Curtis Petersen

Curtis Petersen is an enrolled member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. Petersen grew up in Parade, South Dakota, just nine miles from Eagle Butte. His parents work in the Eagle Butte School District, his mother as a principal and his father as a history teacher. His family’s careers in education influenced his decision to pursue a bachelor’s in mathematics education at Black Hills State University (BHSU), his parents’ alma mater. His anticipated graduation date is May 2023. Petersen is also pursuing an Earth science teaching endorsement and a minor in American Indian studies. For Petersen, teaching is far more than a job; teaching is a way to invest in his community and to help people each day.

As outreach officer for the BHSU chapter of Lakota Omniciye, Petersen works to bridge the gap between Native and non-Native people on campus. The group’s outreach efforts include fundraising for and planning an annual powwow at BHSU. Petersen revived the BHSU chapter of the nationwide American Indians in Science and Engineering Society and now serves as the chapter’s president. Petersen is an assistant with the BHSU Center for Native American Studies, where he tutors students in math, science, computer applications and business. Each December, Petersen volunteers with the Red Shirt Cultural Exchange program to coordinate a Christmas gift drive at BHSU.

Through his participation in multiple opportunities for undergraduate students, Petersen has robust, first-hand experience with SURF’s mission to advance world-class science and inspire learning across generations. In 2019, Petersen was selected as a Davis-Bahcall Scholar, a program that connects science-curious students with peers and mentors while exploring the modern world of STEM research. In 2020, he took part in the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program. Through the REU program, Petersen worked with Dr. Andy Johnson to investigate inquiry-based learning and examine the misconceptions BHSU students had about radiation. In 2022, Petersen interned with SURF’s Education & Outreach team. The same summer, he took part in the five-week BHSU GEMADARC program, which gives students the opportunity to explore future careers in STEM. The group visited research centers in the United Kingdom, including Boulby Underground Lab, University College London and University of Edinburgh.