Confluence: Recent Episodes
University of Montana Graduate School
We celebrate our excellent faculty and our talented graduate students whose hard work, talent, and intellectual firepower drive the research and teaching mission of The University of Montana.
Our 96th episode is our last--at least, for a while. Host Ashby Kinch bids listeners farewell and reminds you of the vital nature of the strange but essential quest to understand the world that is higher education. He invites you to revisit our archive of dozens of compelling conversations--they'll still be here. Thank you for listening to Confluence, where great ideas flow together, and the river is always with us.
In the second installment of "How Climate Changes Me," Madalynn Madigar, graduate of the master's program in Ecocriticism, shares about her work. She presented at UM's 2023 Eco-Melancholia conference about petromodernity and apocalyptic narratives. This episode intersperses highlights from her talk with a conversation between Madalynn and Confluence producer, Amelia Liberatore.
This episode is the start of a mini-series "How Climate Changes Me," partly inspired by a University of Montana "Eco-Melancholia" conference held earlier this year. Our guest, Richard Forbes, is a graduate of the Environmental Science and Natural Resource Journalism master's program at UM. He dives into the relationship between his school work, his life's work, and how he deals with the challenges that bridge the two.Photo Credit: richardhforbes.com
On this episode, we revisit GradCon 2023 and an enlightening panel on grad student resilience. Six students reflect on their graduate journeys and specifically chime in on navigating challenges in their programs, their networks of support, structural barriers they've encountered, and approaches to self-care.
Dr. Annie Belcourt, professor in the Public and Community Health Science department and chair of Native American Studies, returns to Confluence to round out our coverage of the M-HOPES grant: Mental Health Opportunities for Professional Empowerment in STEM. Annie hits home the importance of trauma-informed approaches, reframing thoughts, and cultural context. And she brings with her a great sense of humor.
Psychology professor Bryan Cochran returns to Confluence to pick up our series on the faculty educational program, M-HOPES: Mental Health Opportunities for Professional Empowerment in STEM. Listen back to episode 90 to get the lay of the land. And then tune in here for specifics about what kinds of mental health struggles grad students are experiencing and who is most likely to be impacted, as well as tips for faculty on how to validate and guide those students.
Licensed clinical psychologist Holly Schleicher kicks off Confluence's newest series on graduate student mental health, but with a twist! Holly, along with Annie Belcourt and Bryan Cochran, offered a three-part educational series for UM faculty through a grant called the Mental Health Opportunities for Professional Empowerment in STEM, or M-HOPES. In this episode, hear real clips from the trainings, including a mock conversation between a professor and student, as well as a sit-down interview with Holly about what this training involves and her biggest take-aways. Learn more about the training here, then register for the asynchronous model and complete it on your own time.
Episode 89 rounds out Confluence’s series on the Willow Alliance, in conversation with Dr. Ruth Plenty Sweetgrass-She Kills, who leads the project. She talks about her time as a student in academia and how that guides the work she does now, exploring how Indigenous scholarship and knowledge can best interact with Western educational institutions.
In episode 88, Clinical Psychology Ph.D. candidate Phoebe Bean continues Confluence's spotlight on mental and behavioral health programs. Hear about Phoebe's uniquely interdisciplinary approach to her work, how she incorporated climate change, and her vision of resilient communities.
Episode 87 launches Confluence into a short series focusing on the mental and behavioral health programs at UM that serve key stakeholders in the community, the state and the region. School Psychology Ph.D. candidate Jenny Rotzal kicks things off, highlighting the importance of mental health support in schools in rural settings and her research on how COVID-19 has impacted both that need and related offerings.
Bryan Cochran has been pushing the boundaries of the clinical psychology field to be more inclusive of LGBTIQ+ studies and treatment for over two decades. In this episode, he talks about growth in that field, the vital importance of mentorship there, and his work at UM as a professor and director of clinical training.
In episode 85, Confluence's series on Willow Alliance faculty members flows on with Dean Nicolai, department head of Native American studies at Salish Kootenai College. He talks about tribal historic preservation and what the practice offers western archaeologists. He also recalls the people and experiences that inspired his own academic journey, and how he can create similar opportunities for current students.
