BOZEMAN — A new grant from the M. J. Murdock Charitable Trust will support ongoing efforts by Montana State University to expand biomedical engineering research and education with an emphasis on developing new technologies to improve rural health care.

The $429,000 award will allow MSU to create the Biomedical Innovation for Research and Development Hub, an interdisciplinary biomedical research project bringing together engineering, nursing and computer science to advance life-saving technologies and provide hands-on opportunities for students.

“We are very appreciative of the Murdock Trust for this support,” said Bernadette McCrory, assistant professor in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering in MSU’s Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering, who is leading the project. “This funding is a catalyst for growing our biomedical capabilities and translating them into saving patients and enhancing quality of life. That’s what we care about most.”

The Murdock Trust grant will primarily be used to purchase cutting-edge instrumentation that will significantly boost MSU’s research capacity, including high-tech manikins, an advanced 3-D printer and an interactive, augmented reality simulator, according to McCrory.

"This is going to be groundbreaking for researchers at MSU and the health care partners we want to collaborate with," said project co-leader Elizabeth Johnson, assistant professor in MSU’s Mark and Robyn Jones College of Nursing. "It allows us to bring in our partners and have the research be tangible, so that we can move novel solutions more quickly from lab bench to bedside."

Johnson is working with Montana nurses to test a wearable device that streamlines clinical trial record-keeping, which could help patients in rural areas access the latest experimental treatments for cancer and other diseases without the need to travel to hospitals outside the state. McCrory is helping develop a device that makes it easier to detect heart abnormalities in remote settings. Both efforts are examples of the kind of work that could be significantly accelerated by the BioReD Hub, they said. The manikins will enable lifelike testing, especially for technologies involving trauma treatment, while the simulator — which can display virtual patients within a variety of lifelike surroundings — will help researchers and health care partners visualize and conceptually test solutions. The resources also create opportunities for collaborating with partners, McCrory said.

"We’ll be able to immerse our health care partners in these situations without having to leave our lab," Johnson said. “We can rigorously control the science and actually test failure rates and inefficiencies in medical devices. This interdisciplinary space for technology incubation and device development is unique in an academic environment and the expertise of those using the hub and its equipment will set us apart."

BioReD Hub will working with MSU’s Gianforte School of Computing to capitalize on the potential for computer science to facilitate remote health applications, new digital health technologies and other health care improvements, said project co-leader Laura Stanley, associate professor in the Gianforte School of Computing. Her recent research includes developing augmented reality and virtual reality systems to support patients recovering from opioid use disorder — another example of the kind of project that could benefit from the hub’s interdisciplinary collaboration with health care partners, she said.

The hub will also provide opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in the growing biomedical field, similar to how computer science undergraduates have played a key role in developing Johnson’s wearable device, Stanley noted. In that way, the project is aligned with MSU’s broader effort to expand biomedical education, including offering a Bachelor of Science in biomedical engineering since 2021.

“We have a lot of students who are excited about using innovative computer science approaches to do things like assist with high-risk surgeries or detect life-threatening diseases,” Stanley said. “There’s great potential to harness data and integrate emerging technologies to support health care professionals.”

According to Johnson, the hub will support "having students answer challenging questions in a rigorous, scientific way, which prepares them to be systems thinkers and leaders in the health care system."

MSU is contributing $161,000 to the project through the Office of Research and Economic Development, Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering and Mark and Robyn Jones College of Nursing. The total funding will also be used to provide biomedical engineering “seed grants” to MSU faculty and their research partners to stimulate new ideas and technologies.

“With increased emphasis on interdisciplinary science and the integration of research, teaching and community engagement, MSU will see more projects like this,” said Alison Harmon, MSU’s vice president for research and economic development. “It’s an excellent example of how our collective expertise can address biomedical challenges in rural Montana and improve the quality of life for the people of this state.”

“Health care is a very complex system,” McCrory said. "Innovation and technology are really what’s going to help reduce barriers to rural health care delivery with a special focus on Montana."

The Murdock Trust was established by the last will and testament of the late Melvin Jack Murdock, co-founder of Tektronix, lifelong resident of the Northwest and philanthropist. Since it was founded in 1975, the Murdock Trust has provided more than $1.3 billion in grants and support to more than 3,000 nonprofits in the Pacific Northwest.

