A word from our Neutrino Day volunteers

Volunteer for Neutrino Day from Sanford Lab on Vimeo.

What is the best way to promote STEM education in the Black Hills? To share what you know about Sanford Lab? To geek out about the science taking place a mile below Lead and around the world? Easy. Just volunteer for Neutrino Day 2019.

“We get the chance to share so many amazing things at Neutrino Day, and we couldn’t possibly do it without everyone’s help,” said Natasha Wheeler, volunteer coordinator for Neutrino Day.

From supporting our display and activity booths, to helping visitors find their way throughout town, facilitating conversations with scientists and helping people understand the infrastructure that supports Sanford Lab, Neutrino Day volunteers make this science festival possible.

“I want to sincerely thank everyone who has already registered to help out this year, as well as everyone who has helped out with this event in the past,” said Wheeler. “If you haven’t registered yet, we hope you’ll consider being part of our big day.”

Here's what a few of our volunteers have to say about their experiences at Neutrino Day:

I would encourage anyone to volunteer for Neutrino Day who has an interest in learning more about the science that’s going on here, but also who wants to get out on a great day in the hills, come up to Lead, act as a volunteer for a few hours, then go enjoy the event. Volunteering for any event is good, but this one is especially good because it’s fun and very educational.

— Marsha Nichols, Black Hills Energy business development key account manager

I love seeing the kids come in and trying to spark their interest in physics. Physics is one of those topics that doesn't get brought up enough in schools, and a lot of kids don't know a whole lot about it, but it's a really fascinating field to get into. Trying to spark more interest in kids is a lot of fun, because it's deserved for physics. 

— Brady Bos, Majorana Demonstrator collaborator with South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

I think my favorite part of Neutrino Day is seeing the expression and the excitement from the community. They come up and say "This is so cool!" and they get to actually talk to folks, the infrastructure tecs, the ones that know the facility. It's a chance to explain one-on-one what it's like to be in the shaft. What's it like? How far down does it go? Is it like an elevator? Those are the kind of questions you have as you're volunteering.

— David Rynders, Sanford Lab radiation/experiment health and safety manager

I volunteer for Neutrino Day for one reason—to give back. I’m very comfortable in asking where I’d like to be, and the volunteer committee is always accommodating! Neutrino Day is something I will always participate with, it’s just good for my heart! 

— Robyn Varland, Sanford Lab laboratory custodian

I just love seeing the looks on kids faces as they come through different stations. They truly light up.

— Roger Hudson, Sanford Lab training specialist

To volunteer for Neutrino Day 2019, click here. For more information about volunteering, contact nwheeler@sanfordlab.org.