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Africanizing Manifestos: The Political Economics Of Sincerity In The Democratic Republic Of Congo And Tanzania, Amélie Fournier

Research Symposium

In May 1967, Joseph Mobutu, the dictator of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and his political party the Movement Populaire de la Révolution (MPR), published the Manifesto of N’sele, the backbone of his Authentécité ideology. That same year, Tanzania’s president, Julius Nyerere released his Arusha Declaration, officially establishing African Socialism in the country through Ujamaa. Both texts outline a plan to Africanize their respective countries as the primary strategy to develop beyond the legacies of colonialism. Despite the similarities– both emphasize the creation of a unified national identity, and the goal of economic stability through increased government involvement– the …

Bulls And Barrels: Gendered Identities In Contemporary American Rodeo, Ruby Feuerstein

Research Symposium

Rodeo sports are often thought of as a relic of American culture that has endured the passage of time. Despite rodeo’s reputation as one of the most authentic forms of American sport, little is known about contemporary rodeo culture from a sociological perspective. And although gender in sport has received extensive scholarly attention in recent years, even less is known about the gendered experiences of modern rodeo athletes. This paper investigates the meaning of gendered identities in rodeo culture, focusing specifically on the sport’s most popular men’s and women’s events: bull riding and barrel racing, respectively. In-depth interviews with nine …

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 …

Wolbachia Incidence And Prevalence In Montane Lepidoptera, Anna Imes

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

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

What Is The Association Between Fbf-1 Mutant Function And P-Granule Localization In C. Elegans Germlines?, Camille K. Spencer, Gabriella Weiss

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Stem cells are essential to tissue maintenance through differentiation and proliferation to generate new cells, FBF homologs are key regulatory proteins that control their meiotic entry.

In the Voronina Lab, we use the germ-lines of Caenorhabditis elegans to study how germ-cell RNA regulators like FBF-1 impact the substructure of P-granules, specialized germ-granules within the germline cytoplasm that preserve germline identity. The localization of these granules is generally conserved among species, but the importance of the specific substructure is unknown.

Recent developments suggest that FBF-1 facilitates epigenetic small-RNA inheritance associated with p-granules, and functional differences can be observed in mutated strains …

Herbicide Effects On Soil Seed Banks, Blake Roeslein, Abby Mcmurty, Bryan Endress

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Title: Herbicide effects on soil seed banks

Co-authors: Blake Roeslein, Abby McMurtry, Bryan Endress, Akasha Faist

Invasive annual grasses are a major driver of grassland degradation globally. In perennial grasslands, invasion can heavily impact biodiversity including potential changes to the soil seed banks. Seed banks, the living seeds stored in the upper soil column, play an important role in healthy systems. To reduce negative invasion outcomes, whether in the seed bank or aboveground vegetation, pre-emergent herbicides are a commonly used tool for land managers. Pre-emergent herbicides work by targeting seeds as they emerge from the soil. Our study asks what …

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 …

Standardizing Vocalization Types Of Black-Billed Cuckoos, Emily M. Feiling

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

Vocalization patterns in black-billed cuckoos (Coccyzus erythropthalmus) remain understudied. This project aims to standardize their vocalization types by identifying and categorizing distinct call types, along with key spectral features such as frequency, duration, and entropy, to create a consistent vocal repertoire for the species. A bird’s vocal repertoire refers to the full collection of sounds it produces, including both songs and calls.

I analyzed existing audio recordings from Xeno-Canto, focusing on the two primary call types of the black-billed cuckoo: the “cadence coo” and the “rattle.” The goal was to establish a standardized framework for describing these vocalizations …

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 …

Restoring Rattlesnake Creek: Using Citizen Science To Assess The Ecological And Morphological Impacts Of Small Dam Removal, Bethany Blakey

University of Montana Conference on Undergraduate Research (UMCUR)

As dam removals increase in frequency across the U.S., most research has focused on the impact of larger dam removals, despite the removal of small dams being much more common. Given the hundreds of small dams in Montana, this research uses citizen science data collected over seven years spanning before and after a 2020 small dam removal in Rattlesnake Creek, Montana, to investigate impact on stream ecology and morphology. We analyzed pebble count grain size distributions and aquatic macroinvertebrate biotic indices from 2017 to 2023 to assess changes in sediment transport and macroinvertebrate population as well as evaluating the efficacy …