability of one of the state’s major aquifers to contamination will be shown. Lastly, some results of testing from one of the best ambient ground-water quality monitoring networks in the country will be given.

Derric Iles

Derric Iles is the State Geologist and Administrator of the Geological Survey Program, South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources. He has held this position for 15 years and is responsible for the planning and direction of the activities of the Geological Survey Program. He received a B.A. in Geology in 1975 from the University of Northern Iowa and an M.S. in Geology in 1977 from Iowa State University. Previous work experience includes employment with the Geological Survey from 1977-1984 and 1986-1998 as a geologist and hydrologist, and with Twin City Testing Corporation from 1984-1986 as a senior hydrologist/project manager. Mr. Iles is a certified professional geologist and is a member of the American Institute of Professional Geologists, the Association of American State Geologists, and the National Ground Water Association.

Welcome to the USD Chapter of Sigma Xi. We welcome your comments, questions and suggestions for activities, speakers and connections. Watch this blog for upcoming events.

Join Us! 

USD Sigma Xi 2013 Lecture Series

Talk II: Monday, Feb 4, 5 PM Lee Med 105

 Math Emporium at USD: 

Why the Change and How Has It Performed?

Success rates in introductory math courses are of grave concern all across the country.  It is easily the one subject that prevents many students from obtaining a college degree.  In this talk I will discuss a new method of delivery for introductory math courses which has been termed the "Math Emporium" approach and why it has received so much traction across the nation.

Dan Van Peursem came to USD in 1997 after receiving his degree from UNL in applied mathematics.  His thesis area was in analytical modeling of groundwater flows with recirculation wells but he has since been interested in problems in the field of mathematical biology.  He became chair of the Department of Mathematical Sciences in 2004 and is serving in that role.


Thanks to our Fall 2012 Speaker (Talk I)