The PulsePoint Respond mobile phone application will increase community awareness of medical emergencies and alert and direct CPR-trained individuals nearby to cardiac arrest victims. 

Gallatin County 911 and the fire departments within Gallatin County announced the launch of PulsePoint today, a mobile phone application designed to support public safety agencies by increasing cardiac arrest survival rates through improved bystander performance and active resident support.

“This is a great opportunity to involve the community in the life-saving efforts that occur every day,” stated Gallatin County 911 Director, Tim Martindale.

Gallatin County’s 911 dispatch center has formally integrated the use of the PulsePoint application with the 911 computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system. When a 911 dispatcher receives and identifies a call related to sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), the information on the CAD system will automatically trigger a PulsePoint application push notification.

“Time is one of the most critical factors when someone experiences sudden cardiac arrest,” said Bozeman Fire Chief Josh Waldo. “Having the PulsePoint mobile app to alert nearby CPR-trained citizens strengthens our entire response system and increases the likelihood of someone surviving the cardiac arrest.”

Greg Megaard, Big Sky Fire Chief, also noted the importance of the right person at the right time, adding, “During a cardiac event, time and training is essential to making a difference in the outcome.”

Anyone with the app who is located within a 0.25-mile radius of the incident can receive a push notification to the location of the closest publicly accessible automated external defibrillator (AED) to render aid.

“The emergency medical systems with the highest save rates in the world all start with the same thing – early CPR from bystanders who help when they see someone in need,” Greg Tryon, Fire Chief at Central Valley Fire District, stated.

The PulsePoint app is available for download on Google Play and the iPhone App Store.

About the PulsePoint Foundation
PulsePoint is a public 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation that builds applications for use by public safety agencies to increase community awareness during critical events. The PulsePoint Respond mobile app notifies trained individuals of the nearby need for CPR and the PulsePoint AED registry identifies AED (automated external defibrillator) locations for use by the public and 911 telecommunicators during emergency call taking. PulsePoint also provides specialized mobile apps for professional responders. Learn more at pulsepoint.org or join the conversation at Facebook and Twitter. The free app is available for download on the App Store and Google Play.

About Sudden Cardiac Arrest
Although a heart attack can lead to sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), the two are not the same. SCA is when the heart malfunctions and suddenly stops beating unexpectedly, whereas a heart attack is when blood flow to the heart is blocked, but the heart continues to beat. Each year, more than 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur, making it the leading cause of death in the United States. Survival rates nationally for SCA are less than eight percent, but delivery of CPR can sustain life until paramedics arrive by maintaining vital blood flow to the heart and brain. However, only about a third of SCA victims receive bystander CPR. Without CPR, brain damage or death can occur in minutes. The average EMS response time is nine minutes, even in urban settings; after 10 minutes there is little chance of successful resuscitation. The American Heart Association estimates that effective bystander CPR, provided immediately after SCA, can double or triple a person’s chance of survival.

Nursing can be an incredibly rewarding yet demanding field. With long working hours and often physically-demanding shifts, it's easy to feel stuck in a rut with your career. However, there are numerous ways you can give your nursing career a boost. From using social media as a tool for networking to industry certifications that increase your value and credibility within the profession, this article offers five tips to help reignite your passion for nursing and propel you toward success. 

Invest in Your Education

Investing in courses or certifications is a great way to increase your chances of promotion and job security. This could be anything from online post master's FNP certificate open to Montanans or from which city you are in, to more specialized certifications focusing on particular nursing areas. Ensure your pursuit aligns with your career goals and helps you distinguish yourself from other professional nurses.

When choosing a course or certification, consider the cost and time commitment. That way, you can make an informed decision that is right for you. The extra effort will pay off in the long run as you develop new sets of skills and knowledge that can help you land a better job.

Utilize Social Media

Social media is a potent tool for networking and boosting your nursing career. The key to success with social media is to be strategic; don't just post random updates and hope for the best. Instead, research and determine which platforms are most relevant to your industry and goals.

Once you've done that, start engaging with other nurses in your field. Join relevant discussion groups and participate in conversations about topics related to nursing. You can also use social media to promote yourself as a professional nurse. However, remember to be careful with the information you share, as social media can be a double-edged sword.

Take on New Responsibilities

Taking on extra responsibilities and volunteering for new projects is a great way to show your commitment and dedication to nursing. It's also an excellent opportunity to develop new skills and increase your value in the workplace. Not only will this help you stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs or promotions, but it will also give you a chance to gain experience in other areas of nursing. The more you challenge yourself, the better your chance of advancing your career and developing your skills.

Take Care of Yourself

It's essential to take care of yourself physically and mentally when it comes to nursing. When you're tired or stressed, staying focused on your job can be challenging, so make sure you're taking the time to rest and recharge. Anxiety and burnout are serious nursing issues, so prioritize your mental health and well-being. This could mean anything from sleeping more at night to doing a yoga class or reading a book in your spare time. 

Seek Out Mentorship Opportunities

One of the most valuable resources to have in your corner is a mentor, someone who can give you advice and guidance and support during difficult times. Mentorship opportunities can come from various sources, such as current colleagues, teachers, or professional organizations. Having a mentor can be incredibly beneficial for nurses, especially regarding career advancement. Your mentor will be able to provide insight into the industry and help you figure out ways to achieve your professional goals.

Nursing is a challenging but rewarding career. By utilizing the tips outlined above, you can ensure that you are on the right path toward success and have a fulfilling experience as a nurse.

Elías Warshaw uses a jackhammer to remove overburden at the Daspletosaurus wilsoni quarry.
Photo courtesy Dickinson Museum Center

BOZEMAN – Millions of years before Tyrannosaurus rex roamed western North America, generations of its multi-great-great-grandparents likely dwelt and evolved in what was then a much warmer, balmy environment, according to a recent scientific paper by a Montana State University student.

Elias Warshaw, a senior studying paleontology in MSU’s Department of Earth Sciences in the College of Letters and Science, is the lead author of an article published in the journal PeerJ that analyzes a fossil discovered in Montana's Valley County in 2017 and suggests it is a missing link in T. rex’s evolutionary chain.

Warshaw was part of the team that unearthed the Daspletosaurus wilsoni fossil — named after former MSU student Jack Wilson who discovered it — from beneath 25 feet of rock in the badlands north of Fort Peck Reservoir. Warshaw joined the dig as a sophomore in 2021 and started writing the paper even before the entire specimen was out of the ground.

He and co-author Denver Fowler, an MSU alumnus and curator of the Badlands Dinosaur Museum in Dickinson, North Dakota, compared the fossil nicknamed Sisyphus to two other Daspletosaurus species – one about a million years older and the other about a million years younger. Though all are members of the tyrannosaurid family that includes T. rex, the three species were found in geologic strata deposited at different times. Warshaw said this indicates that they represent consecutive rungs on an evolutionary ladder connecting one ancestor species to its descendant, rather than separate lineages originating from common ancestors but evolving into individual species that co-exist in the same time period, like humans, apes and other primates.

“It’s the best explanation of the data we have available, but we never really know anything for sure because the sample size in dinosaur science is so small,” Warshaw said. “It’s something that will require more work going forward.”

Sisyphus was an adult tyrannosaur, measuring about 30 feet long at the time of its death approximately 76.5 million years ago. The fossil has eye sockets and skull properties similar to T. rex, which lived 10 million years later. And like the older specimen, Daspletosaurus torosus, Sisyphus has a prominent set of horns around its eyes.

The PeerJ paper states that characteristics of the three specimens lend credence to the theory that several species of Daspletosaurus evolved along a single lineage from which T. rex descended.

Warshaw said publishing a scientific paper as an undergraduate “is a dream come true.” He has written another that is in review and is working on two more.

