Stories Archive
Featured Content
Dr. Katie Kane: Professor of English Literature
In Episode 66, we hear from Dr. Katie Kane, an associate professor in the English department. Dr. Kane shares about her academic journey, and her recent research on autotheory and petromodernity, as well as her new book project, Deep North.
Story Transcript
Regina Fitzsimmons: Katie is like, the...
Nirvan Rouzbeh (Ph.D.) Neuroscience
In Episode 65 of Confluence, Nirvan Rouzbeh, a graduate student in the Neuroscience program, shares about his journey to UM and his research on glutamate receptors.
Story Transcript
Let's say you go to a store and buy a chair or a table or something, and it comes with a manual, right? How to put...
Simon Buzzard (M.S.) Environmental Studies
In Episode 64 of Confluence, we hear from Simon Buzzard, a student in the environmental studies department. Simon shares about his research and hands-on experience with conservation, and how he enjoyed creating his own course of study to fulfill his academic interests and needs.
Story Transcript
I...
Bailey Durnell (M.A.) Political Science
In Episode 63, Bailey Durnell shares about her studies in political science with a graduate certificate in gender and sexuality. Bailey discusses her research on power and feminist schools of thought, conceptions of freedom, and identity politics in neo-liberalism feminist activism.
Story...
Dr. Jakki Mohr: Professor of Management & Marketing
In Episode 62 of Confluence, Dr. Jakki Mohr shares about her journey to UM and being a woman in a male-dominated field. She also discusses her recent work on helping companies think about the importance of building value out of natural capital, and the importance of developing a new ethic of...
Lindsey Ellett (M.S.) Resource Conservation
In Episode 61, we hear from Lindsey Ellett, a M.S. student studying resource conservation with a focus on international conservation and development. Lindsey shares about her research in marine conservation and the importance of collaboration and inclusion in conservation efforts.
Story...
Rebekah Brassfield (M.S.) Systems Ecology
In Episode 60, we hear from Rebekah Brassfield, a graduate student in the Systems Ecology program. Rebekah shares about her thesis research examining the nutritional needs of bumblebees. She also discusses the importance of understanding fundamental issues to address conservation efforts.
Story...
Daniel Salois (Ph.D.) Counselor Education & Supervision
In Episode 59 of Confluence, we hear from Daniel Salois, a Ph.D. student in the School of Education studying Counselor Education and Supervision. Daniel talks about his path to the field of counseling and his research on helping college students incorporate positive psychology techniques into...
Dr. Katrina Mullan: Professor of Economics
Episode 58 of Confluence features Dr. Katrina Mullan, a professor in the Economics Department at The University of Montana. Dr. Mullan shares about her research in developmental economics and the interface of economic policy and environmental impact, especially sustainable agriculture in South...
Marisela Chavez (Ph.D.) Society and Conservation
In Episode 57 of Confluence, Marisela Chavez, a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Society and Conservation, shares about her research on the production, distribution, and preparation of food, and the perpetuation of food-related practices and how that relates to the conservation of important...
Susan Teitelman (M.S.) Environmental Studies
In Episode 56 of Confluence, we hear from Susan Teitelman in the Environmental Studies program. Susan shares about the importance of Indigenous knowledge concerning land management practices and the ways in which western-centric or Eurocentric land management practices can and should learn...
Dylan Wright (M.A.) School Counseling
In Episode 55 of Confluence, we hear from Bertha Morton winner, Dylan Wright, on his experience with Missoula Children’s Theatre and his desire to use his expertise in school counseling to work in underserved communities, specifically rural communities lacking access to mental healthcare.
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Dr. Paul Lukacs: Professor of Ecosystem & Conservation Science
In Episode 54 of Confluence, Dr. Paul Lukacs, Senior Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Studies in the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation, shares about rivers, his journey to UM, wolverines, among other animals, and why statistics matter in Ecosystem and Conservation...
Rick White (M.F.A.) Creative Writing Nonfiction, (M.A.) English
In Episode 53 of Confluence, Bertha Morton winner, Rick White, shares about the importance of hard work and his journey from environmental studies to writing in a cabin in the woods in Montana, and finally, to attending the M.F.A. Creative Writing program at UM.
