Our Team
Colin Shaw
Research and Economic Development, VIP Coordinator
(currently open)
Chair of Undergraduate Research Council
Undergraduate Research Ambassadors
The Undergraduate Research Council, the only council composed solely of students, plays a crucial role in shaping the future of research at Montana State. The council's ambassadors are responsible for informing the University Research Council about topics and issues specific to undergraduates in research, and they serve as advisors, communicators, and publishers for the MSU student body regarding all things research.
Jessminda DiCello
Jessminda is in her fourth year at MSU studying Food and Nutrition with a concentration in Nutrition Science. She is originally from Bozeman, MT, but chose to attend Montana State after spending a year at Clark University in Worcester, MA, where she realized that Montana State would be the best fit for her interest in STEM fields. Outside of school, she does improv at Last Best Comedy, enjoys watching movies, and spending time outside. She has been involved in research through the Duke STAR program and in the College of EHHD. She is excited to help other students find interests in research while also continuing to learn more about it herself.
Madeline Irvine
Maddy is a Junior from Marietta, Georgia, and is majoring in Cell Biology and Neuroscience with a minor in Genetics. She is involved in Drosophila genetics research where she investigates Polycomb group protein expression in ovarian follicle cells. Maddy hopes to help other undergraduate students become involved in research through her time on the Undergraduate Research Council. Outside of academics, Maddy enjoys skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and almost anything outdoors.
Taylor Pooton
Taylor Pooton is a third-year student at MSU, originally from Kalispell, Montana. She is pursuing a dual major in Biochemistry and Cell Biology & Neuroscience. Taylor has a passion for exploring a variety of disciplines and believes that research can provide opportunities to learn beyond just your major. Currently, she is working with Dr. Dana Rashid on a project examining sterile inflammation as a contributing factor to sacral fusion in birds and mammals. Outside of her academic work, Taylor has a deep appreciation for the fine arts, enjoys playing the flute, and, with her background in speech and debate, is always eager to assist with proposals/presentations. Taylor is an editor of Curiositas, MSU's undergraduate research journal.
Emily Moss
Emily is a third-year student at MSU studying computer science and is originally from Kasilof, Alaska. She is passionate about hands-on, interdisciplinary learning and wants to make learning and research fun and accessible. Outside of academics, she enjoys Nordic skiing, cycling, podcasts, and getting outside. After her bachelor's, Emily hopes to pursue synthetic biology and astrobiology.
Katie LeBrun
Katie is a senior from Laurel, MT, and is majoring in Chemical Engineering with a minor in Hispanic Studies. She has been working as an Undergraduate Researcher in the CBE through the Ecostart Internship, where she explores her interest for research and innovation through sustainable materials. Currently, she is exploring a method used to increase the effectiveness of microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP). As a member of the Undergraduate Research Council, Katie aims to make research a less intimidating space for undergraduates. Outside of school, Katie enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.
Blake Nestor
Blake is a third year student at MSU majoring in Environmental Sciences and German studies while also participating in research focusing on grassland phenology. He is passionate about helping others get involved in research. Outside of his academics, he enjoys skiing, hiking, and pretty much anything else outside.
Calista Pyrak
Calista Pyrak is a third-year student at MSU who is originally from Havre, MT. She is majoring in Anthropology with a minor in English Writing. She hopes to pursue research in archeology and maybe one day publish the fantasy novel she is writing. Working as one of the editors for Curiositas, Calista works closely with students and faculty to facilitate communication and make research accessible for everyone. In her free time she enjoys writing, ballet, Irish dancing, playing golf, reading, and traveling.