Community Lab Space for Your Group
In the heart of Sanford Research, you’ll find a state-of-the-art research lab that provides research space and equipment for the community.
Public and private groups are welcome to use the space for:
- Hands-on activities facilitated by the Sanford PROMISE team
- Research activities and projects you develop under PROMISE scientists’ supervision
We also host events including a family science festival and a community lecture series.
Events
Community Lectures
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:
Date: Thursday, May 11th, 2023 in partnership with CoRDS - Kick-off to the 13th Annual Great Plains Rare Disease Summit
Time: 5:30pm-6:30pm
Title: Rare Disease Film Screening
Link to register: https://bit.ly/3ShkcfL
Symposium details: http://bit.ly/3uEj2Ru
Sanford PROMISE BRI Days
PROMISE Biomedical Research Investigations Days
BRI is a unique immersive experience for high school students to learn about the research being done at Sanford Research.
Join us for one of the following days in the PROMISE lab doing hands-on science and learning about the work done by the Lee Lab.
Topic: Investigating the Mechanics of Cilia
Dates for the 2022-2023 academic year:
Tuesday, October 11th, 2022
Friday, November 11th, 2022
Monday, April 10th, 2023
PROMISE Summer Programs
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 close when a date reaches capacity.
Inside Out: An Anatomy and Health Experience
How do our organs work to keep us alive and how can we keep them healthy? In this program, students will learn about the heart, lungs, and kidneys. Students will dissect each organ, learn about the function, learn how to keep them healthy, and learn about why researchers are interested in it.
Participants will need parental/guardian permission to participate in dissection and fitness activities. The program is filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Upon enrolling, you will be notified within 5 business days of registration confirmation
Open to students in grades 6-8 in the 2022-2023 school year.
June 27th or July 11th, 2023, 8:30am-4:00pm (1 day) | Sanford Research Center, 2301 E. 60th Street North, Sioux Falls, SD
June 8th, 2023 | 8:30am-4:00pm (1 day) | Fargo, ND
June 13th, 2023 | 8:30am - 4:00pm (1 day) | Luverne, MN - Minnesota West Community and Technical College
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 5 days of this program, partial attendance will not be accepted.
Open to students in grades 6-8 in the 2022-2023 school year.
July 24th-28th, 8:30am-4:00pm (5 days) | Sanford Research Center, 2301 E. 60th Street North, Sioux Falls, SD
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 2022-2023 School Year
July 13th, 9:30am-3:00pm | Sanford Research Center, 2301 E. 60th Street North, Sioux Falls, SD
Student Lab Tours
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.
Teen Science Café
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.
2022-2023 Academic Year
March 7th, 2023
Topic: Get into the chemistry lab and learn about chemical forensics hosted by the chemistry department at Augustana University.
Speaker: Dr. Jetty Duffy-Matzner
Time: 5:30pm-7:00pm
Location: Augustana University - Froiland Science Center
Please note there is no virtual option for this event.
Future date:
April 4th, 2023
Topic: You Are What Your Grandmother Eats: Did you know that the foods your grandmother ate can affect your health? Learn more about maternal health from a member of the Baack Lab at Sanford Research.
Speaker: Kyle Siemers, MD/PhD Candidate
Time: 5:30pm-7:00pm
Location: Sanford PROMISE Community Lab
Virtual Option will be available.
Professional Development for Educators
Professional Development for Teachers:
ELED 592: Science in Action
Teaching science in the elementary classroom doesn't have to be difficult. When reading, math, science questions, and more activities are weaved together they create a day of learning that is fun for students and teachers. This professional development will provide you with resources from Sanford fit and Sanford PROMISE to enhance your lesson planning.
Who: Elementary Educators (1st - 5th Grade)
When: June 20-21, 2023 from 8:00am-4:00pm both days
Where: Sanford Research Center | Sioux Falls
Cost: $30 registration fee
Stipend: $200
BIOC 592: Modeling - It Takes All Shapes and Sizes (Biomedical Edition)
What do you think about when you hear the word model? Is it systems, things, or people? Join the PROMISE team at Sanford Research for two days to explore the science and engineering practice of developing and using models. Learn how models are used by research scientists at Sanford and learn about new resources available in our lending library.
Who: Secondary Educators (6th - 12th Grade)
When: August 2-3, 2023 from 8:00am-4:00pm both days
Where: Sanford Research Center | Sioux Falls
Cost: $30 registration fee
Stipend: $200