Story Transcript
JUDY BLUNT: He...
Katie Christison (PhD) Interdisciplinary Studies
In Episode 52 of Confluence, Bertha Morton winner, Katie Christison, shares about her journey to UM, women in STEM, and the benefits of exercise and dragon boat racing for breast cancer patients and survivors.
Story Transcript
CHUCK DUMKE: She has been involved in all aspects of academia, you...
Hannah Gibbs: (M.F.A.) Theatrical Design and Technology
In this episode of Confluence, we hear from Bertha Morton winner, Hannah Gibbs, on her journey to the University of Montana and the impact of mentors, lights, and storytelling in the field of theater.
STORY TRANSCRIPT
MIKE POST: On top of her work ethic and her drive to explore as much as she...
Dr. Erica Woodahl: Professor of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences
In this episode of Confluence, we hear from born and bred Missoulian Dr. Erica Woodahl, professor in UM’s College of Health, about partnering with the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes to bring her research in pharmacogenomics, which tailors medical treatments to specific people and groups...
Yan Li (M.S.) Biochemistry
On this episode of Confluence we hear from Bertha Morton winner Yan Li on his cutting-edge research in bioinorganic chemistry, how watching A River Runs Through It in China helped him decide to study at UM, and how his research is driven by a desire to help others.
Story Transcript
DONG WANG: Yan...
Alex Dreussi: (J.D.) Law, (MPA) Ethics & Corruption
In this episode of Confluence, we hear from Bertha Morton winner Alex Dreussi on his unexpected journey in law school, why he decided to pursue two degrees at once, and how corruption always stands the test of time.
Story Transcript
SARA RINFRET: Alex currently is in our joint degree. He’s getting...
Kristina Mahagamage (MFA) Media Arts
In this episode of Confluence, we hear from Bertha Morton winner Kristina Mahagamage about using virtual reality to help those who struggle with communication, collaborating across campus, and how Ireland may be her next stop.
Story Transcript
MICHAEL MUSICK: I was really supportive of Tina for...
Dr. Justin Angle: Associate Professor of Marketing
In this episode we hear from Dr. Justin Angle, Associate Professor of Marketing and the Poe Family Distinguished Faculty Fellow, about his research regarding the impacts Native American mascots can have on society, training to be a professional triathlete, and how he found his way into academia....
Madaline Cochrane: (PhD) Ecology and Evolution
In this episode, we hear from Bertha Morton winner Madaline Cochrane about her lifelong fascination with salamanders, how they're adapting to the changing world, and how amphibians tend to be overlooked in wildlife studies.
Story Transcript
WINSOR LOWE: Maddy’s been a great leader and model for...
Teigan Avery (M.A.) Economics
In this episode, we hear from Bertha Morton winner Tiegan Avery (M.A., Economics) about how to help people make the best decisions for themselves, becoming her best academic self, and how vaccinations and economics are intertwined.
Story Transcript
KATRINA MULLAN: She does exceedingly well in her...
Nathan Stahley: Master of Social Work
In this episode, we hear from Bertha Morton winner Nathan Stahley on his goal of developing healthy communities through support of youth. He hopes to use his time in the Social Work program to enhance his skills in the interests of increasing access to mental health support in rural...
Dr. Mark Hebblewhite: Professor of Ungulate Habitat Ecology
In this episode, we’re in the flow with Dr. Mark Hebblewhite, Professor of Ungulate Habitat Ecology, who reads a passage from Percy Shelley’s “Mont Blanc” to open the show. The conversation then flows through Tolstoy's Russian landscapes, human ambivalence about wolves, the complex ecologies of...
Zachary Lauffenburger, Geosciences (PhD)
In this episode, Zachary Lauffenburger (PhD, Geosciences) tells his story of growing into a deeper understanding of how the forces of the earth shaped the beauty of the Rocky Mountain west, where he grew up (Colorado) and where he studies (Montana). He details his work on simulating hydrologic...
Connor Southard (M.F.A.) English-Creative Writing
In this episode, Connor Southard recounts his childhood love of reading fiction, which was the origin of his desire to pursue writing. He reflects on the novel he wrote while completing his M.F.A., including his thoughts on the twin roles of the fiction writer as an entertainer and as a vehicle...
