Digital Commons Network^™

Rent, Stress, And Student Success In Missoula, Alysa Curry, Halston Witt, Aidan Rasmussen, Sadie Arnold, Tristan Clifford

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

This research examines the impact of the rental housing market in Missoula, Montana, on the well-being of undergraduate students at the University of Montana and Missoula College. As rental prices rise and housing options become increasingly limited, students are encountering significant challenges in securing affordable housing. This has a direct effect on their financial stability, mental health, and overall life satisfaction. This study aims to better understand these challenges by surveying students about their current housing situations, financial stress, and mental health concerns. The survey results will provide insights into the specific factors contributing to housing difficulties and their broader …

Investigating Strength Of Cytoplasmic Incompatibility And Rate Of Maternal Transmission In Zaprionus Tsacasi By Infection Of Wolbachia Wzts, Ella Walters

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Animals associate with diverse microbes that affect their health and fitness. Many insects and other species host microbes termed endosymbionts inside their cells. Among all endosymbionts, Wolbachia bacteria are the most common, occurring in about half of all insect species. Wolbachia are maternally transmitted – similar to our own mitochondria – and many variants have evolved the capacity to affect host reproduction to favor their transmission across host generations. This includes variants that cause cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) that kills embryos without Wolbachia fertilized by males with Wolbachia. Here, I assess the strength of CI and rates of maternal transmission of …

Analysis Of Tlr7/8 Fentanyl Vaccination On The Humoral Compartment By Single Cell Sequencing Of The B Cell Receptor, Elizabeth J. Florian

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Fentanyl overdose deaths are on the rise from intentional use or accidental exposure. In this context, additional treatment options to Narcan are being explored. One FDA approved alternative is the development of monoclonal antibodies; for fentanyl treatment or as a therapeutic. Our project aimed to use our toll-like receptor 7/8 (TLR 7/8) adjuvanted Fentanyl vaccine to generate monoclonal antibodies against fentanyl. We anticipated the vaccine would change the antibodies produced when compared to naive conditions and this would suggest potential candidates for future antibody treatment. To accomplish this, mice were vaccinated with a TLR 7/8 fentanyl hapten vaccine, and lymph …

Perpetrator Induced Distress: Prevalence, Event Characteristics And Outcomes In Civilian Samples, Chris Dums, Olathe Antonio

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Limited research exists on the prevalence, characteristics, and outcomes of perpetration induced potentially traumatic events (PTEs) in the general population. In the present study, participants from two samples (N=735) described a distressing event that was caused by their own actions, and completed outcomes measuring perpetration induced distress (PID), anxiety, depression, existential concerns, and symptoms of PTSD and complex PTSD. 56.6% of participants identified a distressing event that they perceived to be caused by their own actions. Deductive coding categorized responses by 4 previously identified themes: physical harm (25.2%), interpersonal conflict/betrayal (52.4%), violation of internal standards (20.0%), and violation of external …

Bridging The Gap: The Effects Of Intergroup Contact On Emotions And Lgbtiq+ History Knowledge Among Cisgender Heterosexual Individuals, Lauren N. Schulte

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Research has shown that intergroup contact between cisgender, heterosexual and LGBTIQ+ individuals is associated with a deeper understanding of struggles around LGBTIQ+ experiences. Individuals with LGBTIQ+ identifying friends are more likely to report higher levels of allyship, engage in LGBTIQ+-affirming behaviors, hold positive attitudes toward LGBTIQ+ individuals, and have increased sensitivity to LGBTIQ+ perspectives. These data come from a survey examining LGBTIQ+ historical trauma, including students of all sexual and gender identities at the University of Montana and University of Nevada-Reno (n=462). These analyses examine factors related to one’s understanding of LGBTIQ+ experiences, hypothesizing that greater numbers of LGBTIQ+ individuals …

The Impact Of Thc On People In Recovery, April Jackson-Andal

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

In Montana, on January 1, 2022, cannabis became legal for recreational use. This policy has been adopted in several other states as well. The impact of THC on recovery has not been widely researched and, therefore, not fully understood. Addiction clinics are responsible for supporting individuals through their recovery journey, and probation offices are meant to uphold those on probation to their regulations. Therefore, professionals working in these agencies may have insight into how THC impacts recovery. In 2024, I quantitatively surveyed professionals (n=13) working in addiction clinics or probation and parole offices in Helena, MT, on their perspectives of …

Accuracy Evaluation Of Modern Methods Of Motion Capture, Sara Trotchie, Rachel Barney, Taylor Garst, Sarah Krout, Samantha Yeats

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Purpose: The assessment of limb movement trajectories and joint ranges of motion (ROM) are critical components in diagnosing and treating movement deficits and injuries. Recent advances in the field of automated image analysis permit the identification of joint center locations using markerless anatomical detection. We evaluated the accuracy of a virtual reality system and synchronized web cameras against a research-grade system.

