Digital Commons Network^™

America At A Glance: Occupational Injuries Among Rural Workers, Andrew Myers, Arin Leopold, Catherine Ipsen, Bryce Ward, University Of Montana Rural Institute

Employment

RTC:Rural researchers led by Andrew Myers review data from the 2019 American Community Survey to explore differences in occupations and workplace injuries across rural and urban areas.

May 2022 News Releases, University Of Montana--Missoula. Office Of University Relations

University of Montana News Releases, 1928, 1956-present

No abstract provided.

2021 Nonresident Visitation, Expenditures, & Economic Impact Estimates, Kara Grau

Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research Publications

This report is a collection of estimates of 2021 nonresident visitation to Montana, expenditures by nonresident travelers in the state, and economic impacts of that travelerspending.

Montana Kaimin, April 28, 2022, Students Of The University Of Montana, Missoula

Montana Kaimin, 1898-present

Student newspaper of the University of Montana, Missoula.

Gli Weekly, April 26, 2022, Franke Global Leadership Initiative

GLI Weekly

Meet Rory McLaverty -- Congratulations Beatrix Frissell -- Congratulations Mariah Thomas -- ASUM Elections -- Job Opportunities with Montana Campus Compact Americorps Program -- Matthew Hansen Endowment for Wilderness Studies

Student-Athlete Well-Being At The University Of Montana, Olivia Oosterbaan

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Student-Athlete Well-Being at the University of Montana

Psychology

At the University of Montana, there are very few resources and outlets for student-athletes to talk about the challenges that come with high-pressure situations in competition and during everyday life. There is also a large stigma in athletics about addressing the many issues and struggles that student-athletes face. My goal is to give the athletic program at the University of Montana a different perspective on the student-athlete lifestyle. This research project will focus on creating a social media profile and website for student-athletes at the University of Montana concentrating resources to support …

Microseismic Mapping Of Aftershock Sequences Following The Lincoln, Montana M 5.8 2017 Earthquake, Reyer M. Fenoff

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

The Rocky Mountains of western Montana have long been experiencing tectonic compression and extension that has shaped much of western North America. This activity consistently produces seismic events, like the 6 July 2017 M 5.8 earthquake just south of Lincoln, MT, that help constrain structure beneath the surface of the Earth. Seismic mapping is vital to understanding structure and tectonic activity in western Montana as well as in analogous locations across the world. Recently deployed seismometers from the University of Montana alongside the existing seismic network from the Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology have been collecting continuous data from …

A Comparison Of Wildfire Adaptive Traits In Juvenile Conifers Of The Northern Rockies, Andie Sonnen

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Wildfire is an importance disturbance that continues to shape the ecosystems of the Northern Rockies and Interior Northwest through varying patterns of frequency and severity. Due to historical fire suppression and the hotter and drier conditions brought upon by anthropogenic climate change, wildfire frequency and severity is increasing. These increases will alter vegetation structure and composition, but the degree to which is unknown.

Understanding how individual plant traits that reduce fire-related mortality differ between species and change with tree age can offer insight into how these vegetation communities will shift. Two traits associated with increased wildfire survival are thicker bark …

Who Or What Holds The Power In Any Given Situation?, Hannah Nicole Dusek

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

In the past few years, the dynamics of power in our society have become prevalent in daily life to an extent that seems unprecedented. What is it exactly, though, that determines who or what holds the power in any given situation? The inspiration for my dance piece, “And Then, The Influence Shifted”, was driven by this very question, whose resulting answer is manifested in the work as seven different “powers” that shift and influence each of the six dancers. As each different power is physicalized by the dancers, the overall movement is meant to come together so as to examine …

How Is Seasonal Tree Growth Related To Soil-Atmosphere Variation In Water Potential At The Hillslope Scale?, Fin A. Malone

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

As climate change increases drought severity in forested ecosystems, knowledge of hillslope-to-catchment scale ecohydrological processes is necessary to inform adequate conservation, restoration, and management. Drought impacts atmospheric demand and soil water availability, which are considered important drivers of plant growth and water stress. This soil-plant-atmosphere continuum (SPAC) characterizes the movement of water from the soil, through plants, and into the atmosphere. In mountain landscapes, gradients in elevation, aspect, and local topography may contribute to significant differences in SPAC and therefore vegetation response. Recent modeling of this system’s dynamics has become an important focus of ecohydrological studies. However, these studies are …

