Student Highlights
Cady Pitner
My name is Cadyn Pitner, and I am a senior at the University of Montana studying Environmental Science and Sustainability with minors in Fire Sciences and Wilderness Studies. This summer, I am studying how short-interval wildfires affect soil carbon storage in subalpine lodgepole pine forests. As wildfire activity increases across the western United States, understanding how repeated burns influence soil carbon is important for predicting future forest resilience and ecosystem recovery. My project focuses on two major forms of soil carbon: particulate organic matter carbon (POM-C) and mineral-associated organic matter carbon (MAOM-C). By comparing these carbon pools across sites with different fire histories, we hope to better understand how repeated wildfires effect the stability and persistence of carbon stored in forest soils. This research is conducted in collaboration with the University of Montana and the U.S. Forest Service Missoula Fire Sciences Laboratory. This experience is helping me develop skills in wildfire ecology, soil science, and ecological research while contributing to a greater understanding of how changing fire regimes impact forest ecosystems. I will be completing my undergraduate degree in Environmental Science and Sustainability in May 2027.
Garrett Kuntz (MSU)
My name is Garrett Kuntz, and I am an accelerated master’s student in the Photonics and Optics program at Montana State University while completing my undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering. I currently work with Dr. Whitaker in the BMW Lab which focuses on data processing and AI research. My research focuses on the development and design of underwater wireless optical communication systems, specifically researching blue LEDs and different encoding conventions for underwater data transfer. Outside of school and research, I am the father of three wonderful children and run a music school, where I provide private instruction on a variety of stringed instruments.
Alice Brummer (Montana Tech)
Autonomous Aerial Systems Office (AASO), Summer Intern 2026
Hello, my name is Alice Brummer, and I am going into my junior year of college to study Computer Science at Montana Technological University. This summer I have been an intern for the MSGC at the University of Montana campus.
My fellow interns and I have been using drones on basic data collection from Blue Mountain, creating flight plans, building and programming our own FPV (First Person View) drones, filming the M trail at the University, and been training for our Part 107 exam. This summer is going to be very busy with future projects working on a Ranch Advisory, Blackfoot fence project collecting, and analyzing data on fields.
This internship has been a great steppingstone to help me know what I want to do with my future career in Computer Science. I have learned how important it is to be teachable, and drones truly are the future of technology.
Gabriel Sova (MSU)
BOREALIS (Balloon Outreach, Research, Exploration and Landscape Imaging System); Summer Internship 2026
My name is Gabriel Sova, and I am a junior mechanical engineering student at Montana State University with a minor in aerospace engineering. Through the MSGC BOREALIS Lab, I am helping design and build a fixed-wing research drone intended to serve as a modular aerial platform for scientific payloads. My work has focused on turning an RC aircraft concept into a practical research tool, including designing the airframe, developing an interchangeable payload bay, and exploring flexible TPU 3D printing to make the fuselage tougher and easier to manufacture. The current goal is to integrate payloads such as a multispectral camera so the aircraft can support remote sensing and field research. This project has been especially meaningful because it combines my interest in flight with hands-on engineering, testing, and real data collection.
Hannah Thomas
Plant Physiology Ecology Laboratory, Summer Intern 2026
Hello! My name is Hannah Thomas. I am an undergraduate student at Montana State University in Bozeman. I am entering my third year of school pursuing a degree in Rangeland Ecology. I have greatly enjoyed my time learning more about plant physiology and discovering my passion for ecology! As an intern this summer I am working in Dr. Ulrich's lab alongside PhD student Lou Duloisy. We are studying drought mortality in conifers across the Northwestern United States, working to compile life histories from radial growth of our sample trees. Through these studies, we can retrospectively identify the physiological mechanisms and predispositions underlying drought-induced tree mortality. I am excited to gain hands-on research experience, strengthen my data analysis skills, and contribute to research that improves our understanding of forest responses to increasing drought occurrences.
Jake Webber
Solar Physics Lab, ASIO/MUSE Mission, Summer 2026 Internship
My name is Jake Webber, I am an undergraduate pursuing a B.S. in Physics and a minor in Aerospace at Montana State University.
Supported by an MSGC internship, I am serving on the science team for the Active Sun Irradiance Observer (ASIO), a NASA-funded solar physics instrument currently in the assembly, integration and test phase. ASIO is a student collaboration program attached to the first solar physics NASA Medium Explorer Mission to date: The MUlti-slit Solar Explorer (MUSE) spacecraft.
This summer, I am collaborating with fellow team members to characterize and verify core functions of ASIO. In addition to this, I am working to create a complete analytical model of ASIO by considering solar spectral irradiance, detector response, electrical impulse response, statistical consequences and analog to digital conversion. This model will allow us to validate data analysis techniques in anticipation of the scheduled 2028 launch.
Taylor Walker (UM)
Integrative Plant Ecology Lab
My name is Taylor Walker, and I am a junior at the University of Montana pursuing a B.S. in Ecological and Organismal Biology along with a minor in Climate Change Studies. This summer I am interning at the Zettlemoyer Integrative Plant Ecology Lab at the University of Montana. Through this lab I am helping to monitor Missoula cushion plant populations, including the endemic Missoula Phlox. I am also assisting with research on the impacts of thinning on pollinators and plant diversity. I am learning several demographic and vegetative surveying techniques through these projects that I will be able to carry into future projects.
Jetta Briggs (Rocky Mountain College)
Autonomous Aerial Systems Office (AASO), Summer Intern 2026
My name is Jetta Briggs, I am a junior at Rocky Mountain College where I am
majoring in Small Uncrewed Aerial Systems and Aviation Management along with an Environmental
Science minor. I am currently an MSGC intern for the
Autonomous Aerial Systems Office (AASO) at the University of Montana. Through
this internship I have gotten the opportunity to complete more research, mapping,
and videography missions along with expanding my proficiency with software like Pix4d,
ArcGIS, BetaFlight, DJI Flight Hub, and Wingtra Cloud to process data and plan flights.
