Past Interns

2024

BOREALIS Lab

Mentored by Michael Walach, John Bognar, and Berk Knighton.

Jasmine Hruska

Development of a Data Logger

Hi there! My name is Jasmine Hruska, and I'm currently an undergraduate student at Montana State University, studying computer science. Over the summer of 2024, I worked at the BOREALIS lab under Micheal Walach, Berk Knighton, and John Bognar. My research focused on the development of a datalogger for the lab's high altitude ballooning. I designed a Custom Printed board and developed software for the hardware to log different file types. This summer pushed me in many directions where I was able to learn many new skills. This includes PC board design, soldering, and creating software that interfaces with custom hardware. I will graduate from Montana State University in May of 2025 with a bachelors in computer science.

Gino Cicerone

Hello. My name is Gino Cicerone, and I am an undergraduate student at Montana State University Bozeman. I work at the BOREALIS lab and I'm currently completing my apprenticeship project. This utilizes LoRa technology to transmit long-distance packets of location and atmospheric data from our balloons to a ground station. My role focuses on circuit and PCB design.

Through my time working at MSGC I've learned many skills, from launching balloons in the field to creating custom electrical systems. I'll be graduating in the fall of 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in industrial technology.

Plant Physiological Ecology Lab

Mentored by Dr. Danielle E. Marias Ulrich.

Paige Gardner

Estimating Non-Structural Carbohydrates with Spectroscopy

Hello I am Paige Gardner, currently an undergraduate student at Montana State University. During the summer of 2023, I worked in the Ulrich lab with PhD student Sean Hoy-Skubik in the Plant Physiological Ecology Lab. This research aims to find the correlation between non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) levels with conifer tree mortality. This was done using an ASD field spectrometer; this experiment is still ongoing but will eventually lead to better tree mortality predictions for NASA’s remote sensing system. This summer, I’ve learned how to operate the ASD field spectrometer, as well as understanding the greenhouse procedures. Other skills this internship has taught me about staying productive in the lab (even with setbacks), understanding the process of plant physiology, and collaborating with a team. I will complete my undergraduate degree in Environmental Science in December 2024.

Structural Mechanics & Concepts branch at NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC)

David Forslof

High Temperature Materials and Structures

My name is David Forslof and I am an undergraduate student at Montana State University. Currently, I work in the Structural Mechanics & Concepts branch at NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) in Hampton, VA, where I study the failure mechanics and microstructure of ceramic matrix composites for thermal protection systems in hypersonic vehicles and low Earth orbit reentry. Previously, I had worked in the Advanced Materials & Processing branch at LaRC, developing a novel electrolyte material for lithium-based solid-state batteries, facilitating safer and more powerful batteries I will be completing my degree in Mechanical Engineering in the Spring of 2026.

MSU Plant Ecology Lab

Mentored by Meredith Zettlemoyer.

Augustus Lawson

My name is August Lawson, and I am an undergraduate at the University of Montana in the Department of Ecology and Evolution. I currently work at Zettlemoyer Lab where my research focuses on understory response to frequent and intense wildfires. I’ve spent my time developing my professional and technical skills in both the lab and field, and discovering what scientific niche makes me tick! I will be graduating with a degree in Biology in Spring 2026.

Julie Cox

Hi there! My name is Julie Cox (she/her) and in December 2024 I will graduate from the University of Montana with a Bachelor of Science concentrated in Climate Science and Environmental Change. I’ve spent the last year doing undergraduate research for the Dr. Zettlemoyer Integrative Plant Ecology Lab here on campus. This grant from MSGC enabled me to participate in the first of a 6-year study on how more frequent wildfires resulting from climate change are affecting the understory plant communities of sub-alpine lodgepole pine forests in the Sapphire Mountains, MT. Going forward, the study will monitor the effects of these shortening Fire Return Intervals on plant abundance, health, fecundity and more. This amazing opportunity both provided me invaluable experience for entering the workforce after graduation, and also fueled my passion to continue my pursuit of scientific research.

Carroll College Chemistry Integrated Lab

Mentored by Dr. Caroline Pharr.

Paydin Smith

Hello! I’m Paydin Smith, a junior at Carroll College majoring in biology with minors in chemistry and fine arts. This summer, I had the opportunity to assist Dr. Pharr and two other students with organic chemistry research focused on synthesizing a carbene precursor molecule working through a complex multistep synthesis process.
Something I was surprised by was how relaxed and welcoming the research environment was. I had anticipated a more intense atmosphere, but instead, I found the lab to be friendly and supportive. I truly enjoyed myself during this experience, and I give all the credit to those I was working alongside.
This experience taught me so many valuable lessons for my growth as a future STEM professional. It enhanced the skills I’ve developed at Carroll and enriched my STEM experience portfolio. The opportunity pushed me out of my comfort zone while significantly improving my scientific writing, literature research, laboratory techniques, teamwork, problem-solving, communication, and listening skills. It also opened my eyes to research careers I hadn’t previously considered, deepening my understanding of research's relevance to our daily lives.
While I have always been focused on a career in medicine, specifically as a Physician Assistant (PA), the internship ignited my interest in combining research and education with clinical practice. I am now considering a career path that merges my passion for medicine with a role in academia. My newfound goal is to attend PA school, gain experience, and eventually pursue a doctorate in PA to teach at a PA program. This would allow me to contribute to patient care while mentoring the next generation of PA students. I am truly surprised but so thankful for this shift in my goals due to this opportunity.
I highly recommend this experience to other students. Applying classroom skills in real-world settings validates all the hard work and dedication throughout the school year. Working with Dr. Pharr and MSGC this summer was an exceptional opportunity, and I am profoundly grateful for the lessons learned and the inspiration gained.

