Voices of Neutrino Day

T minus four days until Sanford Lab’s favorite day of the year–Neutrino Day X! This year, we are spotlighting our outstanding crew who has worked tirelessly to prepare for this citywide event, giving them a chance to share why they are Neutrino Day’s biggest fans.

Constance Walter, Fearless Leader of Neutrino Day

You’ll find Constance…well, pretty much everywhere on Neutrino Day. As the Neutrino Day coordinator, she is excited to help everyone experience the event to the fullest.

What is Constance’s favorite part of Neutrino Day?

“This is my fifth Neutrino Day. I hope this doesn’t sound trite, but I really do love everything about the day, especially watching the kids get excited as they go from one activity to another,” she said.

“I’m excited to hear Ariel Waldman talk about science hacking and how we as non-scientists can help scientists on their journey to discovery,” she shared. “I like the idea of people from different backgrounds and disciplines working together to solve the mysteries of the universe and I’m looking forward to learning more about how I can be a part of that.”

Ariel Waldman, Global Director of Space Hack Day and Neutrino Fanatic

Art-student-turned-NASA-consultant, Ariel Waldman is a strong proponent of integrating exploration of the scientific world into your everyday life. The creator of Spacehack.org and director of Science Hack Day, Ariel is a stellar selection for our Keynote Speaker!

What is the most interesting thing (according to Ariel) about neutrinos?

“People are hacking particle accelerators (used for neutrino research) and using them for interesting projects,” Ariel said. “These inventions unravel more about neutrinos and how they work. Each time the scientific community makes these intergalactic discoveries, we are uncovering more reasons we should be collaborating with people from other disciplines to learn more about the earth and the galaxy.”

Science Steve, South Dakota’s Most Engaging Science Performer

Science Steve isn’t afraid of messy science (which is why we keep him above ground–away from the clean rooms). His hands-on science show keeps kids and adults alike wide-eyed and amazed as he reveals his exciting science secrets along the way.

What is Steve’s best memory of Neutrino Day?

“I am very fortunate to have attended every Neutrino Day since it first started. Also, my first Science Steve show took place at the first Neutrino Day,” Steve said. “It is an amazing family event in which young and old can become excited about science together.”

Christopher Mossey, Fermilab Deputy Director for the Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility and Engineering Mastermind

Can we build it? Chris Mossey says we can. As the lead engineer for the United State’s largest underground neutrino experiment, LBNF/DUNE, Chris knows a thing or two about making things work. His talk at the Opera House will explain just how the team of engineers is approaching this massive construction project.

What is Chris’s favorite part of Neutrino Day?

“Neutrino Day gives people throughout the region the opportunity to learn more about the exciting initiatives happening in their backyard—or deep underground,” Christopher said. “These engineering processes are creating a space that could help us better answer fundamental questions about the nature of the universe.”

Julie Dhal, Activities Director and Inventor of the World’s Finest Cardboard UV Stamp Neutrino Detector

Julie whizzes around Neutrino Day, juggling all the hands-on activities at the All In One Event Center. She is an expert on all things STEM education, and we are lucky to have her on board!

What is Julie’s favorite Neutrino Day memory?

“A few years ago, I saw a young girl in the corner of the room who appeared to be counting people, and I asked her how many people she counted,” said Julie. “I discovered she was ‘only counting girls,’ because some kids at school told her she couldn’t do science because she was a girl. Guess they were wrong.”

Natasha Wheeler, Volunteer Coordinator (and Wrangler)

More than 160 community members have volunteered to help out on Neutrino Day. Natasha makes sure each of these volunteers is able to help visitors navigate the dozens of activities the event has to offer.

What is Natasha excited for this year?

“I can’t wait to see everyone’s efforts come together and give our visitors a chance to become inspired by the incredible science happening right here in South Dakota, as well as the endless possibilities that can be realized by our curiosity every day,” Natasha shared.

Donna Job, Director of Visitor Center and Hoistroom Trolley Conductor

As the director of the Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center, Donna works to preserve the historical legacy of the Homestake Mine and educate visitors about the future trajectory of science at Sanford Lab. On Neutrino Day, she'll keep the trolley running on time to make sure everyone gets to their destinations!

What does Donna think is the most interesting thing about neutrinos?

“I think it’s amazing that even bananas give off neutrinos!” Donna said.

David Vardiman, Geotechnical Project Engineer and Rockin’ Geology Expert

David is a perennial favorite at Neutrino Day. Each year, his exhibit helps visitors understand the unique geology that made these hills valuable to the gold industry and indispensable to the scientific community.

What is David’s favorite memory of Neutrino Day?

“One year I had a young visitor to my booth ask if we ever saw any dinosaurs underground,” he said.

Why does David think people should attend Neutrino Day?

“To be introduced to realizing just how little we know of our larger galactic environment and the miniscule importance we as humans occupy in the universe,” he shared. “A humbling experience that awakens the human myopic mind to new possibilities.”

What will your favorite part of Neutrino Day X be? Add your voice to the thousands who have experienced Neutrino Day over the years. Attend this year on July 14 then tell us your story!