Digital Commons Network^™

Msw Portfolio: My Journey Of Understanding Social Work Through Mind, Body, Emotion, & Spirit, Olivia Kern

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Who Do You Want To Become?, Taylor Greene

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Msw Portfolio, Katharine Ann Turpen

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

This portfolio paper showcases my development as a Master of Social Work student, highlighting personal and professional growth across the CSWE competencies and the four dimensions of practice: Knowledge, Skills, Values, and Cognitive & Affective Processes. The portfolio reflects my evolving identity as a social worker and outlines my ongoing commitment to ethical, reflective, and client-centered practice.

Master’S In Social Work: Professional Portfolio, Josephine Star Lange

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Holistic Competence In Social Work: A Professional Portfolio, Hannah Zuraff

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

An overview of social work competencies and a portfolio relating to work in the clinical, domestic violence, family services, and humanitarian aid spaces.

Disability Pride And Community Connection In Eastern Virginia: The Disability Resource Center Of The Rappahannock Area, Inc., Luke Santore, Lillie Greiman, Rayna Sage

Independent Living and Community Participation

The disAbility Resource Center of the Rappahannock Area, Inc (dRC) is a Center for Independent Living (CIL) that provides services that promote independence, advocacy, and leadership among the people with disabilities they serve. dRC focuses on disability-led services and programs to meet consumers' needs, with an extraordinary level of peer support. RTC:Rural researchers explore dRC's peer mentoring and peer support groups through the Rural Community Living Development project.

“I Now Have The Freedom To Do What I Want, When I Want, Like Anybody Else”: The Impact, Creation, And Management Of Transportation Voucher Programs, Luke Santore, Andrew Myers

Independent Living and Community Participation

Poor access to transportation is associated with negative results in life outcomes such as health, quality of life, employment, and community participation. Rural people with disabilities are particularly vulnerable to poor transportation access. Transportation voucher programs are an effective but underutilized resource that addresses transportation for rural people with disabilities. In this factsheet, RTC:Rural researchers explore how Center for Independent Living (CIL) staff establish and manage voucher programs, and illustrate how vouchers affected the people with disabilities who have used them.

Mapping Of Wetland And Riparian Habitat For The National Wetlands Inventory: South-Central Utah, Faith O. Hardin, Ella S. Hartshorn, Ryhan T. Sempler, Liana N. Heberer, Sara K. Owen, Kay L. Hajek

EMMA Publications

This report details the wetland and riparian mapping methodologies implemented for the South-central Utah project. The project area consists of 120 1:24,000 US Geological Survey (USGS) quads across Southern Utah, with quads in Kane, San Juan, Garfield County, Grand, Emery, and Sevier counties.

Local Systems Change: Applied Research Methods For Sustainable Communities, Taylor Barrett Hill

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Learning Through Relationship, Eileen L. Lamble

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

A brief compilation of growth and learning through the 10 core competencies of social work.

Zero Waste Initiatives Across Three Institutions: Local Government, An Academic Institution, And A Retail Business, Soren G. Gray

Graduate Student Portfolios, Professional Papers, and Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

May 2025 News Releases, University Of Montana--Missoula. Office Of University Relations

University of Montana News Releases, 1928, 1956-present

No abstract provided.

Montana Kaimin, May 1, 2025, Students Of The University Of Montana, Missoula

Montana Kaimin, 1898-present

Student newspaper of the University of Montana, Missoula.

Montana Residents' Attitudes Towards Tourism - 2024, Carter Bermingham, Megan Schultz, Matthew Pettigrew, Jayce Beck

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

A summary of Montana residents' attitudes towards tourism from the 2024 season. Overall, results from this study show that, in general, Montana residents hold a positive yet balanced attitude towards tourism within the state. For example, a majority of residents feel that the benefits of tourism outweigh the negative impacts, while also being in strong agreement that tourism promotion by the state provides an economic benefit to their community. At the same time, over 40% of respondents felt that the state was becoming overcrowded because of the number of tourists, while close to half felt that their community was dealing …

Trap Music And Overdose, Adam M. Zahn

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Over one hundred thousand lives were lost in the United States during 2022 from drug overdoses (CDC, 2023). While previous studies examine socioeconomic and macroeconomic relationships, I have not found extensions to estimate a relationship between media influence and overdoses. I investigated the potential relationship by including a Google search trend index (a measure of relative state-level popularity of web searches) for trap music as a proxy for media influence of trap music. Trap music is a new mainstream subgenre of hip-hop which portrays a romanticized view of illicit substance sale and abuse. My logic is younger demographics are more …

The Heat Exposure Schedule On Vascular Inflammation Responses To Heat Acclimation, Kenzie Williams, Amanda Alfaro-Chaverri, Mariam Rojas-Ledezma, Alejandro M. Rosales, Ron Michalak

