BOZEMAN  —  As 

MSU was recently awarded more than $3.5 million from the Army Research Lab to develop a new generation of batteries that can hold more power and charge faster while also being safer and more resilient to extreme environments. The project is led by University of Maryland and includes Stony Brook University, the University of Texas at Austin, Argonne and Brookhaven national laboratories and several private companies.

"MSU has some unique capabilities that we've developed over the past couple decades of researching fuel cells," which are similar to batteries in many ways, said MSU Energy Research Institute Director Lee Spangler, who is leading the MSU portion of the project. "It's exciting to be applying that expertise to batteries, and this funding is really going to accelerate our research in this area."

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GREAT FALLS  — 

And their magic will allow the college to better beam classes around the state as the Technology and Assistance Center staff members upgraded almost all of the classrooms on campus with audio-visual equipment to better meet the needs of students and faculty members who are participating in classes remotely. The upgrades include installing cameras, speakers and microphone arrays to improve streaming and recording capabilities to take learning to where students live and work.

"It's easy-peasy, one click and you're in the classroom," said Dr. Heidi Pasek, a sociology and psychology instructor at Great Falls College, after taking the training on the new equipment.

The upgrade was paid for with a combination of CARES Act funds and governor-allocated Coronavirus Relief Funds (about $80,000) and is a tremendous illustration of the way Great Falls College has been responsibly using taxpayer money to not only meet the short-term needs brought on by COVID-19,
but also meeting long-range plans to enhance the college well into the future, said Carmen Roberts, executive director of operations at Great Falls College.

So far, the college has received $1,297,000 in federal and state funds and distributed more than $431,000 directly to 521 students affected by the pandemic. Additional federal funds have been allocated to the university system as part of the recently passed Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021. Spending guidelines are still being developed at the federal level.

"These classroom upgrades, along with other instructional technology purchased with CARES funds, will allow us to provide instruction to students wherever they need it," said Roberts. "It gives us so much flexibility to provide the best educational experience."

BILLINGS —

Roberts explains that this was a new experience for him. While he has helped students produce their music in the past, he has never had them featured on his own work until “It’s Been Wrong.” He wanted to give students an opportunity that they might not normally get in Billings as easily as they might in bigger cities with more opportunities.

“I wanted to make sure they had a chance to do it," said Roberts. "There is a high level of talent in our music department right now."

“It’s Been Wrong” was recorded and produced in the Yellowjacket Recording Studio on campus at MSUB. Roberts was the lead vocalist, songwriter, mixing engineer, trombonist and keyboard player. Associate Professor of High Brass Mark Fenderson played trumpet on the track. Two current MSUB students, Parker Sappington and Emerald Hart, were featured as background singers along with alumna Brooke Moncada. An alumnus, Brian Phillips, was featured playing Baritone Sax on the track. Phillips currently plays professionally in Denver, Colorado.

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MILES CITY  — Miles Community College is now offering an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) course held on the Miles City campus. This course is open to both credit and non-credit students looking to fulfill requirements for paramedicine programs along with those looking to earn their EMT certification to work or volunteer in their own communities.

This 15-week course will offer students the opportunity to learn about emergency situations and participate in real-life scenarios for a hands-on learning experience. The course will be offered as a blended class, where students are able to do some of the learning/lectures online. The remaining instruction and labs will be held in-person every Saturday beginning January 23.

MCC is partnering with Whiteline Consulting and Training, a Montana based company owned by John Carlbom, who has 27 years working in Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Carlbom and his team of instructors will be teaching the class directly on the MCC campus in a newly renovated space in the Votech building, located directly across the street from Lucas Hall.

“I am beyond excited to team up with Miles Community College and provide another option for people looking to get into emergency medicine,” commented Carlbom. “Our course is full of skills and realistic scenarios to better prepare students. I’ve been teaching for last 25 years across Montana and am excited to bring this program to MCC.”