My first blog post! Following some advice from a friend, I'll be documenting my summer in Montana via blog. We'll see how it goes.
Basically, I'm in Bozeman, Montana for 10 weeks doing research at the Western Transportation Institute at Montana State University. I'll be working with a research partner to develop mitigation recommendations for bison-vehicle collisions along US Hwy 191. This means researching mitigation measures already in existence, reviewing the stretch of highway and surrounding land that is the high-conflict area, surveying stakeholders (bison are a touchy subject here in Montana), and performing a rather rough cost-benefit analysis of the different mitigation options. I know, it doesn't sound terribly exciting when explained like that, but I'm very excited about the work I will be doing.
I've been in Bozeman a week already, and it is truly one of the most beautiful places I've ever been. I'm living on campus in one of the graduate apartments with two other women, and every morning I look out my window while I drink my coffee and see mountains. It's hard to stop the voice of Bilbo creeping into my head, exclaiming about the Lonely Mountain and adventures long ago. The landscape is in a time unto itself, and I have trouble sometimes keeping my mind on the work I've come here to do.
Well, I've got a long week ahead of me. I'll try to be faithful in the frequency of my posts, but I foresee this becoming a weekend hobby.
So long for now!
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