Sanford Program for Undergraduate Research

The rolling admissions for SPUR 2013 has ended and applications will no longer be accepted.

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 director. 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. 

“I feel [SPUR] gave me great insight into research and [career] preparation that you cannot get anywhere else – not just in the lab, but through the various presentations and interactions with mentors and graduate students.” 
                                                                 – SPUR 2011 Intern

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

Click here to view our Facebook page 

  

Experience the excitement of hands-on, hypothesis-driven experiments:
“I really liked how all of the different experiments worked together to almost tell a story of what was happening [inside the cell] and to see the story change as the weeks went on!” 
                                                                                                                                                                    -SPUR 2011 Intern

 

Zach Erickson (St. Olaf College; left) presents his work in isothiocyanates at the 2011 SPUR Poster Symposium.  Zach worked with Jared Mays, Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Augustana College.

SPUR interns choose their research mentor. See the link above to see a list of the mentors and read about their research projects.
 
In 2011, SPUR received the Patriotic Employer Award from the South Dakota National Guard. Applications from Veterans and members of the armed services will receive extra consideration.
 
 
Wadie Fernandez (Augustana College; right) 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 welcomes applications from students who want to explore research as a possible career. Students from socioeconomic groups who are underrepresented in science jobs or attend institutions that do not have research opportunities are encouraged to apply!

 

“SPUR is a very good research experience – an encouraging lab environment, interesting and engaged mentors, exposure to the diversity of experiences involved in research – I learned SO MUCH!” 
                                                                                                                                                                     –SPUR 2010 Intern

 

Sanford Research - SPUR Interns 2012
SPUR 2012 Interns (left)
Front Row (left to right): Elle Tornberg,, Ariel Rensch, Kristin Luepke, Jasmyn Morton, Amanda Schaefer; Back Row (left to right): Abbey Soulek, Caitlin Hof, Manar Alherech, Brian Hokeness, Taylor Maier, Megan Ingebrigtson, Brooke Woelber, Ryan Twombley, Lance Thielen
 
SPUR students enjoy living free of charge in a common dormitory on the Augustana campus. SPUR students tend to form life-long relationships with other SPUR students!

The following are required of applicants:

Matriculated students:

  1. In their freshman, sophomore or junior year at the time of application
  2. Majoring in one of the biological or chemical sciences
  3. Interested in exploring careers in research, such as the possibility of attaining a Ph.D degree in the biological or chemical sciences

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 3 - August 9. Trainees must commit to working the entire 10 weeks, with the exception of the July 4th holiday.  Please click here to download the 2013 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.
  • Dormitory-style housing is available at no charge.
     

The Application Process

Applications for the 2013 summer program are currently being reviewed on a rolling basis.  Please download the application by clicking here.  Completed application, two letters of recommendation and official transcript(s) must be sent to the address below. Letters of recommendation must be original and should be signed, sealed, and mailed by the author. Alternatively, applications and letters of recommendation can be submitted as e-mail attachments: sanfordoutreach@sanfordhealth.org. The letters of recommendation must be either Microsoft WORD or PDF format and must originate from the letter writer's e-mail address.
 
Betty Poppens,EdD
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. An application will not be considered complete until the application form, letters of recommendation, and transcripts arrive at the above address.