President Barack Obama set a goal early in his first term for the U.S. to turn out more college graduates than any other nation, but there hasn’t been much progress as most states have stumbled in their attempts to improve. Montana, however, stands apart. By investing in junior colleges, the Treasure State boasts a 6 percent rise in adult graduation rates. Read more
As an aspiring medical student, Emilie Jacobsen is very interested in learning about and researching the effects of the physical, biological and chemical environments on human health. This summer, she is participating in UM’s Summer Undergraduate Research Program through the Center for Environmental Health Sciences. Emilie is working with mentors Andrij Holian and Ray Hamilton to study inflammasome activation in response to engineered nanomaterials. Read more
Fifteen Montana University System undergraduates have received summer internships to research climate science-related projects at sites throughout Montana. The Institute on Ecosystems students will work with faculty at the University of Montana and Montana State University on a variety of projects, studying everything from elk, marmots and snowshoe hares to Ponderosa pines and microscopic cyanobacteria. Read more
UM graduate Crissie McMullan has become one of the most powerful driving forces in Montana’s food and agriculture movement. In 2003, she co-founded UM’s Farm to College Program, which helps University Dining Services dish up local ingredients to students. She’s also shepherded important farm bills into state law, and a few years ago she launched a public service program that fosters major food projects in Montana and throughout the nation. Read more
Ruesha Hendricks, a senior premedical student at the University of Montana, recently was awarded the U.S. Department of State Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship sponsored by the Institute of International Education. Hendricks will receive a $5,000 award to intern in India with the Center of Social Medicine. Read more
Incoming University of Montana forestry graduate student Anna Bergstrom recently was awarded a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship. The Fellowship provides three years of tuition, a stipend and travel to two conferences. Read more
UM student Joseph McMahon took first place in the 24th annual John Ruffatto Business Plan Competition held last month at the University of Montana. McMahon created a mobile app called Magnet, which allows users to broadcast their availability to their friends, and to view their friends’ availability.