Episode 84 marks the beginning of a short series on Confluence, featuring faculty fellows on a grant with the Willow Alliance. The project focuses on Native American STEM faculty and the ways Indigenous Research Methodologies are being and should continue to be implemented into higher education. Dr. Diana Doan-Crider reflects on the forces at play on her own journey through academia, and discusses some problems and solutions in melding together western and Indigenous approaches to knowledge and education.
Julia Galloway is in her 20th year of teaching in the Visual Arts program at the University of Montana. In this episode, she talks about shifting inspirations for her ceramics works and how that's brought her to her current work: "The Endangered Species Project."
In this episode, we wrap up our coverage of GradCon 2022 just in time for GradCon 2023. Episode 82 features Adrienne Tauses, a Bertha Morton scholarship winner and a counselor for over a decade. She presented at GradCon 2022 about a new methodological approach to studying humans' beliefs and values. She talks about her journey to UM, including her work in wilderness and equine therapy, and her current research exploring the relationship between psychological and physical healing in injured athletes.
In Episode 81 of Confluence, we continue our countdown towards GradCon (2/24) at UM. This episode, we feature Ph.D. student Juthika Thaker, who participated in a panel at last year's GradCon sponsored by the Institute of Health and Humanity. Thaker discusses her research into vaccine rates in rural communities and how she will use her research to strengthen public infrastructure in her home country of India.
In Episode 80, Confluence talks with Rebekah Brassfield, a Systems Ecology student at UM. Brassfield describes her fascinating research into bumblebees and huckleberries, both crucial to Montana's ecological health. Along the way, we also discuss Brassfield's impactful mentors and the impressive research being done at Salish Kootenai College.
In Episode 79, Confluence talks with UM Ph.D. student Becky Kendall. Kendall is studying toxicology, and won the Best in Conference award for a STEM poster presentation at last year's Grad Con. In our conversation with Becky we discuss her creative new research into antidepressants, her pre-doctoral fellowship, and making Montana a better place through her research.
In Episode 78, Confluence talks with Professor Emily Ruskovich, whose 2017 novel Idaho was awarded the prestigious International Dublin Literary Award. Ruskovich shares about her time as an undergraduate student at the University of Montana, her love affair with Anne of Green Gables, and the mysterious power of writing to reveal our true selves.
Gabi Graceffo is an MFA student studying poetry and simultaneously finishing a master's in English literature. But her background and interests include both work in photography and art history, and her work blends media including original photography, narrative writing, and poems that respond to images and sites, especially hospitals that she researches.
On this episode of Confluence, we visit with Ph.D. student Rebecca Durham, one of the Bertha Morton award winners for 2022-2023. She is working on a unique dissertation that blends her scientific interests with her significant talent in poetry. Having published research in Botany and completed an MFA in Poetry, Rebecca began the Doctorate in Interdisciplinary Studies program here at UM. In this conversation, Rebecca talks about the intersection of art and science.
This episode of Confluence is the second in a two-part series honoring our graduate student veterans during Veterans Week. Thomas Basolo retired from the military in 2017. In this episode, we discuss his study in social work, his service ethic, and his support for other veterans who are struggling with a variety of issues as they acclimate to civilian life, especially addiction.
On Confluence, we are proud to celebrate these veterans who bring their commitment to service, their discipline, and their support of their fellow human beings to their work as graduate students. The world is a better place when our veterans get the support they need to grow and develop when their service to our nation’s military is done. We are delighted to share their stories with our listeners.
This episode of Confluence is our discussion with Ph.D. student Elizabeth Barrs. In a delightful conversation, Barrs shares about her journey to the graduate program after a 20-plus-year career as an army military officer. We also discuss the validation of winning the Richard Drake Writing Award in 2022 for a chapter of her dissertation on aid to Armenia during the infamous genocide.
This is the first of a two-part series honoring our graduate student veterans during Veterans Week. On Confluence, we are proud to celebrate these veterans who bring their commitment to service, their discipline, and their support of their fellow human beings to their work as graduate students. The world is a better place when our veterans get the support they need to grow and develop when their service to our nation’s military is done. We are delighted to share their stories with our listeners.