Brianna Ashley (M.A.) Environmental Studies
In this episode, Brianna Ashley talks about her work as a master’s student in environmental studies at UM. Brianna is passionate about land stewardship, and wants to see greater BIPOC participation in outdoor recreation. She discusses the breadth of experiences she’s had in the EVST program,...
Dr. Ke Wu: Professor in the Department of Mathematical Sciences
In this episode, we’re in the flow with Dr. Ke Wu, a professor in UM’s department of mathematical sciences. Ke reads “Ascending the Heron Tower” by Wang Zhihuan, which propels our conversation about her early years in China, her winding path to math education, her journey to Montana, and her...
Allison Cutuli (M.A.) Sociology
In this episode, hear from Allison Cutuli, a master’s student in sociology at UM. Allison talks about her work as a community organizer, why she selected UM, and her thesis research, which studies mutual aid networks during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Story Transcript
I've lived in Detroit for a few...
Elijah Jalil Paz Fisher (M.F.A.) Acting
In this episode, hear from Elijah Jalil Paz Fisher, a recent graduate of UM’s MFA in acting program. Elijah talks about his love for acting and the impact that Dr. Cristal Channelle Truscott’s book, Soul Work, had on him. Then, he explains the meaning behind his final creative...
Jen Harrington (M.S.) Resource Conservation
In this episode, hear from Jen Harrington, a recent graduate of UM’s College of Forestry and Conservation. Jen grew up in Missoula and watched over the years as more and more Superfund sites were declared around the state. As a graduate student at UM, she focused her work on ways to improve how...
Joseph Denhert (M.S.) Community and Environmental Planning
In this episode, hear from Joseph Denhert, a graduate student in Community and Environmental Planning at the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Management. Joseph talks about how he connects to a place through its rivers, his stream assessment work for the Clark Fork Coalition, and his thesis...
Nadia White: Associate Professor and Director of the Master's Program in Environmental Science and Natural Resource Journalism
In this episode, we’re in the flow with Nadia White who is an Associate Professor and the Director of the Master's Program in Environmental Science and Natural Resource Journalism. Nadia reads two poems from W.S. Merwin which launch our conversation about the importance of finding our own...
Dillon Sarb (M.A.) Political Science
In this episode, hear from Dillon Sarb, a graduate student in the political science department. Dillon was inspired to learn more about politics and government by former president Barack Obama’s 2008 campaign. Listen in as Dillon talks about one focus of his graduate work -- international...
Colter Feuerstein (M.S.) Wildlife Biology
In this episode, hear from Colter Feuerstein, a master’s student in the wildlife biology program at the W.A. Franke College of Forestry & Conservation. Colter grew up hunting and fishing in Montana and his time in the outdoors sparked his interest in wildlife biology. His current work focuses...
Helen Russette (Ph.D.) Public and Community Health Services
In this episode, hear from Helen Russette, a Ph.D. candidate within the School of Public and Community Health Sciences. Listen in as Helen talks about her dissertation which focuses on children with prenatal substance exposure and the benefits of early caregiver-child engagement and green space...
Dr. Annie Belcourt (Otter Woman): Professor in the College of Health Professions and Biomedical Sciences
In this episode, we’re in the flow with Dr. Annie Belcourt (Otter Woman) who is a Professor in the College of Health Professions and Biomedical Sciences. Annie reads an excerpt from Terese Marie Mailhot's memoir Heart Berries which sparks our conversation about her educational journey, the...
Hope Ruskaup (M.F.A.) Poetry & (M.A.) Literature
In this episode, hear from Hope Ruskaup a graduate student in both poetry and literature. Hope reads her poem, “It’s a Shame to Think That Spatially This Makes Any Sense,” then describes her approach to writing and how she’s working through two theses.
Story Transcript
I'd like to think that all...
Sierra Streuli (M.A.) Sociology
In this episode, hear from Sierra Streuli, a master’s student in the sociology department, about her research focusing on barriers to reintegration of ex-felons.