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Understanding thermoregulatory acclimation during work challenges in both females and males remains an active area of environmental physiology research. Myriad body-wide adaptive responses are frequently influenced by a milieu of circulating factors, including blood markers of vascular inflammation. How these markers respond to variations in acute and repeated challenges of exercise+heat may influence heat acclimation outcomes. PURPOSE: To quantify circulating markers of vascular inflammation following either sustained (1x 90 minutes) or intermittent (3x 30 Minutes) exercise+heat exposure protocols. METHODS: Females and males (n=30 each) were randomized to receive a week of low intensity exercise performed during one of two identically …

Describing The Nature Of Head Contacts In Adolescent Female Youth Ice Hockey Players, Bree K. Knutson

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

The physical nature of ice hockey often results in head contact with players of all ages and the ramifications of repeated head trauma may lead to deficits in social and cognitive skills development, as well as the potential for long-term concerns related to academic, neurological, physical, and mental health. The purpose of this study was to better understand how head contact occurs while playing ice hockey, how frequently head contacts occur, and what player behaviors frequently result in head contact. Adolescent female ice hockey players participating on either the 14 and under (14U) girls team or the 19 and under …

The Ingredients Of Magic: Investigating Clinician And Patient Behaviors In Community Aphasia Group, Ryan M. Dolan, Santanna K. Sumauang

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and about 1/3 of strokes result in aphasia. Aphasia is a language disorder that impairs the ability to comprehend or formulate language. One beneficial rehabilitative treatment for aphasia is group therapy. Group therapy for people with aphasia (PWA) has been reported by clinicians and clients as having an aspect of “magic”. This “magic” has been described as a feeling, atmosphere, energy, or a vibe. Although these group characteristics have yet to be fully identified, they are reported to be an essential part of the success of group therapy. …

How Forest Stand Conditions Influence Whitebark Pine And Clark’S Nutcracker: A Systematic Review, Bryan Mathew Cohen

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis), a keystone species of high-elevation ecosystems of western North America, is threatened with extinction due to disease (Blister rust), pests (Mountain pine beetle), and climate change. Regeneration of the species depends nearly exclusively on the seed-caching behavior of Clark’s nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana, Family Corvidae). Because of this, conservation of whitebark ecosystems requires restoring stand structures that favor nutcrackers. Although there are increasing numbers of studies on the relationship between nutcrackers and whitebark pine, findings have not yet been synthesized, limiting knowledge for application to management. I did a systematic literature review to answer the following questions: …

Perceived Loneliness Among Older Adults, Max D. Olson

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Older adults experience unique isolation, such as living alone and losing loved ones, which correlates with worse mental health. Few studies have examined how the number of close relationships impacts perceived isolation in older adults. I hypothesize the number of close relationships in an older adult’s life may predict perceived isolation; further, I will assess if depression moderates this relationship. This secondary analysis is based on a study of 153 older adults in the northeastern part of the United States (average age = 67.51, SD = 8.3180). The participants completed a measure of perceived isolation (UCLA Loneliness Scale, ULS-3), a …

Auras Of The Big Sky, Logan O. Colberg

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Spirituality encompasses diverse beliefs and practices that help individuals develop meaning and connection in their lives. As participation in organized religion declines, spiritual practices are growing in popularity. I aim to analyze the core values of spirituality and how they are expressed in the state of Montana.

In order to accomplish this analysis, I am conducting ten interviews with spiritual practitioners across the state. I developed a standardized set of interview questions to ensure consistency across all participants. Interviewees are chosen based on their spiritual practice, location within Montana, and the level of experience they have in their field. Each …

Nature, Community And Suicidality: A Cross-Cultural Study Between Frankfurt, Germany And Missoula, Usa, Cyrus Hanan Gertz

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

The ideas, thoughts, and plans around suicide are often treated with hospitalization and psychotherapy. However, connection is often glossed over in the conversation on treatment. Research suggests having a sense of belonging within our human and natural communities is crucial for human health. Globally, young men are the most likely to report high degrees of loneliness and are more likely to live alone, strong risk factors for suicidal ideation and suicide attempt and men in both Frankfurt and Missoula show higher suicide risk than women. In contrast, according to research by ecopsychologists, Integration of Nature into Self (one's perceived relationship …

Social Engagement And Minority Stress In Lgbt+ Elders, Eyza Y. Abbas Carrasco

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Social engagement is crucial to elders' well-being. Prior research suggests that social interaction, community engagement, and support networks improve quality of life for older LGBTQ adults (Reyes et al., 2024). Additionally, social connectedness, particularly diverse networks and strong support systems, has been linked to better health outcomes in this population (Kim et al., 2024). However, gaps remain in understanding how minority stress relates to social engagement in older LGBTQ adults. This study examines these connections through a secondary analysis of data from a parent study on support networks and mental health in elders. Participants (N = 153, aged 55+) completed …

