The goal of the MSGC workshops is to introduce Montana undergraduate students to non-medical research in science and engineering.

Checkout the Workshop video!

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).

Logistics

Workshops are nine hours of training, over a Friday evening and Saturday, plus a brief home project. Participants who have completed all required tasks receive a $200 stipend. The travel to in-person workshops is reimbursed (including hotel if traveling from out of town) and meals are provided. Each workshop can accommodate about 10 students, unless otherwise specified. MSGC will arrange all hotel rooms and meals during the workshop.

Fall 2024 Workshops 

Astronomy, led by the Montana Learning Center at Canyon Ferry. Students will learn to use advanced telescopes to take their own night-sky data and transform it into beautiful images. Date: October 11-12, 2024. Applications closed. 

Enzyme Interactions using Lactose and Lactose Intolerance, led by Dr. Christa Merzdorf. Students will learn about enzyme functions under a variety of conditions using lactose and the enzyme lactase. Takes place at Montana State University. Dates: October 25-26, 2024. Applications due October 11th, 2024.

Spring 2025 Workshops - applications closed

Remotely Piloted Aircraft: Making Maps, led by Jeremy Crowley and Bart Bauer of the Autonomous Aerial Systems Office at University of Montana. Students will learn about imagery collections, data processing and map creation using drones. Date: TBA. Applications closed.

Monitoring invasive plant species using drones (sUAS)- and ground-based measurements, led by Megan Poulette and Matt Prinkki. Takes place at Rocky Mountain College in Billings. Students will learn about invasive species, ecosystem impacts, grass identification and the use of sUAS in remote sensing. Date: TBA. Applications closed. 

Ants: Ecosystem Engineers, led by Joe Eason. Takes place at University of Montana - Western in Dillon. Students will learn and observe ant behavior and how they affect ecosystems. Date: TBA. Applications closed. 

Application information

Applications will be due approximately two weeks before the workshop-we will provide a specific deadline for each workshop offered. Applications include basic information and a paragraph about why the student would like to attend the workshop. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance one week prior to the workshop and will need to confirm their participation to hold their slot.

In order to receive the $200 stipend, students must be enrolled as a part-time Montana undergraduate student, complete the necessary paperwork and complete a small project within two weeks. 

Online Application

All MSGC applications use Submittable. If you don't already have a Submittable sign-in, you will need to create one. 

Questions? 

If you have any questions, please message us at msgc@montana.edu