Digital Commons Network^™

Exploring An Endemic Species: Flower And Leaf Trait Variation In A Missoula Wildflower, Maxwell Lee Hirrill, Julie Cox

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Studies investigating intraspecific variation in morphological traits within endemic species often determine the geographic range that a species can occupy. We quantified intraspecific variationin floral morphology and leaf traits in anendemic wildflower, Phlox missoulensis, which is only found in the North Hills of the Missoula Valley in Western Montana. We collected floral, leaf, and pistil samples from over 100 Phlox missoulensis individuals across two populations in the Missoula North Hills. We used ImageJ software to measure 7 morphological traits: floral color, floral diameter, petal length and width, corolla tube length, pistil length, leaf length, and specific leaf area. We selected …

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

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

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

Perceived Loneliness Among Older Adults, Max D. Olson

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

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

Detrital Quartz Provenance Of The Turner Sandstone, Amelia M. Fullwood

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Geology can provide solutions to energy security and climate change issues by promoting informed practices within the fossil fuel industry, supporting efficient extraction strategies that minimize overall environmental impact. Efficient drilling techniques begin with a thorough understanding of the reservoir, which can be characterized through various methods, including provenance analysis to identify the sediment origins and depositional environments. Interpreting sediment provenance is crucial for refining paleogeography and revealing Earth’s past environments, climates, and tectonics.

My research focuses on reconstructing the provenance and paleogeography of the Late Cretaceous Turner Sandstone, a significant hydrocarbon reservoir in the Powder River Basin (PRB), WY. …

Auras Of The Big Sky, Logan O. Colberg

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

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

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

Field Notes From The Crumbling Ivory Tower, Emily Van Hoose

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Gone is the era of academic neutrality as American culture continues to grow and ride the turbulent waters of its political societal pillars. The saying “leave your baggage at the door” is not only incredibly outdated, but for anthropology students at UM it is impossible. The worries and curiosities of our students do not inexplicably stop when they open the doors to the social science building. Their concerns follow them not only into the classroom, but into their career prospects as well. Anthropology classes do not have the luxury of neutrality that other disciplines like mathematics, chemistry, and physics are …

Blackfeet: Campus Voices, Future Echoes, John C. Billedeaux Mr.

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

As a Blackfeet senior student in the University of Montana/Missoula, I am research assistant to Mizuki Miyashita who is a linguistic professor who prioritizes the importance of the Blackfeet language revitalization at the university. Our work is surrounded on vowel changes and dialects because most of the language we use in our work is Blackfoot, which is the sister tribe in Canada, to show our work to people like myself that want to learn if not more about the Blackfeet language. My main interest in the abstract is to focus on what other native or non-native students would like to …

Geographic Context And Spatial Analysis Of Montana's Missing And Murdered Indigenous Persons, Madalyn Rose Gabel

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

This project focuses on the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) in the state of Montana, specifically in the geographic and spatial context.

In the United States, Indigenous people have long faced discrimination that exposes them to higher rates of violence and a greater likelihood of going missing (Department of Justice, 2016). This study builds upon scholarship within geography and allied social sciences to better understand the geography of missing and murdered Indigenous People in Montana. This study in particular draws on the theoretical underpinnings of ‘cultural cycles’ by linking this concept with

relationships to physical environment, culture, …

Missoula Atmospheric Chemistry Mobile Lab Overview And Preliminary Controlled Wildfire Data, Joseph Knudsen

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

The Missoula Atmospheric Chemistry Mobile Lab (MAC Lab) is a modular array of chemical and particulate matter (PM) quantification instruments networked to a central data logger and two computers. It is designed for prolonged field deployment in the challenging environmental and terrain conditions of wildfire research as part of the NSF EPSCoR SMART FIRES project. Our contribution to the many thrusts of this collaborative work is to elucidate the efficacy of prescribed burns in reducing wildfire emissions, quantify constituents of fire emissions, and provide scientific evidence to carry out prescribed burns efficiently and effectively to reduce smoke emissions. Much of …

"Music & Movement" Early Childhood Education For Latine Students In San Francisco, Lila Sanchez

Research Symposium

To synthesize the benefits of "music & movement" education in a specific Latine-American context, I investigate three ways in which Orff-Schulwerk pedagogy, if implemented in the classroom, would benefit Latine children in San Francisco. I propose that the use of this pedagogy in the classroom will increase emotional regulation, confidence, and social competence for Latine students.

First, I discuss the importance of "music & movement" education for early childhood development in general. I argue that this type of education presents a foundation for teachers and educational institutions to create a holistic academic experience that addresses both individual and societal problems …

Tax Trends, Nicholas J. Fiore

Tax Adviser

No abstract provided.

