Students Attend Avera Open House

On Monday of this week, a few of our pre-health students attended an open house event for the Avera Research Institute's Center for Pediatric and Community Research here in Rapid City. Our students were excited to see the research facility and to learn more about the kinds of research that were being conducted by the institute.

Katherine Giorgio (far right) talks about the kinds of research
conducted at the center. An attentive Kate Dickinson (left) listens.
Note the adorable lab coats for children who participate in these studies!

Upon arrival, we were welcomed to the center and directed to a room featuring a delicious spread of hors d'oeuvres, including fruits, veggetables, seasoned grilled chicken skewers, cheeses, and strawberries filled with whipped cream or chocolate mousse. We made our plates and read the employee biosketches posted on one wall of the room.

As we read about people's educational backgrounds and areas of research focus, we were greeted by a familiar face! Current SDSM&T student, Katherine Giorgio, has been working for Avera while she wraps up her final semester at SD Mines. (Keep an eye out for Katherine’s Student Spotlight, which will be posted in the next few weeks!)

Katherine gave us a tour of the facility, showing us research posters, brightly-colored rooms where children participate in various studies, and interesting equipment for collecting and analyzing data. She also introduced us to her co-workers and we learned a lot about the kinds of research that are being conducted and the special considerations that are given when working with children, infants, and expectant mothers.

Avera collects data using EEGs. To help the children feel more comfortable, this room has an under sea theme and children
are asked to "put on their scuba hat" for the research. After collecting data, kids can get a prize from the treasure box!

For some students, this was an interesting and informational experience. For other students, it also provided an opportunity to consider getting involved with Avera in the future. We will be sharing information regarding opportunities for paid internships with Avera through the pre-health listserv in the coming months, so if you are an SDSM&T student, be sure you are signed up for the listserv and checking your e-mail!