Each partner seeks Land Grant resources that are appropriate for local projects. Scientists have since noticed fairly large numbers of the exotic species compared to native ladybugs in national parks. To help find out, Keating and MSU entomologists Mike and LaDonna Ivie did some preliminary surveying of ladybug populations in Yellowstone, Grand Teton and Glacier National Parks and Craters of the Moon National Monument. Future research depends on funding, Keating said. He, for one, is analyzing materials that might help roadways better withstand compression.
Some materials are textiles woven with plastic threads.
Others are stout, plastic grid materials like the orange fences seen at construction sites. Perkins is trying to find out which materials work best and where they should be placed within the road bed. Part of his research is being done in a meter box. New music Gregory Young is recognized by Bozeman audiences for his clarinet performances, but the MSU music professor and assistant dean of Arts and Architecture is also a composer. Last summer he used an MSU scholarship and creativity grant to study with one of Canada's leading composers, Andrew MacDonald.