Methods: Subject volunteers (n=31, m=14 f=17, age=21.2±3.2) completed a series of three scripted movement sequences, which were displayed to the subject using a custom virtual reality platform. The scripted sequences were designed to replicate the joint ROM and balance …

Identifying Relevant Aphasia Assessment For Non-English Speaking And Bilingual Clients, Madison Marker, Emily Abbott, Yana Denishchich

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

This survey aims to collect data on which aphasia assessment is most relevant to translate for use with clients whose native language isn’t currently represented by norm-referenced testing. Aphasia is an acquired language disorder commonly caused by strokes or traumatic brain injuries that impacts receptive and expressive communication skills. Currently, speech language pathologists (SLPs) use assessments including the Western Aphasia Battery Revised (WAB-R) and the Quick Aphasia Battery (QAB) to effectively diagnose patients. This study surveys SLPs practicing internationally to identify experience level with aphasia clients, preferred assessment methods, and which types of questions regarding bilingualism are asked before assessment. …

The Opportunity To Make A Splash: Urban Pond Management In Missoula, Mallorie Dale

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Before the city was gridded with pavement and storm drains, Pattee Creek flowed openly through what is now Missoula, Montana. The Salish and Pend d’Oreille peoples lived in close relationship with this watershed, honoring its rhythms and relying on its abundance. Their word for Pattee Canyon—Sloʔté, “two valleys coming together to make one little valley”—reminds us that places carry memory, even when reshaped.

Now mostly buried beneath development, Pattee Creek briefly resurfaces at Bancroft Ponds, a 5-acre constructed basin nestled within a neighborhood. Here, water pauses. Birds gather. Children play. Life continues in quiet, often unnoticed ways. This project is …

Embodied Self-Remembering; Toward A Personal Movement Philosophy, Nicholas Greenlund

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

The possibility examined in this project is the expansion of human consciousness through Inner work. This “Inner work” integrates the insights of Buddhist psychology, Integral psychology, Enneagram philosophy, and Somatic practices for the expansion of conscious potential in and through the cultivation of compassionate understanding. By observing and identifying the conditions that reinforce a reactive state of being, a choice emerges to remain or grow a capacity of responsiveness. This process is through the body’s sensory presence, the heart’s courage to love, and the mind’s construction of Self. The subjective exploration of the interconnected body-mind integrates the complex study of …

Wolbachia Incidence And Prevalence In Montane Lepidoptera, Anna Imes

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Animal hosts associate with endosymbiotic microbes that live inside their cells. Maternally transmitted Wolbachia bacteria are the most common endosymbionts, associating with about half of all insect species. Most Wolbachia form facultative associations with their hosts (i.e., the hosts do not require Wolbachia). In most systems, it remains unknown how common Wolbachia are within host populations and the extent to which their prevalence varies through time and space. Here, I fill this gap in knowledge by quantifying the incidence and prevalence of Wolbachia in a community of understudied montane moths. We conducted field sampling of divergent moth species every …

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 …

Exploring The Impact Of Menstrual Cycle Length On Negative Affect And Anxiety, Gracie Jane Hietala

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Menstrual cycle length is a biological factor that may influence psychological well-being, yet its relationship remains under-researched. The study “Emotion Recognition and Mood Along the Menstrual Cycle,” by Pletzer and Noachtar recruited 230 naturally-cycling women to examine how menstrual cycle phases impact the ability to recognize emotions from facial expressions. Participants were surveyed during their menses, peri-ovulatory, and mid-luteal phases, with assessments covering psychological factors and hormone levels. Using the open-source data collected from the previous study, the current study investigates the relationship between menstrual cycle, negative mood and anxiety. Results indicate that there is a significant correlation between these …

Interwoven Struggles: The Intersection Of Reproductive Justice And Environmental Justice Through An Ecofeminist Lens, Maya Kowski

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Reproductive justice (RJ) and environmental justice (EJ) are deeply interconnected, particularly for marginalized communities disproportionately affected by environmental hazards and systemic reproductive oppression. This poster explores how environmental factors—such as pollution, climate change, and toxic exposure—impact reproductive autonomy, pregnancy outcomes, and access to healthcare in the United States, positioning RJ as an essential component of EJ. This research examines historical and contemporary examples of environmental racism affecting reproductive health, highlighting how climate disasters, industrial pollution, and resource extraction disproportionately harm communities of color and Indigenous populations. Through case studies and movement analysis, this presentation discusses coalition-building between RJ and EJ …

