March 20, 2006

Table of Contents

Blackfeet Skies

Blackfeet educator Leo Bird shares traditional astronomy, cultural knowledge, and Indigenous perspectives on the night sky.

International Ecoscience Conference

Global researchers gather in Montana to discuss biodiversity, plant facilitation, and ecological responses to environmental stress.

• Positive Interactions in Plant Communities
• International Research Collaboration
• Student and K–12 Education Activities

Top Honors to Scholar

Dr. Cathy Cripps receives the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA) Teaching Award of Merit for excellence in teaching and research.

It’s All in the Presentation

Highlights from Montana State University’s Undergraduate Scholars Conference and the importance of communicating scientific research.

High School Students Study Advanced Problems in Science

Montana students earn recognition at regional, state, and national science competitions through inquiry-based research experiences.

• Intermountain Junior Science and Humanities Symposium
• Montana Science and Engineering Fairs
• Advanced Problems in Science (APS) Program

Tenth Annual Undergraduate Research Fair at Montana Tech

Student research projects showcase innovation across engineering, geology, health sciences, and computer science disciplines.

• Earthquake Data Systems
• Exercise Physiology Research
• Geological Engineering Applications

Graduate Student Discovers Hot New Protein

MSU graduate student Blake Wiedenheft discovers a novel antioxidant protein in microorganisms from acidic hot springs, resulting in publication in PNAS.

Information Leading to Capture

Introduction of Justin Lee as Montana NSF EPSCoR’s new communications and web development specialist.

Events and Upcoming Opportunities

• Undergraduate Scholars Conference
• Commencement Activities
• NSF Meetings and Workshops
• Hands-on Science Day
• Family Science Night
• SBIR Phase 0 Solicitation and Deadlines

Montana NSF EPSCoR Information

• Partner Institutions
• Program Leadership
• Contact Information
• Newsletter and Online Resources