Chronicling the Cosmos

UM's Living Lab and spectrUM Discovery Area recently received a $1.3 million National Institutes of Health grant to connect area high school students to UM faculty around the theme of “The Changing Brain.”

The highly competitive Science Education Partnership Award will support the High School Explainer Program, recruiting western Montana high schoolers for real-world health sciences experiences focused on the brain and mental health. The program also will engage K-8 students in Missoula and on the Flathead Reservation.

“By engaging in professional development alongside local researchers, students will realize their leadership potential, learn what a career in research entails, and form professional connections that will open doors to their future,” said Alex Sobin, director of the spectrUM Discovery Area.

UM Summer celebrated their 6th annual Summer Kickoff with a beloved UM tradition: hosting Mules on the Oval. The pack mules are from the United States Forest Service Region 1, physically advertising Dr. Eva-Maria Maggi's course, Wilderness Policy and Packing. The class is a three-week pack trip adventure into Montana's Bob Marshall Wilderness that offers a unique interdisciplinary blend of wilderness policy, backcountry skills and creative writing. Students learn the fundamentals of horse and mule packing, wilderness first aid, and Leave-No-Trace/backcountry camping and trail-maintenance practices. They also Study the history, theory, and contemporary challenges of U.S. wilderness policy, including land management, recreation, wildfire, wildlife, and tribal wilderness issues. Finally, students develop reflective and narrative writing skills, producing a policy- or wilderness-themed paper.

The pack class is simply one of many UM Summer classes that allow Grizzlies to test their boundaries, catch up and stay on track for graduation. Let's go!

Presidential finalist Dr. Jeremiah Shinn visited campus Monday and Tuesday, April 6-7. Shinn, currently the interim president of Boise State University, participated in a series of meetings, including an open forum and community reception during his visit. Provide input via a Finalist Survey by April 9.

At UM, spring break is more than time off, it’s a chance to show up and give back. Through Alternative Spring Break, jhosted by UM's Experiential Learning and Career Success office, several Grizzlies spent the week stepping into communities across the country to take on real challenges, build meaningful connections, and contribute to something bigger than themselves.

Like spending the week rebuilding homes in Asheville, restoring ecosystems in Point Reyes National Seashore and empowering vulnerable communities in Seattle. 

From environmental restoration to community resilience, each experience reflects an eye-opening experience for Grizzlies. Students gained practical skills, expanded perspectives, and lived out The Montana Way, where learning, service, and impact go hand in hand.

Graduating this spring? Before you go, please complete the UM Graduation Survey and share your plans after graduation. Whether you have a job lined up, are heading to grad school or are still figuring things out, your response matters. This data helps improve programs, strengthen career support and show future students what is possible with a UM degree.