What is Give Big? Give Big is a 24-hour celebration of giving to support local nonprofits. One Valley Community Foundation’s 9th annual Give Big Gallatin Valley will take place from 6 pm on May 4th to 6 pm on May 5th at www.GiveBigGV.org. During the event, donors county-wide come together to support the causes they care about by donating to nonprofits across Gallatin County at one convenient website. Since its inception in 2015, the event has raised over $11.4 million for 230+ local nonprofits. This year, there are 250 local nonprofits participating - a new record!

What is included in the events calendar? Throughout the 24-hour event, local nonprofits and businesses will be hosting over 90 events. These events are open to the public so folks can get to know and support local nonprofits. These events include a family festival, a comedy show, an opportunity to check out a fire truck, concerts, karaoke parties, 24 hours of treadmill running, swing dance classes, ceramics classes, a salon day, and many partnerships with local coffee shops, bars, and restaurants. You can see the full event details here. We invite you to visit any of the events to see Give Big in action and meet the nonprofits impacted by this initiative.

Lighting is crucial to the growth of cannabis, which is both a science and an art. Proper lighting not only impacts plant growth, but also influences the potency and yield of your cannabis buds. We'll go over all you need to know about lighting for cannabis production in this in-depth guide, assisting you in illuminating your path to bigger, better buds. However, before you start with growing, it’s important to select quality cannabis seeds to ensure the best possible product at the end. Feminized cannabis seeds, for example, are an excellent choice as they produce almost exclusively female plants, ensuring higher yields and eliminating the need to identify and remove male plants that could potentially pollinate and reduce the quality of your harvest.

Understanding the Cannabis Light Spectrum
Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) is the range of light wavelengths that plants use for photosynthesis. In cannabis cultivation, it's essential to provide your plants with the right balance of light from the PAR spectrum, which includes blue, red, and far-red light.

Blue Light and Vegetative Growth
Blue light (400-500 nm) plays a crucial role in the vegetative stage of cannabis growth, promoting healthy and compact plants. According to research from the University of Guelph, increasing blue light exposure can lead to shorter internodal lengths and more branching.

Red Light and Flowering Stage
Red light (620-750 nm) is vital for the flowering stage, as it encourages bud development and increases yield. Studies have shown that red light is essential for initiating the flowering response in cannabis plants.

Far-Red Light and the Emerson Effect
Far-red light (700-800 nm) is also important in cannabis growth, as it contributes to the Emerson effect. This phenomenon occurs when plants exposed to both red and far-red light experience an increase in photosynthetic efficiency. A study by Emerson and Lewis found that this effect can lead to faster and more vigorous growth in plants.

Types of Grow Lights
There are numerous varieties of grow lights, each with unique benefits and downsides. Let's focus on the most well-liked choices.

Fluorescent Lights (CFLs and T5)
Compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) and T5 tubes are affordable and energy-efficient options for small-scale cannabis growers. They produce a balanced light spectrum, making them suitable for both vegetative and flowering stages. However, their light intensity is relatively low, which may result in reduced yields.

High-Intensity Discharge Lights (HID)
Metal Halide (MH) and high-pressure sodium (HPS) lights are high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps that produce intense light, making them ideal for larger grow spaces. MH lamps provide a blue-heavy spectrum, while HPS lamps emit a red-dominant spectrum. Many growers use a combination of both for optimal growth and flowering. However, HID lights are less energy-efficient and produce more heat compared to other options.

Light Emitting Diode (LED) Lights
LED lights are rapidly gaining popularity in cannabis cultivation due to their energy efficiency, long lifespan, and customizable light spectrum. They produce less heat than HID lights, reducing the need for extensive cooling systems. However, high-quality LED grow lights can be more expensive upfront.

Ceramic Metal Halide (CMH) Lights
CMH lights are a type of HID light that combines the benefits of both MH and HPS lamps. They offer a full-spectrum light output, high-intensity, and energy efficiency, making them an attractive option for many cannabis growers.

Choosing the Right Grow Lights for Your Setup
When selecting grow lights, consider the size of your grow space, the intensity of the light needed, your budget, and energy consumption. You may make a decision that best meets your needs by balancing these aspects.

Determining the Size of Your Grow Space
Measure the dimensions of your grow space to determine the total area that needs to be illuminated. Larger grow spaces require more powerful lighting systems, while smaller spaces can benefit from lower-intensity options.

Matching Light Intensity to Your Plants' Needs
Different stages of cannabis growth require varying light intensities. During the vegetative stage, cannabis plants need lower light intensity, while the flowering stage requires higher intensity for optimal bud development. Ensure your chosen lighting system can provide the appropriate intensity for each growth stage.