Racial Stacking Of Black High School Quarterbacks As Dual-Threats, Zachary D. Mangels

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Since the turn of the millennium, Black quarterbacks have made a significant impression on the landscape of American football. While in previous decades Black quarterbacks were outright prevented from playing that position in the NFL and on certain college teams, in recent years this outright discrimination has seemingly ended. I sought to examine whether Black quarterbacks have achieved true equality with their White counterparts by analyzing the categorization of high school quarterback recruits as dual-threat or pro-style. Given the stereotypes that exist regarding Black athletic advantages, I hypothesized that Black quarterbacks would be more likely to be categorized as dual-threats, …

Every Artist Is An Advocate, Noah Riley Bulman Durnell

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Growing instability in higher education funding (Thomas, 2021) has directly impacted the University of Montana music program but has also indirectly changed the role of music students to such an extent that I now often say, “every artist is an advocate.” In 2018, the University of Montana School of Music experienced significant threats from budget cuts, and in the years following, attempts to earn legislative funding for capital development failed. Faced with these budget cuts and other lack of funding, music students had to advocate for themselves and employ community and institutional support to maintain the strength of their program. …

Do Wildfire-Mitigation Practices Affect The Conservation Of Sensitive Owls?, Josef D. Pifer

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Fire-mitigation practices are commonly used in fire-adapted forests of the western US to reduce fire hazard and restore historical fire regimes. However, these treatments are being implemented without synthetic knowledge on the extent to which they may adversely affect species of conservation concern due to the possible alteration of critical habitat features they rely on. Although some studies have been done, to date there has not been a synthesis of information or recommendations for a strategic agenda of future research. To accomplish this, I conducted a bibliometric review of articles identified in Web of Science that assessed the effect of …

Non-Structural Carbohydrate Depletion May Increase Vulnerability To Embolism In Drought-Stressed Ponderosa Pine Saplings, Jacob D. Kleimann

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Drought-induced mortality is an increasingly important driver of forest loss across the western U.S. as the severity of drought intensifies under global climate change. Under drought, the water column in the xylem, the tree’s water transport system, encounters increasing tension, potentially leading to embolism and interruption of water transport. Repeated embolism can ultimately lead to hydraulic failure and eventual drought-induced mortality. Studies in poplar have shown that depletion of stored non-structural carbohydrates (NSC), which is common under drought, increases their vulnerability to xylem embolism. However, few studies have mechanistically characterized this relationship in conifer species or in naturally occurring field …

Low Amphibian Larvae Recruitment At Restoration Site In Western Montana: Is Fish Predation Responsible?, Mackenzie E. Weiland

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Amphibian populations around the world are declining at an alarming rate and the decline of western Montana amphibians reflects this trend. As part of the restoration monitoring efforts at Milltown State Park, MT, native amphibian occupancy should be measured. I chose Milltown State Park because it is the largest Superfund site in the U.S. and millions of dollars have been spent on restoration efforts since 2008. However, little is known about amphibian occupancy at the site. Currently, egg masses of the native Columbia spotted frog are found in permanent wetland sites at Milltown State Park, yet larvae detection at these …

Cough Desensitization Treatment: Combination Of Desensitization And Cough Suppression, Sophia E. Tolbert, Paige Morkid, Jane Reyonlds

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Chronic cough (CC) is a cough that persists longer than 8 weeks. CC impacts 11% of Americans and 20% of those do not respond to standard medical treatment and are diagnosed with refractory chronic cough (RCC). Research shows that most of these patients suffer from RCC due to hypersensitivity of airway sensory nerves. The purpose of the current study is to gradually desensitize the nerves that regulate the cough reflex in patients with RCC through cough desensitization treatment (CDT). CDT combines repeated exposure to aerosolized capsaicin, a known cough stimulant found within chili peppers, in increasing doses while actively suppressing …

Monitoring And Managing Carbonate Chemistry In A Marine Model Ecosystem., Devyn "Gabrilla" Cameron

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Note: This project was done during an internship with the Montana Space Grant Consortium, hosted by Flathead Valley Community College. The project is ongoing.

