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NSF Partnership Information by State

 

Montana

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NSF and Montana

    In FY 2003, the NSF provided 120 awards totaling approximately $32 million to 22 institutions in the state of Montana.

    Institutions in Montana that received NSF support in FY 2003 included Little Big Horn College, the University of Montana, Fort Peck Community College, Blackfeet Community College, and SensoPath, Inc.


Examples of Projects Currently Funded by NSF in the State of Montana:

    IBR: Do Species Matter in Microbial Communities? — Species are considered fundamental units in plant and animal communities. The major biological question addressed by this project at Montana State University is whether species are also fundamental units of communities of microorganisms. Although microorganisms reproduce asexually, they have several mechanisms for exchanging genetic material. It might be necessary to conceptualize microbial species quite differently from species of plants and animals. This question will be addressed by evaluating the hypothesis that genetically distinct individuals are grouped into ecologically distinct populations that exhibit properties of species, i.e. they express unique sets of genes, occupy unique niches, and are irreversibly separate in their evolution. The research integrates principles from evolutionary biology with techniques derived from the fields of microbial ecology, microbial physiology, and genomics, providing a cross-training opportunity that will help fill the chasms separating these fields. Since the microbial community under investigation is in Yellowstone Park, there will be numerous opportunities for interaction with the park's trained informal educators. Preparation of new educational resources will help millions of annual visitors, young and old, change the way they think about microorganisms.

    Fostering Student Success in STEM Disciplines Through Engaged Learning Opportunities and Comprehensive Program Development — The overall goal of this project at Fort Belknap College (FBC) is to increase student participation and success in FBC's science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degree programs. To accomplish this, the project will provide STEM students with an integrated continuum of learning opportunities while strengthening the institution's STEM programs through curriculum reform, faculty development, and infrastructure enhancement. Student centered activities include an active outreach and recruiting program, pre-college summer sessions, expanded tutoring and in-class assistance, research and internship opportunities, and a bridge program with Montana State University – Northern.

    Small Business Technology Transfer — An NSF STTR award to PFM Manufacturing. Inc. supports the development of a prototype rapid-deployment, three-dimensional seismic reflection system for near-surface exploration. Although the 3-D seismic reflection method enjoys tremendous commercial success in marine applications, 3-D seismic systems for land-based geophysical exploration have been limited because cost-effective and environmentally friendly deployment systems have not been developed. Such a system would be useful to build models of ground water flow, track pollutants, identify mineral-laden zones, and aid the siting of large construction projects. The next generation seismic system based on the land streamers concept using gimbal-mounted vertical geophones will be assembled. An industrial, low-impact all-terrain vehicle is a critical part of the system both to pull the land streamers and minimize environmental impact. The primary advantage of is that fewer field personnel would be needed compared to conventional surveys and data can be collected more efficiently.

For more information on Montana and NSF, please contact the Office of Legislative and Public Affairs at 703-292-8070.

Useful Links:

Montana's Home Page
Montana Governor's Office


 
 
     
 

 
National Science Foundation
Office of Legislative and Public Affairs
4201 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, Virginia 22230, USA
Tel: 703-292-8070
FIRS: 800-877-8339 | TDD: 703-292-5090
 

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