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 SPUR mentors

Maggie Slaba (Northern State University) stands by her poster during the 2010 Poster Symposium at the Sanford Center.  Maggie worked with Qianrong Liang, an investigator in the Sanford Cardiovascular Health Research Center.
	Zach Erickson (St. Olaf College) presents his work in isothiocyanates at the 2011 SPUR Poster Symposium.  Zach worked with Jared Mays, Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Augustana College.
Wadie Fernandez (Augustana College) presents his work in multispecies oral bacterial communities at the 2011 SPUR Poster Symposium.  Wadie worked with Paul Egland, Associate Professor of Biology at Augustana College.
	SPUR 2011 Interns Front Row (left to right): Wadie Fernandez, Heidi Nelson, Mindy Novak, Christina Johnson, Nicole Ensz Back Row (left to right): Troy Larsen, Lucinda Weaver, Taylor Maier, Jacan Simon, Zach Erickson, Sam Evenson

The following are required of applicants:

Matriculated students:

1. In their sophomore or junior year at the time of application
2. Majoring in of the biological or chemical sciences
3. Interested in attaining a Ph.D. degree (not M.D.) in the biological or chemical sciences
4. 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: May 29 - August 3. Trainees must commit to working the entire 10 weeks, with the exception of the July 4th holiday.  Please click here to download the 2011 program schedule. 
  
• The 2012 schedule will be provided at a later date.
• 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.
• Dormitory-style housing is available at no charge.
   

The Application Process

Betty Poppens
Sanford PROMISE
2301 East 60th Street-North
Sioux Falls, SD 57104-0589

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. Transcripts and letters are also due by February 15, 2012.  An application will not be considered complete until the application form, letters of recommendation, and transcripts arrive at the above address. Late applications will not be considered.