Inductees Showcasing Excellence in STEM
February 28th is National Science Day, and we love the opportunity to share some of the amazing Inductees here at the South Dakota Hall of Fame who have made a huge impact in STEM across the state.
These Inductees have shown innovation in the world of science in unique and important ways, and we are honored to share their legacies that are a true example of excellence in South Dakota and beyond. Scroll down to learn more about some of the many Inductees who have contributed to the field of STEM.
Frank Aplan (1923–2020) | Ft. Pierre SD
Frank Aplan, at 10 years old, first became acquainted with Glen Martin, a house painter and former chemistry major at Iowa State University. They were to carry on extensive discussions about chemistry for the next decade and would instill Frank’s lifelong love for science. Frank attended South Dakota School of Mines & Technology and went on to hold a vast career in the metallurgical engineering field alternating between a 30-year academic life and 15 years working in the industry. Some of his accomplishments include: serving as university faculty positions at the University of Washington and at Penn State University, as well as employment by five different corporations where he gained industrial experience in the mining, metallurgical, and chemical industries, doing everything from plant operations through research and development.
Dr. Dwayne Beck | Pierre, sd
Dr. Dwayne L. Beck has served as assistant, associate, and full professor at SDSU since 1983. His impact on South Dakota stems from work done at the James Valley Research Center between 1983 and 1990, and at the Dakota Lakes Research Farm at Pierre following its establishment in 1990. His work on developing and promoting diverse no-till cropping systems played an important role in allowing producers in South Dakota to dramatically improve their profitability. It also allowed producers to do a better job of protecting soil and water resources, enhancing wildlife habitat, reducing net carbon dioxide emissions, improving air quality, and more.
Dr. Richard Gowen (1935–2021) | Rapid City, SD
Richard Gowen’s extensive career made a huge impact on the nation and the state of South Dakota. His state impact was most notable when he became the President of the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, which included the development of a nationally-recognized Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Production, as well as the school’s first capital campaign of over $20 million raised. Dick worked for the inclusion of the Native American community in their graduation in engineering and science. He retired from SD Mines in 2003, continuing his community engagement including participating in the establishment of the Homestake Gold Mine Underground Lab, starting the Dakota Power Company, and launching a nonprofit for the advocacy of teachers' and students' coding instruction and curriculum.
Joe Knippling (1900–1984) | Gann Valley, SD
Though Joe Knippling was a rancher by trade, he contributed to the science and development of a vaccine and cure for the anthrax virus that had been plaguing ranchers since the 1800s. By 1918, the Knippling family ranch had amassed an impressive herd. but Tragically, Joe’s father unknowingly infected his property, and subsequently, his cattle with the Anthrax virus, causing considerable losses. Joe and his brother, Lambert, stayed with their folks and took over the ranching operation. This tragedy, however, turned into victory. Desperately, Joe wrote to Cutter Laboratories, who in turn developed the Charbonal vaccine, which stopped the spread of the dreaded disease. The Knipplings were the first ranchers to use the new vaccine that saved the herd from extinction.
Tom Loveland (1952–2022) | Sioux Falls, SD
Thomas Loveland was a member of the first career-long generation of explorers studying the condition and changes of Earth from the vantage of space. Joining a new field called geographic remote sensing, he spent over 40 years piecing together the contemporary land history of the planet while contributing ideas and leadership to expand global Earth-observation capabilities. Tom devoted his career to advancing remote sensing and served as an SDSU adjunct professor, teaching numerous remote sensing and geography courses for over 35 years. His most visible service, arguably with the most lasting impact, was his leadership in advancing the science and applications of the Landsat program.
These are just a handful of the many Inductees exemplifying excellence in the field of STEM. To learn more and explore other Inductee’s legacy pages, visit our Inductee Directory.