Sadie Filius

Synthesis of Sulfonium Ylides from β-Diketones

My name is Sadie Filius, and I am an undergraduate student at Carroll College majoring in biochemistry and molecular biology, with plans to complete my degree in the spring of 2026. This past summer, I worked in the Carroll College organic chemistry lab, focusing on the synthesis of precursor molecules of carbenes—an important class of reactive molecules. Through this research experience, I enhanced my lab skills, strengthened my critical thinking,
and deepened my understanding of the scientific method.

Mentored by Dr. John Rowley.

Adisyn OConnor

Thiophene Synthesis and Electrochemistry

Hello. I’m Adisyn O’Connor, an undergraduate student at Carroll College. Over the summer, I worked in the Carroll College chemistry labs on thiophene synthesis and electrochemistry. The objective of our research was to develop a mechanism that uses visible light to synthesize specific carbon-carbon bonds through the homocoupling oxidative dimerization of thiophenes. This mechanism would not only help circumvent many hazardous reagents often used while synthesizing carbon-carbon bonds but could also serve as a prospective form of renewable
energy. Through this research, I learned about electrochemistry, spectral analysis, and various other research techniques. More importantly, I have strengthened my ability to think critically and communicate complex ideas. I will be completing my biochemistry degree in May of 2025.

Spencer Berger

Study Towards the Synthesis of 5,5’-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-2,2’-bithiophene via
2-(4-chlorophenyl)-thiophene Oxidative Homocoupling Dimerization

Hello, my name is Spencer Berger and I am a Student-Athlete at Carroll College studying Biochemistry Molecular Biology with a minor in Chemistry. I am working in the chemistry lab on oxidative dimerization of thiophenes. We are looking for new forms of renewable energy, and our main focus was taking two of the same molecules and using electrochemically introduced oxidation to form a dimer. By doing so we create a new carbon-carbon bond and therefore storing energy. I have learned a lot about the oxidative nature and specifically the ease of dimerization in thiophenes which is why chemists currently have such interest in them as a renewable energy resource. I will be completing my Biochemistry Molecular Biology degree in May of 2026.

UMT Atmospheric Chemistry Lab

Mentored by Lu Hu.

Joseph Knudsen

Hello, my name is Joseph Knudsen. I am a Chemistry / Pre-med undergraduate student at the University of Montana. I work in the UMT Atmospheric Chemistry Lab on wildfire emission studies, and STEM outreach projects centered around particulate matter. In 2023, I built, programmed, and installed the HART Station, an air-quality and weather monitoring installment located on the roof of the Missoula Public Library. Over the summer of 2024, I networked and calibrated the instrument array for real-time configuration and data-visualization for our mobile laboratory. Currently, I am participating in a series of field campaigns in the Lubrecht Experimental Forest, studying prescribed burns to improve our ability to manage wildfires and minimize their public health impact. During my MSGC internships, I have gained valuable coding, data processing, and analytical chemistry experience. They have positioned me to graduate in May 2027 on an ideal trajectory to graduate school.

Montana Learning Center

Mentored by Ryan Hannahoe.

Apen McKee

My name is Aspen McKee, and I am in my second year pursuing my degree in Astrophysics at Montana State University. I work at the Montana Learning Center and spent the summer working on a Spectroheliograph for both the Montana Space Grant Consortium and the Montana Learning Center. I learned a lot about the technical aspects of solar observing and got to work on my observational astronomy skills. Now I'm starting in the BOREALIS Lab, working on the MaxIQ ISS mission. I'll be completing my degree in Spring 2027.

Aika Lanes

STEM Engagement in Montana through the Montana Learning Center

Hi, my name is Aika Lanes, and I am a senior at Bozeman High School. I work for the Montana Learning Center to enhance STEM engagement in Montana. The Montana Learning Center (MLC) astronomy program hosts six different star parties through the “Beyond the Big Sky” events during the summer, where I operated the Dobsonian telescope. The MLC also runs the Montana Aerospace Scholars (MAS) program, providing learning opportunities for high school students interested in aerospace careers. I work as a mentor and design the curriculum for the online program of MAS. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with youth across Montana, and I plan to complete a degree in electrical engineering at university in 2029.