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We celebrate our excellent faculty and our talented graduate students whose hard work, creativity, and intellectual firepower drive the research and teaching mission of The University of Montana.

University of Montana Graduate School


    • Dec 15, 2023 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 19m AVG DURATION
    • 96 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Confluence

    Ep. 96: Confluence Eddies Out

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2023 4:40


    Our 96th episode is our last--at least, for a while. Host Ashby Kinch bids listeners farewell and reminds you of the vital nature of the strange but essential quest to understand the world that is higher education. He invites you to revisit our archive of dozens of compelling conversations--they'll still be here. Thank you for listening to Confluence, where great ideas flow together, and the river is always with us.

    Ep. 95: Madalynn Madigar (M.A. Ecocriticism) on Slow Apocalypse, Petroleum and Utopias

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2023 18:53


    In the second installment of "How Climate Changes Me," Madalynn Madigar, graduate of the master's program in Ecocriticism, shares about her work. She presented at UM's 2023 Eco-Melancholia conference about petromodernity and apocalyptic narratives. This episode intersperses highlights from her talk with a conversation between Madalynn and Confluence producer, Amelia Liberatore.

    Ep. 94: Richard Forbes (M.A. Journalism) on Melting Glaciers and Absurd Hope

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2023 0:04


    This episode is the start of a mini-series "How Climate Changes Me," partly inspired by a University of Montana "Eco-Melancholia" conference held earlier this year. Our guest, Richard Forbes, is a graduate of the Environmental Science and Natural Resource Journalism master's program at UM. He dives into the relationship between his school work, his life's work, and how he deals with the challenges that bridge the two. Photo Credit: richardhforbes.com

    Ep. 93: Grad Student Panel on Resilience and Retention, GradCon 2023

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2023 43:08


    On this episode, we revisit GradCon 2023 and an enlightening panel on grad student resilience. Six students reflect on their graduate journeys and specifically chime in on navigating challenges in their programs, their networks of support, structural barriers they've encountered, and approaches to self-care.

    Ep. 92: Annie Belcourt, Mentoring for Mental Health

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 2, 2023 34:28


    Dr. Annie Belcourt, professor in the Public and Community Health Science department and chair of Native American Studies, returns to Confluence to round out our coverage of the M-HOPES grant: Mental Health Opportunities for Professional Empowerment in STEM. Annie hits home the importance of trauma-informed approaches, reframing thoughts, and cultural context. And she brings with her a great sense of humor.

    Ep. 91: Bryan Cochran: Mentoring for Mental Health

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2023 25:54


    Psychology professor Bryan Cochran returns to Confluence to pick up our series on the faculty educational program, M-HOPES: Mental Health Opportunities for Professional Empowerment in STEM. Listen back to episode 90 to get the lay of the land. And then tune in here for specifics about what kinds of mental health struggles grad students are experiencing and who is most likely to be impacted, as well as tips for faculty on how to validate and guide those students.

    Ep. 90: Holly Schleicher, Co-PI on the M-HOPES Grant

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 19, 2023 34:53


    Licensed clinical psychologist Holly Schleicher kicks off Confluence's newest series on graduate student mental health, but with a twist! Holly, along with Annie Belcourt and Bryan Cochran, offered a three-part educational series for UM faculty through a grant called the Mental Health Opportunities for Professional Empowerment in STEM, or M-HOPES. In this episode, hear real clips from the trainings, including a mock conversation between a professor and student, as well as a sit-down interview with Holly about what this training involves and her biggest take-aways. Learn more about the training here, then register for the asynchronous model and complete it on your own time.

    Ep. 89: Dr. Ruth Plenty Sweetgrass-She Kills, Lead PI of the Willow Alliance

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2023 48:12


    Episode 89 rounds out Confluence's series on the Willow Alliance, in conversation with Dr. Ruth Plenty Sweetgrass-She Kills, who leads the project. She talks about her time as a student in academia and how that guides the work she does now, exploring how Indigenous scholarship and knowledge can best interact with Western educational institutions.

    Ep. 88: Phoebe Bean (Ph.D.)Clinical Psychology

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2023 25:48


    In episode 88, Clinical Psychology Ph.D. candidate Phoebe Bean continues Confluence's spotlight on mental and behavioral health programs. Hear about Phoebe's uniquely interdisciplinary approach to her work, how she incorporated climate change, and her vision of resilient communities.

    Ep. 87: Jenny Rotzal (Ph.D.)School Psychology

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2023 26:08


    Episode 87 launches Confluence into a short series focusing on the mental and behavioral health programs at UM that serve key stakeholders in the community, the state and the region. School Psychology Ph.D. candidate Jenny Rotzal kicks things off, highlighting the importance of mental health support in schools in rural settings and her research on how COVID-19 has impacted both that need and related offerings.

    Ep. 86: A Conversation with Bryan Cochran on LGBTIQ+ Psychology

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2023 28:19


    Bryan Cochran has been pushing the boundaries of the clinical psychology field to be more inclusive of LGBTIQ+ studies and treatment for over two decades. In this episode, he talks about growth in that field, the vital importance of mentorship there, and his work at UM as a professor and director of clinical training.

    Ep. 85: Dean Nicolai's Willow Alliance Story

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2023 42:25


    In episode 85, Confluence's series on Willow Alliance faculty members flows on with Dean Nicolai, department head of Native American studies at Salish Kootenai College. He talks about tribal historic preservation and what the practice offers western archaeologists. He also recalls the people and experiences that inspired his own academic journey, and how he can create similar opportunities for current students.

    Ep. 84: Diana Doan-Crider kicks off the Willow Alliance Series

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2023 42:22


    Episode 84 marks the beginning of a short series on Confluence featuring faculty fellows on a grant with the Willow Alliance. The project focuses on Native American STEM faculty and the ways Indigenous Research Methodologies are being and should continue to be implemented into higher education. Dr. Diana Doan-Crider reflects on the forces at play on her own journey through academia, and discusses some problems and solutions in melding together western and Indigenous approaches to knowledge and education.

    Ep. 83: A Conversation with Julia Galloway on Old and New Inspirations

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2023 44:04


    Julia Galloway is in her 20th year of teaching in the Visual Arts program at the University of Montana. In this episode, she talks about shifting inspirations for her ceramics works and how that's brought her to her current work: "The Endangered Species Project."

    Ep. 82: Adrienne Tauses (Ph.D.) Counselor Education & Supervision

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2023 14:49


    In this episode, we wrap up our coverage of GradCon 2022 just in time for GradCon 2023. Episode 82 features Adrienne Tauses, a Bertha Morton scholarship winner and a counselor for over a decade. She presented at GradCon 2022 about a new methodological approach to studying humans' beliefs and values. She talks about her journey to UM, including her work in wilderness and equine therapy, and her current research exploring the relationship between psychological and physical healing in injured athletes.

    Ep. 81 Juthika Thaker (Ph.D.) Public Health

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2023 23:00


    In Episode 81 of Confluence, we continue our countdown towards GradCon (2/24) at UM. This episode, we feature Ph.D. student Juthika Thaker, who participated in a panel at last year's GradCon sponsored by the Institute of Health and Humanity. Thaker discusses her research into vaccine rates in rural communities and how she will use her research to strengthen public infrastructure in her home country of India.

    Ep. 80: Rebekah Brassfield (M.S.) Systems Ecology

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2023 24:10


    In Episode 80, Confluence talks with Rebekah Brassfield, a Systems Ecology student at UM. Brassfield describes her fascinating research into bumblebees and huckleberries, both crucial to Montana's ecological health. Along the way, we also discuss Brassfield's impactful mentors and the impressive research being done at Salish Kootenai College.

    Ep. 79: Becky Kendall (Ph.D.)Toxicology

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2023 15:04


    In Episode 79, Confluence talks with UM Ph.D. student Becky Kendall. Kendall is studying toxicology, and won the Best in Conference award for a STEM poster presentation at last year's Grad Con. In our conversation with Becky we discuss her creative new research into antidepressants, her pre-doctoral fellowship, and making Montana a better place through her research.

    Ep. 78: A Conversation with Emily Ruskovich the Power of Writing

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2023 41:16


    In Episode 78, Confluence talks with Professor Emily Ruskovich, whose 2017 novel "Idaho" was awarded the prestigious International Dublin Literary Award. Ruskovich shares about her time as an undergraduate student at the University of Montana, her love affair with Anne of Green Gables, and the mysterious power of writing to reveal our true selves.

    Ep. 77: Gabi Graceffo (MFA) Poetry

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2022 28:40


    In this episode, Confluence talks with Gabi Graceffo, an MFA student studying poetry and simultaneously finishing an MA in English literature. Her fascinating background includes both work in photography and art history. Graceffo's art blends media including original photography, narrative writing, and poems that respond to images and sites, especially hospitals that she researches.

    Ep. 76: Rebecca Durham (Ph.D.) Interdisciplinary Studies

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2022 25:06


    On this episode of Confluence, we visit with Ph.D. student Rebecca Durham, one of the Bertha Morton award winners for 2022-2023. She is working on a unique dissertation that blends her scientific interests with her significant talent in poetry. Having published research in Botany and completed an MFA in Poetry, Rebecca began the Doctorate in Interdisciplinary Studies program here at UM. In this conversation, Rebecca talks about the intersection of art and science.

    Ep. 75: Thomas Basolo (MSW) Social Work

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2022 21:42


    This episode of Confluence is the second in a two-part series honoring our graduate student veterans during Veterans Week. Thomas Basolo retired from the military in 2017. In this episode, we discuss his study in social work, his service ethic, and his support for other veterans who are struggling with a variety of issues as they acclimate to civilian life, especially addiction. On Confluence, we are proud to celebrate these veterans who bring their commitment to service, their discipline, and their support of their fellow human beings to their work as graduate students. The world is a better place when our veterans get the support they need to grow and develop when their service to our nation's military is done. We are delighted to share their stories with our listeners.

    Ep. 74: Elizabeth Barrs (Ph.D.) History

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2022 20:58


    This episode of Confluence is our discussion with Ph.D. student Elizabeth Barrs. In a delightful conversation, Barrs shares about her journey to the graduate program after a 20-plus-year career as an army military officer. We also discuss the validation of winning the Richard Drake Writing Award in 2022 for a chapter of her dissertation on aid to Armenia during the infamous genocide. This is the first of a two-part series honoring our graduate student veterans during Veterans Week. On Confluence, we are proud to celebrate these veterans who bring their commitment to service, their discipline, and their support of their fellow human beings to their work as graduate students. The world is a better place when our veterans get the support they need to grow and develop when their service to our nation's military is done. We are delighted to share their stories with our listeners.

    Ep. 73: Haley Omeasoo (Ph.D.) Anthropology

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2022 25:57


    In this episode of Confluence, we talk with Haley Omeasoo, a Ph.D. student in Anthropology here at UM whose recent research presentation won top prize at UM's GradCon. In the conversation, Haley talks about her research on fracture patterns in cases of domestic violence, her journey from the Blackfeet Nation to UM, and her continuing mission to combat the epidemic of missing and murdered indigenous women.

    Ep. 72: A Conversation with Dr. Cory Palmer on the Power of Collaboration and Mathematical Maturity

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 12, 2022 44:55


    In this episode, Confluence talks with Dr. Cory Palmer, a UM professor in his 10th year here. Dr. Palmer has a fascinating background, having spent time in Hungary as an undergraduate. He later returned to the Central European University for his Ph. D., where he tapped into that nation's distinctive intellectual tradition in mathematics, including the quirky and charismatic figure, Paul Erdos.

    Ep. 71: Anastasia Halfpap (Ph.D.) Mathematics

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2022 21:00


    In Episode 71, Confluence talks with Bertha Morton Award winner and native Montanan Anastasia Halfpap, a Ph.D. student in the Mathematical Sciences program at UM. During our conversation, Halfpap discusses finding a family in the mathematics department, her journey from math prodigy to flourishing Ph.D. student, and the value of the simply beauty of math.

    Ep. 70: A Conversation with Dr. Elizabeth Metcalf on Recreation Conflict and Planning

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2022 45:52


    In Episode 70, Confluence talks with Dr. Elizabeth Metcalf, the Joel Meier Distinguished Professor of Wildland Management and Senior Associate Dean for Undergraduate Affairs at UM. Dr. Metcalf shares about her past research in recreation conflict, her current work in developing recreation plans with rural Montana communities, and how UM has changed over the past decade. This episode is the third in a 3-part series exploring the power of collaborative work in natural resource conservation and highlighting the role of three dynamic, independent female scholars at UM.

    Ep. 69: Michelle Terwillger (Ph.D.) Forestry and Conservation Sciences

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 14, 2022 16:39


    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 she manages a statewide research program. Terwilliger also describes her love for research, the complexity of infinitely variable human beings, and the community of researchers at UM. This episode is the second in a 3-part series exploring the power of collaborative work in natural resource conservation and highlighting the role of three dynamic, independent female scholars at UM.

    Ep. 68 Ada Smith (Ph.D.) Forestry and Conservation Sciences

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2022 23:12


    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 to hear about Smith's previous research on Indigenous food sovereignty with Gitxaala Nation in northern British Columbia and the decolonizing research approach she used, which she has brough into her work here at UM. Now, Smith is working with ranchers in Montana on the challenges of adapting to climate change. This episode is the beginning of a 3-part series exploring the power of collaborative work in natural resource conservation and highlighting the role of three dynamic, independent female scholars at UM.

