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Graduate students make up about 10% of the student population across more than 100 master’s degree and Ph.D. programs and specializations and 23 graduate certificate programs offered at South Dakota State University. Each graduate student is immersed in research and scholarship with the support of their advisor and the Graduate School staff.

April 6-10 is Graduate Student Appreciation Week, a great opportunity to highlight a few graduate students at SDSU and the work they are accomplishing.

Bibek Adhikari, Elena Friedman and Pierre Lear each have a unique story and path leading to SDSU. Their research, passions and goals are made possible with the academic and personal support offered at State.

From natural resource management and biological sciences to nutrition and exercise science, SDSU offers opportunities for students to achieve their goals both in and outside of the classroom.

Bibek Adhikari

Adhikari, a native of Nepal, is pursuing his Ph.D. in biological sciences with a specialization in molecular biology at South Dakota State University, with plans to graduate this summer.

After completing his undergraduate degree in microbiology at Tri-Chandra Multiple Campus, part of Tribhuvan University, in 2018 in Kathmandu, he was drawn to SDSU by a relative completing a Ph.D. here, who introduced him to the welcoming environment of Brookings. He’s always preferred quiet, peaceful college towns over large, crowded cities, so Brookings naturally appealed to him.

Adhikari came to SDSU in fall 2021 as a master’s student and transitioned into the Ph.D. program in fall 2023. As he explored graduate programs, he was particularly drawn to the Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolutionary Genetics Lab, where the research closely aligned with his growing interest in molecular biology and evolutionary questions.

“My communications with Dr. Madhav Nepal, who would become my advisor, played a significant role in my decision. His encouragement, mentorship style and confidence in my potential made SDSU feel like the right place for both academic and personal growth. … The supportive community, collaborative atmosphere, and opportunities for meaningful teaching and research further affirmed that SDSU was where I truly belonged.”

Adhikari’s research has been unraveling the genome of the endangered red mulberry. “Upon completion of the project, we aim to develop genomic markers for population-level species identification, contributing to the conservation efforts for the red mulberry.”

He said he’s felt a strong sense of community here, and he was surprised by how quickly he felt connected to SDSU and Brookings. He advises future graduate students to embrace their journey with openness and patience.

“From supportive faculty to dedicated staff and inspiring colleagues, the people at SDSU have made my academic journey genuinely fulfilling,” he said. “Teaching has been especially rewarding—guiding hundreds of students through their first exposure to undergraduate lab has given me a deeper appreciation for mentorship and education. I have also greatly valued the research opportunities and the chance to work collaboratively on curriculum innovation.”

But he said graduate school is much more about discovering your strengths and interests than about completing coursework or research.

“Find a mentor who supports your growth, build a community that lifts you up, and do not hesitate to ask questions or seek help. It is important to celebrate small achievements, stay curious, and remember that progress often happens quietly and gradually. Most importantly, choose a path that excites you, as you will be spending years immersed in it.”

After completing his Ph.D., Adhikari hopes to pursue a career in academia, where he can continue his research in evolutionary biology and genetics and also contribute to educating the next generation of scientists, integrating his interests.

Elena Friedman

Friedman is pursuing a Master of Science in biological sciences with a specialization in natural resource management, also planning to graduate this summer. The Truckee, California, native came to SDSU after earning her Bachelor of Arts in biology and gender, women’s and sexuality studies with a minor in environmental studies from Grinnell College in May 2024.

Growing up in a small mountain town near Lake Tahoe meant spending a lot of time outdoors and playing sports, which led to her playing collegiate basketball and earning her undergraduate degree in Iowa.

“While living in the Midwest, I was exposed to native prairies for the first time and learned to appreciate the variety of life they support. This experience fostered my desire to conserve and restore native landscapes and ultimately motivated me to attend graduate school,” Friedman said.

“I was drawn to SDSU and the natural resource management graduate program because I wanted to continue working across both social and environmental contexts. I was especially excited to join the Human Dimensions Lab and work with Dr. Jennifer Zavaleta Cheek to better understand complex environmental challenges and help identify solutions that benefit both ecosystems and human well-being.”

In addition to her thesis research on native seed systems and ecological restoration, Friedman has been involved in SDSU’s Three-Minute Thesis competition, outreach and leadership opportunities with youth and her peers, and presented her research for a variety of audiences.

“One of the biggest highlights of studying at SDSU has been conducting my research project and engaging with a wide range of stakeholders working in ecological restoration and native seed systems. It has been incredibly rewarding to learn from practitioners, as well as native seed collectors and producers, about how we can strengthen the native seed system and broader restoration efforts in the Northern Great Plains,” Friedman said.

She recommends those considering a thesis-based graduate degree to choose a project that genuinely interests and excites them.

“You will spend a lot of time thinking about and working on your research, so it can make a big difference if it is something you truly care about.”

Her plans after graduation include either a year-long service-based fellowship focused on sustainability and human well-being or beginning a career in environmental outreach or environmental management. “Ultimately, I hope to help communities and organizations appreciate the environmental and make decisions that benefit both people and ecosystems.”

Pierre Lear

Lear, originally from Watertown, is pursuing his Ph.D. in nutrition and exercise sciences at SDSU, with an anticipated graduation in May 2029. Lear also earned his master’s degree in sport administration from SDSU in May 2025, and his undergraduate degree in sport and recreation management in May 2023.

Lear just finished his eligibility as a Division I student-athlete, and now he works as a volunteer with hurdlers and sprinters. At SDSU, he says he’s gained valuable experience in teaching, research and mentorship, allowing him to grow as a scholar and a leader.

“I’ve also had the opportunity to be involved in projects with the dean’s office focused on creating more opportunities for professional development and strengthening the relationship between faculty and graduate assistants,” Lear said. “Moving forward, I hope to continue developing as an educator and contribute meaningful research that impacts student development, particularly among student-athletes.”

Lear said he was initially drawn to SDSU because of the strong sense of community and the opportunity to grow both academically and athletically.

“The combination of high-level athletics and a supportive academic environment made SDSU a great fit. My background in sports made the sport management program a great fit, and it allowed me to build a strong foundation in leadership, administration and student development. As my goals continued to develop, SDSU provided the right environment and opportunities to continue growing through my doctoral program.”

Lear’s long-term career goal is to work in higher education leadership, with the aspiration of eventually becoming a university president. Following graduation, he hopes to continue gaining experience in teaching, administration and student development while making a meaningful impact on students’ lives.

One of the biggest highlights of his time at SDSU has been the relationships he’s built with faculty, staff and fellow students.

“Being both a student-athlete and a graduate student has also been a unique and rewarding experience. Additionally, opportunities to teach and lead in the classroom have been incredibly impactful in shaping my professional identity.

“My advice to someone considering a graduate degree would be to be intentional about your ‘why.’ Graduate school can be challenging, but having a clear purpose will help you stay motivated. I would also encourage them to build strong relationships, seek mentorship, and take advantage of every opportunity to grow both academically and personally.”