Our main projects consist of the mapping of ranches with Ranch Advisory and fences
for the Blackfoot Nation. We have also built, repaired, and programmed our own drones.
My knowledge surrounding drones has increased significantly and I am excited to apply
these skills to my career.
Crobin Fredland (MSU)
Helio Alaska; Summer Internship 2026
My name is Corbin Fredland and I am working for Helio Alaska this summer in birchwood Alaska Northeast of Anchorage. I am a senior at Montana State studying mechanical engineering and minoring in aerospace engineering. I am a commercial multi-engine certified pilot and have been flying for 6 years. Helio Alaska is building a modern version of the Helio Courier, a 6-seater bush aircraft. My job is to help with all aspects of building and testing this aircraft, from metal fabrication to helping design the cooling system on the engine.
Addie Zumwalt (MSU)
BOREALIS (Balloon Outreach, Research, Exploration and Landscape Imaging System); Summer Internship 2026
Hello, my name is Addie Zumwalt and I'm a junior at Montana State University studying Astrophysics. In the summer of 2025 I was an intern at the Montana Learning Center, where I was able to work on several projects. I assisted with solar data acquisition and image processing for a spectroheliograph, which enabled us to analyze the sun with detailed photographs in different spectra. I set up and programmed a 14” robotic telescope to image deep sky objects, and set up a show for a portable blow up planetarium for use with public outreach events. This internship helped me use my passion for astronomy in a hands on way that also advanced my technological skills, and helped me to introduce the world of space and science to other students. This summer I have an internship at the BOREALIS high altitude ballooning lab. My main project has been working on designing a CubeSat-like payload that can interchange sensors depending on what we want to read in the upper-atmosphere. I have also been working on designing a Geiger counter PCB that can be sent up to measure differences in radiation within the atmosphere. I plan on sending this circuit up during the August total eclipse in Spain to compare the radiation during the eclipse to the radiation on a normal day.
Luca Dalsin (MSU)
Autonomous Aerial Systems Office (AASO), Summer Internship 2026
My name is Luca Dalsin, and I am a Senior at Montana State University studying Mechanical Engineering Technology. In the summer of 2025, I interned with the AASO (Autonomous Aerial Systems Office), at the University of Montana under the guidance of Bart Bauer and Jeremy Crowley. Later in the 2025-2026 school year I was an apprentice under the AASO researching vertical face 3D mapping using UASs.
Now, in the summer of 2026 I am the peerleader intern at the AASO helping the new
set of interns get acquainted within the UAS industry and with any and all initiatives
or
projects in the office. Now I am working on building a fully custom quadcopter platform
that would be capable of multiple subsystems
integrating within the UAS. This project has been an excellent opportunity to improve
my CAD and engineering decision making skills. This summer I have also been focusing
on improving my leadership and management skills in a professional environment. I
have found a lot of what I learned from last summer has been extremely helpful in
helping the other interns understand what, why and how things work in the internship
and the industry. It has also been applicable when having repeat projects from last
summer and
being able to learn from mistakes made in the data collection and post processing
to deliver better, more precise data.
Leah Fulmer (MSU)
Montana Learning Center, Canyon Ferry Lake; Summer Internship 2026
Hello! My name is Leah Fulmer, and I am entering my junior year at Montana State University,
where I am majoring in Astrophysics with a minor in Mathematics. This summer, I am
interning with the astronomy program at the Montana Learning Center up at Canyon Ferry
Lake, where I have the opportunity to contribute to a variety of hands-on observational
astronomy projects.
My primary project focuses on solar data acquisition and image processing using a
spectroheliograph, an instrument that separates sunlight into its component wavelengths
and captures images of the Sun in very narrow bands of light. By producing spectral
scans at wavelengths such as H-alpha, I can observe features in the Sun’s lower atmosphere
that are not visible in ordinary white-light images, including prominences, filaments,
and active regions. Through this work, I hope to deepen my understanding of solar
activity while building practical skills in astronomical instrumentation, spectroscopy,
imaging, and data analysis.
Blake Nestor (MSU)
Plant Physiological Ecology Laboratory; Summer Internship 2026
Hello, my name is Blake Nestor and I am an Undergraduate Student at Montana State
University. I am going into my third year at MSU pursuing degrees in Environmental
Science and German Studies. I worked in Dr. Ulrich’s Plant Physiological Ecology Laboratory
alongside her PhD student, Ainsley Nystrom, where we studied how non-structural carbohydrate
(NSC) levels affect drought tolerance mechanisms and heat resistance characteristics
across four species: Whitebark Pine, Limber Pine, Douglas Fir, and Western Larch.
I specifically monitored growth between treatments to examine source versus sink relationships
throughout the seedlings. This experience has allowed me to gain hands-on research
experience and has exposed me to new areas of study in Environmental Science.
Jessica Ketel (MSU)
Coupled hyperspectral and geochemical characterization for improved remote mapping; Summer Internship 2026
Hello! My name is Jessica Ketel and I am an Earth Sciences Geology major at MSU.
I am working with Dr. Madison Myers and Dr. Anna Schweiger to improve remote
geological mapping by understanding relationships between bedrock, soil, and
vegetation chemistry. The goal is to use EMIT spectral data to analyze and identify
geologic units without having to send people to the field. I’ll learn how to process
and interpret spectral images using programs such as R and ENVI. I’ll be graduating
in the fall of 2026!
Sean LaDeaux
Autonomous Aerial Systems Office (AASO); Summer Internship 2026
Bonjour! My name is Sean LaDeaux. I am an enrolled member of the Oglála Lakȟóta Oyáte, an honorably discharged US Army Veteran, and a non-traditional undergraduate at the University of Montana (UM). And I am endeavoring to earn my baccalaureate degree in Multidisciplinary Studies with focused areas of study in biological and geospatial coursework in 2028 (Dios mediante).
I am a 2026 Montana Space Grant Consortium (MSGC) summer intern with the UM Autonomous Aerial Systems Office assisting with drone-related research under the tutelage of elite drone faculty alongside amazing and accomplished peers who hail from the greatest and most spectacular state of the Union!
During this wonderful fellowship, I have been graciously afforded the opportunity to gain valuable, hands-on, remote piloting experience with a vast fleet of unmanned aircraft systems under the close supervision of expert and sagacious drone professionals and a very knowledgeable senior MSGC intern. Which allowed me to efficiently earn my FAA Remote Pilot Certificate, Part 107. I am very grateful to have gained a plethora of innovative and fascinating experiences with fixed-wing and quadcopter drones mounted with various electro-optical and multi-spectral cameras and active ranging sensors to conduct kinematic and non-kinematic mapping throughout Big Sky country. Additionally, I am thankful for the opportunities to experientially learn how to digitally process the collected and unrefined data synergistically with geographic information system (GIS) and photogrammetry software. And I am sincerely appreciative to all who helped me get to this point especially Jesus Christ, otherwise known in Lakota grammar as “Waníkiya,” dubbing the Messiah. Philámayayapi [Lakota, thank you all]!
Lux et veritas. Go Griz!
Madeleine Cooley (MSU)
Plant Physiological Ecology Laboratory; Summer Internship 2026
Hello, my name is Madeleine Cooley. I am an undergraduate student at Montana State
University working towards a B.S. in conservation biology and ecology. This summer
I am interning in Dr. Danielle Ulrich’s Plant Physiology Ecology Lab with PhD student
Ainsley Nystrom where we are studying how non-structural carbohydrate levels impact
drought tolerance mechanisms and heat resistance characteristics across four species
of conifers found in the Rocky Mountains: limber pine, whitebark pine, western larch,
and douglas fir. My subset of the project specifically looks at how stomata traits
differed across all four species to help
explain species variation in response to the treatment. I will be completing the senior
year of my B.S. in the upcoming academic year. Through my time in Ulrich Lab, I was
able to explore a broader sect of ecology and developed a more comprehensive approach
to research.
Mari Greene (MSU)
BOREALIS (Balloon Outreach, Research, Exploration and Landscape Imaging System); Summer Internship 2026
Hi! My name is Mari Greene and I’m a junior at Montana State University majoring in
Astrophysics with minors in Aerospace Engineering and Mathematics. I am currently
interning with the MSGC BOREALIS program, where we are designing, building, and launching
scientific payloads to the edge of space on high-altitude balloons. My primary research
involves developing LoRa radio communication systems to enable real-time tracking
and data monitoring over distances exceeding 80 miles. I am also working on instrumentation
to measure high-altitude radiation levels and ionospheric
changes—research I will deploy in Spain to study eclipse-driven atmospheric dynamics
during totality.
Dean Sheldon (UM)
Integrative Plant Ecology Lab; Summer Internship 2026
My name is Dean Sheldon and I am a Junior in Ecology and Organismal Biology at the University of Montana. I am currently doing undergraduate research under Dr. Zettlemoyer in the Zettlemoyer Integrative Plant Ecology Lab, which I joined nearly two years ago. I am studying the long-term effects of low thinning on pollinators in a Ponderosa-Larch dominant forest north of Missoula, Montana. I enjoy macrophotography, hiking, and spending time with my two cats, Muffin and Spider.
Ava Arbogast (MSU)
BOREALIS (Balloon Outreach, Research, Exploration and Landscape Imaging System); Summer Internship 2026
Hello, my name is Ava, and I'm a sophomore studying Electrical and Mechanical Engineering
at Montana State University. This summer, I'm interning in MSGC’s BOREALIS Lab. Right
now, I'm working on a few projects to prepare for our solar eclipse launch, specifically
focusing on a GPS and LoRa module, and a Geiger counter. Our GPS and LoRa board, called
YELLOWSTONE, is the main tracking device for the balloon. For the Geiger counter project,
we're taking a bulkier, off-the-shelf board and reverse engineering it into a more
compact design that can survive the extreme conditions at the edge of space. Through
these
projects, I’ve become much faster in Fusion 360, learned how to seamlessly use tools
like
DigiKey, and gotten hands-on experience tracking down and fixing both hardware and
software issues.
Salene Paul (MSU)
Fabrication and control of magnetic microsphere swarms; Biological and Electronic Microfabrication Lab; Summer Internship 2026
Finn Berg (MSU)
Space Science and Engineering Lab (SSEL); Summer Internship 2026
Hello, my name is Finn Berg, and I am an undergraduate student at Montana State University, studying Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Mechatronics.
This summer, I am working on various research projects with the Space Science and Engineering Lab (SSEL) at Montana State. My main project is doing the mechanical work for QUAKEMS (Quantitative Charge, Kinetic Energy, and Mass Sensor). QUACKEMS is a potential future satellite in the very early stages of development; its overall purpose is to measure energy, mass, and charge of solar energetic particles, particularly heavy ions. I am also working on several other projects across the lab, such as ASIO (another solar-related satellite), ESIS-II (a specialized sounding rocket), and more.
So far, this experience has taught me about many engineering fundamentals, like Finite Element Analysis, CAD modeling, 3D printing, and machining, and I’m excited to continue learning throughout the summer.
Isabel Besel (MSU)
BOREALIS (Balloon Outreach, Research, Exploration and Landscape Imaging System); Summer Internship 2026
Mikael Savage (MSU)
BOREALIS (Balloon Outreach, Research, Exploration and Landscape Imaging System); Summer Internship 2026
Elsie Feming (UM)
Plant Ecology and Global Change Laboratory; Summer Internship 2026
Kaia Ecklund (Great Falls College)
NASA Langley Research Center in Virginia; Summer Internship 2026
Hi my name is Kaia Ecklund and I am a student at Great Falls College MSU. I recently completed my Associates of Applied Science in Cybersecurity and working on an Associates of Applied Science in Computer Programming. I spent last Summer working as an MSGC intern for the Autonomous Aerial Systems Office (AASO) at the University of Montana in Missoula. This summer I am working as an intern at the NASA Langley Research Center in Virginia as a part of the Firesense Wildland Fire Safety Project where I will be working to improve prototype safety systems that will installed on Bulldozers and used in wildland fire operations to assist operators.
Last summer I learned about flying drones and drone mapping while getting my Part 107 Commercial Drone Pilot License. I also started a project with Jeremy Crowley, one of the program mentors, to research various possible low cost drone detection methods, during this research I was able to train a computer vision model that when combined with a Python script can detect and take a picture and generate a report when a drone passes in front of a connected camera.
My goal is to continue learning through my academic studies as well as gaining hand on experience while working to make meaningful contributions during research opportunities.
2025 Student Highlights
Emelia Morgan, MSU Graduate Fellow 2025
Hello, my name is Eme Morgan, and I am entering the final year of my M.S. in Ecology at Montana State University. In Fall 2025, I am excited to be supported by a graduate fellowship from the Montana Space Grant Consortium, which allows me to complete my thesis research. My work focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of hyperspectral imaging for quantifying vegetation nutritional quality across the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. To do this, I compare hyperspectral data with traditional multispectral indices and biochemical metrics from field-collected vegetation samples to detect spatiotemporal patterns in forage quality and their relationship to summer elk movement and habitat selection. Through this research, I have developed skills in ecological field methods, spectral data processing, spatial analysis, and statistical modeling in R. This project has strengthened my ability to conduct interdisciplinary research and communicate scientific findings, while contributing to broader efforts to monitor ecosystem change and inform wildlife and agricultural management in western landscapes.
Jesse Hruska, MSU BOREALIS 2025 apprentice
Hi there, my name is Jesse! I'm a recently graduated Computer Science major from MSU who had the opportunity to do an apprenticeship through MSGC. At the lab, I developed an arduino block coding application to teach K-12 students how to code. This website will be used by students throughout Montana in combination with MSGC's DIANA board. The application is built using Javascript, NextJS, and React to allow students to interactively build block code that can be saved to a file and directly run on arduino / PCB boards. This involved the creation of many different interactive systems, both on the frontend with the creation and modification of blocks, to the backend with storing block information and saving information to or from files. From this experience, I have cultivated project management skills from conception to release: ideation, development, quality assurance, and deployment. In addition, I have grown with seeing the bigger picture of a project and prioritizing the most important features first.
Visit Finished Website: https://koabc.msu.montana.edu/
Apen McKee, MSU BOREALIS 2025 summer intern and Montana Learning Center 2024 summer intern
My name is Aspen McKee, and I am in my third year pursuing my degree in Astrophysics at Montana State University. Last summer, I worked as an intern at the Montana Learning Center and spent the summer working on a Spectroheliograph. I learned a lot about the technical aspects of solar observing and got to work on my observational astronomy skills. This led to an apprenticeship in the BOREALIS lab, where I worked on programming a custom PCB to gather data on board the ISS, hopefully to launch in June 2026. We included an air quality sensor, pressure sensor, accelerometer, magnetometer, and a custom gamma ray sensor that we are still working on trying to better understand and fine-tune in my internship this summer at BOREALIS. This summer I designed and built my own zero-pressure balloon to fly, as well as developed my own sensor breakout PCB for high-altitude balloon flights that includes a CO2 sensor, pressure sensor, accelerometer, magnetometer, gyroscope, UV sensor, and color sensor. I want to look at particle scattering up in the atmosphere and how the colors will change as we ascend. I have learned a lot of new hard skills, like soldering, CAD systems, PCB design, and programming. I'll be completing my degree in Spring 2027.
Nick Clouse, MSU SSEL 2025 summer intern
Hello, my name is Nick Clouse and I’m a undergraduate student at Carroll College studying Computer Science and Data Science and playing football. I’m working in the Space Science and Engineering Lab (SSEL) at MSU. My work has consisted of building a web application to visualize the data received from the SFXTI (EISSFLAIX) instrument, which is currently taking measurements aboard the International Space Station (ISS), along with Python scripts to parse the raw data and store it in a database. I’m also working on the REAL project, assisting with the process of transferring data from the satellite to the ground station at SSEL. I've learned a wide range of new skills in a short amount of time, from enhancing my Python and data visualization skills to learning how to code in Ruby. This experience has really pushed me to learn on the fly and has also opened my eyes to career paths I hadn’t previously considered.
Luca Dalsin,UM AASO 2025 summer intern
My name is Luca Dalsin, and I am a Junior at Montana State University studying mechanical engineering. I will be graduating in the winter of 2027. In the summer of 2025, I interned with the AASO (Autonomous Aerial Systems Office), also known as the drone office, at the University of Montana under the guidance of Bart Bauer and Jeremy Crowley. During my internship, we utilized Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) to conduct land surveys for the university and third-party clients. I learned how to plan and fly drone missions, process data, and create valuable deliverables for each project. I got hands-on experience using tools such as Pix4D, ArcGIS, BetaFlight, DJI Flight Hub, and DJI Pilot 2. Additionally, I learned how to build, repair, and program drones working with Josh Kornoff. I plan to continue building these skills by conducting snow surveys with Drones by doing an apprenticeship with the AASO in the Fall of 2025.
