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News & Updates
Scheduled Power Outage on Monday May 11th
Facilities is planning to conduct a "Black Start Test" on the Combined Heat & Power Plant. Specifically, Facilities will cut power to all of campus and then restart the CHP without relying on external electricity. This controlled simulation of a complete power outage will verify that (if) backup systems can restart equipment and restore normal operations without outside power.
The test is scheduled to run from 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM on May 11.
During this time, the campus will be completely off grid power — only buildings with emergency generators will have access to power during the test.
Facilities wanted to give initial notice — with more reminders to come — so that key power users are aware and can share concerns. Campus operations should be returned to normal by 8:00 AM, minimizing any disruption to the normal workday.
For questions or concerns, contact Tim Gauthier, Associate Director of Engineering and Utilities.
Research & Creative Scholarship Stories
UM Doctoral Student’s Research on Cellular Interactions Could Guide the Next Generation of Immunotherapies
Deborah Agbakwuru, PhD candidate in the Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, is studying cells and processes between cells. By examining cell interactions and the strength behind them, she can better understand how immune signaling is regulated during inflammation and disease. This can ultimately lead to explanations as to why some immune responses are effective while others become too weak or overly aggressive (as seen in autoimmunity). Long term, this knowledge can guide the design of better immunotherapies, such as improving cancer treatments, or developing strategies to reduce harmful inflammation by limiting excessive immune signaling. Read the entire story on the ORCS website.
UM Chemistry Alum, Dr. Lixu Jin, Featured in NSF GEO Updates
“The team designed an analysis to identify how ozone and VOCs, among other chemicals, form and evolve in wildfire smoke plumes. It then tested what's currently known in air quality models, finding that the chemical age better explains what's happening than the physical age.” Check it out on NSF GEO’s webpage.
Events
Event Reminders
Follow links for details
Departmental Research Administrator (DRA) Forum
May 4, 2026, 10 AM to 11 AM, UC 225
The Office of Sponsored Programs invites all DRAs to this open forum where Pope Ashworth will discuss the move from InfoGriz to Tableau.
Montana Institute for the Book Arts
Two sessions: August 3rd through 7th & August 10th through 14th
The Montana Institute for Book Arts is a summer program that brings together artists, craftspeople, and motivated students from across the country to share their professional knowledge and their love of bookmaking. Registration closes June 30, 2026. Space is limited!
Resources
Faculty and student research funding is available from the Montana Space Grant Consortium!
NASA-related topics are far-reaching. Don’t count yourselves out even if you don’t plan to go to space! The next $700,000 grant application is due in August, and many other opportunities are available. While our summer Space Grant fellowships are full, encourage your promising undergraduate and graduate students to pursue funding for the fall. And check out our faculty development programs and student research workshops for research-curious undergraduates!
On April 21st, the NIH announced that funding for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs was reauthorized for the next five years. Please review the forecasted funding opportunities for more information, and check out the resources for NIH’s small business programs:
