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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Zachary Lauffenburger on Modeling Hydrology Systems in The Era of Climate Change
University of Montana--Missoula. Graduate School
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 ... Read More
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Connor Southard: Creative Writing (M.F.A.) on the "Religion" of Reading and Writing Fiction
University of Montana--Missoula. Graduate School
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 ... Read More
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Brianna Ashley on Sleeping Under the Stars and Diversifying Outdoor Recreation Opportunities
University of Montana--Missoula. Graduate School
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 ... Read More
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A Conversation with Dr. Ke Wu on Ascending the Heron Tower and Humanizing Mathematics
University of Montana--Missoula. Graduate School
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 ... Read More
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Allison Cutuli on Resilient Communities and Mutual Aid Networks in the Time of COVID
University of Montana--Missoula. Graduate School
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.
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Elijah Jalil Paz Fisher on Soul Work, Acting, & Screamin' From the Zoo
University of Montana--Missoula. Graduate School
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 ... Read More
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Jen Harrington on Tribal Communities, the EPA, and Improving Superfund Consultation
University of Montana--Missoula. Graduate School
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 ... Read More
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Joseph Denhert on Stream Assessment, Community Planning, and Handheld Photogrammetry
University of Montana--Missoula. Graduate School
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, ... Read More
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A Conversation with Nadia White on Journalism, Story as a Guide, and Luxuriating in Words
University of Montana--Missoula. Graduate School
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 that launch our conversation about the importance of finding ... Read More
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Dillon Sarb on International Relations, Conflict and Government as a Way to Help People
University of Montana--Missoula. Graduate School
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 -- ... Read More
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Colter Feuerstein on Westslope Cutthroat Trout, Fin Clips, and Fisheries Management
University of Montana--Missoula. Graduate School
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 ... Read More
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Helen Russette on Child Wellbeing, Giving Back to the Community, and Floating the Clark Fork
University of Montana--Missoula. Graduate School
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 ... Read More
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A Conversation with Dr. Annie Belcourt (Otter Woman) on PTSD Research & Trauma Recovery
University of Montana--Missoula. Graduate School
In this episode, we’re in the flow with Dr. Annie Belcourt (Otter Woman) who is an Assistant 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 Annie’s educational ... Read More
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Hope Ruskaup on Finding Poetry in the Everyday and Working Through Two Graduate Degrees
University of Montana--Missoula. Graduate School
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.
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Sierra Streuli on Inequality, Social Justice, and Barriers to Reintegration for ex-Felons
University of Montana--Missoula. Graduate School
In this episode, hear from Sierra Streuli, a master’s student in the sociology department, about her research on barriers to reintegration of ex-felons.
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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