The purpose of this work was to better characterize the carbon and carbonate cycles of marine systems. Due to increasing levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, the world’s oceans are both warming and acidifying. This rapid change in marine systems demands researches to investigate how these changes will affect the ocean and the variety of life within them. Saltwater tanks are frequently used as model ecosystems, but are notoriously and fundamentally difficult to control parameters, …

High-Mountain Hazards In The Indian Himalaya: An Assessment Of The Causes And Effects Of The Chamoli Flood In 2021, Christina Maria Salzmann

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

On 7 February 2021, a cascade of events severely impacted the mountainous river valleys in India’s northwestern District of Chamoli. A bedrock failure beneath a hanging glacier on Ronti Peak released an ice rock avalanche, which in turn resulted in a flood. Widespread devastation, complete destruction of two hydropower projects and more than 200 fatalities were the outcome. The purpose of this study was to assess some of the causes and effects of the flood. I used Planet© satellite imagery to assess potential causes and visualize the extent of the disaster. Using two high-resolution Digital Elevation Models (DEMs), I created …

Gestating At Altitude: How Do Maternal Physiology And Evolutionary Adaptation Influence Fetal Growth?, Kirksey Cunningham, Kate Wilsterman, Zac A. Cheviron

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Lowland mammals, including humans, experience an increased risk for fetal growth restriction (FGR) at high altitudes. FGR is associated with a range of adverse lifetime risks, including lower infant survival. Maternal physiology, such as cardiopulmonary function and nutrient provisioning, has been hypothesized to play an important role in driving altitude-dependent FGR, but strong associations between specific aspects of maternal physiology and FGR at altitude have been difficult to establish. One approach has been to study populations adapted to altitude; highland populations of humans, sheep, and deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) mitigate altitude-induced reductions in fetal growth and may thus offer insight …

Ion Channel Screen Reveals A Role For Serca In Brain Tumor Growth, Hannah Madison Christman

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Ion channels are essential for neural function, playing a variety of necessary cellular roles including excitability, maintaining ion gradients, and volume control. Recently it has emerged that neural precursors, also known as neural stem cell progenitors, may be affected by channelopathies indicating a critical role of ion channels in neural development. Additionally, various cancers are known to increase expression of ion channels to further progression. Using the model system Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly) I tested the effect of reduced ion channel expression of several select channel types by utilizing RNAi knockdown technology in a brain tumor model. By reducing ion …

Surface Effects Of Herbicides On Wild Grasslands Near Missoula, Wendell Elliott

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

As noxious weeds and our efforts to control them become more consequential, it’s important we expand our understanding of how herbicides affect the ecosystem. It’s well understood that vegetation is a control of landforms just as landforms are a control of vegetation (Osterkamp, Hupp, and Stoffel 2012, 23-36). Herbicides have a significant effect on plant life -- it follows that herbicides would have some effect on the landscape. The objective of this study is to learn about how herbicides affect plant cover and surface features. The study site –The National Wildlife Federation Winter Elk Range near Missoula- is a grassy …

High Condition Male Rhinoceros Beetles Transfer More Nutrients To Females During Mating, Contributing To Female Preference For Body Condition Rather Than Body Or Weapon Size, Morgan H. Radtke

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Males in many insect species transfer nutrients along with sperm in an enclosed package known as a spermatophore. Females utilize these spermatophores to increase their fecundity. However, not all males offer the same size spermatophore. This can drive female preference toward males who are able to provide the largest spermatophores. The largest males typically produce the largest spermatophore sizes, but this is not always the case. Adult insects with rigid exoskeletons may suffer drastic reductions in body condition that are not visible on the outside. In these taxa, females may select males in excellent physiological condition rather than simply choosing …

