BHSU STUDENT AND FACULTY MEMBERS PUBLISHED IN INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE JOURNALS

This spring, two faculty members and one student at Black Hills State University had their research articles published in international science journals. Student Kali Roduner and BHSU Professor of Geology Dr. Abigail Domagall were published in the “International Journal of Research Studies in Zoology,” while BHSU Assistant Professor of Biology Dr. Kathleen Madsen was published in “Plant Ecology and Diversity.” 

Roduner was the lead author on the paper, “Rainbow Trout Redd Locations in Cleopatra Creek and Iron Creek, Lawrence County, South Dakota, USA,” explores the spawning habits of rainbow trout in two tributaries of Spearfish Creek. She collaborated with Dr. Domagall and scientists Michael Barnes and Jill Voorhees from the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks McNenny State Fish Hatchery. Roduner, a double major in environmental physical science and biology, had the opportunity to conduct this project through her internship at McNenny State Fish Hatchery. Hatchery staff helped her design her study, guided her as she wrote her manuscript, and helped her navigate the publishing process. 

For her study, Roduner identified rainbow trout spawning sites, or redds, through weekly surveys conducted between March and April 2024. This is the first and only study to document rainbow trout redd locations and the timing of redd construction in Cleopatra Creek. The findings provide a foundational understanding of rainbow trout populations in the area and can serve as a tool to monitor future environmental changes.  

“There were many aspects of this project that I enjoyed. I was able to go into Spearfish Canyon and see rainbow trout actively excavating their redds, which was very neat to see in person,” said Roduner. “This project has also allowed me to explore the world of scientific research. Through the process, I learned how to set up, execute, document, and write a paper for scientific research. It has made me a better writer and more informed about research, and that carries over to my academic life.” 

“I think our research students find a stronger sense of identity with their discipline: it might be hard to think of yourself as a scientist as a first-year student, but after participating in undergraduate research, students gain confidence and can start to see themselves as scientists,” said Dr. Domagall. “Through research, students are exposed to a new idea of what their future career may be.”  

Roduner said she believes this opportunity will help open doors for her future career and has influenced her decision to attend grad school to pursue a career in freshwater science. “Now that I have research experience that is published, it puts me a step ahead of most.” 

While Roduner's research focuses on aquatic life, Dr. Madsen’s study examines how plant communities survive in harsh environments. Her paper, "The Edaphic Influence on Dispersal and Dispersion of Gypsum-Associated Species," explores plant dispersal in gypsum-rich areas.    

“We propose that a biological filter selects for particular dispersal syndromes either at the ecological or evolutionary stage, leading to a larger effect on the dispersion of species,” wrote Dr. Madsen. “Consistent patterns in dispersal and dispersion suggest that edaphic communities are selecting for more anemochory (wind dispersed) species but have reduced selection for zoochory (animal dispersed)."  

Dr. Madsen’s research is significant for furthering the understanding of plant communities and the spread of native species in these unique environments 

“Research such as Dr. Madsen’s and Dr. Domagall’s provides students with opportunities to apply the critical thinking skills and content knowledge learned in the classroom to new problems,” said Dr. Cynthia Anderson, Dean of the College of Business and Natural Science at BHSU. “When students like Kali are lead authors, they gain firsthand experience in scholarly communication, strengthen their academic credentials, and build confidence as contributors to their field—an essential step in their journey toward success.”