2025 Davis-Bahcall Scholars find inspiration on jet-setting laboratory tour
The 2025 cohort of Davis-Bahcall Scholars at SURF reflect on the impact of the program.
The Davis-Bahcall Scholar Program at the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) gives rising university freshmen and sophomores entering Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields a chance to delve into potential careers in cutting-edge research across a variety of professions.
“This isn’t something most people get to do, especially at my age,” said Clark Egland, a biochemistry sophomore at Augustana University in Sioux Falls, SD. “This has shown me how little of the career world you get to see in high school. The Davis-Bahcall Scholars program has opened my eyes to that world.”
Over the course of four weeks, eight scholars traveled across the United States and half-way around the world, visiting various historical sites and science facilities, including the Boulby Underground Laboratory in the United Kingdom. All expenses are paid for on this experience, and each scholar is provided a $2,000 learning stipend.
Their jam-packed itinerary began with a trip around South Dakota, where they visited multiple sites including SURF; the Earth Resources Observation and Science Center (EROS) in Sioux Falls; and eight labs at South Dakota State University (SDSU).
Next the cohort ventured into Wisconsin, where they toured the Physical Science Lab in Madison. Here, the group learned about the IceCube Experiment—another effort dedicated to detecting and learning more about neutrinos. Furthermore, Wisconsin's lab also manufactures panels that will be used for the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) here at SURF.
Their time in the U.S. concluded with a visit to Illinois, where they toured Fermilab’s headquarters and learned more about the LBNF-DUNE project, enjoyed Chicago-style pizza, explored the Shedd Aquarium, and prepared for a flight to London.
The following day, the group arrived in London and spent the next few days as tourists—visiting the British Museum, touring the University of Oxford, taking the Tube (subway), eating at local restaurants, and enjoying their time abroad.
On July 7, the 22nd day of their adventure, the scholars headed to Boulby Underground Lab for a special tour of the mine, tunnels, and experiments. Three days later, on July 10, they embarked on their flight home, landing in Chicago and driving back to Spearfish.
For Wyatt Shell, a mechanical engineering student from South Dakota Mines, his time with the Davis-Bahcall Scholars program was invaluable.
“I’m at a loss for words. This was one of the best experiences of my life,” he said.
Not only does the Davis-Bahcall Scholars program enable students to unlock their fullest potential and explore a future in STEM, but it also allows family members to see their children thrive and blossom into themselves. Egland’s parents, Paul and Kristi Egland, emphasized the program’s influence on South Dakota students in particular and how it enables students to continue building and learning from the work and knowledge of previous generations.
“This program is designed especially for South Dakota students, and we’re really proud of the fact that South Dakota has such excellent programming for our students. We wanted Clark to participate in that,” Paul said.
Egland’s mother noted similar sentiments, saying, “The timing of this program is excellent, because you’re catching students before they sign up for majors and make commitments. This program has opened Clark’s eyes and experiences to potential applications of his studies.”
Another 2025 scholar, Katelyn Jarzobski, is a physics major at Black Hills State University. For her, the program offered a chance to meet real scientists and like-minded students.
“I think it’s a great program. It opened my eyes to science programs and new career paths and possibilities that I had no idea even existed. SURF gave me new opportunities to apply back to my particle physics studies and hone my skills on that specific topic,” she said.
Jarzobski also recommended the program to other potential Davis-Bahcall scholars.
“This program is amazing. If you’re considering applying to it, do it. It’s worth it.”
The group of eight completed the 28-day program on July 13, wrapping up a journey of fun, science, curiosity, and memories to last a lifetime.
More than 100 students have participated in the Davis-Bahcall Scholar program since 2009 and many of these scholars have seen success in STEM careers.
Major sponsors of the program include First PREMIER Bank, Black Hills State University, the South Dakota Space Grant Consortium, and the South Dakota Science and Technology Authority.
