As South Dakota State University (SDSU) aims for Carnegie R1 classification, doctoral training and research productivity have become essential. The Ph.D. program in nutrition and exercise sciences, the only doctoral program in the College of Education and Human Sciences, is exemplifying the potential of focused training through significant accomplishments.
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In 2025, two doctoral researchers from the School of Health and Human Sciences received prestigious national recognition, emphasizing the program's contribution to SDSU’s research profile. Under the mentorship of Professor Moul Dey, the students have co-authored four peer-reviewed original research articles and participated in numerous leading scientific conferences. They are also involved in a complex randomized clinical trial studying diet-related metabolic changes in rural older adults.
Bruna Oliveira de Vargas, a second-year student from Brazil, earned a significant accolade at Nutrition 2025, the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition. She achieved first runner-up in the Emerging Leaders in Nutrition Science Poster Competition in the Clinical Nutrition category, following an intensive evaluation by a panel of experts. This competition featured 600 abstracts from researchers worldwide. In addition to this honor, Oliveira de Vargas has been named the college's Graduate Student of the Year, an award she will receive in April 2026.
Saba Vaezi, originally from Iran, won the 2025 Joseph F. Nelson Graduate Scholarship, a competitive award granted to only two students among 37 top graduate researchers at the university. After completing her master's under Dey's guidance, Vaezi received offers from several larger institutions but opted to continue her doctoral studies at SDSU, citing the supportive research and mentorship environment. Her recent publications have gained substantial visibility, featured in over 70 media outlets, including PBS NewsHour, and translated into multiple languages. Vaezi is also scheduled to present her work at Nutrition 2026, enhancing both the program's and her own professional recognition.
Dey noted that such achievements reflect the importance of high-quality doctoral training in fostering a robust research environment. "Our goal is to develop scientists who can independently design, execute and translate complex studies," Dey stated. The program currently hosts six doctoral students with five faculty members, promoting high engagement and individualized mentorship.
According to Dey, a smaller cohort enhances depth of training, allowing students to gain comprehensive research experience and preparing them to become future leaders in the field. Vaezi highlighted the program's scientific approach, stating, "From the beginning, we were expected to think like scientists." Oliveira de Vargas added that she learned to integrate clinical studies and molecular methodologies effectively.
Both researchers intend to continue their work at SDSU, focusing on experimental nutrition and health-related outcomes. Since 2014, students in Dey's lab have earned over a dozen major awards, showcasing a consistent track record of national competitiveness. Dey emphasized the potential of motivated students who are given significant responsibilities, highlighting that creating opportunities and providing support during challenges are vital aspects of effective mentorship.