A native of New York, Warshaw came to MSU as a freshman in January 2020 to continue his lifelong study of dinosaurs. He learned about MSU because he was a fan of renowned paleontologist Jack Horner, the longtime curator of paleontology at the Museum of the Rockies who retired in 2016.

Fowler, who earned his doctorate in paleontology from MSU in 2016, said four to five MSU paleontology students usually participate in the Dickinson museum’s field work each summer, as Warshaw did in 2021.
“On the walk out to the site every day, Elias was talking a lot about different aspects of tyrannosaurid evolution and anatomy. He had obviously done lots of reading and explored this on his own time,” Fowler said. Realizing that Warshaw was an excellent candidate for a graduate program in paleontology, to which admission highly competitive, “I thought, ‘He needs a specimen,’ and asked, ‘Do you want to describe it?’ I was confident he would be able to do so, and he was up for that.”

Fowler explained that Warshaw’s base knowledge of paleontology was quite extensive and his thinking advanced. He lauded Warshaw’s willingness to think in different, even unpopular, directions and consider multiple hypotheses about the tyrannosaur family tree.

Warshaw exhibited his scientific steadfastness when he and Fowler attended the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology annual meeting in Toronto in November 2022, shortly before their paper was published.
“He hadn’t presented at a professional meeting before, but he knew the details better than I did,” Fowler said. “He was handling himself well with all the tyrannosaur experts.”

Fowler says he routinely reaches out to students in MSU’s paleontology program, which he speaks highly of. He said the program offers classes that typically aren’t available to undergraduate students elsewhere, including one in comparative anatomy that heightens understanding of the fossil record; it serves and nurtures both students who wish to pursue research and those who don’t; and it is affiliated with the Museum of the Rockies, which Fowler describes as “an enormous resource for anybody interested in fossils.”

“I got this job (at Badlands) because of my experience at the Museum of the Rockies,” Fowler added.
Paleontologist David Varricchio, MSU professor of earth sciences, said the university attracts many exceptional paleontology students from across the country and outside the U.S. He counts Warshaw among them.

“Elias is one of those very bright and motivated students,” said Varricchio, who advised Warshaw on an independent study of tyrannosaurs that required mastery of advanced analytical techniques.

Of the paper, Varricchio said it reflects the growing refinement of knowledge about dinosaurs in specific layers of the rock record and is also notable because of its author.

“Seeing a manuscript through to publication is a lot of work – anytime an undergraduate does that, it’s quite impressive,” he said.

Though Warshaw has been enrolled at MSU for only three years, he has taken a heavy course load, putting him on track to graduate as soon as he finishes his summer field course, which is the senior capstone for paleontology students. He said MSU gave him the flexibility each semester to proceed at his own pace while still leaving him time to pursue opportunities like the Badlands Dinosaur Museum’s field work.

He plans to continue to study paleontology with the goal of becoming a researcher who works with fossils so that he can look for answers to “endless questions, most of which we will never know the answers to,” he said. “That’s part of the fun.”

Flooding and ice jams limit access 

ENNIS – Recent flooding and ice jams have triggered partial closures at Eight Mile Ford and Burnt Tree Hole fishing access sites on the Madison River south of Ennis.  

The boat ramp areas at these sites are closed due to unstable ice and hazardous flooding conditions. However, the upper walk-in and parking areas remain open.  

Visitors are encouraged to use caution when visiting these and other sites because river and ice conditions can change suddenly and without warning. Floating on frozen or flooded rivers can be extremely dangerous and is discouraged due to unpredictable and rapidly changing conditions.  

All sites will be reopened as conditions allow. To see closures in place for FWP sites, visitfwp.mt.gov/news/current-closures-restrictions.  

I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but candies, cards, red hearts, teddy bears, and roses have invaded our town. That’s right, it’s that time of year again. Ready or not, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. For many, the tradition means a frantic search for the perfect gift for loved ones. Instead of braving the stores and fighting the crowds, why not take a break from tradition and try something a little different, a little more meaningful, a little more unique, and maybe even a little cheaper?