In this episode of Confluence, we talk with Haley Omeasoo, a Ph.D. student in Anthropology here at UM whose recent research presentation won top prize at UM’s GradCon. In the conversation, Haley talks about her research on fracture patterns in cases of domestic violence, her journey from the Blackfeet Nation to UM, and her continuing mission to combat the epidemic of missing and murdered indigenous women.
In this episode, Confluence talks with Dr. Cory Palmer, a UM professor in his 10th year here. Dr. Palmer has a fascinating background, having spent time in Hungary as an undergraduate. He later returned to the Central European University for his Ph. D., where he tapped into that nation’s distinctive intellectual tradition in mathematics, including the quirky and charismatic figure, Paul Erdos.
In Episode 71, Confluence talks with Bertha Morton Award winner and native Montanan Anastasia Halfpap, a Ph.D. student in the Mathematical Sciences program at UM. During our conversation, Halfpap discusses finding a family in the mathematics department, her journey from math prodigy to flourishing Ph.D. student, and the value of the simply beauty of math.
In Episode 70, Confluence talks with Dr. Elizabeth Metcalf, the Joel Meier Distinguished Professor of Wildland Management and Senior Associate Dean for Undergraduate Affairs at UM. Dr. Metcalf shares about her past research in recreation conflict, her current work in developing recreation plans with rural Montana communities, and how UM has changed over the past decade.
This episode is the third in a 3-part series exploring the power of collaborative work in natural resource conservation and highlighting the role of three dynamic, independent female scholars at UM.
In this episode, Confluence interviews Michelle Terwilliger, Ph.D. candidate in Forestry and Conservation Sciences at UM. Terwilliger is winner of the P.E.O. award which honors female graduate students making a distinctive contribution to education. In our conversation, Terwilliger discusses her work with Montana EPSCoR where she manages a statewide research program. Terwilliger also describes her love for research, the complexity of infinitely variable human beings, and the community of researchers at UM. This episode is the second in a 3-part series exploring the power of collaborative work in natural resource conservation and highlighting the role of three dynamic, independent female scholars at UM.
This episode of Confluence celebrates Ada Smith, Ph.D. candidate in Forestry and Conservation Sciences at UM. Recently, Smith was announced as a winner of a the P.E.O. award, a national organization that honors a female graduate student making a distinctive contribution to education. Listen in to hear about Smith's previous research on Indigenous food sovereignty with Gitxaala Nation in northern British Columbia and the decolonizing research approach she used, which she has brough into her work here at UM. Now, Smith is working with ranchers in Montana on the challenges of adapting to climate change.
This episode is the beginning of a 3-part series exploring the power of collaborative work in natural resource conservation and highlighting the role of three dynamic, independent female scholars at UM.
This episode celebrates the success of two recent graduates of UM’s program in Public Health, Julie Cahoon, who completed her Masters last December, and D’Shane Barnett, who completed his doctorate in Spring 22. Listeners will hear about their academic and research journeys, which demonstrate the value of resilience in pursuing their graduate degrees. They share details on how their team deployed Indigenous Research Methods to draw on existing cultural strengths in Native communities to create public health interventions on addiction.
In Episode 66, we hear from Dr. Katie Kane, an associate professor in the English department. Dr. Kane shares about her academic journey, and her recent research on autotheory and petromodernity, as well as her new book project, “Deep North”.
In Episode 65 of Confluence, Nirvan Rouzbeh, a graduate student in the Neuroscience program, shares about his journey to UM and his research on glutamate receptors.
In Episode 64 of Confluence, we hear from Simon Buzzard, a student in the environmental studies department. Simon shares about his research and hands-on experience with conservation, and how he enjoyed creating his own course of study to fulfill his academic interests and needs.
In Episode 63, Bailey Durnell shares about her studies in political science with a graduate certificate in gender and sexuality. Bailey discusses her research on power and feminist schools of thought, conceptions of freedom, and identity politics in neo-liberalism feminist activism.
