Digital Commons Network^™

Christian Mission To An Indigenous Tribe During American Westward Expansion, Caelan Christopher Milligan

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

From it’s conception the Christian Church from its was given was the task to preach the message of salvation to all people. Henry H. Spalding (1803 – 1874) was a Presbyterian missionary to the Nez Perce nation from 1836 – 1847 during American Westward Expansion which witnessed the active encroachment of several indigenous tribes and their lands from the United States and its people. Henry Spalding and his wife, Eliza Spalding, left the United States for a season to live among the Nez Perce in attempt to preach the gospel of Jesus. In twenty pages this research will consider the …

Evaluation Of The Efficacy Of The Pay-What-You-Want Pricing Model, Zach T. King

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Pay-what-you-want (PWYW) is an economic model popularized in 2007 where rather than goods/services having a fixed price decided by the producer, the consumer themselves decides the price they pay as an individual. Classical economic theory evaluates consumers through the lens of them behaving as “rational agents”. Within this perspective, consumers would be expected to choose to pay nothing in order to maximize their consumer surplus and therefore utility. The empirical successes of PWYW models suggest that there are additional behavioral elements involved in utility maximization, where consumers are paying more than the required price.

My research project is an evaluation …

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 …

Spatial Distribution Of Native Cushion Plants And Invasive Species Along Waterworks Trail, Missoula, Montana: Implications For Plant Richness And Competition, Audrey J. Gustafson, Meredith Zettlemoyer

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Invasive species can significantly impact the distribution and richness of native plants, resulting in competitive exclusion. This study investigates the spatial variation in species richness of native cushion plants in relation to invasive species along Waterworks Trail in Missoula, Montana. This study assessed how elevation, distance from trail, and upslope (above the gate) vs downslope (below the gate) direction (east vs west) influenced the distribution of both the cushion plants and the invasive species. Species richness of cushion plants was higher on the west side of the trail, particularly at lower elevations. In contrast, the east side exhibited lower richness …

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 …

Mapping Behavior To Lesion Location In Neurolinguistics: History And The Illusive Methodology, Shea Highfill

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

At first glance it seems as though the history of aphasia, a neurological deficit in language, is teaming with thorough, well characterized research using lesions to determine the language centers of the brain. A brain lesion is classified as tissue in the brain that is damaged due to disease or injury. The location of these lesions is a fundamental part of understanding how the structures of the brain affect the way humans think and behave; lesion mapping is the process used by researchers to identify this relationship. Exploring the history of this process reveals an epidemic of poorly described methodologies. …

The Role Of Diet And Exercise In Reducing Risk Of Dementia Development In Type Ii Diabetics; A Meta Analysis., Silas W. Acker

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Dementia, particularly vascular dementia, is increasingly recognized as a complication of type II diabetes. The goal of this review is to determine whether a healthy diet and adequate physical activity can effectively manage common comorbidities of diabetes that lead to the development of dementia. This review pulls from a variety of sources examining the shared risk factors between type II diabetes and dementia, and the effectiveness of evidence-based lifestyle modifications focused on prevention.

A comprehensive review of twenty peer-reviewed medical studies, articles, and journals was conducted to investigate the link between Diabetes Mellitus and Dementia. The review aimed to identify …

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 …

Conflict Or Collaboration? An Analysis Of Water Governance In The Cubango-Okavango River Basin, Hope E. Sampson

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Challenges related to transboundary water governance are becoming increasingly prevalent as climate change and shifting resource use continue to drive water scarcity around the world. The Cubango-Okavango River Basin (CORB) is a dynamic transboundary watershed that has a complex history of governance and actors. This analysis examines the socio-hydrologic dynamics of the CORB, exploring historical and contemporary water governance throughout the basin, and evaluating the potential for conflict and collaboration among riparian states. Through a comprehensive review of scientific literature, digital resources, and field observations, this study integrates information on governance structures, indicators of stress, and ecological factors to assess …