I am from Southeast Alaska, a little island called Petersburg. The community that I'm from has a large Alaska Native population and for...
Rob Green (M.S.) Environmental Studies
In this episode of Confluence, hear from Rob Green, a master’s student in UM’s Environmental Studies Program. After getting an undergraduate degree in journalism, Rob worked as a wilderness guide in Central and South America – an experience that sparked his interest in conservation and...
Dr. Rachel Severson: Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology and Director of the Minds Lab
In this episode, we’re in the flow with Dr. Rachel Severson who is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology, the Director of the Experimental Psychology Doctoral Program, and the Director of the Minds Lab. Rachel reads an excerpt from Mary Oliver’s poem At the River Clarion, which...
Michelle Williams (M.A.) Sociology
In this episode of Confluence, hear from Michelle Williams, a master’s student in the sociology department, about her interest in gender and inequality, her path to sociology, and her thesis about truck stop employees.
STORY TRANSCRIPT
I grew up in a really conservative circle. Went to church...
Rebekah Skoog (Ph.D.) Anthropology
In this episode, hear from Rebekah Skoog, a doctoral student in the Department of Anthropology, on her passion for language learning and how it can increase cultural empathy.
STORY TRANSCRIPT
My name is Rebekah Skoog and I am a doctoral student in the department of anthropology.
I'm really...
John Stefanek (Ph.D.) History
In this episode, hear from John Stefanek, a Ph.D. student in UM’s History program. Stefanek discusses his current research, which revolves around Butte’s Model Cities Program, and his motivation to become a teacher.
Episode Extras
Stefanek’s UM webpage
Kyle G. Volk’s UM webpage
The...
Dr. Christopher Preston: Professor of Philosophy
In this episode of Confluence, we’re in the flow with Dr. Christopher Preston, professor of philosophy. Christopher reads an excerpt from "Four Quartets", by T.S. Eliot about the power of rivers, which leads to our discussion of trends in environmental philosophy, his research on the “synthetic...
Eric Jensen (M.F.A.) Painting
In this episode of Confluence, we hear from Eric Jensen, an MFA student studying painting. Jensen is a landscape painter with a passion for the natural world, an interest he cultivated while enjoying hobbies like mountaineering and rock climbing. A major theme in his work is accurately...
Suzanne Garcia Pino (M.F.A.) Creative Writing
In this episode of Confluence, we hear from Suzanne Garcia Pino, an MFA candidate in the creative writing program. Pino discusses what led her to writing and what she hopes to accomplish with her craft. For her thesis project, Pino is using both fiction and nonfiction elements to weave a memoir...
Cierra Anderson Economics (M.A.) & Juris Doctor
In this episode, hear from Cierra Anderson—a Master’s in Economics candidate and Law student—who works at the intersection of federal Indian law and economic development in Indian country.
STORY TRANSCRIPT
I'm Cierra Anderson and I'm a third-year law student and a second-year econ master's student...
Nick Thiros (Ph.D.) Geosciences
Nick Thiros, a University of Montana geosciences graduate, is one of 52 students nationwide to receive funding this year from the U.S. Department of Energy. With this funding, he will carry out hydrogeology research at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California. Thiros is also in...
Jared Gibbs (M.A.) Environmental Philosophy
In this episode of Confluence, we hear from Jared Gibbs about his background in Economics and Philosophy—interests he hopes will successfully prepare him for Law school.
STORY TRANSCRIPT
I sort of think about the world in systematic terms.
The sort of systematic way in which I try to think about...
Dr. John Quindry: Professor & Chair of the School of Integrative Physiology and Athletic Training
In this episode of Confluence, we talk with Dr. John Quindry of the School of Integrative Physiology and Athletic Training. Join us as we explore Quindry's work on Exercise and Cardiac Physiology and as he discusses his rapports with students.
This episode was recorded during the Time of COVID-19...
Jaynee Bohart Ph.D. Psychology
In this episode of Confluence, Jaynee Bohart explains how the school psychology doctoral program is a perfect blend of her interests in both psychology and education.
STORY TRANSCRIPT
My name is Jaynee Bohart and I study school psychology.
My mom commonly said that I should be an engineer because I...
