The Center for the Conservation of Biological Resources is Black Hills State University’s genetic and genomic research facility.Through this center, students have an opportunity and the resources to conduct research, resources, and the facility to do so. CCBR is located on the Black Hills State University campus in the Jonas Science Room and houses faculty and staff research bench space and the DNA core facility, WestCore.The lab maintains highly monitored, and restricted access in order to maintain a secure area for evidence samples that are submitted to the core facility for forensic analysis. Both laboratories are fully equipped for typical molecular genetic research techniques commonly used such as genomic and cDNA library construction, cloning, PCR, agarose and acrylamide gel electrophoresis, etc. Jonas 101 provides an area dedicated to RNA isolation and manipulation. Jonas 110 houses WestCore’s genetic analyzers, as well as two real-time PCR systems and a microarray scanner.

Our mission is:

A strong emphasis on mentoring undergraduate research – Ample research opportunities exist for motivated undergraduate students interested in developing laboratory skills and gaining laboratory experience that will make them more competitive when applying for graduate programs, or for employment with research agencies both public and private.
A strong emphasis on mentoring graduate students enrolled in the Master of Science Program in Integrative Genomics. All of the faculty associated with CCBR have been approved as graduate faculty members and are actively involved in mentoring graduate student research and teaching graduate level courses.
Community Outreach – CCBR provides various educational and informational workshops and events that promote an understanding of the practical applications of conservation biology and genomics research.
Application of modern scientific technology to basic and applied scientific research on species of ecological and/or economic importance to South Dakota and the Great Plains region.
Development and maintenance of collaborative research efforts with state and regional agencies.
Development of partnerships with research collaborators at other academic institutions in order to strengthen the research of others, as well as to utilize the expertise of other faculty to strengthen the research interests of CCBR.
Promotion of technology transfer from academia to commercial ventures.