Hennepin Healthcare Simulation Center

02/26/2026

Meet Luke Becker — the driving force behind NASA HUNCH in Minnesota.
For years, Luke has been opening doors for students, giving them the chance to design, build, and innovate for real NASA missions. His passion for hands‑on learning has turned our workshop into a launchpad where students discover what they’re capable of.
This series will highlight the people, projects, and purpose behind NASA HUNCH at Hennepin — starting with the leader who makes it all possible.

02/25/2026

NASA HUNCH is at Hennepin Healthcare!
We’re honored to host the 2026 NASA HUNCH Final Poster Presentations on February 26–27 right here at Hennepin down the hall from our Simulation Center.
Students from across the region will be sharing the prototypes, research, and biomedical innovations they’ve spent the year developing — and we couldn’t be more excited to cheer them on!

For the past several years, our team has partnered with the NASA HUNCH program to give students hands‑on experiences in clinical environments. From exploring medical devices to practicing skills on simulation equipment, these young innovators get a glimpse into the world of healthcare, engineering, and human‑spaceflight problem‑solving.

Why HUNCH matters:
NASA HUNCH (High School Students United with NASA to Create Hardware) empowers students to design, build, and present solutions for real NASA needs — from biomedical tools to food science, engineering prototypes, and mission‑support concepts.

Programs like this help students see themselves in STEM fields early, build confidence, and connect classroom learning to real‑world impact.

We’re proud to support the next generation of thinkers, makers, and problem‑solvers — the ones who may one day shape the future of human health and human spaceflight.

And keep an eye out — we’ll be sharing more highlights, student stories, and behind‑the‑scenes moments throughout the week!

02/19/2026

Rare cases. Real stakes. Zero room for hesitation. 🚨🧪👶

In our simulation center, our toxicology residents step into high-risk pediatric scenarios that most clinicians may only see once in a career — but when they happen, preparation makes all the difference.

From rapid assessment to antidote decisions and family communication, we train for the moments that can’t be practiced for the first time at the bedside. 🏥⚕️

Because when it comes to kids, rare doesn’t mean never. It means be ready. 💛

02/11/2026

02/09/2026

Hoping this gives everyone a giggle today 😁
HennepinSimCenter
InterdisciplinarySimulationAndEducationCenter

02/05/2026

Did you know that Hennepin Healthcare has a certified Burn Center equipped to help frostbite patients? As part of National Burn Awareness week, frostbite isn’t usually the first thing people think of, but the diagnostic technology and treatment has a lot of interesting overlap.

At our Burn Center, Hennepin Healthcare providers can use an innovative SPYPHI image system to see exactly how well blood is circulating through vessels and into tissue when frostbite is suspected. This helps the care team determine when advanced treatments may be appropriate.

In addition to the SPY exam, we also have the benefit of advanced resources such as ECMO for severe hypothermia and our 24/7 hyperbaric chamber, which delivers high pressure oxygen to limit tissue damage and supports recovery for frostbite patients.

While the weather in Minnesota warms up, it’s still important to stay mindful of how you can protect yourself from the elements. The American Burn Association offers the following tips:

▪ Check weather forecasts and warnings.
▪ Dress in several layers of loose, warm clothing.
▪ Wear hats that fully cover the ears, warm boots, and mittens instead of gloves.
▪ Drink plenty of warm fluids — avoid alcohol and caffeine.
▪ Limit outdoor activities when it’s extremely cold; take frequent breaks indoors.

01/30/2026

♥️

01/28/2026

💚

01/27/2026

Our city is grieving. 💔 Our hearts are with all who are hurting and seeking peace, justice, and safety for every member of our community.

Minneapolis has always been defined by resilience, connection, and the everyday choices we make to care for one another – where we eat, shop, gather, and show up for our neighbors. That spirit of community matters now more than ever.

MPLS for MPLS is about showing up for the places that show up for us. Small actions - like ordering takeout from local restaurants, shopping close to home, or sharing a favorite spot – help keep our neighborhoods strong.

Let’s continue to show up for each other.

🫶 MPLS for MPLS: Support our local businesses. Support our neighborhoods. https://bit.ly/49zG1lR

01/27/2026

Every person, every story, every need are welcome.

We open our hearts and doors to our community with love and support. 🧡