Time to put your craft skills to the test with these three DIY ideas for a sweet, romantic Valentine’s gift. Whether it’s a masterpiece or less than perfect, they are sure to love the effort and creativity put into making one of these gifts. After all, it's the thought that counts.
 
Homemade Candle
A homemade candle is a super customizable and affordable way to surprise your loved one. Show them how well you know them by using their favorite color, favorite scent, or even favorite flower. Decorate it with glitter or flower petals. This project allows you to explore your creativity. They’ll be sure to think of you every time they light this one-of-a-kind gift.

 
WHAT YOU'LL NEED:
Mason jar
Pre-tabbed candle wicks
Scissors
Hot glue gun or glue tabs
Metal pouring pot and saucepan or double boiler
Soy candle-wax flakes
Color dye blocks or chips
Essential oils or candle scents
 
STEP ONE: SNIP THE WICKS
To judge how long a wick you’ll need, cut the wick a few inches taller than your mason jar. Once trimmed, secure the metal disc to the center of the bottom of the jar using hot glue.
 
STEP TWO: I’M MELTING
To measure the amount of wax you need, simply fill the mason jar twice with wax flakes.
Once you have your wax measured out, put water in the bottom of the double boiler or saucepan. When you are ready, place the wax in the pouring pot or the top of the double boiler and set it over the heated water. Once your wax is completely melted, remove it from the heat.
 
STEP THREE: CUSTOMIZE IT
After the wax has cooled a bit, it's time to add your dye, fragrance, and /or glitter. Now is the moment to show your special someone how well you know them. Are they the pink, flowery and sparkly type, or do they prefer woodsy scents and cool colors?
 
STEP FOUR: DON’T SPILL
When the wax has cooled, pour it into your mason jar in a slow, steady stream. No need to rush… when done, sprinkle flower petals on top of the wax if so desired.
 
STEP FIVE: PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE
Once the jar feels cool, trim the wick about 1/2 inch from the top of the candle, and you're done. It’s now ready to be given as a unique, one-of-a-kind gift that’s sure to make your partner think of you every time they light it.
 
Tip for cleaning your pot: If residual wax is stuck in the pot, don't panic! Simply place it back on the heat and let the wax melt again. Once the wax has melted, use paper towels to wipe it clean and follow with a soapy hot water scrubbing.
 
Couples’ Snow Globe
Want to make a gift that your partner in crime is sure to cherish for years to come? Why not a fun snow globe that features a cute couple's photo? Imagine swirls of glitter or confetti raining down around a picture of the two of you. How romantic.
 
WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
Photograph
Decorations
Self-Adhesive laminating pages
Scissors
Glitter and/or confetti (2 tablespoons per globe)
Clear glue (2 ounces per globe)
Warm water (1 cup per globe)
Mason jar
Spoon
Glue gun
 
STEP ONE: SEAL YOUR LOVED ONES IN PLASTIC
Print off the picture you’d like to use; double-check that it can fit into the jar. Then, laminate the picture using the self-laminating pages. When it is sealed, cut away any excess laminating sheet from the image, but be sure not to cut too close. Leave a sealed edge around the picture to avoid water leaking through gaps. Then fold down the bottom edge of the picture so that the image can stand on its own.

 
STEP TWO: DECORATE
Using a glue gun, carefully glue the picture and decorations onto the bottom of the lid. Don’t be afraid to be creative. Anything that's waterproof can be used as decoration. Plastic mini balloons, ceramic hearts… the sky’s the limit.
 
STEP THREE: MIX IN STUFF
Measure out and add about  2 ounces of clear glue into your jar. Then pour 1 cup of warm water into your jar and stir the mixture with a spoon until its dissolved. No one likes clumps of glue.
 
STEP FOUR: MAKE IT SPARKLE
Pour in 2 tablespoons of glitter (or however much your heart tells you) and stir thoroughly with a spoon.
 