Considering Your Budget and Energy Consumption
Factor in the initial cost of the lighting system as well as its ongoing energy consumption. While LED and CMH lights may have higher upfront costs, their energy efficiency can save you money in the long run. On the other hand, HID and fluorescent lights tend to be more affordable initially but consume more energy.

Balancing Light Spectrum for Different Growth Stages
For both the vegetative and blooming stages of cannabis growth, use grow lights that offer the ideal ratio of blue, red, and far-red light. It is simpler to fine-tune the lighting settings for each growth stage when using lighting systems that let you alter the light spectrum, such as LEDs.

Adjusting Light Conditions for Different Strains and Growth Stages
Researching the particular demands of the strains you're growing is vital because different cannabis strains may have different lighting requirements. Make any necessary modifications to the light intensity and spectrum as your plants move from the vegetative to the flowering stages to guarantee they receive the best illumination possible.

Conclusion
Proper lighting plays a significant role in the success of your cannabis cultivation efforts. You'll be well on your way to producing bigger, superior buds by comprehending the cannabis light spectrum, selecting the appropriate grow lights for your setup, and carefully monitoring and modifying your lighting conditions.

Never forget that every grow area and plant is different, so don't be afraid to try new things and modify your lighting strategies to best meet your requirements.

HELENA – This year’s Montana paddlefish seasons kicks off on May 1 with the opening of the Upper Missouri River section from Fort Benton downstream to Fort Peck Dam. Anglers must have a White Harvest Tag to participate in catching and keeping a paddlefish from this section of the river. These tags are issued through a lottery system. FWP mails these tags to successful applicants.

Unsuccessful paddlefish drawing applicants will be issued a snag-and-release only license for the Upper Missouri River. Others may also purchase snag and release tags for this fishery, even if they are not part of the lottery.

The paddlefish season on the Missouri River below Fort Peck Dam and in the Yellowstone River below the mouth of the Bighorn River opens May 15, and the archery fishing season for paddlefish in the Fort Peck Dredge Cuts below Fort Peck Dam opens July 1. As in the past, anglers may only select one area to fish for paddlefish in Montana: Upper Missouri River (White Harvest Tag), Yellowstone River and Missouri River downstream of Fort Peck Dam (Yellow Harvest Tag) and the Fort Peck Dredge Cut archery-only season (Blue Harvest Tag).

All harvested paddlefish must be immediately tagged and reported within 48 hours. Reporting options include: on-site where fish were harvested (at check points like Intake Fishing Access Site or roving creel staff along the Missouri), on the phone hotline at 1-877-FWP-WILD (877-397-9453) or 406-444-0356, or online at MyFWP at fwp.mt.gov.

BOZEMAN – As the academic year at Montana State University draws to an end, the university is again partnering with the city of Bozeman to reduce curbside clutter with its annual “Don’t Curb Your Crap” event.

For the month of May, the city’s Solid Waste Division will waive its fee for bulky item pickups for MSU students and spring graduates. Pickups of bulky items such as couches, desks and mattresses normally cost $20 per item.

To arrange a pickup, students need to fill out a form on the city’s website to confirm their student status, provide a description of the item and list its location.

“Every year, we see success with this program” said Margaret Davies, program manager of MSU’s Off-Campus Student Life program, which was formed by ASMSU last spring  to help students as they transition to off-campus living. “The university is proud of our partnership with the city of Bozeman, and Don’t Curb Your Crap is just one of the ways we work together to support students living off-campus and reduce the impact MSU students make on the community at the end of the semester.”

“Don’t Curb Your Crap” began in 2019 and is a partnership between the Office of the Dean of Students, the Associated Students of MSU, the city’s Neighborhoods Program and Bozeman’s Solid Waste Division.

For more information and to access the online form, visit bozeman.net/dcyc.  

The Zoot Art Gallery in Bozeman is accepting solo and group applications for exhibitions to be held in 2024. Applications are open to the Montana art community.

Call Deadline: June 16th, 2023
Notification of Acceptance: On or before July 15th, 2023
Accepted Mediums: All
Application: zootartgallery.com

Zoot is committed to championing the Montana art community. The corporate exhibit space is open to the public and hosts rotating works by Montana artists for the enjoyment of employees and the community. The gallery has an expansive open area for sculpture and boasts over 100 square feet of vertical exhibit surfaces. One exhibiting artist described it as “...arguably the finest gallery space in the area.”

