Research Administration

Research planning and efforts at the South Dakota Mines are under the auspices of the Vice President of Research.

Ralph K. Davis
Vice President for Research
(605) 394-2493
email: Ralph.Davis@sdsmt.edu

Welcome to the Office of Research Affairs at South Dakota Mines.

Ralph Davis is Vice President for Research at South Dakota Mines and a Professor in the Department of Geology and Geological Engineering. Prior to coming to South Dakota Mines, Ralph was the Associate Vice Provost for Research and Innovation and a Professor in the Department of Geosciences at the University of Arkansas. Ralph served as Chair of the Department of Geosciences at the University of Arkansas for eight years (2008-2016), and prior to that he served seven years as Director of the Arkansas Water Resources Center (2001-2008), one of the 54 National Institutes for Water Resources. He earned degrees in geology and hydrogeology from the University of Nebraska. During his time at the University of Arkansas, he taught courses ranging from large lecture introductory geology to groundwater modeling at the graduate level. Ralph’s research has focused on aspects of physical and chemical hydrogeology. Ralph is a fellow in the Geological Society of America and was awarded a Distinguished Service award by the Hydrogeology Division of GSA in 2005.

Joseph Wright
Associate Vice President for Research - Economic Development
(605) 394-1205
email: Joseph.Wright@sdsmt.edu

Joseph Wright is the Associate Vice President for Economic Development with a demonstrated history of working as the corporate relations officer in the higher education industry. Skilled in nonprofit organizations, entrepreneurship, public speaking, legislative relations, and intellectual property portfolio management. Strong technology transfer professional with a J.D. focused on intellectual property and contracts from University of Kansas School of Law and a science degree in Biology/Chemistry from Utah Valley University.