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 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 

Enrollment for this program has reached capacity and no additional registrations will be accepted.

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

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, November 4th
Topic: The Amazing Human Body
Presenter: Arooba Ilyas, PhD Student | Sanford Research (Chandrasekar Lab)
Time: 5:30pm-7:00pm
Location: Sanford Research 

  Date: Tuesday, December 2nd
Topic: Exploring Dental Health with Delta Dental
Presenter: Jean Gross, Delta Dental
Time: 5:30pm-7:00pm
Location: Sanford Research

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

Additional dates for the 2025-2026 academic year:

Tuesday, January 6th, 2026
Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026
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