Alyssa Harmel, MSU Plant Physiological Ecology Laboratory 2025 summer intern
Hello! My name is Alyssa Harmel, and I am a senior undergraduate student at Montana State University in pursuit of a degree in Environmental Sciences. This summer I was able to intern in Dr. Ulrich’s Plant Physiological Ecology Laboratory alongside her and her PhD student, Sean Hoy-Skubik, where we studied potential indicators of drought-induced mortality of ponderosa and limber pine using hyperspectral imaging. More specifically, my subsection of the project studied leaf spectral properties of ponderosa and limber pine across needle age classes. With MSGC’s support, this internship has allowed me to further my career in environmental research and gain confidence in utilizing the knowledge that I have gained while at MSU. This research experience solidified my passion to continue my education in a graduate program related to biogeochemical factors.
Mica Ashcraft, MSU SSEL 2025 summer intern
Hi, my name is Mica Ashcraft and I am a junior undergraduate student studying mechanical engineering at Montana State University. I am currently working in the Space Science and Engineering Lab (SSEL) on campus designing and studying student built satellites. I am working on the ASIO (Active region Solar Irradiance Observatory) satellite that measures different wavelengths of light from solar flares. SSEL has been an incredible opportunity to learn valuable skills in aerospace that would never usually be available to someone of my knowledge level. I truly believe that my time here will help me secure a wonderful opportunity when I graduate in 2027.
Jeremy Jeffay,UM AASO 2025 summer intern
Innovation flourishes at the intersection of curiosity & collaboration—a principle that guided my MSGC projects that intend to bridge digital innovation & planetary uplift. My work spanned 3D campus modeling with drone data & GIS surveying, immersive pipeline development in Unreal Engine, exploring AI tools for GeoFlex sensor data visualizations/analysis as well as custom software development. I explored & applied advanced techniques like Gaussian splatting & collaborated to improve upon & develop new workflows, from scripting in Python to XR (Extended Reality) experimentation. Each project deepened my belief in open inquiry & the power of teamwork—building not just technical solutions, but more importantly connections across disciplines & continents. I am passionate about integrating emerging technologies to inspire a mindset shift towards planetary flourishing! I am entirely eager to push boundaries as I pursue research at the intersection of digital systems & societal benefits!
-Non-traditional Junior at The University of Montana self-directing a multi-disciplinary degree. I am researching within the Autonomous Aerial Systems Office (AASO) alongside Jeremy Crowley & Bart Bauer.
Gabrielle Ostrowski, MSU Plant Physiological Ecology Laboratory 2025 summer intern
Hello, my name is Gabrielle, and I am an undergraduate student studying Fish and Wildlife Ecology & Management at Montana State University. I am currently an intern in Dr. Ulrich’s Plant Physiological Ecology Lab, where I’ve been assisting with a drought experiment aimed at improving our understanding of how and when to measure plant traits under drought conditions. My individual project focuses on investigating diurnal fluctuations in leaf spectral properties and physiological responses. This experience has allowed me to split my time between the laboratory and the greenhouse, helping me develop a diverse set of professional and technical skills. Receiving the MSGC grant has deepened my interest in scientific research and has motivated me to pursue research opportunities beyond my graduation in December 2025.
Kaia Ecklund,UM AASO 2025 summer intern
Hi my name is Kaia Ecklund and I am a student at Great Falls College MSU working on an Associates in Cybersecurity and an Associates in Computer Programming. I spent this Summer working as an MSGC intern for the Autonomous Aerial Systems Office (AASO) at the University of Montana in Missoula.
This summer I have learned about flying drones and drone mapping all while studying for my Part 107 exam, which I will be taking before the internship is over. I also started a project with Jeremy Crowley, one of the program mentors, to research various possible drone detection methods.
In the Spring of 2026 I should be finishing my Cybersecurity Associates. After that, I will be working on finishing my Computer Programming Associates, thankfully there is overlap between the two programs so I should be able to finish my Computer Programming Associates in Spring of 2027
Samuel Grob, MSU SSEL 2025 summer intern
My name is Samuel Grob, and I am a senior in Mechanical Engineering Technology pursuing a minor in Materials at Montana State University. My work with the Space Science and Engineering Laboratory (SSEL) has mostly revolved around two projects: FURST and QUACKEMS. FURST is a sounding rocket payload aimed at imaging the sun as a star. Current efforts focus on decreasing stray light and preventing detector oversaturation. QUACKEMS, currently in development, aims to measure heavy ions from solar flares. My involvement has included designing fixturing for the sensor within a faraday cage, as well as machining custom parts to ensure repeatable linear positioning, to the thousandth of an inch, as the instrument moves across a radiation source.
LeRoy Thompson, MSU BOREALIS 2025 summer intern
My name is LeRoy Thompson, I am a Mechanical Engineering student at Montana State University and will be graduating in the spring of 2026. During the summer of 2025 I had the opportunity to work at the BOREALIS lab. This summer, there was a heavy focus on changing how we communicate and track our high altitude balloons. Transitioning from the previous IRIDIUM communication service to a new long range radio (LoRa) communication protocol required new hardware and software to be developed.
To contribute to this effort, I worked primarily on creating a new software program to control our ground tracking station. I created a new Graphical User Interface (GUI) and wrote the embedded software that handles the operation of the LoRa radio on the ground. I learned a lot about electrical and computer engineering that I would not have learned from the typical mechanical engineering track, and I plan on continuing with the projects I worked on in an apprenticeship next fall.