STEP FIVE: PUT A LID ON IT
Take your lid (make sure the glue holding your photo and decorations are dry) and put it face down into the jar. With luck, the lid should rest evenly on the rim. Do we need to specify more clearly the two parts to a Mason jar lid? Even though she mentions the outer piece below, I’m not sure… maybe w/ illustrations it will be enough.

STEP SIX: SEAL THAT SUCKER
Take the outer piece of the lid and secure it as tightly as you can. Use those muscles. For extra protection, glue the lid to prevent leaking.
 
STEP SEVEN: SHAKE THAT THING
Make sure your snow globe is entirely sealed by shaking it carefully at first. If there is no leaking, then it's done. You did it; you’ve made a lovely gift that they’re sure to treasure. Give yourself a well-earned pat on the back and go out into the world knowing that you won Valentine's day.
 
Arts on Fire
Not really feeling up to an arts and crafts project? Does your family keep you away from sharp objects? Are you prone to accidentally setting things or yourself on fire? Does the thought of making a gift from scratch seem daunting, but you still want to give something personal and unique? No problem! Check out Arts On Fire, located at 200 S. 23rd Ave. in Bozeman. Not only are you kept away from an open flame, but the hard part of creating a gift is already done. All that's left is the fun, the memory-making, and the decorating.

 
WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
Nothing but a smile (and your wallet)
 
Arts On Fire is a locally-owned Paint Your own Pottery Studio; it couldn’t simpler to create a beautiful gift with their expert help. No reservations are needed. They have a large selection of ceramic pieces you can choose from. Once you pick out what you’d like, all that's left is the painting! They have countless glazes you can take advantage of and, once you are done painting, all you have to do is leave your ceramic masterpiece with a friendly staff member and they fire it for you. In my humble opinion, I think that this would be a wonderful date idea! Picture it. The two of you waltz into Arts On Fire together and pick out a piece to work on. Maybe you’ll pick out gifts to give to one another, or maybe you both work on the same piece together? All that matters is that the two of you are together and create a warm, happy memory filled with laughter, love, and maybe a little spilled glaze. In a few days' time, the piece or pieces will be returned to you, fired, and ready to be admired.

At the end of it all, it doesn’t matter if you buy or create the perfect gift. What truly matters is that your favorite person feels loved and appreciated. All of us at Bozeman Magazine wish you and everyone else a happy Valentine’s day. Go make it special.

BOZEMAN — Dozens of librarians serving tribal colleges and Indigenous communities throughout the country and beyond will have the opportunity this summer to participate in a professional development event hosted by the Montana State University Library. The 2023 Tribal College Librarians Institute, or TCLI, to be held at MSU June 5-9, will be supported this year by a $75,000 grant from the Mellon Foundation.

“We are so grateful to the Mellon Foundation for their support of TCLI,” said Doralyn Rossmann, dean of the MSU Library. “This funding provides crucial professional development opportunities for dozens of tribal college librarians who, in turn, support their Native communities.”

Mary Anne Hansen, professor and research services librarian with the MSU Library who is leading the institute, said 35 to 45 librarians attend the institute each year. The event features guest speakers and experts from the library profession as well as from Native communities, with organizers aiming to respond to the librarians’ academic and cultural needs. Topics in previous years have included creating oral history projects, providing targeted library services and outreach to veterans and military families, and grant writing information. Some topics, such as building archives and content digitization, are revisited frequently, Hansen said.

“With more and more tribal college libraries establishing, growing and digitizing their archival collections, there is a glaring need for additional training in archival practices and digitization,” Hansen said.

The MSU Library founded the Tribal College Librarians Institute in 1990 at the request of some of Montana’s tribal college librarians, who were seeking professional development support from MSU, the state’s first land-grant university. Hansen, who became involved with the TCLI in 1997, said the institute is designed to provide continuing education, professional development and networking opportunities for tribal college librarians and librarians who serve tribal college students.

Now in its 33rd year, the TCLI has grown in both size and geographic diversity, drawing participants from across the U.S., Canada and New Zealand. It is recognized as the one of the best development programs in North America for librarians serving native people, Hansen noted.

