2007

MESSAGE FROM THE VICE PRESIDENT
UM research has evolved to prepare a better future for all.

QUICK LOOKS
A rundown of science stories from the past year.

WARM NEW WORLD
Efforts by the University to understand and adapt to climate change.

Sidebar: Are oceans becoming acidic?

LANGUAGE 911
UM faculty members strive to save fading indigenous tongues.

THE BEACH BUILDERS
UM helps repair the shores of Montana's largest natural freshwater lake.

THE LOST LEWIS AND CLARK
Professor rediscovers explorers forgotten by history.

BIRDS AS BAROMETERS
UM center uses feathered friends to help monitor the environment.

A GROWING MYSTERY
Ecologist studies why all plants don't flower and seed every year.

STUDENT SCIENTIST
Hawaii becomes a young researcher's classroom.

INVITING DISCOVERY
Some of UM's most engaging research takes place in two centers of the University's College of Health Professions and Biomedical Sciences.

Sidebar: Neurons get their close-up

Sidebar: Core facility models molecules

UNDERSTANDING A HAZARDOUS WORLD
Center studies environmental impacts on human health

Sidebar: Useful tools: toxic agents and air pollution

Sidebar: Genes, the environment and you

ARCHIVE
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000

Cover: An illustration of UM's Main Hall tower bathed in the glow of a fictitious smoldering Earth.

Vision is published annually by The University of Montana Office of the Vice President for Research and Development and University Relations. It is printed by UM Printing & Graphic Services.

PUBLISHER: Daniel J. Dwyer. MANAGING EDITOR AND GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Cary Shimek. PHOTOGRAPHER: Todd Goodrich. CONTRIBUTING EDITORS: Brianne Burrowes, Brenda Day, Judy Fredenberg, Joan Melcher, Rita Munzenrider, Patia Stephens and Alex Strickland. WEB DESIGN: Patia Stephens. EDITORIAL OFFICE: University Relations, Brantly Hall 330, Missoula, MT 59812, 406-243-5914. MANAGEMENT: Judy Fredenberg, Office of the Vice President for Research and Development, 116 Main Hall, Missoula, MT 59812, 406-243-6670.

Vice President:
UM research has evolved to prepare a better future

When reflecting on The University of Montana, whether as our alma mater or simply an institution to which we are somehow connected, the result is often a warm, fuzzy feeling. “Those were the days,” we might wax nostalgic. Whether five years or 50 have passed, there is seldom little, if any, change in the mind’s eye. In our memory, the institution remains constant, and it’s a good thing.

However, while not wanting to burst a nostalgic bubble, I emphatically state that UM is not constant. While it’s true that parts of “that UM” are likely much the same, today’s UM looks different, feels different and is different, and it’s a better thing.

“Nothing endures but change,” said Heraclitus (540-480 B.C.). History has proven the fruit of evolution is typically a stronger, more adaptable species or environment. UM is no exception: It is a stronger institution —
its environment more diverse and far-reaching than ever before.

Through cutting-edge technological advancements paired with
common sense and the tenacious curiosity of University researchers,
UM is evolving with wisdom, resolve and grace. Woven throughout its
past, present and, I will wager, future, the University is keenly aware of
its visionary role and significant impact — from the local campus community to that of universal study.

When considering UM’s growth and evolution, it’s important to note that a large portion of University research occurs off campus. At “that UM,” it’s true that student projects were scattered about the county or state. At today’s UM, however, it’s not surprising to find a student studying on site at Maui’s Haleakala National Park. Similarly, while many UM researchers examine various aspects of climate change, this Vision contains an article that reveals a scientist researching climate change in a different venue than that provided in our great state: His field work occurs under a dozen or more feet of Antarctic ice.

This issue teems with articles that highlight the University’s diversity in its research and creativity. From saving Native languages to lake shores, you’ll find a host of information that demonstrates the varied research being undertaken by talented UM faculty, staff and students. These individuals, who are The University of Montana, are not parochial in thought; they are global.

Marcus Aurelius Antoninus (121-180 A.D.) said, “The universe is change; our life is what our thoughts make of it.” This issue of Vision demonstrates that thoughts at The University of Montana are helping change the universe.

Daniel J. Dwyer
Vice President for Research and Development
The University of Montana

Cary Shimek, Managing Editor
Judy Fredenberg, Office of the Vice President for Research and Development
The University of Montana-Missoula
32 Campus Drive | Missoula, MT 59812
phone 406-243-2522 | fax 406-243-4520
Copyright 2007 The University of Montana