Dean Steele

Dean Steele serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at North Dakota State University. His expertise lies in irrigation and environmental engineering, with a focus on water conservation and precision agriculture technologies for sustainable farming in challenging climates.

Education:

• Ph.D., University of Minnesota
• M.S., South Dakota State University
• Bachelor of Agricultural Engineering, University of Minnesota

Dr. Steele's research program centers on soil-water dynamics, sensor-based irrigation management, and environmental impact mitigation. He employs advanced techniques including time domain reflectometry, proximal geophysical sensors, and unmanned aerial vehicles to optimize water use in agriculture. His work addresses regional challenges in the Red River Basin and semiarid regions of North Dakota.

Analysis of his recent publications (2020-2025) reveals a strong trend toward innovative water conservation strategies and precision application technologies. Key themes include soil moisture monitoring, variable rate irrigation, and the use of superabsorbent polymers for soil remediation, often in collaboration with NRCS and industry partners.

Dr. Steele mentors graduate students, notably R. Maisha, who has presented their joint research at multiple student conferences. He has secured funding for projects such as the NRCS variable rate irrigation initiative, demonstrating his ability to translate research into practical agricultural solutions.

As an active member of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers and its Red River Valley Section, Dr. Steele contributes to professional development and extension activities that bridge academic research with on-farm applications.