All work sold through the gallery is commission-free, and underwriting is provided for opening receptions. The exhibits of Montana-only artists rotate approximately every three months and are selected by the Zoot Committee for the Arts.

Public hours are 9 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday. For more information, visit the Zoot art gallery website at zootartgallery.com or contact Carol Lehmann, Gallery Coordinator, at carol.lehmann@zootweb.com.

Saving money for a child's college seems like a daunting task, especially when you have to pay bills for rent, utilities, cars, and groceries. Using a $25 loan instant app to save small amounts every week is not an option. But there are a few plans, like Plan 529, that help you save for your child's education costs much earlier, so your child may not have to take out student loans later. In this article, we'll look at how to fit a 529 plan into your savings strategy.

What Is a 529 Plan?
Plan 529 is a savings plan that helps families set tax-deferred money for future education expenses. Earning in a 529 plan is tax-free as long as it is used for education expenses, which also include tuition, room and board, books, and other related expenses. Typically, 529 plans are offered by states or educational institutions.

There are two types of plan 529:
● College savings plans: this type of plan allows you to invest your money in after-tax investments to increase funds over time to pay for future education expenses. The sooner you open a savings account, the longer the funds will grow. You do not have to attend state universities in most states to use the 529 savings plan. But also, do not forget that this is an investment account, so it is associated with some risks, due to which you can lose your money.

● Prepaid tuition plans: this plan allows you to pay for tuition in advance at today's prices. This is usually offered by public colleges and state universities. I would like to add that the federal government does not guarantee these plans, but some states promise to provide funding even if the program runs into financial difficulties. You can pay using this type only for tuition and fees, room and board are not included in this payment. Unfortunately, not all colleges and universities participate, which also limits your child's future choices.

But what about tax-deferred potential? Thanks to the 529 plan, it has more growth potential than a taxable account. We can clearly see this in the graph below. This data is just an example; we don't count any expenses people have. The graphic is presented only for comparing two types: 529 plan and taxable investment account.

How Does a 529 Plan Work?
To open a 529 plan, you will need to choose a plan provider and open an account. Now let's look at how to choose your plan and the next steps which you will follow to learn how to start a 529 plan.

● Step 1: The first thing to do is choose your plan. First, all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and a fair number of brokerage firms offer the 529 plan. You should investigate each benefit to see which is best for your case. It is worth remembering that at least 30 states provide a tax deduction for contributions to this plan, but the rules are different for everyone. State-run plans may have lower limits than those offered by brokerage firms.

● Step 2: The next thing to consider is whether you will open this plan for yourself or, for example, a child or other relative. Because in that case, you'll need information for both of you. First of all, this is your social security number, date of birth and address, and banking information, including your account number and routing number. But if you also open for, for instance, a child, you will also need his social security number and date of birth.

● Step 3: Now we'll move on to enrolling on your state's or brokerage's 529 plan web page. On it, you will see the button "Enroll now" or "Open an account." The order in which information is requested is different for each state. Still, in any case, you will need to enter personal information such as name, date of birth, address, phone number, social security number, and your child or relative if you are not opening this account for yourself.

● Step 4: After you have entered your personal information, you should choose which account you want. Several options will be available to you, depending on which state or brokerage firm's plan you choose.

● Step 5: And so when your plan is selected, you can add funds. The minimum deposit varies from $0 to $3,000, depending on your chosen plan. Each state sets its own minimum deposit and other requirements. Brokerage-administered accounts vary similarly.

● Step 6: The main advantage of the 529 plan is that the money you invest will be invested and will bring you income over time. That's why you also need to choose how to invest your deposits. You can also divide your contribution into several parts and place them in different accounts. For example, you could put 30% of your investment in an index fund, 50% in an aggressive target-date fund, and 20% in a conservative fund.

Why Is It So Important to Save Money for College?
Plan 529 provides several benefits to help families pay for their education costs. I would like to consider several reasons why this is contemplated important:

● Any income in the account is tax-free; withdrawals for qualifying education expenses are also tax-free. This helps account holders save more money over time.
● These plans can be used to pay for the cost of education at any eligible institution, including four-year colleges, community colleges, graduate schools, and so on. This provides families with the choice of the appropriate school for the student.
● More often than not, plans have low minimum investment requirements, making it easy to save money for college, no matter your financial situation.

