Sanford Program for Undergraduate Research

The Sanford Program for Undergraduate Research provides an opportunity for undergraduates to participate in laboratory research, with the hopes of recruiting talented individuals into careers in research. Developed in partnership with Augustana College, this ten week program allows students to apply their classroom knowledge by working in a laboratory under the supervision of a Sanford Research or Augustana College principal investigator, with guidance from post-docs and graduate students, and oversight from the program coordinator. Participants will gain valuable experience by attending weekly seminars given by Sanford principal investigators on the latest topics in their particular field. In addition, participants will learn about ethics in scientific research, career opportunities, and how to apply to and interview for graduate school. Trainees will prepare and present a short oral presentation based on their proposed project at the beginning of the program.
At the end of the summer, students will share their research project results with the Sioux Falls area scientific and medical community at a poster symposium. Trainees will be encouraged to present their findings at national meetings, provided the funding is available, and co-authorship on peer-reviewed publications resulting from their research is possible. Should the Sanford principal investigator consent, research could continue into the academic year.

Click here to see a list of participating Sanford Research mentors

The following are required of applicants:

1. Matriculated students
2. In their sophomore or junior year at the time of application
3. Majoring in of the biological or chemical sciences
4. Interested in attaining a Ph.D. degree (not M.D.) in the biological or chemical sciences
5. Have a GPA of at least 3.0

Applicants will be evaluated based upon:

1. Enthusiasm for scientific research
2. Two letters of reference
3. Transcripts from their undergraduate institution
4. Previous research experience (includes college science courses that have a laboratory component)
    

In the spirit of the entire Sanford Health organization, Sanford Research hopes to engage underprivileged individuals. Students from groups that are under-represented in the biological sciences are encouraged to apply. These groups include students with disabilities, students from certain racial/ethnic groups, first-generation college students, and individuals from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds. The racial/ethnic groups that are significantly underrepresented at advanced levels of science and engineering in the U.S. are Native Americans (including American Indians and Alaskan Natives), African-Americans, Hispanics, and Native Pacific Islanders.

Program Details

• The program is 10 weeks: June 6 - August 14. Trainees must commit to working the entire 10 weeks, with the exception of the July 4th holiday. Please click here to download the 2010 program schedule.
• Summer trainees will work under the direct supervision of a participating Sanford or Augustana mentor or post-doctoral research associate (a list of mentors can be found on the Sanford website).
• At the end of the second week, summer trainees will prepare a 10 minute seminar describing their project hypothesis and aim(s), which will be developed through discussions with their mentor. The seminar will be presented to the other summer trainees, the program coordinator, and their mentor.
• All summer trainees will be responsible for constructing a poster outlining their research at the conclusion of the program. Trainees will present their posters at a final formal symposium.
• All summer trainees will participate in weekly research/educational seminars and presentations, including seminars given by Sanford researchers. The program coordinator will host two forums where ethics in biological research and the graduate school application process will be discussed.
• Luncheons, group trips to area attractions, and various social activities are organized for the chance to interact with other summer trainees.
• Students must participate in all activities and seminars unless authorized by the program coordinator.
• A stipend of $400 per week will be provided.
• If needed, dormitory-style housing is available at no charge.
   

The Application Process

Applicants must submit an application form by March 1, 2010 to be considered for the summer 2010 program. Please download the application by clicking here.  Complete applications, two letters of recommendation and official transcript(s) must be sent to the address below.  Alternatively, applications (but not letters of recommendation and transcripts) can be submitted electronically, please e-mail vitiells@sanfordhealth.org if interested in applying electronically.

Dr. Seasson Vitiello, Ph.D.
Coordinator of Undergraduate Research
Sanford Children’s Health Research Center
900 West Delaware Street
Sioux Falls, SD 57104

Only sealed official transcripts will be accepted. The applicant must arrange for transcripts to be sent from all institutions where they have taken college level courses. Letters of recommendation must be original and should be signed, sealed, and mailed by the author. Transcripts and letters are also due by March 1, 2010. An application will not be considered complete until the application form, letters of reference, and transcripts arrive at the above address. Late applications will not be considered.