NDSU students are gearing up for an adventure filled with discovery and opportunity as they head west for the inaugural Bison to the Bakken experience. The immersive, 12-day summer program offers a unique chance for students to dive into the heart of North Dakota’s energy sector and connect with industry leaders in the dynamic world of energy production.
“Bison to the Bakken is a powerful example of what happens when academia and industry come together,” said Kathryn Birkeland, Ronald and Kaye Olson Dean of the College of Business. “Our partners across western North Dakota have opened their doors to our students, offering firsthand experiences that can’t be replicated in a classroom. Our long-term goal is to build lasting connections between our students, the communities and companies shaping North Dakota’s future.”
Students begin on May 18, with a packed schedule that includes industry tours, meet and greets and cultural events in the Bakken region. Highlights of the itinerary, which runs May 18-30, include:
- May 19: Meeting at Creedence Energy Services in Minot
- May 20: A "Follow the Barrel" tour covering the production lifecycle of a barrel of oil with Hess Corporation in Tioga
- May 21: Industry visit with Kathy Neset from Neset Consulting Service in Tioga
- May 22: Tour of Bakken Area Skills Center in Watford City
- May 27: Tour of ALLETE Clean Energy in Glen Ullin
- May 29: Tour of Steffes in Dickinson
- May 30: Marathon Petroleum Refinery tour in Mandan
A group of 37 students majoring in agriculture, business, engineering and other fields will participate in the program. In addition to the learning opportunities highlighted above, students will be interacting with leadership and partnering with companies such as Chord Energy, ONEOK, BNI Coal, Sandpro, New Kota, Mountrial-Williams Electric Cooperative, Red Trail Energy, Xcel Energy, Falkirk Mining Company and Rainbow Energy Center.
Participants will earn academic credit as they gain insight into oil and gas, fracking, pipelines, carbon capture, biofuels, lignite coal, wind energy and broader economic activity connected to the state’s energy industry. Topics covered will align with students’ academic disciplines, ranging from supply chain management and commodity trading to sensor development, soil reclamation and environmental policy.
In addition to industry connections, students can experience the local culture, including a rodeo event and a dinner cruise on the Lewis and Clark Riverboat.
“I signed up for Bison to the Bakken because I wanted to learn more about North Dakota’s energy economy and our role in powering the world,” said Linnea Axtman, NDSU senior from Fargo majoring in Business Administration. “I’m excited for this opportunity, as I enjoy touring and gaining insight into different industries. I'm looking forward to learning more about the methods and companies behind energy production in our state.”
Each student selected to participate in the program receives a scholarship to help offset the cost of summer tuition for the course. Travel and lodging expenses are fully covered by the Economic Diversification Research Funds appropriated by the North Dakota Legislature during the 2023 session.
More information about the Bison to the Bakken program is available at ndsu.edu/bison-to-the-bakken.
As a student-focused, land grant, research institution, we serve our citizens.