The Bottom Line
In conclusion, a 529 plan is a valuable investment tool that can help families save for the high cost of higher education and help ensure that their student has the financial resources they need to succeed. With tax-advantaged savings, flexibility in school choice, low minimum investment, and the ability to receive gifts from others, a 529 plan can provide families with a reliable way to save for college and ensure their student has the financial resources they need to succeed. If you are considering saving for your child's education, a 529 plan is definitely worth exploring as an option.

BOZEMAN — A Montana State University undergraduate has won a prestigious fellowship from the National Science Foundation that will support her ongoing research at MSU focused on harnessing optical technology for monitoring water quality and other environmental applications.

Shannon Hamp, a senior who has worked for four years in the lab of Joseph Shaw, was awarded a Graduate Research Fellowship earlier this month. The sought-after fellowship provides funding for three years with a $34,000 annual living stipend plus $12,000 per year to cover tuition and fees. Hamp will use the funding to continue to her research with Shaw while pursuing a graduate degree in optics and photonics.

"I'm really excited to be able to stay at MSU and continue to work with Joe," said Hamp, an electrical engineering major from Broomfield, Colorado, and one of two MSU undergraduates awarded Goldwater scholarships last year.

Shaw, distinguished professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering in MSU’s Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering, said he was delighted to learn Hamp had received the fellowship. “Nothing makes me happier than to work with students who are as excited and capable and willing to go out and learn new things as she is.”

Hamp’s parents, Charlie and Heidi, met while students at MSU, and Hamp said she has always wanted to study electrical engineering at MSU like her father did. But research wasn’t on her radar until she learned about Shaw’s work focused on lasers and other optics technology. “I was really lucky to be introduced to him as a freshman,” she said. “As soon as heard of what he was doing, I thought, ‘I want to do that.’”

Initially, Hamp worked on a project to measure how light passes through common 3D printing materials, which is valuable information for researchers wanting to 3D-print parts for optics experiments, she explained. That led to her being the lead author on a scientific paper she published with Shaw.

“It’s very unusual for an undergrad to be the lead author on a paper,” said Shaw, who directs MSU’s Optical Technology Center, or OpTeC. “She was definitely the youngest person to have done that in my lab.”

That experience helped launch Hamp into contributing to Shaw’s work with the Consortium for Research on Environmental Water Systems, or CREWS, a $20 million research and education project on water quality in Montana. Hamp has spent the past couple years in Shaw’s lab using specialized cameras that are mounted to drones and can fly over rivers. The cameras, called hyperspectral imagers, measure light in wavelengths beyond what’s visible to the human eye, and certain optical signatures can be used to detect algae associated with excess nitrogen and phosphorus in the water. Besides using her growing optics knowledge, the work pushed Hamp to learn a lot about ecology, she said.

“Shannon has flourished in that cross-disciplinary environment,” said Shaw, noting that she recently won an award for an oral presentation she gave at a water science conference where “it’s not usually electrical engineers who are the star speakers.”

In addition to working in Shaw’s lab, Hamp has also been active with MSU’s Bridger Solar Team, a student organization working to design and build a solar-powered car to compete in a national three-day track race. She is currently president of the student organization.

Going forward, Hamp’s research will take another turn as she partners with Shaw on a new project aimed at helping NASA and the U.S. Geological Survey fine-tune satellite measurements of snowpack that could play an important role in modeling water runoff and the Earth’s changing climate. The project is led by Eric Sproles, assistant professor in MSU's Department of Earth Sciences, and funded by a recently awarded $750,000 NASA Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research, or EPSCoR, grant. Hamp and others on Shaw’s team will use the drone-mounted hyperspectral imagers to gather data that could help calibrate how satellites measure light reflecting on snow, which is affected by a variety of variables such as surrounding vegetation, slope angle and dirt on the snow surface.

“It’s a little bit of a new direction for us but it’s really exciting,” said Shaw, whose recent research has included studying the optical phenomena of solar eclipses and using lasers to detect pods of invasive lake trout in Yellowstone Lake to aid removal efforts.

Hamp said part of what motivates her for the upcoming project is that, like the water quality research, it connects with larger goals of understanding the environment. She would love to continue to find ways to align her interest and experience in optics with environmental protection, she said. She’s excited that staying at MSU puts her in close contact with Bozeman’s flourishing optics and photonics industry where many MSU graduates find jobs, she added. Her immediate goal is to complete her master’s degree and then possibly continue with a doctorate in electrical engineering at MSU with a focus on optics.

“Shannon has had a lot of success as an undergrad, and I see that continuing into grad school,” Shaw said.