Digital Commons Network^™

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, …

Application Of The Fast Marching Method To The Reconstruction Of Greenland Ice Sheet Retreat Across The Early Holocene Period, Ryan M. Fleetwood

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

As the Greenland Ice Sheet retreats, it has become an increasingly large contributor to global sea level rise. As such, it has become important to study the geologic past of Greenland to understand the projected acceleration of mass loss, and where the ice sheet is heading in the future. In this research, we utilize the PaleoGrIS database, which contains 12 contours at 500-1000 year intervals, ranging between 14,000 years ago and 6,500 years ago. The contours were constructed by a team at the University of Sheffield using geochronological methods, mainly terrestrial cosmogenic nuclide surface exposure and radiocarbon dating. These methods …

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, …

Investigation Of Ric8-Gαi Nucleotide Exchange Activity, Fiona Morrow

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Abstract: Ric8 is a chaperone protein for the Gα subunit of the G protein coupled receptor (GPCR), the most common and diverse membrane receptor group in eukaryotic cells. The GPCR initiates cellular response upon recognition of an extracellular ligand, by transducing the signal across the cellular membrane and activating the Gα subunit of the G protein heterotrimer on the interior of the membrane. When in the inactive state, GDP is bound to Gα in the heterotrimer. Upon ligand binding, the GPCR facilitates exchange of GDP for GTP, resulting in dissociation of Gα:GTP from the complex and continuation of the signaling …

Poor Little Woman And Sybil Of The Rhine: Code Switching In Hildegard Of Bingen’S Writing, Bridgett Meskis

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Hildegard of Bingen (1098- 1179) was a twelfth century German Benedictine abbess, mystic, author, composer, and theologian. Despite the heavily patriarchal and restrictive culture of her day, Hildegard managed to gain autonomy and authority within her community. She benefited from a boom in popularity in the mid-1990s, which saw a broadening of research subjects, including focus on the gender dynamics at play in Hildegard’s life. This scholarship has died down significantly since. Given the breadth and depth of her work, Hildegard of Bingen’s work deserves to be revisited through more recent theoretical lenses that can provide significant insights into her …

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 …

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 …

Restart (Re-Entry Support, Training, And Reintegration For Today ), Ronaldo S. Broadbent, Maggie E. Gibbons, Aspen M. Nord, Bree Knutson, Brandon Smith, Alyssa Mendez, Marissa Harper, Gabbi Claxton

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Our project is about reducing friction for the re-entry of previously incarcerated, emerging adults. To contribute to the solution of the issues facing emerging adults returning from incarceration in the Missoula community, we will implement three workshop events to foster a sense of community and belongingness in the returning citizens population. The goal of these workshops is to aid in a smoother transition back into society, integrating components of social, personal, and community-based skill sets. We have found through surveying individuals who are currently or previously incarcerated in our targeted age range of 17-25 that a majority of those surveyed …

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 …

From Soil To Society: Enhancing Local Food Systems Through Global And Cultural Insights, Lisa Venckus, Wyatt Balius, Madelyn Bouchard, Bryce Hayes, Annie Mclaverty, Rhiannon Morgan, Destiny Santiago, Marley Miller

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

This research aims to investigate the extent to which cultural perceptions, ideas, and attitudes influence how individuals interact with their community’s food system and how this relates to sustainable agricultural practices. The overall project stems from the necessity of finding more sustainable solutions to food production in an era defined by large industrial monocultures. The research consists of a series of interviews with experts and stakeholders on sustainable food systems, as well as case studies from Samoa, North America, and Ecuador. Significant themes and patterns will be derived from an analysis of the case studies and interviews. Our research will …

A Geospatial Analysis Of Simple Assaults In Missoula: Temporal And Land Use Category Trends, Madison A. Headrick

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

This study observes and analyzes the specific geographic locations where simple assault was seen to occur most frequently inside Missoula city limits from 2015 to 2023. Secondary data was sourced and collected from the Missoula City Police Department using their local records system, LERMS (Law Enforcement Records Management System). The data was broken down into eight land use categories that exhibited a high frequency of assault: homeless/mission shelters, schools, retail establishments, alcohol serving venues, medical centers, government/public buildings, residential, and hospitality. Results found distinct temporal patterns between land use categories with specific hour blocks seen to have more assaults occurring …

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 …

Junior Researcher Training In Lesion Symptom Mapping, Jadan L. Garner

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

The concept of localization originated with Paul Broca, who proposed that specific regions of the brain are responsible for particular functions. Lesion-symptom mapping (LSM) advances this idea by depicting brain lesions in a three-dimensional format, enabling researchers to correlate these locations with individuals’ symptoms. Lesions can arise from various causes, including stroke, trauma, or neurodegenerative diseases. This research study aims to train participants to outline these lesions on MRI scans. Participants need a general knowledge of neuroanatomy; however, it does not require extensive education on this topic. The lesions will be outlined using a voxel-based drawing mechanism in a program …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Sleep Characterization In Betta Splendens: An Observational Study, Lorelei S. Krebs

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Pharmaceuticals are becoming a large pollutant due to inefficient filtration methods from wastewater treatment plants. Some of the most common pharmaceutical pollutants are antidepressants, specifically selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs are a type of psychoactive drug that alters an organism’s cognition by blocking the reuptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin. The blocking floods the synapse and increases postsynaptic binding potential. Currently, the most common SSRI, fluoxetine (FLX), has been seen in every water matrix type, ranging from fresh water to glaciers, indicating an ever present pollutant problem. However, what is unknown are the literal downstream effects: how does this affect …

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, …

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 …