RAPID CITY, SD – From Star Wars-inspired aircraft tested in a wind tunnel to entrepreneurial tissue engineering competitions, artificial intelligence in the classroom and hands-on experiences deep underground, South Dakota Mines faculty are finding innovative ways to inspire students and bring learning to life.
Thirteen faculty members have been selected as the university’s Teaching Rockstars, a new internal recognition celebrating educators who demonstrate creativity, innovation, dedication and a strong commitment to student success. Mines President Brian Tande, Ph.D., recognized the group during Monday’s fall faculty and staff convocation. Each “rockstar” teacher received a rock award handmade by Katrina Donovan, Ph.D., professor of practice in the Department of Materials Metallurgical Engineering.
The 2026 Teaching Rockstars are:
Ricardo Palma Frago, Ph.D., Department of Industrial Engineering
Julia Loshelder, Ph.D., Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering
Christy Tidwell, Ph.D., Department of Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences
Jon Kellar, Ph.D., Department of Materials & Metallurgical Engineering
Chelsea Pederson, Ph.D., Department of Geology & Geological Engineering
Ivy Allard, Ph.D., Department of Mining Engineering & Management
Joseph Thalakkottor, Ph.D., Leslie A. Rose Department of Mechanical Engineering
Nathan Belcher, Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
Jill Trimble, Department of Mathematics
Tugba Ozdemir, Ph.D., Department of Nanoscience & Biomedical Engineering
Christine Mathews, Ph.D., Department of Chemistry, Biology & Health Sciences
Jeffrey Switzer, Ph.D., Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering
Tula Paudel, Ph.D., Department of Physics
The faculty members were nominated by their department heads who highlighted their efforts to make courses more engaging, accessible and relevant through hands-on learning, real-world applications, new technologies and meaningful connections with students.
Across campus, the Teaching Rockstars are reimagining how students experience the classroom. Together, they represent the diverse and innovative approaches to education taking place across Mines. Whether through competitions, field experiences, flipped classrooms, emerging technologies or one-on-one student support, each honoree shares a commitment to helping students actively engage with their education and prepare for future careers.
The Teaching Rockstars recognition celebrates that commitment and the faculty members who continue to find new ways to make learning meaningful, challenging and memorable.
