Digital Commons Network^™

Herbicide Effects On Soil Seed Banks, Blake Roeslein, Abby Mcmurty, Bryan Endress

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Title: Herbicide effects on soil seed banks

Co-authors: Blake Roeslein, Abby McMurtry, Bryan Endress, Akasha Faist

Invasive annual grasses are a major driver of grassland degradation globally. In perennial grasslands, invasion can heavily impact biodiversity including potential changes to the soil seed banks. Seed banks, the living seeds stored in the upper soil column, play an important role in healthy systems. To reduce negative invasion outcomes, whether in the seed bank or aboveground vegetation, pre-emergent herbicides are a commonly used tool for land managers. Pre-emergent herbicides work by targeting seeds as they emerge from the soil. Our study asks what …

Individual Accounts Of Interactions With First Responders: A Pilot Study, Addison P. O'Neill, Sophia L. Boughey, Taylor C. Sadewic

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Autistic Individuals Interactions with First Responders: A Pilot Study

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 36 people experience autism, which accounts for over 30,000 Montanans (CDC, 2023). Autism is characterized by differences in social communication and restrictive and repetitive behaviors. With these deficits come differences in communication styles and reactions in high stress situations. The literature shows minimal research on effective training practices for teaching first responders and emergency front-line medical staff how to interact with individuals with autism, especially those with complex communication needs (McGonigle et al, 2014, Cheung, et al, 2019). The research …

When Systems Fail: An Analysis Of Eu Energy Policy Throughout The Russian Invasion Of Ukraine, Jameson R. Walker

Undergraduate Research and Engagement Symposium

The Russian invasion of Ukraine sparked the “first truly global energy crisis” which impacted every continent on the planet, and involved all fossil fuels (International Energy Agency, 2023). After the invasion, many European Union (EU) nations struggled to maintain a stable energy system due to surging prices and blocked pipelines impacting the region’s energy security.

Energy instability contributed to economic instability as the EU scrambled to maintain consumer prices, and when policies failed to maintain the existing energy system, the environment suffered as well, leading to increased deforestation and wood-burning activity. The EU’s emergency energy regulation has since ended; however, …

Seed Sisters, Rylie Luhring

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Many who visit UM’s PEAS Farm know about the greenhouses, pumpkin patch, and flower fields that grow around the property, but there is another garden that has been growing for the last three seasons: The Four Sisters Garden. Although many students visit the farm each year, the Four Sisters Garden is a spot that tends to be skipped over on tours. This traditional Garden grows squash, beans, corn, and sunflowers, and is grown in the arrangement of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara (MHA) peoples from North Dakota. Through conversations with the caretakers of the Four Sisters Garden, I found out …

Advocating For Anti-War Education In The University Of Montana's Social Work Program, David Payseno

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

According to the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) code of ethics, social workers have a professional responsibility to challenge social injustice and pursue social change on behalf of vulnerable and oppressed peoples. As such, I believe the absence of education and political action regarding war in the social work undergraduate program would be a lapse in the responsibilities of the social work profession as detailed by the NASW. While every human being on earth is subject to harm by military conflict, it is those of us who are the most vulnerable and oppressed that inevitably suffer the greatest consequences. …

Judicial Independence In U.S. States: The Influence Of Political Competition On Legislative Threats To State Supreme Courts, Jack Eve

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

The purpose of this study is to examine how political competition in state governments influences the independence of state supreme courts. This study adapts existing theories from comparative judicial research of democratic countries to the U.S. subnational context. Through a comparative study of 50 U.S. states, I test whether political dynamics in subnational entities align with existing transnational theories of political competition and judicial independence. Political competition in states is measured by the partisan composition of state legislatures, competitiveness of state elections, and partisan control of state branches of government. Judicial independence is measured using court-curbing legislation as a proxy, …

Interpersonal Relationships, Trust In Media, And Right-Wing Beliefs, Reba Watson

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Following the resurgence of right-wing beliefs starting in 2008, individual radicalization is reshaping the foundations of democracies. The QAnon movement, January 6th, and recent elections have shown that the way that individuals connect with each other, the media, and experts to make meaning has changed. The internet and free exchange of information (and misinformation) have altered the channels of individual radicalization and are becoming a new frontier for the development of extremist thought. This new wave of extremism warrants concern, especially as it continues to change the course of the United States. Despite this, little research has examined how social …

When Confidence Is Not Accurate: Effects Of Emotionality On Actual Versus Predicted Memory Performance, Julia J. Branen, Makaylah E. Beltran

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

From recalling crimes to passing exams, memory is a critical cognitive function for effectively navigating everyday life. Often, we expect that we will remember what is emotionally significant to us, especially when those feelings are negative. However, past research has indicated that may not be the case. The goal of this study, which I helped conduct alongside my professor and fellow research assistants, was to investigate the relationship between memory accuracy and confidence in one’s own memory for emotionally negative words (such as "grief") as compared to neutral words (such as "graph"). We recruited 65 UM psychology students through SONA, …

