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Restoring Rattlesnake Creek: Using Citizen Science to Assess the Ecological and Morphological Impacts of Small Dam Removal
Get PDFAs dam removals increase in frequency across the U.S., most research has focused on the impact of larger dam removals, despite the removal of small dams being much more common. Given the hundreds of small dams in Montana, this research uses citizen science data collected over seven years spanning before and after a 2020 small dam removal in Rattlesnake Creek, Montana, to investigate impact on stream ecology and morphology. We analyzed pebble count grain size distributions and aquatic macroinvertebrate biotic indices from 2017 to 2023 to assess changes in sediment transport and macroinvertebrate population as well as evaluating the efficacy of citizen science for long-term stream monitoring. Our analysis includes comparisons of pre- and post-dam removal data collected from above and below the dam site. Our findings revealed no statistically significant changes in grain size distribution or macroinvertebrate diversity between upstream and downstream reaches post-dam removal. This suggests that the removal of this particular small dam had minimal detectable impact on sediment transport or macroinvertebrate communities within the study period. Our study also demonstrates the capacity for citizen science programs to effectively collect robust and valuable datasets. This study underscores the importance of meticulous data management along with the potential for and challenges of citizen science for environmental research. We provide recommendations for “best practices” to improve future citizen science monitoring and informing decision-making for future dam removals, particularly for the nine dams further upstream within the Rattlesnake Creek watershed
Wolbachia incidence and prevalence in montane Lepidoptera
Get PDFAnimal hosts associate with endosymbiotic microbes that live inside their cells. Maternally transmitted Wolbachia bacteria are the most common endosymbionts, associating with about half of all insect species. Most Wolbachia form facultative associations with their hosts (i.e., the hosts do not require Wolbachia). In most systems, it remains unknown how common Wolbachia are within host populations and the extent to which their prevalence varies through time and space. Here, I fill this gap in knowledge by quantifying the incidence and prevalence of Wolbachia in a community of understudied montane moths. We conducted field sampling of divergent moth species every two weeks between May and August of 2024 at three sites: Rattlesnake Wilderness (Montana), Jocko Canyon (Montana), and Packard Meadows (Idaho). In total, we sampled about 2000 moths representing 40-50 species diverged about 80-150 million years ago. I predicted that Wolbachia prevalence would vary significantly among sampling locations and through time within locations. To identify Wolbachia in each individual, I extracted DNA and amplified the Wolbachia surface protein (wsp) gene using polymerase chain reaction. Using gel electrophoresis, I determined that Wolbachia prevalence varied temporally across the season (from 25% in May to 45% in August) and also spatially among the three locations (21% to 43%). I have currently screened 650 of my 2000 samples. My ongoing analyses focus on quantifying species-level variation in Wolbachia prevalence through time and space, which is critical to explain Wolbachia spread in nature and to inform applications that leverage Wolbachia for biocontrol of human diseases
Exploring the Impact of Menstrual Cycle Length on Negative Affect and Anxiety
Get PDFMenstrual cycle length is a biological factor that may influence psychological well-being, yet its relationship remains under-researched. The study “Emotion Recognition and Mood Along the Menstrual Cycle,” by Pletzer and Noachtar recruited 230 naturally-cycling women to examine how menstrual cycle phases impact the ability to recognize emotions from facial expressions. Participants were surveyed during their menses, peri-ovulatory, and mid-luteal phases, with assessments covering psychological factors and hormone levels. Using the open-source data collected from the previous study, the current study investigates the relationship between menstrual cycle, negative mood and anxiety. Results indicate that there is a significant correlation between these factors, as menstrual cycle length decreases, anxiety and negative mood increase. These results suggest that women who have longer follicular phases may have more positive overall moods. Given the historical lack of research on women’s health, this analysis contributes to the field by enhancing our understanding on how physiological processes influence psychological well-being. Additionally, this may provide women with a better understanding of how their physiology plays a role in their psychology
Rent, Stress, and Student Success in Missoula
No full textThis research examines the impact of the rental housing market in Missoula, Montana, on the well-being of undergraduate students at the University of Montana and Missoula College. As rental prices rise and housing options become increasingly limited, students are encountering significant challenges in securing affordable housing. This has a direct effect on their financial stability, mental health, and overall life satisfaction. This study aims to better understand these challenges by surveying students about their current housing situations, financial stress, and mental health concerns. The survey results will provide insights into the specific factors contributing to housing difficulties and their broader effects on student well-being.