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 …

Balanced On My Tiptoes: Why Do People Toe-Walk And How Can Professionals Learn From Them?, Kamara Wilbur

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

This journalistic and personal essay is about idiopathic toe-walking (ITW) and makes a case for more thoughtful communication between the scientific world and individual toe-walkers. ITW is the medical term describing when a person lands on the ball of the foot instead of the heel, usually occurring when learning to walk. While there have been many studies on effective ways to treat ITW, they tend to emphasize observational methods and behavioral and structural changes, neglecting to focus on the individual’s personal experiences and understandings of why they toe-walk. In fact, after treatment for tendon structure or foot gait, many toe-walkers …

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 …

Assessments For Aphasia Outside Of English: A Systematic Review, Shea A. Kasenga, Danielle Fahey

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

I am writing a systematic review paper on Assessments for Aphasia Outside of English. This research examines the availability of aphasia assessments in languages other than English, focusing on identifying bilingual assessments and evaluating their norming status. Aphasia is a speech and language disorder resulting from stroke, traumatic brain injury, or other neurological conditions, impacting individuals across diverse linguistic backgrounds. With over 7,000 languages spoken worldwide, many Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) require access to aphasia assessments beyond English to evaluate and treat their clients effectively. This systematic review compiles a comprehensive list of aphasia assessments available in languages other than English, …

Implementing Studio-Style Learning In Geographic Information System And Cartography Education, Ryan M. Fleetwood

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

As the professional world evolves, the higher-education sector needs to improve classroom experiences to prepare students for the modern workforce. Higher education traditionally utilizes the lecture as a primary teaching strategy; however, modern pedagogical research suggests active learning-based classrooms improve student engagement, participation, and learning. Studio-style course design, a research-based instructional practice first implemented in Physics and Calculus courses, aims to provide students a place to apply knowledge and practice skills through a collaborative and hands-on environment. Applications of GIS, an upper-division geographic information systems (GIS) course at the University of Montana, has traditionally employed lectures and step-by-step instructional labs …

Family And Caregiver Reports Of Their Child With Autism’S Interactions With First Responders: A Pilot Study, Taylor C. Sadewic, Addison P. Oneill, Sophia L. Boughey

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication and restricted/repetitive behaviors. Current prevalence rates indicate 1 in 36 people have ASD, accounting for around 30,000 Montanans. With increasing rates of diagnoses, it is inevitable that first responders will encounter individuals with ASD. Due to differences in communication styles and reactions in high stress social situations, interactions can look different than with other members of the community. Research shows that interactions between individuals with autism and first responders are often unsatisfactory from the perspective of their parents and/or caregivers. There is a lack of training …

First Responder Perspectives Of Interactions With Individuals With Autism: A Pilot Study, Sophia L. Boughey, Taylor C. Sadewic, Addison P. O'Neill

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Interactions between individuals who experience autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and first responders present unique challenges due to differences in communication, behavior, and sensory processing (Bowers-Campbell et al., 2020). These situations may be dysfunctional due to a lack of training tailored to understanding and responding to ASD related needs (Chown, 2010). Training should be informed by people who experience ASD and ASD experts can help responders build skills in communication, sensory responsiveness, and preparedness in high-pressure environments. The research team hypothesizes that first responders will report minimal training on how to work with an individual with ASD, which leads to suboptimal …

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 …

Transfer Of Treatment Effects Between Languages In Bilingual Agrammatic Aphasia: A Systematic Review, Ashlynn Everett

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Aphasia, a language disorder caused by damage to language regions in the brain, can have profound effects on a person’s communication. For speakers of multiple languages, bilingual aphasia research has demonstrated that treatment in one language can transfer to a non-treated language (Faroqi-Shah & Chengappa, 1996; Paradis, 1993). This systematic review evaluates research on bilingual aphasia to discuss: which grammatical structures can exhibit cross-linguistic transfer of treatment effects, including a) sentential structuring, b) morphosyntax, and/or c) lexical category access?