Ep. 62: A Conversation with Dr. Jakki Mohr on Natural Capital by University of Montana Graduate School
In Episode 61 of Confluence, we hear from Lindsey Ellett, a M.S. student studying resource conservation with a focus on international conservation and development. Lindsey shares about her research in marine conservation and the importance of collaboration and inclusion in conservation efforts.
In Episode 60, we hear from Rebekah Brassfield, a graduate student in the Systems Ecology program. Rebekah shares about her thesis research examining the nutritional needs of bumblebees. She also discusses the importance of understanding fundamental issues to address conservation efforts.
Ep. 59: Daniel Salois: Counselor Education and Supervision (Ph.D.) by University of Montana Graduate School
Episode 58 of Confluence features Dr. Katrina Mullan, a professor in the Economics Department at The University of Montana. Dr. Mullan shares about her research in developmental economics and the interface of economic policy and environmental impact, especially sustainable agriculture in South America.
Ep. 57: Marisela Chavez: Department of Society and Conservation (Ph.D.) by University of Montana Graduate School
Ep. 56: Susan Teitelman: Environmental Studies (M.S.) by University of Montana Graduate School
Ep. 54: A Conversation with Dr. Paul Lukacs on Statistics in Ecosystem and Conservation Science by University of Montana Graduate School
Ep. 53: Rick White: Creative Writing Nonfiction (M.F.A.), English (M.A.) by University of Montana Graduate School
In Episode 52 of Confluence, Bertha Morton winner, Katie Christison, shares about her journey to UM, women in STEM, and the benefits of exercise and dragon boat racing for breast cancer patients and survivors.
Ep. 51: Hannah Gibbs: (M.F.A.) Theatrical Design and Technology by University of Montana Graduate School
In this episode of Confluence, we hear from born and bred Missoulian Dr. Erica Woodahl, professor in UM’s College of Health, about partnering with the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes to bring her research in pharmacogenomics, which tailors medical treatments to specific people and groups of people, to the Flathead Reservation. She also touches on her studies at Notre Dame, demystifying academia and why she decided to move back to her hometown.
On this episode of Confluence we hear from Bertha Morton winner Yan Li on his cutting-edge research in bioinorganic chemistry, how A River Runs Through It helped inform his decision on studying at UM, and how he truly wants to help other people through his research.
In this episode of Confluence, we hear from Bertha Morton winner Alex Dreussi on his unexpected journey in law school, why he decided to pursue two degrees at once, and how corruption always stands the test of time.
In this episode of Confluence, we hear from Bertha Morton winner Kristina Mahagamage about using virtual reality to help those who struggle with communication, collaborating across campus, and how Ireland may be her next stop.
In this episode we hear from Dr. Justin Angle, Associate Professor of Marketing and the Poe Family Distinguished Faculty Fellow, about his research regarding the impacts Native American mascots can have on society, training to be a professional triathlete, and how he found his way into academia. Check out his podcast “A New Angle,” now on Montana Public Radio, Thursdays at 7:30.
In this episode, we hear from Bertha Morton winner Madaline Cochrane about her lifelong fascination with salamanders, how they're adapting to the changing world, and how amphibians tend to be overlooked in wildlife studies.
In this episode, we hear from Bertha Morton winner Tiegan Avery (M.A., Economics)about how to help people make the best decisions for themselves, becoming her best academic self, and how vaccinations and economics are intertwined.
In this episode, we hear from Bertha Morton winner Nathan Stahley on his goal of developing healthy communities through support of youth. He hopes to use his time in the Social Work program to enhance his skills in the interests of increasing access to mental health support in rural communities.
In this episode, we’re in the flow with Dr. Mark Hebblewhite, Professor of Ungulate Habitat Ecology, who reads a passage from Percy Shelley’s “Mont Blanc” to open the show. The conversation then flows through Tolstoy's Russian landscapes, human ambivalence about wolves, the complex ecologies of the mountain west, and Mark's involvement in the Convention on Migratory Species.