Skylar Pinsondumm, UM AASO 2025 summer intern
Hello, my name is Skylar Pinsondumm. I am currently a sophomore at Montana State University majoring in Physics. In Summer 2025, I received an MSGC internship at the Autonomous Aerial Systems Office (AASO) in Missoula. Working with AASO, I developed skills on capturing and representing data with unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and computer software such as Pix4D and ArcGis. Using UAS data that I collected over the internship, I created dashboard application maps of Mount Sentinel’s M Trail and the University of Montana Campus displaying colorized LIDAR in a 3D format. I used the applications of LIDAR to calculate and display data such as elevation change and slope on my maps as well.
Jacob Brooks, UM Geochemical Characterization 2025 summer intern
Hello! My name is Jacob Brooks and I am a senior at Montana State University. I am working in the MOnSTER Lab with a focus on creating calibration methodology for portable laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) devices using volcanic material from the McDermitt Caldera in northern Nevada. So far, I’ve built initial calibration curves for over 30 elements, including critical elements such as lithium and beryllium, and used the model built with those curves to obtain geochemical data with LIBS. I’ll be completing my degree in Earth Science at the end of spring 2026!
Declan Clark, Soil Biogeochemistry 2025 summer intern
My name is Declan Clark, and I am an undergraduate student studying Environmental Science and Sustainability with a minor in microbiology at the University of Montana. I will be graduating in the spring of 2026.
I’m working with Dr. Justin Gay to investigate how environmental changes such as fire and climate impact sub-alpine lodgepole pine forest biogeochemical cycles. I spent the summer collecting, processing, and analyzing soil samples from burned areas with varying fire return intervals in the Sapphire mountains of Montana. Along with soil chemical analysis, I worked to compare the ectomycorrhizal fungi colonization on the roots of pine seedling across fire intervals. Together this data presents a picture of how the movement below-ground carbon and nitrogen are altered with changing fire regimes.
Addie Zumwalt, Montana Learning Center 2025 summer intern
Hello, my name is Addie Zumwalt and I'm a sophomore at Montana State University studying Astrophysics. This summer I was an intern at the Montana Learning Center, where I was able to work on several projects. I assisted with solar data acquisition and image processing for a spectroheliograph, set up and programmed a 14” robotic telescope to image deep sky images, and set up a show for a portable blow up planetarium for use with public outreach events. This experience has taught me valuable skills that I believe will transfer well into my future career.
Bella Wengappuly, UM AASO 2025 summer intern
Hello, my name is Bella Wengappuly. I am entering my fifth year of a six-year program to complete my undergraduate degrees in Wildlife Biology and Computer Science, with certificates in Geographic Information Systems, Global Leadership, and Honors, at the University of Montana. I was honored to serve as lead intern with UM's Autonomous Aerial Systems Office this past summer alongside a diverse crew of nine interns.
We collected data on rooftops, expansive ranches, and along the Clark Fork River via watercraft. We processed and analyzed geographic point data and Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) imagery using Pix4D, ArcGIS Pro/Online, and Wingtra Hub software to produce centimeter-accurate georeferenced images, 3D models, and rangeland reports, which we delivered to our clients. Project management, self-directed learning, and mentorship augmented my leadership skills while elevating our intern cohort.
Looking ahead, I will publish an undergraduate thesis on identifying individual wolverines and lynx from images, isolating wolverine denning areas, conducting UAS surveys to locate dens, and collecting kit genetics for conservation management of this elusive and understudied endangered mesocarnivore.
Tevon Smith, MSU BOREALIS 2025 summer intern and apprentice
Hello, my name is Tevon Smith, and I’m an Undergraduate Student entering my third year at Montana State. I’m pursuing dual degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering Technology. I’ve recently had the opportunity to do an internship through MSGC.
At the lab, I have spent my time redesigning the communication system for the high- altitude balloons. This new system will use long range radio to communicate between the ground and balloon. Wi-Fi is used within the balloons payload string to communicate. This allows the balloon to update us with its gps coordinates and other system information. As this information is received, the Ground Station can automatically adjust to remain pointed at the balloon. To compliment this, a multipurpose board, capable of integrating with the new communication system was designed, acting as a foundation for experiments and other balloon systems.
From this experience, I have learned lots in areas outside of traditional Mechanical Engineering such as PCB design and software development. I plan to continue developing this system as an apprenticeship this fall.
Teagan McAvoy, MSU BOREALIS 2025 summer intern
My name is Teagan McAvoy and I am heading into my senior year in the Industrial Tech program at MSU. I grew up in Hailey, Idaho where my first loves were legos and hockey. I have pursued my passions for hockey to Minnesota, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and ultimately have been playing defense for the MSU Bobcats, helping them get to the National Championships 3 years running. My love of legos began from a desire to understand how stuff works, and that has led me to the Industrial Tech program at MSU. Through my degree, I have been building and flying drones (getting my FAA part 107 license), welding, soldering, building electronic circuit boards, designing with CAD, Fusion 360 and 3-D printers, and learning all manner of how to best utilize materials and create useful solutions to technical needs. I spent my most recent summer interning at the BOREALIS Lab helping to design CubeSats, PCB boards, and cases for the LoRa. I enjoy the process of designing solutions to problems and have learned much through this internship. I still love legos and hockey, but also enjoy mountain biking, fishing, and getting outdoors- although some of our hikes to recover the payload system have been quite legendary. I am looking forward to finishing my degree, hopefully helping MSU hockey get back to the National Championships in 2026, and stepping into a career in Industrial Design.
Jasmine Hruska, MSU BOREALIS 2024 summer intern and apprentice
My name is Jasmine Hruska, and I'm currently an undergraduate student at Montana State University, studying computer science. I will graduate from Montana State University in May of 2025 with a bachelors in 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.
