Student Highlights
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.
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 Chemisty 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 Chemisty 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 Chemisty 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.
Apen McKee, Montana Learning Center 2024 Summer intern
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, 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!
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 Summer 2021 and 2022 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.