    Ep. 67: D'Shane Barnett, Julie Cahoon: Models of Cultural Strength in Native Research Collaborations

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 24, 2022 29:46


    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 value of resilience in pursuing their graduate degrees. They share details on how their team deployed Indigenous Research Methods to draw on existing cultural strengths in Native communities to create public health interventions on addiction.

    Ep. 66: A Conversation with Katie Kane on Academic Beginnings, Autotheory

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2022 45:45


    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”.

    Ep. 65: Nirvan Rouzbeh (Ph.D.)Neuroscience

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2022 4:21


    In Episode 65 of Confluence, Nirvan Rouzbeh, a graduate student in the Neuroscience program, shares about his journey to UM and his research on glutamate receptors.

    Ep. 64: Simon Buzzard: Environmental Studies (M.S.)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2022 6:04


    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.

    Ep. 63: Bailey Durnell: Political Science (M.A.)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2022 4:40


    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.

    Ep. 62: A Conversation with Dr. Jakki Mohr on Natural Capital

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2022 50:24


    Ep. 62: A Conversation with Dr. Jakki Mohr on Natural Capital by University of Montana Graduate School

    Ep. 61: Lindsey Ellett: Resource Conservation (M.S.)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2022 4:37


    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.

    confluence resource conservation
    Ep. 60: Rebekah Brassfield: Systems Ecology (M.S.)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2022 3:48


    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.

    ecology brassfield
    Ep. 59: Daniel Salois: Counselor Education and Supervision (Ph.D.)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2022 4:44


    Ep. 59: Daniel Salois: Counselor Education and Supervision (Ph.D.) by University of Montana Graduate School

    Ep. 58: A Conversation with Dr. Katrina Mullan on Economics and Environmental Policy

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2022 31:56


    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.

    Ep. 57: Marisela Chavez: Department of Society and Conservation (Ph.D.)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2022 5:11


    Ep. 57: Marisela Chavez: Department of Society and Conservation (Ph.D.) by University of Montana Graduate School

    Ep. 56: Susan Teitelman: Environmental Studies (M.S.)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2022 4:28


    Ep. 56: Susan Teitelman: Environmental Studies (M.S.) by University of Montana Graduate School

    Ep.55: Dylan Wright: School Counseling (M.A.)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2022 10:04


    Ep.55: Dylan Wright: School Counseling (M.A.) by University of Montana Graduate School

    Ep. 54: A Conversation with Dr. Paul Lukacs on Statistics in Ecosystem and Conservation Science

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2022 40:05


    Ep. 54: A Conversation with Dr. Paul Lukacs on Statistics in Ecosystem and Conservation Science by University of Montana Graduate School

    Ep. 53: Rick White: Creative Writing Nonfiction (M.F.A.), English (M.A.)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2022 10:56


    Ep. 53: Rick White: Creative Writing Nonfiction (M.F.A.), English (M.A.) by University of Montana Graduate School

    Ep. 52 Katie Christison: Interdisciplinary Studies (PhD)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2022 8:47


    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.

    Ep. 51: Hannah Gibbs: (M.F.A.) Theatrical Design and Technology

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2022 12:56


    Ep. 51: Hannah Gibbs: (M.F.A.) Theatrical Design and Technology by University of Montana Graduate School

    Ep. 50: A Conversation with Dr. Erica Woodahl on Pharmacogenomics, Returning to Missoula

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 14, 2021 31:58


    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 of people, to the Flathead Reservation. She also touches on her studies at Notre Dame, demystifying academia and why she decided to move back to her hometown.

    health conversations college notre dame missoula confluence pharmacogenomics confederated salish kootenai tribes flathead reservation
    Ep. 49: Yan Li: Biochemistry(M.S.)on Cutting-Edge Research, Helping Others Along The Way

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2021 11:14


    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.

    Ep. 48: Alex Dreussi, Law (J.D.) & Public Administration (M.P.A.) on Ethics & Corruption

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2021 9:44


    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.

    Ep. 47: Kristina Mahagamage: Media Arts (MFA) on Helping People Communicate Through VR

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2021 8:42


    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.

    Ep. 46: A Conversation with Dr. Justin Angle on Getting Your Academic Reps In, Bond Trading

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 9, 2021 50:39


    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 into academia. Check out his podcast “A New Angle,” now on Montana Public Radio, Thursdays at 7:30.

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