On this podcast, we celebrate the people whose hard work, talent, and intellectual firepower drive the research and teaching mission of UM: our excellent faculty and our talented graduate students. We also aim to capture the bristling energy of intellectual life of this great university. An essential aspect of a great graduate experience is finding a community driven by curiosity and a willingness to dive deep into ideas.
This podcast aims to celebrate that rich culture of exchange and creativity through conversations with faculty and their graduate students about the ideas that move them and motivate their work. We delve into the theories and practices of graduate education, explore the cutting-edge ideas in research and creativity that underpin their work, and we try to have some fun!
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Rob Green on Eco-Porn, Bears, & Interdisciplinary Skill-Building in Environmental Studies
University of Montana--Missoula. Graduate School
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 ... Read More
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A Conversation with Dr. Rachel Severson on Personified Technology and Singing Lilies
University of Montana--Missoula. Graduate School
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 ... Read More
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Michelle Williams on Sociology and Truck Stop Employees
University of Montana--Missoula. Graduate School
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.
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Rebekah Skoog on Learning, Language, and Cultural Empathy
University of Montana--Missoula. Graduate School
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.
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John Stefanek on LBJ, Model Cities, and the Importance of Good Mentors
University of Montana--Missoula. Graduate School
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.
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Dr. Christopher Preston: Professor of Philosophy
University of Montana--Missoula. Graduate School
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 ... Read More
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Eric Jensen: Painting (M.F.A.)
University of Montana--Missoula. Graduate School
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 ... Read More
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Jared Gibbs: Environmental Philosophy (M.A.)
University of Montana--Missoula. Graduate School
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.
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Suzanne Garica Pino: Creative Writing (M.F.A.)
University of Montana--Missoula. Graduate School
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 dissertation, Pino is using both fiction and nonfiction ... Read More
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John Quindry: Professor and Chair of School of Integrative Physiology and Athletic Training
University of Montana--Missoula. Graduate School
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 ... Read More
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Cierra Anderson: Economics (M.A.) & Juris Doctor
University of Montana--Missoula. Graduate School
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.
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Nick Thiros: Geosciences (Ph.D.)
University of Montana--Missoula. Graduate School
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 ... Read More
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Jaynee Bohart: School Psychology (Ph.D.)
University of Montana--Missoula. Graduate School
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.
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Yubin Kwon: Biochemistry (Ph.D.)
University of Montana--Missoula. Graduate School
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.
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Dr. Bernadette Sweeney: Professor of Theatre and Head of Performance & Practice
University of Montana--Missoula. Graduate School
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 ... Read More
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Louise Johns: Environmental Science and Natural Resource Journalism (M.A.)
University of Montana--Missoula. Graduate School
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 efforts to restore bison to their historical ... Read More
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Michaela Shifley Cultural Heritage and Applied Anthropology (Ph.D.)
University of Montana--Missoula. Graduate School
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 should not ... Read More
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Dr. Jesse Johnson: Professor and Chair of the Department of Computer Science
University of Montana--Missoula. Graduate School
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.
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Kris Short: Toxicology (Ph.D.)
University of Montana--Missoula. Graduate School
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. His thesis ... Read More
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Dr. Kelly Dixon: Archaeologist and Professor of Anthropology
University of Montana--Missoula. Graduate School
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 ... Read More
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Julia Goar & Nicholas Coombs: Public Health
University of Montana--Missoula. Graduate School
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 ... Read More
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Dr. L. Scott Mills: Associate VP Global Change and Sustainability and Professor of Wildlife Biology
University of Montana--Missoula. Graduate School
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, ... Read More
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Eric Palm: Wildlife Biology (Ph.D.)
University of Montana--Missoula. Graduate School
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 ... Read More
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Aimee Paxton: Acting (M.F.A.)
University of Montana--Missoula. Graduate School
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'.
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Cynthia Coleman: Society and Conservation (M.S.)
University of Montana--Missoula. Graduate School
Cynthia Coleman is a master’s student in the Department of Society and Conservation at the University of Montana and a fellow in the BRIDGES program. Born and raised in San Bernandino, California, Coleman is also an enrolled member of the native village of Unalakleet, Alaska. ... Read More