Community

Attend the PROMISE Community Lecture Series

Are you interested in science? Have you ever wondered about the scientific research being performed in your own community? The PROMISE Community Lecture Series provides a unique opportunity for science-minded individuals within our community to learn about local research projects from the scientists themselves. Lectures are provided by leading academic and industry scientists within the region.

Upcoming event:

Topic: Microplastic particles in human cells and tissues: Review of medical studies
Presenter: Bruce Krawisz, MD | Emeritus Research, Molecular Pathologist with the Marshfield Clinic Research Institute
Date: Thursday, October 9^th
Time: 6:30pm-7:30pm
Link to register: https://bit.ly/4oLazqk

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BRI day is hosted by the PROMISE Lab at Sanford Research in Sioux Falls, SD. These one-day immersive experiences give students the chance to dig deep into a topic. They will learn firsthand from research scientists and get an inside look at the research lab.

Two sessions are scheduled for the 2025-2026 academic year:

Mapping the Mind: Advances in Brain Development Research with the Pilaz Lab

Date: October 13^th, 2025 (Please note we have reached capacity for this event)
Time: 9:00am-4:00pm (Lunch provided)
Who: Students in grades 10-12
Where: Sanford Research | 2301 E. 60th Street North, Sioux Falls
Fee: There is no fee to attend this event. Attendance will be capped at 15 students with first-come first served registration.

Topic: Brain development with the Bustos Lab

Date: February 16th, 2026
Time: 9:00am-4:00pm (Lunch provided)
Who: Students in grades 10-12
Where: Sanford Research | 2301 E. 60th Street North, Sioux Falls
Fee: There is no fee to attend this event. Attendance will be capped at 15 students with first-come first served registration.

Please note that BRI days are held on days when many local school districts do not have school. Please check your school calendar before signing up to make sure you can attend. Attendance is expected for the whole day. Partial attendance will not be allowed. Please plan to spend the full time from 9:00am-4:00pm at Sanford Research. 

Sanford PROMISE summer programs are a great way to gain hands-on science experience and explore a scientific topic in depth. All programs will operate on a rolling admission with first come, first served. Registration will open on February 2nd, 2026 and will close when a date reaches capacity. All Sioux Falls sessions will take place at Sanford Research and all one day camps are free to attend. 

Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to receive the dates and links to register. 

Inside Out: An Anatomy and Health Experience

How do physicians and scientists work together to form innovative solutions to health concerns? In this program, we will explore the causes and effects of pulmonary embolism. Students will learn about the heart and lungs through a dissection and then innovate their own solution to treat the embolism. Participants will need parental/guardian permission to participate in dissection. The program is filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Open to students in grades 6-8 in the 2025-2026 school year.

Offered two times in Sioux Falls, SD and one time in Fargo, ND.

Finding Your Roots: A Genetics and Genealogy Experience 

What is more interesting than you? In this program, students will use science to answer the question “Who am I?” Students will extract and analyze their own DNA, learn about human evolution, and dig into the stories of their ancestors.

Participants will need parental/guardian permission to submit a DNA sample in April in order to be enrolled in the program. The program is limited to 24 students on a first-come, first-served basis. Upon enrolling, you will be notified within 5 business days of registration confirmation. You must be able to attend all 4 days of this program, partial attendance will not be accepted. Please note that, due to the expenses associated with this camp, a deposit of $100 is required. If the participant attends all four days in their entirety, the deposit will be refunded. If you need information on how to apply for a scholarship, please reach out to sanfordoutreach@sanfordhealth.org.

Open to students in grades 6-8 in the 2025-2026 school year.

Body Works: Health Careers and Anatomy 

Your body is an incredible high-tech machine made of cells, tissues, organs, and systems all working together. During this two-day experience, you’ll dive into real health care careers and get hands-on with the organs and systems those professionals work with every day. Participants will need parental/guardian permission to participate in dissection.

Open to students in grades 9 and 10 in the 2025-2026 school year.

The first day of this program will be held on the main Sanford USD Medical Center Campus in Sioux Falls, SD. The second day will be held at Sanford Research, in Sioux Falls, SD.

Tour the PROMISE Community Laboratory

In the heart of Sanford Research’s laboratory lives a high-tech classroom space designed to accommodate up to 24 learners participating in a hands-on science experience. Our team of educators will personalize an experience to meet the content and ability requirements for your group. Public and private school classes, after-school programs, girl and boy scout clubs and others are invited.

Attend Teen Science Café
Teen Science Café is a free, fun way for teens to explore advances in science and technology affecting their lives. Teens and STEM experts engage in lively conversations and activities to explore a topic deeply. Teen Science Café brings together teens from all over the greater Sioux Falls region to learn from scientists in their community.

Open to grades 7-12

Most events are held at the Sanford Research Center unless otherwise noted. Some events will include a virtual option but please keep in mind that hands-on experiences can only be experienced in-person. Please note that some dates may change from the first Tuesday of the month due to speakers availability. 

Upcoming events:

  Date: Tuesday, January 13th
Topic: Exploring Science Phenomenon with Science Steve
Presenter: Steven Rokusik, South Dakota Public Broadcasting
Time: 5:30pm-7:00pm
Location: Sanford Research 

  Date: Tuesday, February 3rd
Topic: Clinical Skills with USD
Time: 5:30pm-7:00pm
Location: Parry Simulation Center | 1400 W. 22nd Street, Sioux Falls, SD

Link to register: https://bit.ly/teensciencecafe

Additional dates for the 2025-2026 academic year:

Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026
Tuesday, April 7th, 2026 

Professional Development for Teachers:

From Nature to Molecules: Engaging Biology PD for Inspired Teaching

Join Us for an Inspiring 4-Day Summer 2025 Biology Teacher Professional Development! Bring biology to life in your classroom! This summer, join Joe, Ben, and Dr. Olson-Manning for hands-on learning, collaborative exploration, and practical resources. Dive into outdoor sessions, discover engaging teaching strategies, and explore innovative tools from the PROMISE lab. Empower your students with unforgettable biology experiences!

Stipend $125 per day for 4 days (July 14-17)

Opportunity for 2 graduate credits

4 days in Sioux Falls area 2 days at the Outdoor Campus location 2 days at the Sanford Research location

Connect with other regional educators

Learn how students can get involved with research at regional research institutes

Registration opens February 2^nd