Infrastructure via Science and Technology Enhanced Partnerships (INSTEP II)

The Montana EPSCoR research infrastructure project is a strategic initiative focusing on two areas of vital importance to both the state and the nation: Hydrogen and the Environment (HE) and Large River Ecosystems (LRE). Led by Montana State University, the HE program leverages the state’s unique natural laboratories—including Yellowstone National Park and the Berkeley Pit—to study how biological systems transform metals and gases. By combining genomics and bio-inspired engineering, this research aims to pioneer new methods for hydrogen production and fuel-cell technology, positioning Montana as a key leader in the transition to a hydrogen fuel economy.

Simultaneously, the University of Montana leads the LRE effort, which examines the ecological processes of the free-flowing Yellowstone River alongside the Missouri and Columbia River systems. This research investigates how climate change and human activity impact snowmelt runoff and watershed health, providing critical data for managing water resources across the Northwest. To sustain these efforts, the project invests heavily in the next generation of scientists through new faculty hires and the creation of a specialized graduate program in river ecology.

A cornerstone of this initiative is the deep integration of research with inclusive education and public outreach. The project features robust partnerships with Montana’s Tribal Colleges to increase Native American participation in STEM, highlighted by the Montana Indians and Science Program, which showcases indigenous contributions to ecology and technology. Furthermore, through collaborations with the Science Learning Complex and national partners like the National Science Teachers’ Association, the project translates complex scientific findings into public radio broadcasts, documentary films, and classroom curricula. This multifaceted approach ensures that Montana’s scientific breakthroughs reach a national audience while fostering a scientifically literate and engaged local community.