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 is open and will close when a date reaches capacity.
STUDENT PROGRAMS
Jedi Genetics: Exploring Genetics and Biomarkers Through a Star Wars Lens
What secrets can be discovered about our health and identity at the molecular level? In this program, students will learn about the uses of DNA and biomarkers in the diagnoses of conditions. Students will perform an ELISA and gel electrophoresis.
Full attendance is required for this one day camp.
Open to students in grades 6-8 in the 2023-2024 school year.
June 3rd or July 9th, 2024 from 8:30am-3:00pm at Sanford Research in Sioux Falls, SD
June 13th, 2024 from 8:30am-3:00pm in Fargo, ND
June 14th, 2024 from 8:30am-3:00pm in Bismarck, ND
June 18th, 2024 from 8:30am-3:00pm in Luverne, MN
Sioux Falls Flyer Fargo Flyer Bismarck Flyer Luverne Flyer
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 2023-2024 school year.
July 23rd - July 26, 2024 from 8:30am-3:00pm (four day camp) at Sanford Research in Sioux Falls
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) which is an immersive 10-week summer program that provide students the opportunity to gain the skills and prepare for a career in science while still in school. 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 students in grades 9-12 in the 2023-2024 school year.
July 11th, 2024 from 8:30am-3:00pm at Sanford Research in Sioux Falls
Link to register for all student programs
EDUCATOR PROGRAMS
BIOC 592 Modern Microscopy
Secondary education teachers will learn about microscope use at Sanford Research through discussions with researchers and hands on activities. Attendees will perform microscope maintenance, colorimetric measurement and make slides using a microtome and a vibratome in addition to talking to researchers about their current research using live cell imaging techniques along with super resolution microscopy. Attendees will learn about Sanford PROMISE’s lesson plans and lending library resources while developing a STEM lesson plan introducing current research to their classrooms.
July 17th and 18th, 2024 | 8:00am-4:00pm | Sanford Research, 2301 E. 60th Street North, Sioux Falls, SD
This course will be capped at 24 educators.
1 credit available for purchases through USD for $40
$250 stipend available for those who attend both days.
SEED 592: Finding Your Roots: Genetic Literacy for Educators
Secondary education teachers will learn the ins and outs of genetics, genetic technology, epigenetics, and ethics all while learning about their own DNA through a partnership with Living DNA. Teachers will be expected to create an educational tool that aims to increase genetic literacy for students across South Dakota at the end of the course. Teachers will participate in three days of instruction in the PROMISE lab. To finish the remainder of the credit hours, teachers will review lesson plans that are currently on Sanford PROMISE website and implement one of them in their classroom. Data will be collected as to the effectiveness and usability of the lesson plans.
August 6th, 7th, 8th, 2024 | 8:00am-4:00pm | Sanford Research, 2301 E. 60th Street North, Sioux Falls, SD
This course will be capped at 10 educators and educators must be enrolled by April 1st. Each person will submit a DNA sample through Living DNA to be processed into a personalized genetic report that will be used during the coursework. Please reach out to sanfordoutreach@sanfordhealth.org with questions.
2 credits available for purchases through USD for $40 per credit
$375 stipend available for those who attend all three days.
Link to Professional Development registrations
**These courses are currently under review by the USD Course Approval Committee.