With the help of University of Montana Western science professors and students, youth in the Big Hole basin got a first-hand scientific look at their river’s ecosystem at the first Big Hole Youth Field Day on Oct. 21, 2009.

University of Montana Western science seniors Krystal Schwartz and Alex Head presented their internship work on Nov. 4 at 4 p.m. in Block Hall Room 311 on the Montana Western campus.

Three alumni from Montana Western’s distinguished science departments have either earned or are in the process of earning doctorate degrees at prestigious American universities.

The start of the 2009/2010 school year here at Montana Western brings with it new faces to our great group of faculty. We our proud to introduce the next three profiles of new Montana Western professors.

“On the Rocks,” a speaker series organized by the University of Montana Western science and mathematics departments, will kick off a new season at 4 p.m. in Block Hall, Tuesday, Sept. 8. Montana Western Professor of Physics Dr. Craig Zaspel will present “Vortex Formation in Nanocontacts and Spruce Budworm Populations.”

Montana Western’s biology research lab is busy with several National Institute of Health funded projects. Recently, biology professors Mike Morrow and Mike Gilbert have each received over $500,000 in funding for their biomedical research.

Montana Western’s Amanda Kortum joins the elite group of Space Grant Scholars and Fellows nationwide.

The International Club will host its first event 5:30 p.m., April 13 in the Lewis & Clark Room. Recent study-abroad students will present their experiences and the evening will conclude with featured speaker Marty Essen.

Award-winning author Marty Essen will present his noted, digital show “Around the World in 90 Minutes” on Monday, April 13 at 7:30 p.m. in the Lewis & Clark Room on the University of Montana campus. Essen has traveled the world researching, taking photos and gathering stories to compile his award-winning book, “Cool Creatures, Hot Planet.” Essen’s presentation is free and open to the public. Picture above is an “Orchid-Mimic Spider from the Amazon,” one of the amazing creatures from Essen’s presentation.