About the State Fair Research Building
The University of Minnesota’s State Fair Research Building is a nationally recognized model for public engagement and scientific discovery. Launched in 2014, the program brings University researchers and their work directly to the Minnesota State Fair—the state’s largest and most iconic public gathering.
Research Built for the Fair
Our facility is designed to make research participation accessible, engaging, and convenient. Most studies are designed for the fairgoer’s schedule—taking fewer than 20 minutes and fitting naturally into a day at the Fair.
For investigators, the building provides the shared infrastructure and operational support needed to achieve rapid recruitment and access diverse participant pools. By meeting people where they are, we enable research teams to meet enrollment goals in hours or days—accelerating the path from discovery to real-world impact.
Why Conduct Research at the Minnesota State Fair?
The Minnesota State Fair is more than a tradition; it is one of the most significant public gatherings in North America. Welcoming nearly 2 million visitors over 12 days, it stands as the largest annual event in the Midwest and the highest-attended state fair in the country by daily average.
This scale and diversity provide an unparalleled context for research. By meeting people in a setting that is welcoming, familiar, and trusted, we enable studies that would be difficult—if not impossible—to conduct in a traditional lab. Researchers can reach a true cross-section of the public, fostering inclusive participation and meaningful face-to-face engagement with statewide relevance.
Who We Serve
Our facility acts as a bridge between the University and the community, creating a space where research, education, and public engagement intersect.
Meet the Team
Ellen Demerath, PhD | Co-Director
Distinguished McKnight University Professor, School of Public Health Dr. Demerath is a leader in the Division of Epidemiology and Community Health. Her research explores how genetic and early-life environmental factors influence growth trajectories and body composition across the lifespan. By examining these patterns, she works to understand and mitigate the risk of obesity and chronic disease later in life.
Logan Spector, PhD | Co-Director
Professor, University of Minnesota Medical School Dr. Spector is a pediatric cancer epidemiologist within the Department of Pediatrics. His work focuses on uncovering the underlying causes of childhood cancers—including leukemia and bone and liver tumors—with the ultimate goal of improving early detection and long-term prevention.
Drs. Demerath and Spector have spearheaded the creation and evolution of the State Fair research model since its inception. Under their joint leadership, the program has grown into a nationally recognized platform that unites University faculty and students with the public to advance scientific understanding.
Annie Hotop, MS, MA, MPH | Program Manager
As the operational heart of the facility, Annie oversees day-to-day management, supports participating research teams, and ensures a high-quality, welcoming experience for every fairgoer. With a background in public engagement and research operations, Annie excels at translating complex scholarship into accessible, meaningful experiences. She plays a vital role in shaping the program’s partnerships, statewide growth, and community impact.