During the academic year of 2024 - 2025 I was able to continue my research through a joint apprenticeship with Gino Cicerone. This project aimed to make a set of PCBs that communicate using LoRa (Long Range radio). One board would be one the ground, named Marco, the other on a balloon payload named Polo. During payload recovery, the Marco board can communicate with the Polo board and use a screen to communicate where Polo is. Designing a screen UI and means for the devices to interact was very rewarding.
Gino Cicerone, MSU BOREALIS 2024 and 2025 Summer intern and apprentice
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.
2024 Student Highlights
Amanda Haab, MSUBiofilm Engineering 2024 apprentice
Hi all, my name is Amanda Haab and I am a recent Montana State Alumni. While completing my undergraduate degrees in Microbiology and Cell Biology & Neuroscience, I conducted research supported by the Montana Space Grant Consortium. My work focused on multidomain biofilms in the International Space Station water recycler. I worked primarily with Drs. Sandvik, Feilds, and Steward of the Center for Biofilm Engineering. I was awarded a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship to continue my education in Microbiology. I will begin my graduate education this fall at the University of California, Davis while applying to MD/PhD programs. I am grateful for the continual support of MSGC!
Paige Gardner, MSU Plant Physiological Ecology 2024 summer intern
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.
David Forslof, NASA LaRC 2024 summer intern
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.
Augustus Lawson, MSU Plant Ecology 2024 summer intern
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, MSU Plant Physiological Ecology 2024 summer intern
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.
Paydin Smith, Carroll College Organic Chemistry 2024 summer intern
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.
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.
Sadie Filius, Carroll College Organic Chemistry 2024 summer intern
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.
Adisyn OConnor, Carroll College thiophene synthesis and electrochemistry 2024 summer intern
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, Carroll College Chemistry 2024 summer intern
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.
Joseph Knudsen, UMT Atmospheric Chemistry 2024 summer intern
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.
Aika Lanes, Montana Learning Center 2024 Summer intern
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.
Eden Houske, Carroll College apprentice and future summer intern
My name is Eden Houske and I am a junior studying biology and chemistry at Carroll College. I have been working on a project with two of my colleagues over the past year that involves analyzing the effects of simulated microgravity on encapsulated chondrocytes through the use of global metabolomic profiling. Reduced mechanical forces during prolonged microgravity exposure can lead to symptoms of osteoarthritis. This compromises astronauts' mobility and leads to reduced quality of life post-spaceflight. Therefore, the goal of our project was to expand our understanding of the risk of developing osteoarthritis post-spaceflight through the study of chondrocyte mechanotransduction. Due to the support of MSGC, my research team and I were able to attend the 2022 Orthopaedic Research Society meeting and present the findings of our project as well!
2023 - 2020 Student Highlights
Larissa Saarel, Rocky Mountain College apprentice and summer intern
My name is Larissa Saarel and I am a senior studying environmental science at Rocky Mountain College. This is my second year working on the ongoing turtle research project at my college. My individual project focuses on spiny softshell turtle nesting habitat availability between a dammed (Bighorn) and relatively undammed (Yellowstone) river. I utilize both remote sensing and ground truthing methods to train computer software (ArcMap) to pick out the desired habitat. I also analyze turtle demographic data for each river system.
Chad Dunbar, MSU BOREALIS Summer intern and apprentice
I’m Chad Dunbar, a senior in mechanical engineering here at Montana State University. I have a variety of experience with machining and welding and I have tried my best to leverage that experience. My interest in aerospace systems led me to BOREALIS, where I am working on flight systems to include balloon station keeping systems and an improved antenna tracking station. I spend most of my spare time hiking and fishing.
Haleigh Brown, UM BOREALIS 2021 summer intern and apprentice
Hi! My name is Haleigh Brown and I am a junior at University of Montana studying Computational Physics with minors in Mathematics and Computer Science. I have been focusing on improving training for future eclipse campaigns. This has included the development of a 3D-printed mounting system for low cost UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) to increase student retention of balloon launching procedures. My work with MSGC has already led to many opportunities such as a poster presentation at the 2021 AGU fall conference.
Jake Davis, Space Space and Engineering Laboratory researcher
Hello! My name is Jake Davis and I am from Billings Montana. I am a senior studying Mechanical Engineering and pursuing a minor in Aerospace Engineering at Montana State University. I am interning at the Space Science and Engineering Lab (SSEL) working on mechanical design for the RadPC-Lunar, which is striving to put cube satellites on the moon. This requires complex mechanical design and thermal simulation using a variety of different software including SOLIDWORKS and MATLAB. Current tasks have involved reverse engineering existing mechanical designs for different aerospace-related projects to an industrial mil spec tolerance and advancing those designs to fulfill SSEL needs. Future tasks will involve fabrications of custom-designed parts with assembly and integration in RadPC-Lunar and REAL.
Ausan McGaugh, MSU BOREALIS 2021 summer intern and apprentice
Hello! My name is Ausan McGaugh. I am a senior in Electrical Engineering and will hopefully be graduating this summer (2022)! I was an intern at MSCG during the summer of 2021, and now I am working as an apprentice during the school year. During the summer I learned so much about engineering and the project development process. I learned how to solder, circuitry design, PCB design, micro-controller debugging, and so much about high altitude ballooning. It introduced me to working in a professional lab environment without the stress of messing up. The work environment is awesome and I have become friends with nearly all of my co-workers! MSGC offers a unique opportunity to not only grow as an engineer but as a person as well.