In this episode, Zachary Lauffenburger (PhD, Geosciences) tells his story of growing into a deeper understanding of how the forces of the earth shaped the beauty of the Rocky Mountain west, where he grew up (Colorado) and where he studies (Montana). He details his work on simulating hydrologic processes to predict impacts of climate change on water availability for agriculture. That work allows him to bridge expertise at the University of Montana in his home department, but also computer science and mathematics.
In this episode, Connor Southard, Creative Writing (M.F.A.) recounts his childhood love of reading fiction, which was the origin of his desire to pursue writing. He reflects on the novel he wrote while completing his M.F.A., including his thoughts on the twin roles of the fiction writer as an entertainer and as a vehicle for readers to convert suffering into beauty.
In this episode, Brianna Ashley talks about her work as a master’s student in environmental studies at UM. Brianna is passionate about land stewardship, and wants to see greater BIPOC participation in outdoor recreation. She discusses the breadth of experiences she’s had in the EVST program, valuing the way her role as educator also positions her to learn from the communities she serves.
In this episode, we’re in the flow with Dr. Ke Wu, a professor in UM’s department of mathematical sciences. Ke reads “Ascending the Heron Tower” by Wang Zhihuan, which propels our conversation about her early years in China, her winding path to math education, her journey to Montana, and her work to optimize access to math for learners from diverse backgrounds.
In this episode, hear from Allison Cutuli, a master’s student in sociology at UM. Allison talks about her work as a community organizer, why she selected UM, and her thesis research, which studies mutual aid networks during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In this episode, hear from Elijah Jalil Paz Fisher, a recent graduate of UM’s MFA in acting program. Elijah talks about his love for acting and the impact that Dr. Cristal Channelle Truscott’s book, "Soul Work", had on him. Then, he explains the meaning behind his final creative project, "Screamin’ From the Zoo", which streamed online during the Theatre and Dance department’s spring 2021 show, “Farewell”.
In this episode, hear from Jen Harrington, a recent graduate of UM’s College of Forestry and Conservation. Jen grew up in Missoula and watched over the years as more and more Superfund sites were declared around the state. As a graduate student at UM, she focused her work on ways to improve how federal agencies consult with tribal communities about Superfund sites. Jen’s thesis – a case study about the Confederated Salish and Kooetnai Tribes and the Middle Fork of the Clark Fork River – is available at UM’s Scholar Works website.
In this episode, hear from Joseph Denhert, a graduate student in Community and Environmental Planning at the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Management. Joseph talks about how he connects to a place through its rivers, his stream assessment work for the Clark Fork Coalition, and his thesis research, which uses hand-held cameras to create 3D snapshots of stream restoration efforts.
In this episode, we’re in the flow with Nadia White who is an Associate Professor and the Director of the Master's Program in Environmental Science and Natural Resource Journalism. Nadia reads two poems from W.S. Merwin that launch our conversation about the importance of finding our own story's place in the bigger story, the state of journalism today, and the opportunities and challenges for the next generation of journalists.
In this episode, hear from Dillon Sarb, a graduate student in the political science department. Dillon was inspired to learn more about politics and government by former president Barack Obama’s 2008 campaign. Listen in as Dillon talks about one focus of his graduate work -- international relations, conflict, and what happens after a superpower withdrawals troops from another country.
In this episode, hear from Colter Feuerstein, a master’s student in the wildlife biology program at the W.A. Franke College of Forestry & Conservation. Colter grew up hunting and fishing in Montana and his time in the outdoors sparked his interest in wildlife biology. His current work focuses on westslope cutthroat trout preservation.
In this episode, hear from Helen Russette, a Ph.D. candidate within the School of Public and Community Health Sciences. Listen in as Helen talks about her dissertation which focuses on children with prenatal substance exposure and the benefits of early caregiver-child engagement and green space exposure.
In this episode, we’re in the flow with Dr. Annie Belcourt (Otter Woman) who is a Professor in the College of Health Professions and Biomedical Sciences. Annie reads an excerpt from Terese Marie Mailhot's memoir Heart Berries which sparks our conversation about Annie’s educational journey, the importance of building resilience in Native communities, and the unique research ethics that ground Indigenous research communities.