An Exploration In Museum Diversity And Inclusivity, Jaimie L. Davis

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Establishing equity in museum staffing will widen the range of potential visitors. By contrasting the way museums were in the past with the present, this exploration will outline diversity and inclusivity issues in the museum world. I will take the information I have gained from lectures and my own research and present an argument for museum inclusivity and diversity. Encouraging the general public and internal museum workers to consider diversity and inclusivity in museum studies is conducive to the overall success of the institution. In this independent study, I will explore diversity and inclusivity in the museum world. I will …

The Impacts Of Saprotrophic Fungi On Crop Production, Candace "Andi" Wiedemann

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

The effects of saprophytic fungi on soil health have been observed extensively. As decomposers, these types of fungi are known to build soil by breaking down organic material through extracellular enzymatic activity, leading to an increase of available nutrients for local plants, including nitrogen, phosphorous, metals, and atmospheric carbon. Additional evidence suggests fungal activity can promote plant health by displaying antibacterial, antinematodal, and pesticidal properties in soils. With this research, I explore the relationship between fungi and crops in agricultural systems to better understand soil food web dynamics and soil health. I interviewed various farmers, mycologists, and soil biologists about …

Social Motivation In Juvenile & Adolescent Degus: Effects Of Separation & Isolation On Behaviors, Kendra Kuehn, Heather Warner, Amber Thatcher

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Removed by request

The Future Of Food Production At Um: Learning From The Past & Envisioning The Future Of Campus Gardens, Elizabeth Todd

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

The Future of Food Production at UM: Learning from the Past & Envisioning the Future of Campus Gardens

From 2010 to 2022, the Lommasson garden was a 3,600 square feet plot of land on the University of Montana’s campus in Missoula, Montana. The space produced mixed vegetables, herbs, native plants, a beehive, and seasonal duck occupants. It was used for educational purposes, internships, and employment, including 2-6 garden interns each year. In spring 2022, the garden was demolished to make room for a new campus dining hall and the start of a new student life center. Having a space centrally …

Per- And Polyfluoroalkyl Contamination From Ski Wax In Western Montana Snowpack, Justin Reid Hotaling

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are defined by the EPA as fluorinated synthetic chemicals that are commonly used in industry and household items. PFAS have been shown to cause a variety of health issues, ranging from decreased birth weights to an increased risk of cancer. PFAS have a persistent impact on the environment due to their decay rate of a few thousand years. PFAS are ideal substances for enhancing ski wax due to their hydrophobic properties and inherent ability to impregnate ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). PFAS-containing ski waxes are now banned from ski racing by the Federation of International …

Facilitating Learning Through Events, Jack W. Person

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Entertainment management is a field in which practical experiences and real-life situations are often the best teachers. As one of the inaugural Learning Assistants (LA) within the Entertainment Management (UMEM) certificate program, my responsibility was to enhance the students' understanding of the course materials in both BMGT 401 & 402, Event Management and Principles of Entertainment Management I, respectively. By working with small groups of students one at a time, asking open-ended questions to prompt critical thinking, and offering insight into how their events could run more efficiently, I believe that mission was accomplished. In BMGT 401, students were asked …

Sustainability Education At The University Of Montana, Zoe M. Transtrum

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Sustainability education has become increasingly important to prepare the next generation of professionals to address immense challenges such as climate change. Institutions of higher education play a critical role in developing student understanding and views of sustainability through their curricula, specifically in the three pillars of sustainability: ecology, economy, and society. This research paper explores sustainability education at the University of Montana to answer the following questions: (1) To what extent do sustainability-focused and sustainability-inclusive courses at UM include themes or concepts from all three pillars of sustainability; (2) Do courses at the University of Montana impact student understanding, beliefs, …

Cultivating An Active Learning Environment In A Traditional And Community Based Course, Sebastian James Driver Mr.

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Learning Assistants (LAs) are undergraduate students who complete a course and return to assist instructors in creating an active learning environment. From multiple studies, pedological and active learning techniques improve student retention, exam scores, and student participation. During the fall semester of 2021, I was an LA for two introductory courses, Pre-Calculus (M151) and Introduction to Honors (HONR120). In M151, I tested new active learning activities like practice problems, whiteboard activities, and Desmos activities. M151 prepares students for calculus and advanced science courses by building on previous algebraic and geometric theorems to manipulate these processes. M151 is “traditional” because in …