STEM Outreach for Sanford Research
We teach K-12 students and teachers, undergraduates, graduate students and the community. Our goals: to increase community understanding of science, raise awareness of the benefits of research, and emphasize the role of both in our society.
Our Programs
K-12
Inspire the next generation of scientists. Bring your students to our science exploration classes and tours.
Undergraduates
Get research experience and prepare for a career in science while you’re still in college.
Graduate Students
Train with national research experts and perform graduate research at Sanford Research.
Community
Book our community lab for hands-on science activities we lead, or lead your own activities with our help.
Learn More
The Sanford PROMISE
Get to know the Sanford PROMISE (Program for the Midwest Initiative in Science Exploration). We help K-12 through graduate students get into science and research. We provide classes, workshops, internships and scholarships. If you can’t make it to the lab, we provide supplies and mentorship. See the lab and meet the people behind the program.
Our Team
Meet the Team
Education Team:
Lance Lee, PhD
Director of Higher Education
Lance.Lee@SanfordHealth.org
Tamara Ledeboer
Manager, Research Education Programs
Tamara.Ledeboer@SanfordHealth.org
Ben Benson
Senior Research Education Specialist | Sanford PROMISE
SanfordOutreach@SanfordHealth.org
Louisa Otto
Senior Research Education Specialist | Sanford PROMISE
SanfordOutreach@SanfordHealth.org
Sponsors
Thank you to our partners for supporting the Sanford Research Academic Programs:
- Sanford Health
- Sanford Research
- Sanford Foundation
- Washington Pavilion
- Quest Foundation
- University of South Dakota
- South Dakota State University
- Augustana University
- NIH Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child and Human Development R25 grant
- NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) grant
Unique Experiences at Sanford Research
Sanford Research supports a training environment for students from different cultures and backgrounds.
Students who are underrepresented in the biological sciences (including underrepresented minority students, first-generation college students, individuals from lower income backgrounds or rural communities, students with disabilities, and Veterans or members of the Armed Services) are encouraged to apply for graduate, undergraduate, and high school research opportunities.
For questions about health equity and experience at Sanford Research, please contact Dr. Pilar de la Puente, Chair of the Student Health Equity & Experience Committee, by email.
Sanford Health News
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Sanford Health joins Undiagnosed Diseases Network
Sanford plans to enroll up to five patients each year who meet criteria
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How to create simple science fun at home
Encourage your child’s love of exploring and discovering with easy activities
Classes & Events
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From Nature to Molecules: Engaging Biology PD for Inspired Teaching
Mon 07/14/25 12:00 AM - Thu 07/17/25 12:00 AM
Sanford Research Center