Yubin Kwon Ph.D. Chemistry
Hear from Yubin Kwon, a fifth-year Ph.D. student in the chemistry department, about her current research with the Wang Research Group and what led her to the University of Montana.
STORY TRANSCRIPT
I was originally a biology major but what really sparked my interest in chemistry was during my...
Dr. Bernadette Sweeney: Professor of Theatre and Head of Performance & Practice
In this episode of Confluence, we talk with Dr. Bernadette Sweeney, professor of Theatre and Head of Performance & Practice. Join us as we explore Bernadette's work on oral histories of the Irish in Montana, the books she has edited and published, and her role with UM's Humanities...
Louise Johns (M.A.) Journalism
Louise Johns is a recent graduate of the Master’s program in Environmental Science and Natural Resource Journalism at the University of Montana. Her Master’s project—Buffalo Renaissance: the Northern Plains Tribes’ Path to Self-Determination—specifically focuses on the Blackfoot Confederacy’s...
Michaela Shifley (Ph.D.) Cultural Heritage & Applied Anthropology
Michaela Shifley is a Ph. D. candidate in cultural heritage and applied anthropology in the College of Humanities and Sciences. Her research focuses on the footwear of Northern Plains Indians and connecting communities with their historical objects. Her work emphasizes that museum collections...
Dr. Jesse Johnson: Professor and Chair of the Department of Computer Science
In this episode of Confluence, we talk with Dr. Jesse Johnson, professor and Chair of the Department of Computer Science. Join us as we explore Jesse's work on qualitative modeling, his work in Africa, and the value of thinking across disciplinary boundaries.
INTERVIEW TRANSCRIPT
JAKE DOWNS: He...
Kris Short (Ph.D.) Toxicology
Kris Short is a Ph.D. candidate in toxicology in the Center for Environmental Health Science. He researches under Dr. David Burkhart in the Center for Translational Medicine, which is a multidisciplinary team of chemists, formulation scientists, and immunologists at the University of Montana....
Dr. Kelly Dixon: Archaeologist and Professor of Anthropology
In this episode of Confluence, we talk with Dr. Kelly Dixon, archaeologist and professor of anthropology. Join us as we explore Kelly's work on mining boomtowns and Chinese railroad workers, how she connected with the field of archaeology, and her personal stake in graduate student...
Julia Goar (M.P.H.) & Nicholas Coombs (Ph.D.) Public Health
Hear from two graduate students in public health who reflect on their experience working in Borneo, where they had a chance to apply what they learned about cultural humility, the local challenges of international work, and the surprising insights of being exposed to different cultural...
Dr. L. Scott Mills: Associate VP Global Change and Sustainability and Professor of Wildlife Biology
This episode dives into the dilemmas of biological life in an age of climate change through a discussion with Dr. Scott Mills, a Wildlife Biology Professor and Associate VP of Research for Global Change and Sustainability. We explore Scott’s path to becoming a research professor, his attraction...
Jenny Sheets (M.F.A.) Creative Writing
Hear from a University of Montana graduate student in creative non-fiction (MFA, English) about deciding to pursue the degree, finding herself at "writing camp" and how the university has supported her side project as a startup founder.
Story Transcript
My name is Jennifer Sheets. I am an MFA...
Eric Palm (Ph.D.) Wildlife Biology
Eric Palm is a Ph. D. student in the wildlife biology program at the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation. His research focuses on woodland caribou in northwestern North America—roughly from Alberta to Alaska. In his dissertation, Palm’s goal is to understand how both human and fire...
Cynthia Coleman (M.S.) Society & Conservation
Cynthia Coleman is a master’s student in the Department of Society and Conservation and a fellow in the BRIDGES program at the University of Montana. Born and raised in San Bernardino, California, Coleman is also an enrolled member of the native village of Unalakleet, Alaska. Coleman came to the...
Aimee Paxton (M.F.A.) Acting
Hear from Aimee Paxton, a first year graduate student at UM's School of Theatre & Dance on her decision to come to UM, taking on her biggest stage role, and learning from a 'mad scientist'.
Story Transcript
My name is Aimee Paxton and I am a grad student in the theater and dance department.
(Aimee...
