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.

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PROMISE Biomedical Research Investigations Days

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 first hand from research scientists and get an inside look at the research lab.

Two sessions are scheduled for the 2024-2025 academic year:

Date: Monday, October 14th, 2024
Topic: Microscope Masters: Exploring the World of Cellular Imaging
Scientists from the Chandrasekar Lab will show you the ways they use microscopes to understand the inner workings of kidney cells.

Date: Friday, March 14th, 2025
Topic: Life Unfolded: Exploring Embryonic Development
Scientists from the Loukil and Baack Labs will lead you through activities to help understand how embryos develop. Specifically the role of primary cilia in cell signaling and differentiation.

Details for both sessions:

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

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 learn about current research being done at Sanford Research. All programs will operate on a rolling admission with first come, first served. Registration will open in February 2nd, 2025 and will close when a date reaches capacity. 

Future Innovators

The Future Innovators program is an exciting hands-on experience designed for middle school students passionate about making a difference through innovation. This program empowers students to explore the intersection of engineering, research, and health care by teaching them the skills needed to become future innovators and problem-solvers. This is a one-day, free program.

Open to students in grades 6-8 in the 2024-2025 school year.

June 4th or June 26th - 8:30am-3:00pm (1 day) | Sanford Research Center, 2301 E. 60th Street North, Sioux Falls, SD 

June 10th, 2025 - 8:30am-3:00pm  | NDSU Campus, Fargo, ND

August 4th, 2025 - 8:30am-3:00pm | Minnesota West Community and Technical College, Luverne, MN 

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.

Open to students in grades 6-8 in the 2024-2025 school year.

July 22nd - July 25th, 2025 from 8:30am-3:00pm (4 days) | Sanford Research Center, 2301 E. 60th Street North, Sioux Falls, SD 

Please note this program has reached capacity but you can sign up to be added to the waitlist.

Research in Action: An Inside Look at Biomedical Research

Summers at Sanford Research are very lively as college students from across the country join Sanford Research through the Sanford Program for Undergraduate Research (SPUR). During this experience, high school students will be given an opportunity to shadow an undergraduate researcher during part of their routine day. The day will also consist of time in the PROMISE lab to prepare and debrief from the shadow experience.

Open to high school students at least 16 years old as of 7/10/25. 

July 10th, 2025 - 8:30am-3:00pm | Sanford Research Center, 2301 E. 60th Street North, 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

February Teen Science Café: 

   Date: Tuesday, February 11th
   Time: 5:30pm-7:00pm
   Location: Sanford Research (Virtual Option Available)
   Topic: Exploring Dark Matter 
   Presenter: Dr. Drew Alton, Augustana Physics Professor
   Register Here
   Download Flyer  Here

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March Teen Science Café: 

   Date: Wednesday, March 5th
   Time: 5:30pm-7:00pm
   Location: Augustana University
   Topic: Forensic Chemistry 
   Presenter: Dr. Jetty Duffy-Matzner, Augustana Chemistry Professor
   Register Here
   Download Flyer Here

 
Upcoming events:

   April 8th

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