November 28, 2015

Table of Contents

RESEARCH AND PARTNERSHIPS

Montana Passes 35 Years as an NSF EPSCoR State

A look back at the origins of Montana NSF EPSCoR and the investments, partnerships, and policies that helped build the state’s modern research enterprise.

Key milestones include:

• Creation of the MONTS program
• Establishment of MSU’s Research Park
• State investments in research infrastructure
• Expansion of EPSCoR programs across federal agencies

Hu and Jencso: UM–MSU Collaboration Thrives

Researchers from Montana State University and the University of Montana join forces to study how declining snowpack and changing nitrogen availability affect western forests.

MtnSEON Network Promotes Social-Ecological Systems Research

A regional collaboration brings together social and ecological scientists to address resilience, sustainability, and natural resource management in mountain landscapes.

STUDENT RESEARCH AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Students Support National Park Service Ecological Inventorying

Institute on Ecosystems interns help monitor whitebark pine, amphibian habitat, wetlands, and other ecological indicators across the Greater Yellowstone region.

Interns contribute to:

• Whitebark pine monitoring
• Amphibian and wetland surveys
• Scientific data management
• Long-term ecosystem monitoring

PEOPLE, PARTNERS, AND EVENTS

All-Hands Meeting to Highlight Accomplishments and Future Directions

Researchers, students, and partners gather to share discoveries, strengthen collaborations, and discuss the future of Montana’s EPSCoR-supported research.

EPSCoR Director Ray Callaway Named Regents Professor

The University of Montana ecologist receives one of the Montana University System’s highest academic honors for excellence in research, teaching, and service.

EDUCATION AND OUTREACH

ScienceMontana Launches as Portal to STEM Resources

A new online database connects educators, students, and the public with Montana-focused science, technology, engineering, and mathematics resources.

Resources include:

• Lesson plans and classroom activities
• Videos and multimedia content
• Climate and ecosystem science materials
• Multicultural STEM resources developed by Native American educators

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Rough Cut Science Seminar Series
• Montana NSF EPSCoR RII Track-1 All-Hands Meeting
• NanoDays and MicroDays science outreach events
• Distinguished Visiting Scholar lecture featuring Jodi Hilty