Cervid Breakage Patterns In Western Montana, Tanner D. Liermann

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Sexual weapons are expected to withstand intense combat as weapon failure can directly impact an individual's reproductive success. Most weapons are permanent and a broken weapon costs that animal for the rest of its life. However, a few species regrow their weapons. The consequences of structural failure are lower in these animals, and they may invest less in their production as a result—leading to increased rates of breakage in the wild. Cervids (true deer) regenerate antlers each year, yet their rates of weapon failure remain unclear. In our study, we recorded breakage rates, antler point symmetry, harvest location, and age …

Queer In & Out Of Montana: Oral Histories Of The Lgbtq+ Exodus From Montana, Erin Heaton

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

This presentation will summarize findings from six oral histories of LGBTQ+ people who lived in Montana, but have left or are leaving in the near future. This presentation will explore the questions: Why are queer and transgender people leaving Montana? What are common experiences for LGBTQ+ people living in Montana? The answer to these questions will be derived from the stories of the Narrators who provided their oral histories. The questions utilized in the oral histories covered topics of identity, “coming out,” living history, cultural observations, community experiences and perceptions, well-being, healthcare, laws, and reasons for leaving. Thematic Analysis was …

Consuming The Tropics In The 'Age Of The Insect': Imperial Imaginaries Of Frontier Ecologies In Spectacular Expositions, Adria Capozzoli

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

By surveying representations of 'exotic' landscapes and 'monstrous' other-than-human creatures of the tropics featured in exhibits of the fin de siecle and early interwar period, including visual displays and descriptive language at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago (1893) and the Panama-Pacific International Exposition (PPIE) in San Francisco (1915), this project examines tropical frontiers as conceived in the geographical imaginaries of the United States to explore how metropolitan audiences related to those environments encountered at the imperial periphery. Between 1890 and 1920, were the infamously exaggerated characterizations of nineteenth-century spectacle tempered by the advent of twentieth-century cultural and scientific discourses, …

Injury Reduction Training Programs For Dancers, Amanda L. Steiner

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

The most common dance injuries are those that come from overuse usually in the ankle, leg, foot, and lower back (Common Dance Injuries and Prevention Tips, Johns Hopkins Medicine). Since dancers are very active, especially at the collegiate level, injury reduction is critical to have in a dancers training program. Collegiate dancers who undergo dance conditioning training at least twice a week specific in strengthening their joints and balance may experience significant increase in strength and a decrease in injuries over the course of a semester, compared to when they did not have dance conditioning. At the University of Montana, …

Montana Assault Resource Index, Storytelling & Education (Mt A.R.I.S.E.): Breaking Barriers To Disclosure Of Sexual Violence In The Lgbtq+ Community, Olivia G. Donohue, Kate Bick, Cana Odegaard, Emma Hixson

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

This project aims to address the unique needs of LEGBTQ+ survivors of sexual violence, through the enhancement of social support and resource accessibility for this marginalized group, particularly reaching those in rural settings like Montana. Existing literature highlights significant failures to understand the intersectional vulnerabilities and resilience factors impacting recovery and outcomes among LGBTQ+ individuals. Often, studies neglect specific subgroups, including transgender individuals, bisexual persons, and nonbinary survivors, and do not implement comprehensive, intersectional frameworks that capture the diverse experiences within the LGBTQ+ community. In rural areas, LGBTQ+ individuals face systemic issues, such as restricted access to supportive healthcare, social …

The Ethics Of Animal Rights And Zoos, Jamie L. Tucker Crockett

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

In my essay, I will be diving into the controversial issue of Animal containment, focusing on zoos in the United States. I will be taking this opportunity to establish a new way of thinking about the argument which states the pros of zoos outweigh the negative effects they have on the animals who live there. Neither side of the argument has a malicious intention towards harming animals. Instead, each side shows a different approach to what it is to properly care, and respect for animal rights. Those arguing in support of zoos commonly reference arguments dating back to Aristotle. However, …

Grizzly Green Labs: Implementing A Green Lab Program At The University Of Montana, Katie Coates, Maya Gritzner, Alena Flocchini, Emma Hasquet, Sophia Miller, Kylie Olson

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Research laboratories are a major but often overlooked source of energy consumption and waste in universities. Labs rely on single-use plastics for sterility and energy-intensive equipment, resulting in a substantial environmental impact. Globally, laboratories consume significantly more energy than the average household and generate millions of tons of plastic waste yearly. To address this, many universities worldwide and in the United States have adopted sustainable initiatives through “Green Lab” programs, which have been found to successfully reduce resource consumption while maintaining research integrity. Despite the University of Montana's commitment to sustainability, no university programs or regulations address lab sustainability, even …