Effects Of Ethical Teaching In Conjunction With Mindfulness Meditation Training (Msbr), Wade Pose

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

This study explores the integration of ethical teaching within Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) programs to address both practical outcomes and ethical concerns related to the adaptation of cultural practices. While MBSR has been widely adopted for stress reduction and mental health improvement, the current body of literature reveals persistent methodological challenges, including inconsistent definitions, a notable lack of longitudinal studies, and ethical concerns regarding cultural appropriation. This proposal examines three approaches: maintaining the integrity of traditional Buddhist ethical values, implementing secular ethical values, and excluding ethics training from MBSR instruction. To contribute to this growing body of research a four-year, …

Montana Alternative Music Archive, Kate Widmer

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

My project, titled “Montana Alternative Music Archive,” is an attempt to gather the history of Montana’s underground alternative music scene throughout the entire state and across as many decades as possible, so as to address the lack of historical documentation on this artistic movement. My guiding reason for this project is due to a personal interest in the subject that has been difficult to develop due to lack of available material, as well as to honor the innovative spirit of generations of punk rockers who remained committed to their inspirations despite living in a regional culture that doesn’t necessarily prioritize …

Situating Standing Doctrine In Environmental Litigation, Wyatt Balius

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Controversies over issues of standing in federal civil litigation are hotly contested, as they strike at the heart of separation of powers issues and broader notions of the intent of civil action. Here I identify two competing theories of the purpose of standing and its requirements as such. Restrictive standing, as argued by Professor Ann Woolhandler, seeks to inherently link civil redress with an injury-in-fact requirement for both public and private law claims. Expansive standing, as argued by Professor Cass R. Sunstein, seeks to ground civil redress exclusively within violations of Congressionally designated causes of action. I argue that the …

Flight Of The Germans: The Displacement And Survival Of Eastern European Germans In The 1940s, Kadin Markus Hawley

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Throughout the 1940s, millions of Europeans were displaced by the infrastructural destruction of war, government actions and prejudices. While the first half of the decade saw many displaced by the implementation of ethnic polices like Generalplan Ost (General Plan East) in Eastern Europe by Nazi Germany, displacement would continue into the late 1940s as postwar politics created new political and ideological borders. This project will focus on the experiences of ethnic Germans from Eastern Europe under Nazi occupation and in the aftermath of war. It will ask how Nazi policies, the International Refugee Organization’s actions, postwar reconstruction efforts led by …

Bronze And Bulletin Boards: Indigenous Language In Formal And Informal Campus Space, Adria Capozzoli

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

What histories and lives are acknowledged in officially sanctioned institutional memorials and place-names? In recent years, academic institutions in the United States and other Anglophone nations have installed a significant amount of Indigenous-language signage on their campuses. Administrators at the University of Montana have installed a number of signs in Indigenous languages, including an intended new "centerpiece" monument at the Oval due to be installed in 2025. Also in 2025, UM is simultaneously finalizing installation of an expensive three-meter-tall sign at a new "gateway" to campus. This project seeks to inquire where, and in what contexts, acknowledgement of Indigenous languages …

Granting Rights To Nature: Environmental Personhood In The U.S. And Worldwide, Daxton W. Summers

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

This project explores the concept of granting legal personhood to natural environments, with a focus on the Clark Fork River in Missoula, Montana. Granting legal personhood rights to the environment has been used around the world to recognize and protect rivers, mountains, and other environmental entities. However, the U.S. legal systems have been slow to adopt this approach. This research essay examines why the U.S. has been lagging, analyzes foreign legal frameworks that have granted personhood to environmental entities and examines if any could be adapted to grant rights and protections to the Clark Fork River.

The research process involves …

The War Is Not Enough: Exploring The Thematic And Geopolitical Interplay Between Western And Soviet Spy Films Of The Cold War, Sean Kunau

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

One of the most visible, yet seldom intently regarded depictions of Cold War relations between the Western and Soviet blocs, can be found in the exciting world of the spy film sub-genre. Complementing the complex nature of the various cultural experiences and ideologies spanning this era, the spy films of the Cold War contain the potential to provide viewers with a unique access point for exploring popular depictions and commentaries of such narratives. This analytical research project aims to dissect the thematic resonance of espionage as a valuable concept in understanding the transference of cultural and political ideology between East …

Find Your Fit: Supporting Individuals Experiencing Neurodivergence Through Post-Higher Education Career Transitions, Julia Brink, Faith Marshall, Allison Webster, Kalei Smith, Maya Franscella, Ava Heintzelman, Rosie Sterk, Sophia Boughey