She said that because many tribal college libraries are also community libraries, many participants serve the information needs of not only students and faculty at tribal colleges but also their greater tribal communities. That means the librarians might provide after school and summer reading programs for children, job-seeking and computer help, and intergenerational cultural programming, including arts and traditional languages.

“Tribal college librarians often do a ton on a shoestring budget, and many are largely geographically isolated,” Hansen said. “I’ve heard many say that they love this opportunity to come together and speak with others in the same boat.”

Hansen noted that many participants return year after year to the TCLI.

“There is a continuing need for tribal college librarians to come together in person to share their projects, challenges and best practices,” she said. “Connecting with other librarians in similar situations is a large part of the value of the TCLI.”

Hansen said she hopes TCLI participants leave the institute with “new knowledge, new friendships, a stronger network and, hopefully, a renewed desire to be in their job.

“Over the years, I’ve heard a few people say that, ‘I’ve stayed in my job because of TCLI. Now I have that support network,’” Hansen said.

For questions or information about participating in the Tribal College Librarians Institute, contact Hansen at 406-994-3162 or mhansen@montana.edu. More information is also available at lib.montana.edu/tcli/.

Bozeman, MT, offers many excellent day trip opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, adventurers, and nature lovers. Whether you have just moved to the city with the help of movers or are a longtime local, these day trips are sure to make a lasting impression.

1. Big Sky

One of the first things that new residents of Bozeman will do right after getting settled in with the help of Montana moving companies is to visit Big Sky. It is a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy some peace and quiet in the mountains. 

This day trip is perfect for hikers, as there are more than 400 miles of trails to explore. You can also take in some stunning views on chairlifts or by road biking along the many mountain roads.

2. Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is a great day trip for those moving to Montana with kids and want to go for a family outing after your move. The park is filled with incredible wildlife, geysers, and hot springs that will amaze your family. There are also plenty of trails to explore, as well as opportunities for camping and fishing nearby.

3. Chico Hot Springs

According to Harrison Gough, full-time moving coordinator at MovingAPT.com, "The first thing people ask our Montana movers is how to get to Chico Hot Springs after they've settled in." 

Located near Bozeman, it makes for a perfect day trip or weekend getaway spot. The hot springs are famous for their relaxing and rejuvenating qualities that attract visitors from all over the world.

4. Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park

The Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park is a great place to get away from the city and Montana lifestyle and take in some of the area's most breathtaking views. Here, you can explore caves, hike trails, or simply relax and enjoy nature. You can also visit the Visitor Center to learn more about the park's rich history and wildlife, as well as the wildlife of Montana.

5. Ennis

Because the cost of living in Montana is lower than in most other states, taking a day trip to Ennis whenever you want can be a reality. Ennis is the perfect spot for anglers, as there are many rivers and lakes nearby that offer some of the best fishing in the state. Additionally, if you're looking to get off the beaten path, take one of the many backcountry roads and explore everything Montana has to offer.

6. Virginia City

Last but not least, Virginia City is a must-visit for anyone living in or visiting Bozeman. It's an old mining town that has been restored to look just like it did in the 1800s. The town offers plenty of unique attractions, such as museums and galleries, as well as shopping and dining opportunities. And if you're looking for an exciting adventure, you can take a ride on the historic Virginia City Train.

When is the Best Time of Year to Take a Day Trip from Bozeman?

The Montana climate can vary significantly year-round, making it an excellent destination for day trips all year long. But, of course, if you are looking to take advantage of the best outdoor activities, then summer and fall are generally the best times to visit. During these periods, temperatures will be more agreeable, and there will be fewer chances of precipitation.

However, winter can offer its own unique experiences as well, such as skiing and snowboarding in the mountains. Just be sure to dress for the cold weather and have adequate tires and traction control in case of icy roads.

Can I Drive Easily in Bozeman?

