September 13, 2018

Table of Contents

PROJECT IMPACTS AND LEGACY

Montana NSF EPSCoR: 2011–2018 by the Numbers

A look at the statewide impacts of the RII Track-1 project, including faculty recruitment, student support, research funding, STEM education, and public engagement initiatives.

Highlights include:

• More than 20 new faculty hires
• Over 300 graduate students supported
• More than 200 undergraduate students supported
• Nearly $50 million in leveraged research funding
• Expanded participation of tribal colleges and underrepresented groups in STEM

BUILDING RESEARCH CAPACITY

Montana Celebrates 39 Years as an EPSCoR State

A retrospective on Montana’s role as one of the original NSF EPSCoR states and the investments that helped transform research, technology development, and higher education across the state.

The Montana Institute on Ecosystems

The Institute on Ecosystems emerges as a statewide research hub connecting scientists, students, and communities around ecosystem science, climate change, and social-ecological systems research.

The Montana Climate Assessment

Montana’s first statewide climate assessment provides science-based information to help citizens, resource managers, and policymakers understand climate impacts and adaptation strategies.

Key topics include:

• Water resources
• Agriculture and ranching
• Forest ecosystems
• Climate adaptation
• Stakeholder engagement
• Science communication

RESEARCH DISCOVERIES

Ecosystem Researcher Investigates Honey Bee Health

Research examines how pathogens, agrochemicals, and environmental conditions influence pollinator health and agricultural resilience.

New Discovery in Lichens Overturns 150 Years of Science

University of Montana scientists identify a previously unknown fungal partner in lichens, leading to a breakthrough published in Science and featured by major national media outlets.

Dissolved Oxygen Modeling of Macrophyte-Rich Streams

Researchers develop new approaches for understanding water quality and ecosystem processes in aquatic environments.

Jencso and Hu: UM–MSU Collaboration

A successful cross-campus partnership advances understanding of forests, watersheds, and ecosystem responses to environmental change.

TRIBAL, COMMUNITY, AND SOCIAL-ECOLOGICAL RESEARCH

Fort Peck Buffalo Project Examines Yellowstone Bison Reintroduction

Researchers and tribal partners explore how buffalo restoration supports cultural revitalization, community well-being, ecological resilience, and economic development on the Fort Peck Reservation.

Project outcomes include:

• Community-based participatory research
• Oral history documentation
• Educational outreach programs
• Tribal youth engagement
• Buffalo restoration and conservation

EDUCATION, OUTREACH, AND SCIENCE COMMUNICATION

Montana Girls STEM Collaborative: An NSF EPSCoR Success Story

A statewide network expands opportunities for girls and underrepresented youth through STEM education, mentoring, citizen science, coding, and engineering programs.

Programs include:

• Science Action Club
• NASA Girls STEAM Ahead
• CryptoClub
• Habitat Connections
• STEM educator professional development

Montana NSF EPSCoR Develops Innovative Science Communications Program for Graduate Students

Graduate students receive training in public engagement, science communication, outreach, and broader impacts activities while connecting research with communities across Montana.

Outreach experiences include:

• NanoDays and MicroDays
• Teen Science Cafés
• Climate Assessment listening sessions
• Science Action Club
• Family science nights
• STEM camps and festivals

New Fish Eye View Exhibit at spectrUM Discovery Area

An immersive virtual reality experience helps visitors explore river ecosystems, fish habitat, watershed science, and aquatic conservation.

COLLABORATION AND NETWORK BUILDING

Building River Restoration Capacity

Researchers, practitioners, and community partners strengthen Montana’s capacity for watershed restoration and river management.

Collaboration Continues as MtnSEON Network Promotes Social-Ecological Systems Research

A statewide network advances interdisciplinary research linking ecological processes, communities, and environmental change.

The Interdisciplinary Collaborative Network

Graduate students and faculty build cross-disciplinary partnerships that foster innovation, professional development, and collaborative research.

Evolutionary Genomics of Adaptation Symposium

Researchers gather to share advances in genetics, evolution, adaptation, and biodiversity science while strengthening scientific partnerships statewide.