In this episode, hear from Hope Ruskaup a graduate student in both poetry and literature. Hope reads her poem, “It’s a Shame to Think That Spatially This Makes Any Sense,” then describes her approach to writing and how she’s working through two theses.
In this episode, hear from Sierra Streuli, a master’s student in the sociology department, about her research on barriers to reintegration of ex-felons.
In this episode of Confluence, hear from Rob Green, a master’s student in UM’s Environmental Studies Program. After getting an undergraduate degree in journalism, Rob worked as a wilderness guide in Central and South America – an experience that sparked his interest in conservation and photography. Hoping to contribute to deeper change in the field of conservation, Rob’s thesis work looks at a holistic approach to understanding human-predator relationships.
In this episode, we’re in the flow with Dr. Rachel Severson who is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology, the Director of the Experimental Psychology Doctoral Program, and the Director of the Minds Lab. Rachel reads an excerpt from Mary Oliver’s poem At the River Clarion, which launches our discussion of baseline shifting, her research on the attribution of minds to non-human agents, and being open to new paths in your life and research.
In this episode of Confluence, hear from Michelle Williams, a master’s student in the sociology department, about her interest in gender and inequality, her path to sociology, and her thesis about truck stop employees.
In this episode, hear from Rebekah Skoog, a doctoral student in the Department of Anthropology, on her passion for language learning and how it can increase cultural empathy.
In this episode, hear from John Stefanek, a Ph.D. student in UM’s History program. Stefanek discusses his current research, which revolves around Butte’s Model Cities Program, and his motivation to become a teacher.
In this episode, we’re in the flow with Dr. Christopher Preston, professor of philosophy. Christopher reads an excerpt from "Four Quartets", by T.S. Eliot about the power of rivers, which leads to our discussion of trends in environmental philosophy, his research on the “synthetic age,” and the importance of a philosophy dedicated to impact in the public sphere.
In this episode, hear from Eric Jensen, an MFA student studying painting. Jensen is a landscape painter with a passion for the natural world, an interest he cultivated while enjoying hobbies like mountaineering and rock climbing. A major theme in his work is accurately portraying the intersection between art and science. He hopes his work will encourage people to pay more attention to nature as a way to enrich their lives.
In this episode, hear from Suzanne Garcia Pino, an MFA candidate in the creative writing program. Pino discusses what led her to writing and what she hopes to accomplish with her craft. For her dissertation, Pino is using both fiction and nonfiction elements to weave a memoir about living in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 2017.
In this episode, hear from Cierra Anderson—a master’s in economics candidate and law student—who works at the intersection of federal Indian law and economic development in Indian country.
In this episode, we're in the flow with Dr. John Quindry of the School of Integrative Physiology and Athletic Training. John reads lyrics from "Blue Raft" by Common Children which sparks our conversation about John's work on Exercise and Cardiac Physiology and as his rapports with students.
In this episode, hear from Nick Thiros, Ph.D. in Geosciences. Thiros is one of 52 students nationwide to receive funding this year from the U.S. Department of Energy. With this funding, he will carry out hydrogeology research at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California. Thiros is also in the first cohort of the UM BRIDGES Food Energy Water Nexus Trainee Program, which prepares students to advance science toward more sustainable food-energy-water systems.
In this episode, hear from Jared Gibbs, M.A. in environmental philosophy, about his background in Economics and Philosophy—interests he hopes will successfully prepare him for Law school.
In this episode, hear from Eric Palm, a Ph. D. student in the wildlife biology program at the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation. His research focuses on woodland caribou in northwestern North America—roughly from Alberta to Alaska. In his dissertation, Palm’s goal is to understand how both human and fire disturbance will affect caribou populations and their habitat selection. Palm also works on NASA’s Arctic-Boreal Vulnerability Experiment (ABoVE) and was named a Wildlife Conservation Society-Canada Weston Fellow in 2017. He will defend his thesis in December of 2020.
In this episode, we're in the flow with Dr. Jesse Johnson, professor and Chair of the Department of Computer Science. Jesse reads a passage on the river hyacinth from V.S. Naipul's, A Bend in the River, which launches our conversation about his time in Africa, the core ideas of his research, and the role graduate students in Computer Science play in a great research university.
