His initial interest in science developed years earlier when his mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, and he was fascinated by the robotic technology involved in surgeries associated with her cancer treatments. “It really sparked my interest in the medical field and biomedical engineering specifically,” Graham recalls, “which then evolved into science as a whole. That was the pivotal moment.”
Graham joined the SPUR program at Sanford Research in the summer of 2026. Having grown up in Sioux Falls, SD, he did not have to travel far to find the experience he wanted. He was drawn to Sanford Research because of the facilities, resources, and knowledge it held, but he was also eager to gain exposure to cellular and molecular biology research, something he had not experienced with an engineering background. Working in Dr. Lance Lee’s lab studying the mechanisms underlying a rare pediatric disease, Graham found what he was looking for. Learning from the lab and being able to utilize cutting-edge equipment like the Nikon SoRa super-resolution microscope were highlights. “It’s just amazing to be able to come to work every day and learn something new and take it home,” Graham described. He has also come to appreciate how to develop his research skills through “learning new things and, as weird as it sounds, making mistakes. When I make a mistake, … I fine-tune my skills.”
Through his experiences, Graham acknowledges that he has grown as a scientist. He expressed a new appreciation for efforts to solve the mysteries underlying a rare disease, building a foundation for medical breakthroughs, and asking the “why” questions that lead to transformative therapies. He has taken advantage of the professional development programming embedded within the SPUR program, finding particular value in opportunities to see effective resumes and talk to graduate students about their experiences with the application process. Importantly, Graham has also formed a bond with the other students in the SPUR program, the members of the Lee Lab, and the larger scientific community at Sanford Research. Graham highlighted, “I really enjoy the camaraderie and the family feeling of Sanford Research.”
The experience Graham obtained in the SPUR program has built a foundation for his career. Graham’s next step in his education is graduate school, although he is still trying to decide on the specific path he will take in his career. Although he started college with an interest in engineering, he now finds himself leaning toward pursuing a graduate degree in biomedical science as a result of his experience at Sanford Research. It also makes him feel prepared for his future as a scientist. “It’s given me an edge in my career,” he explained, “because of the additional knowledge and skills and experience that I’ve gained.”