Lauren Ryter, Rocky Mountain College ARES and 2022 summer intern
My name is Lauren Ryter and I am a junior majoring in Environmental Science at Rocky Mountain College. This is my third year studying common snapping turtle nesting habitats on prairie streams, specifically Razor Creek near Shepherd, Montana. From May to the end of June I conduct timed visual surveys for reptile eggs at aggregated sites where I have previously found nests and other areas with similar habitat characteristics. Using the assistance of game cameras, I am able to observe nesting females and locate nests more efficiently. Using this data we are able to help landowners understand the value of these sites and how to limit disturbance of them. By determining where snapping turtles are nesting, we will be able to work with landowners and the community to help preserve the habitat snapping turtles depend on.
Ian Scott, Space Science and Engineering Laboratory 2020 summer intern
Hello my name is Iain Scott and I am a Sophomore at the Space Science Engineering Lab with MSGC. I wrote a file transfer program for the lab's slideshow monitor, set up a wireless camera, and basic server to stream video of the lab's radio telescope. When I am outside the lab I like to explore the unknown.
Sam Riebling, MSU BOREALIS 2021 summer intern and apprentice
My name is Sam Riebling, I am senior graduating in May 2022 with a bachelor’s in technology education broad field teaching. I was a 2021 summer intern and apprentice during the 2021-2022 school year. My focus for the summer was primarily on outreach and educational events, but while interning I have been able to work on several engineering-based projects, that my major would not normally expose me to. One of the outreach events I planned was hosted by the Belgrade public library. It was an afternoon open to the public to explore STEM related activities. Another project I worked on was a printed circuit board called ‘MegaSat’, developed by Louisiana State University. My job was to solder it together, learn how to operate it, and eventually give feedback on how the instruction manual could be improved. I have learned a lot about engineering while working with the other interns and look forward to taking these skills to the high school classroom when I become a teacher!
Bryce Kim, MSU BOREALIS 2021 high school summer intern
My name is Bryce Kim, and I am finishing my Junior year at Bozeman High School. The goal of my project was to create a hypothesis on whether gravity waves could be observed by a balloon-borne high-resolution GPS over central and eastern Montana, and what might be a probable source. Beyond just the research itself, I learned how to present my work to both a learned and knowledgeable topic-specific community, as well as explaining my ideas in simpler terms. My experiences in this program have definitelyaffirmed my interests in pursuing an advanced STEMeducation and career. I’ve broadenedmy interests to include both hardware and softwaredevelopment, as well as physical research.
Micah Hickethier, MSU Biological and Chemical Engineering 2021 summer intern
My name is Micah Hickethier. I am a sophomore at Montana State University and double major in biological and chemical engineering. I interned at Flathead Valley Community College, doing research in their model marine ecosystem. My research focused on the pH fluctuations caused by the complex biodiverse ecosystem. First I tested pHyters (pH measuring devices developed by prior FVCC students for citizen science) for their accuracy and precision, then collected two weeks’ worth of data. After collecting data that showed a consistent fluctuation in pH over a 12 hour time frame, I introduced a foam fractionator. The amplitude of the pH in the 12 hour time frame decreased, providing the coral with an environment closer to that of its natural habitat. In addition to this research, me and another intern developed protocols for future students to use in the lab. This experience provided me with a better understanding of a lab environment and made me excited for my career path!
Ryan Barna, SSEL summer intern
My name is Ryan Barna. I'm a senior at Montana State University with majors in chemical and biological engineering and a minor in mathematics. I worked in the the Space Science and Engineering Lab last summer and with launch simulation software on a the most recent IT-SPINS CubeSat. I spent time analyzing data received from the satellite and worked on ground station upgrades.
Shannel Sinclair, MSU BOREALIS 2021 summer intern
My name is Shanell Sinclair. I love cats and spending time with my family. I am a Native American transfer student from Blackfeet Community College. I am majoring in mechanical engineering with a minor in aerospace engineering at Montana State University. I hope to one day work in the aerospace industry. I am worked with the BOREALIS program which is a high-altitude ballooning program. My projects were building and programming an accelerometer to track orientation during flights and developing a solar balloon. I came here to be part of my state’s space program and get real hands-on engineering experience.
Hannah Woody, UM BOREALIS summer intern and apprentice
My name is Hannah Woody. I am a senior at the University of Montana studying Genetics and Evolution with a minor in Astronomy. With MSGC, I worked on background characterization in preparation for our field campaign where we hoped to see eclipse driven gravity waves. Learning and implementing a new modeling software for data analysis was necessary for this project. I have been reviewing both background atmosphere models and source spectra, and investigating atmospheric events. I will be submitting a paper regarding ray-tracing GWs during the 2020 total solar eclipse for publication!
Noah Brown, Mechanical Engineering 2021 and 2022 summer intern
My name is Noah Brown. I am a Mechanical Engineering student at Montana State University. For the summer of 2021, I was a MSGC intern at the Flathead Lake Biological Station, near Bigfork, Montana. I worked on buoys that collect weather data. I learned how to maintain a Long Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN) that allows for buoys to send data from all around the lake. Additionally, I developed the data analysis software for a remote continuous PCR machine. The instrument can be used in the field to determine if there are harmful invasive species in the water. I worked with a great team of other students while working on the project. Fortunately, for the summer of 2022 I will again be a MSGC intern. I will build sensors to monitor for the development of biofilms in microgravity.
Zachary Hull, Space Science and Engineering Laboratory apprentice
My name is Zachary Hull. I am a senior electrical engineering student at MSU. I worked on a variety of projects for the Space Science and Engineering Lab. I characterized rotary solenoids for the FURST project. After completion of the solenoid characterization, I designed the GSE and S-Band circuit boards as well as the S-Band antenna for the REAL project. I then updated the existing power and shutter control boards for FURST. Currently, I am experimenting with using external FLASH storage for a PIC32 processor as part of Brock LaMeres’ LunarSat project.