Stacie Granum is the new program manager for The Institute for Underground Science at SURF.
Stacie Granum is the new program manager for The Institute for Underground Science at SURF. Her role involves building connections and community around multidisciplinary world-class science at SURF.
“I was looking for something both meaningful and challenging; that's exactly what's happening here at SURF,” Granum said. “In the end, it’s the people at SURF that really drew me to this position. Everybody I met believed this is a wonderful place to work. Everybody not only cared about each other, but they really were so passionate about what they were doing. It didn't matter if they were doing research or administration or operations or HR. They truly loved what they were doing, and they loved where they worked.”
Granum brings two decades of experience to The Institute. She has demonstrated leadership experience in marketing management, strategic planning, destination stewardship, and advertising.
“My last position was in destination stewardship, and it's all about leaving something better, than you found it. So, it’s amazing to be on the ground floor of an organization that is really building a legacy for future generations. The work that's happening at SURF, The Institute, and in underground science internationally is game changing both for our communities and for the world,” said Granum.
Granum also brings strong ties to the Black Hills and the state of South Dakota. She grew up in Yankton but made the move to the Black Hills with her husband and family 22 years ago.
“We really didn't honestly start appreciating all the Black Hills had to offer until we had kids. When you start to see things through children's eyes you realize the need to get out and experience this beautiful place. We love hiking, fishing, hunting, camping, and all of those things in the Hills that you just don't get in other parts of the state.”
The draw of the Black Hills is part of what Granum hopes to employ in the effort to connect researchers to SURF and build intellectual community around underground science through The Institute. “We want The Institute to be the hub for innovation and interactions across multiple disciplines. We want The Institute to bring people together from all over the world to drive forward the types of collaboration that produces life-changing innovation. Much of that can happen here in Lead, some can also occur in the programs and talks The Institute is hosting online in the ongoing effort to build that intellectual community,” Granum said.
Building connections and intellectual community is one of the facets of the job Granum is looking forward to the most.
“It’s the connections that spark ideas that can sometimes lead to big innovation, I love the idea of helping to connect scientists across various disciplines, and at different states of their careers, who can then develop research collaborations. I can't wait to see this happen—the possibilities we can create are very exciting,” Granum said.