In this episode, hear from Jaynee Bohart, Ph.D. in school psychology, about how the school psychology doctoral program is a perfect blend of her interests in both psychology and education.
In this episode, hear from Yubin Kwon, a fifth year Ph.D. student in the chemistry department, about her current research with the Wang Research Group and what led her to the University of Montana.
In this episode, hear from Louise Johns, a recent graduate of the master’s program in environmental science and natural resource journalism. Her master’s project—Buffalo Renaissance: the Northern Plains Tribes’ Path to Self-Determination—specifically focuses on the Blackfoot Confederacy’s efforts to restore bison to their historical range in Montana and Alberta. Johns’ photo essay and written story will be published in Undark Magazine this fall. She will continue to follow Northern Plains bison restoration with support from a National Geographic Society grant.
In this episode, we're in the flow with Dr. Kelly Dixon, archaeologist and professor of anthropology. Kelly reads “I’ve Known Rivers,” by Langston Hughes, which connects us to her research journey in anthropology and archaeology, including her core belief in the importance of democratizing history by telling new stories about the West that include the fullest range of voices.
For more on Kelly's lab, see: http://hs.umt.edu/anthropology/research/labs/dixon-lab/default.php
In this episode, hear from Michaela Shifley, a Ph. D. candidate in cultural heritage and applied anthropology in the College of Humanities and Sciences. Her research focuses on the footwear of Northern Plains Indians and connecting communities with their historical objects. Her work emphasizes that museum collections should not stand apart from their communities. Shifley was awarded a Recovering Voices grant from the Smithsonian, which allowed her to partner with the Blackfeet Nation's Tribal Historic Preservation Office where she is currently working to return historical objects and documents from Washington D.C. to the Blackfeet community.
In this episode, hear from Kris Short, Ph.D. candidate in toxicology in the Center for Environmental Health Science. He researches under Dr. David Burkhart in the Center for Translational Medicine, which is a multidisciplinary team of chemists, formulation scientists, and immunologists at the University of Montana. His thesis focuses on using nanoparticle technology to formulate tuberculosis and universal influenza vaccines.
In this episode, hear from Julia Goar (M.P.H) and Nicholas Coombs (Ph.D.), graduate students in public health. They reflect on their experience working in Borneo, where they had a chance to apply what they learned about cultural humility, the local challenges of international work, and the surprising insights of being exposed to different cultural models.
In this episode, we're in the flow with Dr. Bernadette Sweeney, professor of Theatre and Head of Performance & Practice. Bernadette reads a love poem set on the banks of a river, “Twice Shy,” by Seamus Heaney, and a passage from Shakespeare’s Hamlet, as a spur to our discussion about her theater practice, her writing about Irish theater, and her role as mentor to graduate student actors and directors.
In this episode, hear from Aimee Paxton, M.A. in acting at UM's School of Theatre & Dance, on her decision to come to UM, taking on her biggest stage role, and learning from a 'mad scientist'.
In this episode, hear from Cynthia Coleman, M.S. in the Department of Society and Conservation and a fellow in the BRIDGES program. Born and raised in San Bernandino, California, Coleman is also an enrolled member of the native village of Unalakleet, Alaska. Coleman came to the University of Montana to study how agricultural hemp contributes to tribal sovereignty. She will enter the Forest and Conservation Sciences Ph.D. program in the spring of 2020 at the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation, where she will be a Sloan Scholarship recipient.
In this episode, hear from Jenny Sheets, M.F.A. in creative nonfiction writing, about deciding to pursue the degree, finding herself at "writing camp" and how the university has supported her side project as a startup founder.
In this episode, we’re in the flow with Dr. L. Scott Mills, Associate VP Global Change and Sustainability and Professor of Wildlife Biology. Scott reads an excerpt from “Lines Composed a Few Miles above Tintern Abbey,” by William Wordsworth which propels our discussion about Scott’s path to becoming a research professor, his attraction to Montana, and his ideas about graduate study, interdisciplinarity, and international collaboration.
For more on Scott’s lab, see: http://www.umt.edu/research/millslab/scott.php