Driving in Bozeman is relatively easy, as the city is laid out on a grid and most of the major roads are well-marked. However, due to the mountainous terrain, roads can be twisty with sharp curves and steep inclines. It is important to drive cautiously and pay attention to your surroundings when driving around Bozeman. Additionally, several of Bozeman's streets are one-way, so double-check before entering any intersections.

What is it Like To Live and Travel Around Bozeman?

Living and traveling around Bozeman is a fantastic experience. It's a great place to explore the outdoors, and there are plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, skiing, and other recreational activities.

The city is full of life, with many restaurants, shops, cultural events, and entertainment options. And the people here are incredibly friendly and welcoming. All in all, Bozeman is an amazing place to live and travel around for those looking for a unique experience.

As for employment opportunities, jobs in Montana and Bozeman are plentiful, but many require specific skills or experience. There are also plenty of job openings in the hospitality industry, so if you're looking for a short-term gig that pays well, this is a great option.

How Much Does a Day Trip Around Bozeman Cost?

The cost of a day trip around Bozeman will depend on the activities you choose to do. For example, if you're looking for a more affordable trip, you can visit one or two of the State Parks that don't charge an entrance fee.

On the other hand, if you plan to go skiing or take part in other activities that have a fee, the cost can add up quickly. Additionally, you will need to factor in costs for food and gas for your vehicle. All in all, you should expect to budget at least $50-100 per person for a day trip around Bozeman.

Bozeman - The City That Has it All

Located in beautiful Montana, Bozeman is a city with something for everyone. Outdoor adventurers can explore the mountains and parks while art lovers can enjoy galleries and museums. There are plenty of employment opportunities, as well as unique events and activities to take part in. And with affordable day trips and nearby attractions, moving to Bozeman may be the best decision you ever make.

BOZEMAN — Montana State University’s Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship’s 406 Labs is accepting applications for its spring 2023 incubator. The 10-week program aims to help those who have developed business concepts or researched a potential new business to create solid business plans and identify the steps needed clarify their approach to markets, customers, strategy, financials and more.  

All Montana residents and MSU students, faculty, staff and alumni are eligible for the program.  MSU faculty and graduate students with research projects working toward commercialization of a technology are especially encouraged to apply. Details and the application can be found at montana.edu/business/entrepreneurship/406labs.html. The deadline to apply is Friday, Feb. 17. The program is free to all participants. 

Pat LaPointe, managing director of Frontier Angels and the founder of Early Stage MT, is the facilitator for the spring group. 

406 Labs is also looking for established entrepreneurs and subject matter experts to mentor those accepted to the incubator. The mentor application can also be found on the program website. 

Zeynep Malkoc, a graduate student working with Stephanie McCalla, associate professor in MSU's Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, participated in the 406 Labs Incubator program last spring with a venture idea on Neurofluidic Diagnostics.   

"406 Labs really helped me with fusing scientific and business language and coming up with a clear pitch narrative,” Malkoc said. “Besides that, 406 Labs connected me with a very helpful, dedicated mentor who gave thoughtful and detailed feedback for my project."  

McCalla recently received an MSU Catalyst gap grant building on Neurofluidic Diagnostics’ ideas in collaboration with the Kunze Lab in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.  

“There is a large gap between developing technology and bringing it to customers. Collaborating with 406 Labs allowed us to bridge this gap; they helped us with critical details from customer discovery to logo design,” McCalla said. 

For questions about 406 Labs and the incubator program, call 406-994-4383 or write to info@msulaunchpad.org.  

The Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship offers four undergraduate options of study – accounting, finance, management and marketing – as well as five minors - accounting; business administration; entrepreneurship and small business management; finance; and international business. It also offers a master of professional accountancy degree, master of science in innovation and management, a business certificate and an entrepreneurship certificate. 

MSU’s Blackstone LaunchPad helps MSU students succeed in entrepreneurship and in their careers. Open to all MSU students, faculty and alumni, the campus based LaunchPad provides mentoring, opportunities for participants to grow their networks and resources to help their businesses succeed. For more information, visit montana.edu/launchpad/.