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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Michelle Terwilliger (Ph.D.) Forestry and Conservation Sciences
University of Montana--Missoula. Graduate School
In this episode, Confluence interviews Michelle Terwilliger, Ph.D. candidate in Forestry and Conservation Sciences at UM. Terwilliger is winner of the P.E.O. award which honors female graduate students making a distinctive contribution to education. In our conversation, Terwilliger discusses her work with Montana EPSCoR where ... Read More
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Ada Smith (Ph.D.) Forestry and Conservation Sciences
University of Montana--Missoula. Graduate School
This episode of Confluence celebrates Ada Smith, Ph.D. candidate in Forestry and Conservation Sciences at UM. Recently, Smith was announced as a winner of a the P.E.O. award, a national organization that honors a female graduate student making a distinctive contribution to education. Listen in ... Read More
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D’Shane Barnett, Julie Cahoon: Models of Cultural Strength in Native Research Collaborations
University of Montana--Missoula. Graduate School
This episode celebrates the success of two recent graduates of UM’s program in Public Health, Julie Cahoon, who completed her Masters last December, and D’Shane Barnett, who completed his doctorate in Spring 22. Listeners will hear about their academic and research journeys, which demonstrate the ... Read More
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A Conversation with Katie Kane on Academic Beginnings, Autotheory
University of Montana--Missoula. Graduate School
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”.
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Nirvan Rouzbeh (Ph.D.)Neuroscience
University of Montana--Missoula. Graduate School
In Episode 65 of Confluence, Nirvan Rouzbeh, a graduate student in the Neuroscience department, shares about his journey to UM and his research on glutamate receptors.
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Simon Buzzard: Environmental Studies (M.S.)
University of Montana--Missoula. Graduate School
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.
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Bailey Durnell: Political Science (M.A.)
University of Montana--Missoula. Graduate School
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.
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A Conversation with Dr. Jakki Mohr on Natural Capital
University of Montana--Missoula. Graduate School
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Lindsey Ellett: Resource Conservation (M.S.)
University of Montana--Missoula. Graduate School
In Episode 61 of Confluence, 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.
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Rebekah Brassfield: Systems Ecology (M.S.)
University of Montana--Missoula. Graduate School
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.
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Daniel Salois: Counselor Education and Supervision (Ph.D.)
University of Montana--Missoula. Graduate School
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 ... Read More
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A Conversation with Dr. Katrina Mullan on Economics and Environmental Policy
University of Montana--Missoula. Graduate School
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 America.
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Marisela Chavez: Department of Society and Conservation (Ph.D.)
University of Montana--Missoula. Graduate School
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 food ... Read More
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Susan Teitelman: Environmental Studies (M.S.)
University of Montana--Missoula. Graduate School
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 from Indigenous practices.
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Dylan Wright: School Counseling (M.A.)
University of Montana--Missoula. Graduate School
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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A Conversation with Dr. Paul Lukacs on Statistics in Ecosystem and Conservation Science
University of Montana--Missoula. Graduate School
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 Science.
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Rick White: Creative Writing Nonfiction (M.F.A.), English (M.A.)
University of Montana--Missoula. Graduate School
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.
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Katie Christison: Interdisciplinary Studies (PhD)
University of Montana--Missoula. Graduate School
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.
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Hannah Gibbs: (M.F.A.) Theatrical Design and Technology
University of Montana--Missoula. Graduate School
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.
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A Conversation with Dr. Erica Woodahl on Pharmacogenomics, Returning to Missoula
University of Montana--Missoula. Graduate School
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 ... Read More
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Yan Li: Biochemistry(M.S.)on Cutting-Edge Research, Helping Others Along The Way
University of Montana--Missoula. Graduate School
On this episode of Confluence we hear from Bertha Morton winner Yan Li on his cutting-edge research in bioinorganic chemistry, how A River Runs Through It helped inform his decision on studying at UM, and how he truly wants to help other people through his research.
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Alex Dreussi, Law (J.D.) & Public Administration (M.P.A.) on Ethics & Corruption
University of Montana--Missoula. Graduate School
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.
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Kristina Mahagamage: Media Arts (MFA) on Helping People Communicate Through VR
University of Montana--Missoula. Graduate School
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.
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A Conversation with Dr. Justin Angle on Getting Your Academic Reps In, Bond Trading
University of Montana--Missoula. Graduate School
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 ... Read More
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Madaline Cochrane: Wildlife Biology (M.S.) on How Salamanders are Reacting to Climate Change
University of Montana--Missoula. Graduate School
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.