On the Fast Track
Jason Petersen, Independent Research
Avera, Veterans Affairs and USD
It was a segment about cancer research on the evening news that inspired Jason Petersen - an independent researcher who works with Avera, Veterans Affairs and the University of South Dakota- to take an interest in science. After finding initial success in his high school classes, Petersen took his interest with him to college. But before going on to graduate school, Petersen took a research job at the University of Minnesota, loved what he was doing there, and then made his first move to South Dakota.
Now, after earning his doctoral degree at the University of South Dakota, and making a series of moves, Petersen - a Marshall, Minnesota native - is back in South Dakota doing the research he loves.
And now he's sharing his love with high school and college students. Since he and his wife moved to Sioux Falls about a year and a half ago, Petersen has been approached about setting up internships and mentoring students.
"I think I feel a special connection with these students because when I was young, I wanted to do science, but didn't know anyone in the field. I didn't know how you get started; it was a struggle to even get any experience. So when I hear of these students who might be interested (in doing research) and think it might be something they want to do, I'm glad to give them a chance to come and see," Petersen said.
Petersen studies mechanisms used by cells to repair DNA damage that is caused by ultraviolet light.
Work like Petersen's is important to South Dakota's growth, said Department of Tourism and State Development Secretary Richard Benda. "Establishing South Dakota as a leader in research and development is one of the five goals of the state's 2010 Initiative. Young researchers like Jason are helping make that possible," Benda added.
