Dakota State University (DSU) has announced a pivotal role in the Ge-STAR: Germanium-based Science and Technology Advancement Research initiative, a four-year, multi-million dollar project funded by the National Science Foundation’s EPSCoR RII E-RISE program. The initiative aims to revolutionize the science and application of high-purity germanium, a material essential for cutting-edge research in fields spanning medical diagnostics and particle physics. Six institutions in South Dakota, including DSU, have joined forces to establish the state as a leader in germanium-based technology and its interdisciplinary applications.
Central to DSU’s involvement is the development of sophisticated artificial intelligence algorithms tailored for real-time anomaly detection during crystal growth, reduction of background noise in ultra-sensitive detectors, and high-fidelity medical image reconstruction. According to Dr. Varghese Mathew Vaidyan, lead investigator at DSU, the introduction of artificial intelligence is set to transform germanium research by enabling immediate data analysis and optimizing detector technologies. These advancements are particularly critical for rare-event physics experiments at facilities such as the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF), including research targeting low-mass dark matter and solar neutrinos, where accuracy and the preservation of minute signals are paramount.
Beyond physics, the artificial intelligence models being developed by DSU are also being adapted for medical applications, promising high-resolution and low-dose imaging crucial for precision oncology and radiographic diagnostics. Enhanced image reconstruction and intelligent background suppression are expected to deliver faster and more precise diagnoses while minimizing patient radiation exposure—a significant benefit to modern healthcare systems.
DSU’s contribution extends into education and workforce development through the launch of a dedicated machine learning course and summer camp, providing hands-on experience in artificial intelligence-driven detector science and imaging for students. Additionally, DSU will annually train K–12 instructors in foundational artificial intelligence, bringing advanced concepts to classroom settings and fostering future STEM talent. The Ge-STAR partnership, encompassing six universities and major health partners Sanford Health and Avera Health, will not only launch a new ABET-accreditable specialization at the University of South Dakota but will also engage over 100 students and numerous educators, underpinning South Dakota’s aspiration to become a national stronghold for artificial intelligence-enhanced germanium research.
Dr. Vaidyan emphasized the cross-disciplinary nature of Ge-STAR, citing its potential to spark both scientific discovery and public benefit by blending DSU’s artificial intelligence expertise with partner strengths in physics, materials science, and healthcare. The broad scope of the initiative, highlighted by the involvement of institutions across the state, aims to create a robust pipeline of highly skilled tech professionals while advancing research frontiers in both science and medicine.