Thumbtax, Sandra K. Lewis

Tax Adviser

No abstract provided.

Washington Report, Kenneth F. Thomas, Carol B. Ferguson

Tax Adviser

No abstract provided.

Dra Expands The Innocent Spouse Provisions, John Zimmerman

Tax Adviser

No abstract provided.

Tax Treatment Of Videocassettes: An Unresolved Dilemma In A Booming Business, David M. Maloney, David B. Barr

Tax Adviser

No abstract provided.

Tax Clinic, Stuart R. Josephs

Tax Adviser

No abstract provided.

Minimizing The Self-Employment Tax, Alan D. Campbell

Tax Adviser

No abstract provided.

Simplified Employee Pensions: An Alternative To Qualified Plans, Labh S. Hira

Tax Adviser

No abstract provided.

Exploring The Reproductive Phenology Of Feral Horses In North America, Mattie Budine

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Feral horses (Equus ferus caballus) are a prolific species in western North America. Due to their history of domestication, it is believed they have an extended foaling period compared to native ungulates, such as elk (Cervus canadensis) and mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), yet there are few (or no) studies examining this assumption. I am examining this assumption by comparing the observed foaling seasons of different regional herds throughout North America to identify if foaling seasons are uniform across latitudes. My dataset consists of various research studies and unpublished observations of different feral horse herds throughout North America. The result is …

Examining The Influence Of Federal Victims Services Funding On Crime In Montana, Maya M. Anderson

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Gendered violent crime has been highlighted as a critical issue at county, tribal, and federal levels, prompting targeted responses through grant-funded victim services. In this project, I explore the research question: How does federal victims services funding impact violent crime rates in Montana counties? I hypothesize that counties that receive more federal funding will see a decrease in future violent crime rates. To conduct this research, I gathered data from a variety of state and federal sources to create a dataset with measures of victim services funding, violent crime rates, and demographic characteristics for each county in Montana. This includes …

Rewilding Rattlesnake Creek, Cameron M. Kirwan, Ethaniel Marshall

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Rattlesnake Creek north of Missoula lacks significant in-stream structure in the form of large wood downstream of the National Recreation Area. The natural introduction of large wood from the “derecho” wind event in July of 2024 has the potential to provide much needed aquatic habitat and stream complexity.

The focus of this project is monitoring the process of “rewilding” on Rattlesnake Creek through surveys of large wood and pool habitat. The Rattlesnake has historically been subject to various forms of degradation. It was dammed in 1904, with the dam being removed 116 years later in 2020 as part of stream …

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 …

Cervid Breakage Patterns In Western Montana, Tanner D. Liermann

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

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

The Sedge, Taylor A. Ferguson

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

The artist's work draws inspiration from the biology and behavior of Sandhill Cranes, focusing on themes of crane-like movement through ballet vocabulary, large migrations, and a deep reverence for these ancient birds. Recognized as the one of the oldest living bird species, Sandhill Cranes evoke a sense of timelessness, which inspired the creation of this piece. Combining ballet and modern dance, the choreography evolves through sections symbolizing the birds' life cycle and behaviors. Heavily influenced by the cast’s artistic input, the piece integrates wildlife behavior into dance, reflecting the artist's ongoing exploration of connections between choreography and wildlife biology.

Meltwater Percolation's Impact On Firn Densification, Hayden S. Brimberry

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

The impact of meltwater on the compaction of snow and firn is becoming increasingly important as surface melt increases across the Greenland Ice Sheet. However, our understanding of the effect meltwater infiltration has on firn densification is limited, complicating ice sheet mass estimates and sea level rise predictions. We hypothesize that meltwater infiltration alters firn densification regimes to the point where models developed for the dry snow zone are ineffective. This study evaluates the Herron and Langway (H&L) firn densification model by comparing model outputs to in situ measurements from multiple sites on the Greenland Ice Sheet, with a focus …

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 …

Microbial Opsins: The Potential For Neurodegenerative Therapies, Maia Estrella Huebner

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Optogenetics is a new field utilizing light to manipulate cells. The produced symptoms mimic those of classic hibernation performed by many mammalian species, supporting the term “artificial hibernation”. Hibernation experienced by animals allows the organisms to maintain cell latency. These tools can be developed by applying novel techniques to laboratory mammals. Introducing stem-cell derived model organs to these kinds of studies may provide more insight on how optogenetics could advance medical therapies for neurodegenerative disorders.

This literature review analyzes the research completed in the biochemical origin of microbial opsins and their function. The channelrhodopsins (ChRs) from the microorganism Chlamydomonas reinhardtii …

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, …