Highlands College Students Present Research and Scholarly Activities at Montana 2YC Research Day

Montana Statewide Two Year College Research Day was a celebration with students presenting their research, creative and scholarly activities from across the state of Montana, held last week at Helena College, Helena MT.  Dr. John W. Hartman was the Helena College co-coordinator with Jenn Bergner, and summarized the event, “This was the 6th Annual Montana 2YC Research Day, and the second time that Helena College has sponsored the event.  Research is critical for our students as a teaching tool and an advanced experience, and assists in securing employment and improving the strength and well-being of our communities.”  Entrepreneur and Headframe Spirits Distillery Owner, John Mckee, Butte MT, was the opening speaker, and he shared the importance of research with the science and engineering in making spirits.  He also described cutting edge spirits equipment that he has designed and is now selling.
 
Highlands College had ten projects presented in various disciplines:  Drafting, Math – General Studies, Trades – Construction, Gerontology, Psychology, Sociology, and Education.  Highlands College faculty mentors included Rebecca (Becky) Morris, Jeff Draper, Bill Ryan, and Elyse Lovell.  Students presenting projects included Lacey Dolcater, Chandler Hawley, Danielle (Dani) Reichert, Haley Mellott, Michal Bettale, Melissa Casey, Audra Steinhauer, Ravyn Scott and Robert Shelton.
 
Three of the students presenting were awarded research grants from Montana Tech, Ravyn Scott and Robert Shelton were each recipients of Undergraduate Research Project (URP) grants which are grants that provide undergraduates with the opportunity to work with a mentor on a research project.  Melissa Casey and Robert Shelton received RAMP research grants which are designed for a team of undergraduate researchers. Logan Randall and Virginia (Ginny) Wait were also a part of the team that earned the RAMP scholarships.

Highlands College Dean, Dr. Dave Gurchiek said, “Our students and their mentors have made outstanding strides in their research, creative, and scholarly activities, and they have also included local businesses in their research which helps contribute to our economic development.”