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Individuals experiencing neurodivergence often face unique challenges when transitioning from higher education to the workforce, such as barriers in self-advocacy, workplace accommodations, and professional communication. Despite growing awareness, career readiness resources tailored to their needs and learning styles remain limited both locally and globally. This study seeks to answer the question: “How might communities ensure that people who experience neurodivergence are more successful in the workforce?” To address this question, this study examines the development, implementation, and evaluation of an eight-week neurodiversity-specific career readiness course aimed at addressing gaps in employment support for individuals experiencing neurodivergence in the University of …

Rooseveltian Maxim: How Theodore Roosevelt's Naval Diplomacy Shaped U.S. Power, Nicholas Painter

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

The Presidency of Theodore Roosevelt (1901-1909) saw the United States rise to a position of considerable geopolitical power, largely due to Roosevelt himself. His administration’s development of foreign policies shaped the influence of the United States in the Pacific Region and eventually positioned the U.S. as a global power. By focusing on Roosevelt’s dealings with the Empire of Japan, it is clear how Roosevelt shaped the global view of the United States before World War I. Roosevelt’s power as a diplomat is clear in his relationship with Japan, and examining this relationship offers a snapshot of how Roosevelt’s actions influenced …

Effects Of Pfos On Zebrafish Dopaminergic Neurodevelopment, Allison G. Fletcher

Research and Creativity Symposium

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of environmental contaminants that cause disruptions to the nervous and endocrine systems. Perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) is considered one of the most disruptive PFAS to the nervous system, and may disrupt neurodevelopment of the dopaminergic system, which has been linked to neurodevelopmental disorders like Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in humans. I hypothesized that early life PFOS exposure disrupts the development of the dopaminergic system. To test this hypothesis, I exposed zebrafish to 0.05, 0.5, and 5.0 mg/L PFOS through 5 days of embryonic and larval development. To assess acute effects of PFOS on the …

Occupational Therapy Assessment & Intervention In The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit At Shawn Jenkins Children’S Hospital, Lauren G. Murphy

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

BACKGROUND: There is a current lack of literature and evidence to supply neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) occupational therapists with appropriate standardized assessments and interventions. This project aims to explore at which age occupational therapy services will be most beneficial and widely accepted by NICU team members. Goals of this project include understanding current best occupational therapy practices, providing the NICU with the most up to date research and outcomes of interventions and assessments on the high risk neonatal and pediatric populations, improving communication and collaboration skills to engage with all NICU team members, and leading educational sessions about evidence …

Utilization Of Digital Platforms To Enhance Usability And Knowledge For Fieldwork Educators; Increasing Access To The Intentional Fieldwork Education Model (Ifwem), Patrick C. Lewis

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Fieldwork education plays a pivotal role in shaping student outcomes in occupational therapy programs. The effectiveness of fieldwork education is significantly influenced by the fieldwork educator's communication style, teaching approach, learning preferences, competency, self-efficacy, and level of preparedness. The Intentional Fieldwork Education Model (IFWEM) and its associated IFWEM course provide an evidence-based framework designed to enhance fieldwork educators’ competency, self-efficacy, and preparedness prior to student fieldwork. In collaboration with the creators of the IFWEM, efforts were made throughout this capstone project to increase the usability, availability, and accessibility of the current IFWEM course. This project aimed to create a more …

Supporting Families And Providers Of Children With Low Vision/ Cvi Through Comprehensive Resource And Website Development, Alexandria D. Mcdonald

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Cerebral/Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) is the most prevalent cause of visual impairment in children. Children with CVI face unique challenges that significantly affect their development and participation in daily life. This capstone project aimed to support both therapists and families of children with CVI by fostering a deeper understanding of the condition and enhancing access to evidence-based resources. Guided by the Person-Environment-Occupation-Performance (PEOP) model, the project focused on identifying existing gaps in available materials, then addressing them through the creation of tailored resources and the development of a comprehensive, user-friendly website.

Deliverables included a digital resource library/website with over 40 …

Occupational Therapy’S Role In Palliative Care: Helping Those With Serious Illnesses Participate In Meaningful Activities, Sophie Gainey

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Palliative Care (PC) is a service that provides people living with life-limiting illnesses with additional layers of support throughout disease progression. Benefits of PC include improved pain and symptom management, improved Quality of Life, and dying experiences. A Program of S.U.P.P.O.R.T™ (Symptom management, Understanding the disease, Pulmonary rehabilitation, Palliative care, Oxygen therapy, Research considerations, and Transplantation intervention) is an educational program for patients who live with life-limiting pulmonary illnesses to improve understanding of disease progression. While research about occupational therapy’s role in PC is limited, the literature suggests that interventions can positively impact patients' ability to participate in their Activities …

Empowering Future Practitioners: Using Constructivist Learning Strategies To Teach Occupational Therapy’S Role In Oncology Rehabilitation, Erin L. Latimer

