January 7, 2023 — by Elizabeth McGee
LEAP’s Support to EPSCoR
In South Dakota, the EPSCoR program is undergoing a comprehensive evaluation by LEAP Consulting to assess its impact, progress, and effectiveness. This evaluation delves into the outcomes of the EPSCoR Program Evaluation, focusing on research infrastructure, STEM education, and workforce development. LEAP Consulting is providing valuable insights into the 2019 EPSCoR RII Track-1 Mission, its achievements, and the pathways it’s paving for South Dakota’s scientific and technological future. Discover how our expert analysis is shaping the course of EPSCoR initiatives in the state.
2019 EPSCoR RII Track-1 Mission
The mission of the 2019 EPSCoR RII Track-1 is to create competitive yet collaborative research efforts on coatings that both inhibit and promote the growth of biofilm in agricultural, biomedical, and industrial applications.
Outcomes of 2019 EPSCoR RII Track-1
The outcomes of this program are to:
- Increase South Dakota’s science and technology research capacity
- Provide educational opportunities for K-12, undergraduate, and graduate students
- Promote science-based economic development for South Dakota
2019 EPSCoR RII Track-1 Program Background
In 2019, South Dakota received a $20 million grant from the National Science Foundation for a 5-year Research Infrastructure Improvement (RII Track-1) EPSCoR Program; this award is titled “Building on the 2020 Vision: Expanding Research, Education and Innovation in South Dakota”. The program created from this grant is titled 2-Dimensional Materials for Biofilms Engineering, Science, and Technology (2D-BEST). This program focuses on research efforts for biofilms, development of a diverse STEM workforce, K-12 STEM education development, and technology-based education development.
2019 EPSCoR RII Track-1 Program Outcomes
The findings of this evaluation will be used and interpreted differently between three audiences: the South Dakota’s EPSCoR advisory board. The program leads and principal investigator, and the National Science Foundation. The advisory board will use this data to determine the progress and impact of the program on the state’s research infrastructure. Improve the state’s STEM education and workforce, and ensure these efforts are focusing on outreaching and supporting diverse populations. The program leads and principal investigator will use this data to course correct and improve the program as well as provide updates to their team on the goals of the program. The National Science Foundation will use this data to provide updates the progression of the program’s goals and obtain proof that the program is meeting the National Science Foundation goals.
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