Based on the findings, a user-friendly website will be developed to offer personalized housing recommendations tailored to students\u27 unique needs. The goal is to help students more effectively navigate Missoula’s competitive housing market, providing them with a practical tool to find affordable living options and improve their quality of life. Additionally, this research contributes to the broader conversation on housing affordability, highlighting the challenges faced by students in similar urban environments. By addressing the intersection of housing, financial stress, and mental health, this project seeks to not only improve the housing search experience but also raise awareness about the pressing need for more affordable student housing in cities with similar growing issues worldwide
LESSONS FROM WALKER V. STATE: INSTITUTIONAL REFORM LITIGATION AND THE RIGHT TO DIGNITY IN MONTANA
Get PDFStrategic analysis of Netflix, with an emphasis on technological innovation and business development
No full textMy capstone examines Netflix’s strategic evolution and place in the market, with a specific emphasis on technological innovation and business development strategies. As the highly competitive, volatile streaming industry, Netflix will have to continue to differentiate itself to expand its market reach. The study will explore how Netflix leverages data and AI based decision-making models, content diversification, and global expansion to maintain its leadership in the industry.
My project employs a framework molded around strategic analysis, integrating SWOT analysis, Porter’s Five Forces, and market trend evaluations. My research includes case studies, industry reports, and financial performance assessments to evaluate Netflix’s strategies.
My recent most findings show that Netflix’s business development efforts focus on content diversification, global expansion, and revenue model innovation. Region specific original content helps Netflix strengthen its global appeal; partnerships with telecom providers and licensing deals with studios, distributors, and production companies help expand its market share. The company’s transition into advertising supported tiers, live sporting events, and gaming content further differentiate its entertainment service. On the technological front, Netflix’s AI driven recommendations and cloud infrastructure enhance user engagement and retention. Although, challenges with rising content acquisition costs and increased competition will test the company’s success long-term.
Overall, Netflix’s approach is a model for companies navigating technological disruption and global expansion. The company demonstrates how innovation and strategic business development drive sustained growth
Detrital Quartz Provenance of the Turner Sandstone
Get PDFGeology can provide solutions to energy security and climate change issues by promoting informed practices within the fossil fuel industry, supporting efficient extraction strategies that minimize overall environmental impact. Efficient drilling techniques begin with a thorough understanding of the reservoir, which can be characterized through various methods, including provenance analysis to identify the sediment origins and depositional environments. Interpreting sediment provenance is crucial for refining paleogeography and revealing Earth’s past environments, climates, and tectonics.
My research focuses on reconstructing the provenance and paleogeography of the Late Cretaceous Turner Sandstone, a significant hydrocarbon reservoir in the Powder River Basin (PRB), WY. The hypothesis is that the Black Hills, located along the eastern margin of the PRB, particularly the earlier Cretaceous Newcastle Sandstone, served as the sediment source for the Turner Sandstone. To test this, samples were collected from outcrops in the Black Hills for petrographic analysis. I utilized a Panochromatic Cathodoluminescence detector attached to a Scanning Electron Microscope and conducted traditional point counting to identify grain composition. Additionally, quartz-typing techniques were used to distinguish three distinct groups of quartz, each linked to different source areas around the Black Hills.
My research findings show a strong correlation between Turner and Newcastle composition and quartz type, indicating that the Black Hills were at a structural high during the deposition of the Turner Sandstone(~93.9-89.8 ma). This suggests that the PRB sediments originated from the east, challenging the current view that sediment transport during this period was from the west
Master’s in Social Work: Professional Portfolio
Get PDFhttps://scholarworks.umt.edu/grad_portfolios/1473/thumbnail.jp
862(XV_i):048 - Crow Nation Pin
No full textA gold enamel pin of the Crow Nation insignia.https://scholarworks.umt.edu/baucus_artifacts/1073/thumbnail.jp
862(XV_i):067 - Where\u27s the Beef
No full textPolitical Cartoon depicting Max Baucus sitting at a table saying Where\u27s the Beef? with a sign behind him that reads We Import American Beef!https://scholarworks.umt.edu/baucus_artifacts/1056/thumbnail.jp