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

This capstone project developed educational materials on occupational therapy’s role in oncology rehabilitation for first-year OT students at an accredited program. The deliverables included a lecture and lab session, guided by the constructivism theory and 5 Es educational model, to integrate foundational oncology content into early curricula. By addressing this gap, the project aims to better prepare future OTs to serve cancer survivors. Goals included enhancing students’ knowledge of oncology’s continuum of care and improving clinical reasoning during evaluations. Students completed a Pre-Quiz (testing general oncology/pathophysiology knowledge), Post-Quiz (lecture-specific questions), and Post-Survey (34 respondents). Results showed strong comprehension, with one …

Getting The Word Out And About, Beryl White-Bing, Lauren Odom

Library Faculty Presentations & Publications

In the session, Lauren Odom, the Instruction Librarian, and co-presenter Beryl White-Bing, the Virtual Learning Librarian, will discuss the Instruction Request podcast. This podcast features two academic librarians that discuss library services, resources, and virtual reality applications at the Thomas G. Carpenter Library located at the University of North Florida. In each episode which is published bi-weekly, the librarians review research questions, databases, VR experiences, and interviews with faculty that have engaged with Virtual Learning Center and/or have incorporated VR into their instruction. The target audience is faculty and students. The podcast has served as an innovative channel to promote …

Understanding The Well-Being Of Aging Refugees In The United States, Julia A. Fernandez, Alexa Charleus, Ellarose Capparelli, Gianna M. Cicalese, Daniella Stanzione

Academic Festival

Background and Objectives: Refugees endure psychological distress from traumatic experiences such as war, persecution, and forced displacement when migrating to nations like the US for safety. This affects their ability to navigate resettlement and aging. Demographics, cultural background, and social networks are sparsely researched in the context of older refugees and affect quality of life. This study explores how sociodemographic factors influence quality of life among aging refugees in the U.S.

Research Design and Methods: A survey of 108 refugees aged 50+ from Bhutan, Burundi, and Somalia was conducted in a small Midwestern city. The survey assessed how their …

Capturing Women's Birth Experiences Through Photos, Kristen Montgomery, Betsy Crabtree, Samantha Grayson, Alyssa Harmon, Rachael Robbins, Sarah Shelton, Hannah Sobas, Alexis Taliaferro, Nolan Willard

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Purpose: Each year 3.5 to 4 million women give birth in the United States. Childbirth is a life-changing event that induces various emotions in women. Many women report having a negative experience due to short staffing, inadequate care, and a loss of autonomy. Aims: The aim of the study was to understand what factors contribute to a positive or negative birth experience.

Methods: A descriptive qualitative study was conducted using photo elicitation. Photos were collected from participants and included a description of how the photo represented the participant’s experience. Demographic data were collected through a survey. Participants …

Utilizing The Mdq For Bipolar I Screening In The Primary Care Environment, Jamie Strozier

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Abstract- Utilizing the MDQ for Bipolar I Screening in the Primary Care Environment

Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental health condition characterized by episodes of depression, mania, or mixed symptoms, affecting approximately 5.7 million adults in the U.S. and 40 million individuals worldwide. Despite its significant impact, bipolar disorder is frequently misdiagnosed as major depressive disorder (MDD) in primary care settings, leading to inappropriate treatment and worsening patient outcomes. Research indicates that 78% of bipolar patients are initially misdiagnosed, with only 32% of primary care providers (PCPs) screening for the disorder. This quality improvement project aims to enhance bipolar disorder …

Environmental Concerns Of Women In Appalachia, Kristen Montgomery, Adebayo Adeeko, Jessica Binns, Sarah Hall, Paula Hawkins, Allyson Newer, Michaela Outlaw, Karenna Turley

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Purpose: Environmental contamination is rampant in the United States and other parts of the world. There are potential health implications related to environmental contamination.
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Aims: The purpose of this study was to investigate how concerned women in Appalachia are regarding the environment. The following research question was addressed: What concerns do women have regarding the environment? The objective of this study was to understand how women perceive their environment and to evaluate what concerns they have regarding the environment. We also evaluated demographic factors to see if any demographics contributed to particular concerns related …

Drug Treatment Courts: Choosing Between Rehabilitation And Recidivism, Grace Miller

Academic Festival

The presentation discusses the use of drug treatment courts to serve justice to those whose offenses are related to their struggle with illicit drug use. Drug treatment courts are described and its benefits are outlined. These courts are compared to treatment of drug offenders within the normal justice system, and the drawbacks of drug treatment courts are discussed. This informs the future of drug treatment courts int he United States.

Multimorbidity As A Modifier In The Association Between Sleep Duration And Mortality: A Longitudinal Analysis Of U.S. Adults Using Nhis Data (2004–2019), Emmanuel Azu, Adverlyn Ivey-Waters

GS4 Student Scholars Symposium

No abstract provided.