Annual Meeting
UM Conference on Undergraduate Research Friday, April 17, 2009 Submission Deadline – February 27, 2009
The submission deadline has been extended to March 6, 2009
Sample Abstracts
Sample Physical and Life Sciences Abstract
DO VOLES SELECT DENSE VEGETATION FOR MOVEMENT PATHWAYS AT THE MICROHABITAT LEVEL?
Lucretia E. Olson (Don Christian), Division of Biological Sciences
The relationship between habitat use by voles (Rodentia: Microtus) and the density of vegetative cover was studied to determine if voles select forage areas at the microhabitat level. Using live traps, I trapped, powdered, and released voles at 10 sites. At each trap site I analyzed the type and height of the vegetation in the immediate area. Using a black light, I followed the trails left by powdered voles through the vegetation. I mapped the trails using a compass to ascertain the tortuosity, or amount the trail twisted and turned, and visually checked the trails to determine obstruction of the movement path by vegetation. I also checked vegetative obstruction on 4 random paths near the actual trail, to compare the cover on the trail with other nearby alternative pathways. There was not a statistically significant difference between the amount of cover on a vole trail and the cover off to the sides of the trail when completely covered; there was a significant difference between on and off the trail when the path was completely open. These results indicate that voles are selectively avoiding bare areas, while not choosing among dense patches at a fine microhabitat scale.
Sample Social Science Abstract
TRADITIONAL HEALERS AND THE HIV CRISES IN AFRICA: TOWARD AN INTEGRATED APPROACH
Jean E. Otto (Richard A. Sattler), Department of Anthropology
The HIV virus is currently destroying all facets of African life. It therefore is imperative that a new holistic form of health education and accessible treatment be implemented in African public health policy which improves dissemination of prevention and treatment programs, while maintaining the cultural infrastructure. Drawing on government and NGO reports, as well as other documentary sources, this paper examines the nature of current efforts and the state of health care practices in Africa. I review access to modern health care and factors which inhibit local utilization of these resources, as well as traditional African beliefs about medicine, disease, and healthcare. This review indicates that a collaboration of western and traditional medical care and philosophy can help slow the spread of HIV in Africa. This paper encourages the acceptance and financial support of traditional health practitioners in this effort owing to their accessibility and affordability and their cultural compatibility with the community.
Sample Arts and Humanities Abstract
PARA ESCRIBIR MISSOULA
Hannah J. Vanderlan (Eduardo Chirinos), Deparment of Foreign Languages and Literatures
Professor Eduardo Chirinos did not arrive in Missoula on a train, in the winter, utterly happy. He came by car, beneath a summer sun, disillusioned. Yet, here in Missoula he has returned to writing with intensity and plenitude not remembered since that winter in the hostel Juli; here (he) has fallen again into the nets of his own youth Since his youth in Peru, Eduardo Chirinos had studied, traveled, and taught in Europe and the United States, before arriving at the University of Montana to teach Latin American literature. He is currently working on a collection of poetry entitled Escrito en Missoula (Written in Missoula). I am currently studying this collection and working on translating several poems into English. This presentation will introduce and discuss a work in progress consisting of an investigation of poetry as cartography; of meaning-making as map-making (or both concepts vise versa). It is a study of the creation of place and the creation of language. I will also read translations of two poems that foster discussion of the ideas: Para Llegar a Missoula and Osos.
Questions may be directed to conference coordinator Emily Thorn at emily.thorn@umontana.edu or the Davidson Honors College at dhc@umontana.edu.