SPARK-ND holds first strategic planning meeting
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On October 22, 2025, NDSU, ND EPSCoR, and partner institutions came together for a key strategic planning meeting as part of the recently awarded NSF E-CORE: Sustainable Programs Advancing Research and Knowledge across North Dakota (SPARK-ND) collaborative initiative. Co-facilitated by Dr. Leah Woodke and Dr. Jennifer Janecek-Hartman, the session highlighted the importance of teamwork and relationship building among universities and Tribal Colleges in North Dakota. Participants engaged in meaningful discussions to define a shared vision and mission, identify primary objectives, and develop strategies to overcome potential challenges.
"This event emphasized the crucial role of partnerships in creating a strong STEM research ecosystem, demonstrating a collective commitment to advancing community-centered initiatives that motivate the next generation of innovators across the state,” said project PI and ND EPSCoR Director of Tribal Partnerships Sheridan L. McNeil, Oyate Ohowicada Win (Respects the People Woman)-Damakota. "Through these collaborative efforts, SPARK-ND aims to increase research capacity and educational opportunities for everyone. Wopida Tanka (In great gratitude) to all who took time out of their busy schedules to participate! Mitakuye Owasin (All my relations)."
SPARK-ND's partners are:
Cankdeska Cikana Community College (PI Brent Voels)
Mayville State University (PI Khwaja Hossain)
Minot State University (PI Joseph Collette, pending Co-PI Nigel George)
NDSU (PI Sheridan McNeil)
Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College (PI Amber Finley)
Sitting Bull College (PI Mafany Ndiva Mongoh)
Turtle Mountain College (PI Austin Allard)
UND (PI Van Doze)
United Tribes Technical College (PI Mandy Guinn)
Valley City State University (PI Hilde van Gijssel, Co-PI Nicholas Galt)
