Middle school youth, specifically seventh-grade students, from area school districts
are invited to this year’s Women in Science conference held on Black Hills State University’s
Spearfish campus. This year’s conference will be held on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.
Registration closes Friday, February 13, 2026.
Registration for the Women in Science event is free, but space is limited. Schools
and districts are encouraged to register early to ensure participation, and registrations
will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Once registered, schools/districts
will receive a confirmation email. Event details, schedule information, and reminders
to help students, teachers, and chaperones prepare for the day will be shared closer
to the event.
Welcome Mrs. Kelsey Prosser!
Kelsey Prosser is a passionate biologist, educator, and photographer whose work focuses
on marine research and community outreach. She began her academic journey at Morningside
University in Sioux City, Iowa, where she studied biology, chemistry, and photography.
During her undergraduate years, she actively engaged in research, including studying
octopus’ behavior and habits—an experience that sparked her enduring fascination with
marine life.
She went on to earn her master’s degree in genetics at BHSU, further strengthening
her scientific foundation and research expertise. Her career has included several
internships focused on marine mammals, particularly with gray whales and orcas. Through
these experiences, she has spent thousands of hours on the water observing and documenting
cetacean behavior, with a special interest in social structure and respiratory synchronicity.
Over the last few years, her most recent research has included shark conservation,
including assisting with tagging and tracking endangered sharks such as hammerheads
and whale sharks.
Despite being based in the Midwest, Kelsey is dedicated to sharing her passion for
marine biology with broader audiences. Her passion for photography allows her to share her
passion for marine animals and biology with the non-science community. She leads
outreach programs in local schools, inspiring students and fostering curiosity about
ocean science and conservation. Her work reflects a deep commitment not only to scientific
discovery but also to education and connecting communities to the underwater world
so that it may be preserved for future generations.
The Women in Science (WIS) committee at Black Hills State University invites you to
be an exhibitor at our annual science conference. This is a free one-day event that
was developed to inspire middle school students to pursue math and science courses
in high school and consider a career in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics
(STEM) field. The conference traditionally hosts over 800 students from area schools
in the Northern Black Hills, including districts from both South Dakota and Wyoming.
The exhibit hall is a popular, fun feature of the conference and allows our young
attendees to explore local professions and businesses in STEM and STEM-adjacent fields.
Each exhibitor will have a six-foot-long table and two chairs provided. Access to
electricity can also be provided upon request. Other requirements for your booth or
exhibit can be accommodated as needed. Groups of students are scheduled to visit the
exhibit hall throughout the day (9:30am-2:30pm). Lunch will be provided to all exhibitors.
We encourage exhibitors to provide a dynamic, engaging activity, in addition to any
information, that will catch the interest of these young students. An interactive
display, a demonstration, or an eye-catching exhibit are great ways to engage them.
Let us know if you need assistance or ideas for your exhibit.
If you are interested in hosting a booth/table at the Exhibit Hall at the WIS Spearfish
conference,
please contact Bethany Reman to reserve exhibit space. Please direct any exhibitor questions to Bethany Reman
as well. Also, please feel free to pass this invitation along to another organization
or individual you think may be interested in this opportunity to contribute to the
education and growth of these students in our community.
Volunteers are needed on the day of the conference to help with setup and to lead
groups around campus. Campus maps will be provided, and no scientific expertise is
necessary. Lunch will be provided.
For anyone interested in volunteering with the event, we are seeking help with the
following:
- chaperone student groups to/from their sessions
- provide information and assistance at help desks/cafeteria
- setup/take down the planetarium
Please contact Dr. Katrina Jensen for more information or to volunteer.
WIS Organization Committee
- Abigail Domagall, Ph.D. - Associate Professor of Geology, BHSU
- Bethany Reman - Biology and Chemistry Instructor, BHSU
- Brianna Billington, Ed.D. – Assistant Professor of Educational Technology, BHSU
- Brianna Mount, Ph.D. – Associate Professor of Physics, BHSU
- Chad Ronish – Science Education Specialist, SURF
- Ella Francis – Administrator-Environmental Biologist, Solitario Resource Corp.
- Erin Madden, Instructor of Mathematics, BHSU
- Holly Downing, Ph.D. – Dean Emeritus, BHSU
- *Jessica Graham, Ph.D. – Assistant Professor of Biology, BHSU [WIS Committee Treasurer]
- Jennifer Fowler, Ed.D. - Assistant Professor of Science Education, BHSU
- *Jennifer Whitley, Ph.D. - Assistant Professor of Mathematics, BHSU [WIS Committee Secretary]
- *Katrina Jensen, Ph.D. – Professor of Chemistry, BHSU [WIS Committee President]
- Liz Fayer, Ed.D. – Adjunct Sustainability Instructor, BHSU
- Logan Stone, Medtronic, Inc.
- Sara Gottlob, CNP – BHSU & Monument Health
- Sydney Haugland, Ed.D. – Associate Professor of Education, BHSU
