MSGC hands-on workshops
An entry level research opportunity!
The goal of the MSGC workshops is to introduce Montana undergraduate students to non-medical research in science and engineering.
Montana undergraduates who are interested in STEM research experiences, but who have not completed hands-on research, are invited to apply. Students who are from smaller Montana campuses (not MSU, UM, and Tech) are given priority, as are Freshmen and Sophomores.
We generally don't support students in medical majors, or those going into medical fields. Student must reside in the state of Montana to participate in the workshop (unless it is noted as a virtual workshop).
Workshop Details
- Workshops are nine hours of training, over a Friday evening and Saturday.
- Pay is a $200 stipend for participants who qualify.
- There is a brief home project that is a required deliverable.
- Travel to in-person workshops is reimbursed. This includes hotel if traveling from out of town.
- Meals are provided during the workshop.
- Unless otherwise specified. MSGC will arrange all hotel rooms and meals during the workshop.
MSGC hosts varied workshops throughout the academic year. See what is upcoming below!
Application Information
- Applications will be due approximately two weeks before the workshop. MSGC will provide a specific deadline for each workshop offered. See more below.
- Applications are submitted via Submittable.
- If you don't already have a Submittable sign-in, you will need to create one.
- Applicants will be notified of their acceptance one week prior to the workshop.
- Applications will need to confirm their participation to hold their slot!
Qualifications to Receive the Stipend
- Be enrolled at a Montana institution.
- Be at least a part-time student.
- Be an undergraduate student.
- Complete the necessary paperwork.
- Complete a small project within two weeks.
- Less priority is given to students that have attended workshops in the past. (Check out our other research opportunities instead!)
2025 - 2026 Workshops:
Fall 2025 Workshops - Applications closed
Astronomy - CLOSED to submissions
This workshop isdesigned to introduce students to astronomy and STEM research. Students will learn to use advanced telescopes, capture and process night-sky data to transform it into beautiful images, and gain valuable experience using advanced equipment.
GMO Detectives
Ever wonder what significance Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) have for the foods we eat? Here’s an opportunity for those new to research to investigate! Get paid to use professional laboratory equipment with Dr. Christa Merzdorf to extract DNA from corn and soy foods of your choice. Then use Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), and gel electrophoresis to determine which are derived from GMOs.
Dates: October 17 - 18
Host: Dr. Christa Merzdorf
Location: Montana State University, Bozeman MT
Submissions due: October 3rd
Spring 2026 Workshops - Stay Tuned
Monitoring invasive plant species using drones (sUAS)- and ground-based measurements
Students will learn about invasive species, ecosystem impacts, grass identification and the use of sUAS (Small Unmanned Aircraft System) in remote sensing.
Dates: TBD
Hosts: Dr. Megan Poulette and Matt Prinkki
Location: Rocky Mountain College, Billings MT
Submissions due: TBD
Remotely Piloted Aircraft: Making Maps
Students will learn about imagery collections, data processing and map creation using drones.
Dates: TBD
Hosts: Dr. Jeremy Crowley and Bart Bauer
Location: University of Montana, Missoula MT
Submissions due: TBD
Ants: Ecosystem Engineers
Students will learn and observe ant behavior and how they affect ecosystems.
Dates: TBD
Host: Dr. Joe Eason
Location: University of Montana - Western, Dillon MT
Submissions due: TBD
Flyers
If you have any questions, please message us at msgc@montana.edu