Author

Nicole Schlabach
Nicole is a freelance science, health and outdoor writer based in Rapid City. She served as the managing editor of an independent student newspaper in Athens, Georgia, while in school. In recent years, she's worked in editing, growth operations and heritage interpretation — all while maintaining a soft spot for journalism.
South Dakota researcher aims to create gold material that heals itself from damage
By: Nicole Schlabach - May 16, 2023
Imagine a piece of shrapnel denting a service member’s combat helmet. What if the dent in the helmet could heal itself? Shan Zhou’s research might make that a reality. He’s an assistant professor in the Department of Nanoscience and Biomedical Engineering at South Dakota Mines in Rapid City. Zhou hopes to create a gold material […]
Need mental health care in SD? You may have to get in line
By: Nicole Schlabach - April 1, 2023
Angelena Plummer, owner of a counseling practice in Rapid City, knows what it’s like to wait for mental health care. A few years ago, she called a therapist after a distressing life event. When she found out the wait was three months for the next available appointment, Plummer recalled, “it was a literal jaw drop.” […]
Can gratitude reduce physical pain? Spearfish researcher wants to find out
By: Nicole Schlabach - November 23, 2022
People in pain might benefit from practicing gratitude, according to a professor who has studied gratitude for nine years at Black Hills State University (BHSU). Nathan Deichert, professor of psychology at BHSU, and a group of five undergraduate students are studying if more grateful physical therapy patients feel less severe pain, or if pain interferes […]
‘We want to look past just inviting visitors to come here’
By: Nicole Schlabach - November 18, 2022
Growing tourism in a way that “improves or maintains the wellbeing of residents” was the topic of conversation at a Monday workshop in Rapid City. Workshop organizer Visit Rapid City wants to identify shared community goals to incorporate into a “destination stewardship plan” — or a tourism plan that has a positive impact on the […]