OpenFieldParticipate in deep underground dark matter physics at Sanford Lab, outdoor recreation leadership, and environmental biology at BHSU.
Located at the foot of the scenic Black Hills, Black Hills State University (BHSU) is a premier regional comprehensive university renowned for its partnership with the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF)—conducting deep underground neutrino and dark matter physics—as well as outdoor education and environmental sustainability.
Undergraduate and graduate research fellowship conducting ultra-low background radiation assays and detector calibration 4,850 feet underground at SURF.
Two-year research thesis master's analyzing high-throughput DNA sequencing data, plant-pollinator coevolution, and mammalian population genetics.
Four-year renewable scholarship for incoming first-year students pursuing mathematics, physical sciences, or engineering technology.
Summer field internship partnering with the US Forest Service monitoring ponderosa pine regeneration, mountain pine beetle dynamics, and trout stream water quality.
Four-year degree providing certifications in Wilderness First Responder (WFR), Leave No Trace Master Educator, and rock climbing / ski mountaineering leadership.
Tuition and cultural fellowship funding enrolled tribal members studying Lakota language, tribal law, and indigenous community resource planning.
Two-week field camp investigating the complex karst limestone caves (Jewel Cave, Wind Cave) and hydrogeology of the Black Hills aquifer.
President
Dr. Steve Elliott is President in the Office of the President at Black Hills State University (BHSU), conducting advanced research in Higher education administration in rural regions, Academic art and design pedagogy, Workforce development in South Dakota.
Topics: Higher education administration in rural regions, Academic art and design pedagogy, Workforce development in South Dakota, Regional economic partnerships
View researcher profile ↗Associate Professor of Physics & Director of BHSU Underground Campus
Dr. Brianna Mount is Associate Professor of Physics & Director of BHSU Underground Campus in the Department of Physical Sciences & SURF at Black Hills State University (BHSU), conducting advanced research in Low-background radiation counting, Neutrinoless double beta decay, Dark matter detection experiments.
Topics: Low-background radiation counting, Neutrinoless double beta decay, Dark matter detection experiments, Underground science education
View researcher profile ↗Professor of Biology & Integrative Genomics
Dr. Cynthia Anderson is Professor of Biology & Integrative Genomics in the Department of Natural Sciences at Black Hills State University (BHSU), conducting advanced research in Microbial ecology in extreme underground environments, Biofilm formation in deep mines, Genomics of subterranean organisms.
Topics: Microbial ecology in extreme underground environments, Biofilm formation in deep mines, Genomics of subterranean organisms, Bioremediation
View researcher profile ↗All listings are compiled from official university sources and reviewed under OpenField editorial standards. Program availability, scholarship quotas, and entry requirements are subject to university revisions. Applicants should confirm all deadlines with Black Hills State University (BHSU)'s official admissions office.
Reviewed 2026-10-15 · Editorial standards · Report an issue