Investigating The Role Of Fbf-1 In Somatic Rnai Inheritance In C. Elegans, Elizabeth Sweeney

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

RNA interference (RNAi) is a biological process in eukaryotes in which gene suppression is initiated by the presence of short, double-stranded RNA in a cell’s cytoplasm. This is a conserved process that likely evolved primarily to mediate resistance to pathogens. It is also an incredibly useful tool in experimental biology, due to its stability, specificity, and relative ease of use in targeted gene expression modification. In Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), the effects of RNAi are heritable and systemic, making it an ideal model organism for studying transgenerational epigenetic inheritance.

FBF-1 is a member of the PUF protein family, …

Pharmacogenomics (Pgx) Implementation In Rural And Underserved Montana, Conlan James Edward Rendell

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

My project focuses on optimizing pharmacogenetic (PGx - A medical tool used to tailor a person's treatment based on their genes) testing, in rural pediatric psychiatry in Montana. A problem faced with PGx as an emerging health tool is limited access and difficulties implementing PGx services in rural, underserved, and tribal populations, which further healthcare disparities. Improving access and understanding of PGx would help alleviate these disparities and improve health outcomes. This project sought to answer what the perspectives on current implementations of PGx are. The project addresses healthcare disparities by evaluating provider and patient perspectives on PGx services in …

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. …

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, …

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 …

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 …

Montana Kaimin, April 24, 2025, Students Of The University Of Montana, Missoula

Montana Kaimin, 1898-present

Student newspaper of the University of Montana, Missoula.

Lessons From Walker V. State: Institutional Reform Litigation And The Right To Dignity In Montana, Hannah Good

Montana Law Review

No abstract provided.

Just Home: Understanding Cycle Of Housing Instability And Justice Involvement In Missoula County, Mckenzie Javorka, Elizabeth Sabbath, Kaitlin Fertaly

Independent Living and Community Participation

The Just Home project in Missoula County, Montana, is a collaborative initiative supported by the MacArthur Foundation to address the intersection of housing instability and justice system involvement. Led by Homeword, Inc. and the Missoula County Community Justice Department, the project seeks to develop sustainable, community-driven solutions that reduce incarceration and improve housing outcomes for vulnerable populations. To inform this work, the University of Montana’s Rural Institute for Inclusive Communities conducted a comprehensive community needs assessment using mixed methods, including administrative data analysis, qualitative interviews with service providers, and community engagement with unhoused and justice-involved individuals.

Findings show that housing …

Reclaiming Self-Government: State Preemption And Original Meaning Of The Montana Constitution’S Local Government Provisions, Zarchary M. Krumm

Montana Law Review

No abstract provided.

Montana Kaimin, April 10, 2025, Students Of The University Of Montana, Missoula

Montana Kaimin, 1898-present

Student newspaper of the University of Montana, Missoula.

Documents From The April 9, 2025 Meeting Of The Associated Students Of The University Of Montana (Asum)., Associated Students Of The University Of Montana

Senate Meeting Agendas and Minutes, 2007-Present

Minutes and agenda from the April 9, 2025 Meeting of the Associated Students of the University of Montana (ASUM).

Montana Kaimin, April 3, 2025, Students Of The University Of Montana, Missoula

Montana Kaimin, 1898-present

Student newspaper of the University of Montana, Missoula.

Documents From The April 2, 2025 Meeting Of The Associated Students Of The University Of Montana (Asum)., Associated Students Of The University Of Montana

Senate Meeting Agendas and Minutes, 2007-Present

Minutes and agenda from the April 2, 2025 Meeting of the Associated Students of the University of Montana (ASUM).

Collaborative Research Report: Building Home Care Worker Capacity, Luke Santore, Catherine Ipsen, Stephen Mccall, Jiyeon Kim, Genna M. Mashinchi

Employment

RTC:Rural and PHI researchers examine the rising demand for home-based care and ways to increase the workforce and retain home care workers through worker-supportive policies such as increased wages and healthcare insurance.

Reflections From Lived Experience: Disability And Public Libraries, Jeff Gutierrez

Independent Living and Community Participation

Summary of an interactive conference session that captured the views of rural Center for Independent Living (CIL) staff and consumers on the intersection of disability and public libraries in rural areas.