The review produced 131 articles fitting the inclusion criteria, but only 12 addressed cross-linguistic transfer. Each study’s quality was scored for …

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 …

Exploring The Impacts Of Secondary/Foreign Language Acquisition In Childhood Development, Malone A. Ingram

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

The central topic of my research project explores the positive impacts that early second language acquisition has on childhood development . I examine its effect through the lens of bilingual education in Missoula County Public Schools, identifying possible shortcomings in the language education programs in elementary schools, as well as feasible solutions. I approach this research from two distinct directions: a literature review and original data collection. I will analyse existing studies and information relating to bilingualism and its positive impact on childhood development. This will provide context and support for my interview questions. Next, for my own independent research, …

Chronic Refractory Cough And Anxiety: Neural Pathways, Mackenzie Erin Majors

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Chronic refractory cough (CRC) is a cough that persists for at least eight weeks following

completion of treatment for sickness. This is often due to increased interoception,

which is the ability to perceive internal sensations in the body, both physical and emotional.

People experiencing CRC are often left feeling anxious and isolated. Several parts of the human

brain serve both anxiety and cough. With similar neural pathways, anxiety could be a precursor

for CRC. My review compares and contrasts the neural pathways of anxiety and cough, as well

as highlights the work of interoception in these disorders and how behavioral …

Estimating Snow Water Equivalent From The Montana Mesonet, Ryan M. Fleetwood

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

As the severity and frequency of drought increases, it has become increasingly important to monitor factors that drive watersheds. In the Rocky Mountain West, snowpack is an important hydrologic input that feeds water supply and agriculture downstream. A greater understanding of snowpack distribution throughout headwater states, such as Montana, allows informed management of irrigation, drought, and flooding. The Montana Mesonet, which is currently comprised of 178 stations across the State of Montana, is one tool that allows the effective monitoring of meteorological and hydrological variables across the State. Current Montana Mesonet stations are only equipped with snow depth sensors. This …

Group-Based Bcst For Patients With Rcc, Emily M. Ehli

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Abstract

Background

Refractory Chronic Cough (RCC) is a highly prevalent condition that affects millions of individuals globally. RCC can be effectively treated with behavioral cough suppression therapy (BCST) provided by specialty trained speech- language pathologists (SLP). Access to BCST is a problem due to limited numbers of BCST providers, long travel distances, transportations costs, etc. Research has shown BCST to be effective via telehealth. Group-based BCST would help treat numerous patients with RCC at once, addressing the problem of access to a BCST provider.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of group BCST for patients …

Rnai Mediated Knockdown Of Genes Related To Human Ovarian Insufficiency And Dysgenesis In Model Organism, C. Elegans, Kathryn Bick

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Ovarian dysgenesis (OD) and premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) are related conditions, where a lack of ovarian growth and germline stem cell division causes the loss of normal ovarian function and early depletion of ovarian follicles, which often presents as infertility and early onset menopause in women. There are numerous genes associated with broad ovarian dysgenesis and POI, including 129 different human genes. While OD and POI is common in females who possess just one X-chromosome, “pure” 46 XX gonadal dysgenesis is a rare condition resulting in OD and POI even though the individual has both X chromosomes. Just one gene, …

Investigating The Impact Of Shame Resilience And Internalized Weight Stigma On Body Image In Men, Julia Kathryn Brink

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Internalized weight stigma occurs when individuals apply negative weight-related stereotypes to themselves, which can lead to adverse outcomes, such as psychological distress, shame, eating disorders, and body image dissatisfaction. Societal pressures emphasizing muscularity and leanness exacerbate the negative psychological effects of weight stigma among male populations. Despite growing research on weight stigma and body image, male populations remain understudied, leaving gaps in understanding their unique experiences. Amongst both female and male identifying populations, existing research displays that resilience acts as a potential protective factor against the negative impacts of shame thus mitigating psychological distress. Shame Resilience Theory (SRT) measures factors …