Clearly Boldly Unequivocally - The University of Montana Foundation

what they learn from
studies in Montana
and Idaho and apply their
findings internationally.
The labs involved in the five-year study,
titled Air Toxics Under the Big Sky, are not
just located in the Skaggs Addition on the
UM campus. With support from the
Toshiba America Foundation, Toyota
Tapestry Foundation, and 3M, the program
also takes place in communities and
high schools near Missoula, with some
200 students and teachers participating
in the 2007-08 academic year alone.
Here’s how the study works: Students col lect
air samples, inside and outside their
homes. Back in the classroom, they inves -
ti gate the relationship between air
pollutants and respiratory illnesses. They
continue to work alongside professors
and scientists, in UM labs, to examine and
evaluate their findings.
The program has double-edged benefits,
says Ward. “Students become familiar
with methods of scientific inquiry; they gain
experience in tackling a community
problem; they are inspired to seek further
education and, perhaps, careers in environmental
and biomedical sciences.”
A significant
number of
wood-burning
stoves have
been replaced
with more
environmentally
compatible
heaters.
“By working with students on campus,”
adds Noonan, “they become comfortable
with UM, our facilities, and our faculty.”
For several graduates of the program, it’s
a pipeline to enrollment at the University.
For the communities, measurements
show that ambient and indoor air quality
has improved as awareness of pollution’s
effect on health has increased. And a
significant number of wood-burning stoves
has been replaced with more environmen-
tally compatible heaters.
Ward’s first experience in Montana
occurred in summer 1990, when he
washed dishes at Yellowstone National Park
and fell in love with the mountains.
Noonan’s background includes time as
a Peace Corps volunteer in West Africa
and as an epidemiologist in Atlanta. Both
agree: It’s great to be part of a growing
program at UM – especially with the
Rockies as backdrop.
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