Bryan Cochran has been pushing the boundaries of the clinical psychology field to be more inclusive of LGBTIQ+ studies and treatment for over two decades. In this episode, he talks about growth in that field, the vital importance of mentorship there, and his work at UM as a professor and director of clinical training.

In episode 85, Confluence's series on Willow Alliance faculty members flows on with Dean Nicolai, department head of Native American studies at Salish Kootenai College. He talks about tribal historic preservation and what the practice offers western archaeologists. He also recalls the people and experiences that inspired his own academic journey, and how he can create similar opportunities for current students.

Episode 84 marks the beginning of a short series on Confluence featuring faculty fellows on a grant with the Willow Alliance. The project focuses on Native American STEM faculty and the ways Indigenous Research Methodologies are being and should continue to be implemented into higher education. Dr. Diana Doan-Crider reflects on the forces at play on her own journey through academia, and discusses some problems and solutions in melding together western and Indigenous approaches to knowledge and education.

Julia Galloway is in her 20th year of teaching in the Visual Arts program at the University of Montana. In this episode, she talks about shifting inspirations for her ceramics works and how that's brought her to her current work: "The Endangered Species Project."

In this episode, we wrap up our coverage of GradCon 2022 just in time for GradCon 2023. Episode 82 features Adrienne Tauses, a Bertha Morton scholarship winner and a counselor for over a decade. She presented at GradCon 2022 about a new methodological approach to studying humans' beliefs and values. She talks about her journey to UM, including her work in wilderness and equine therapy, and her current research exploring the relationship between psychological and physical healing in injured athletes.

In Episode 81 of Confluence, we continue our countdown towards GradCon (2/24) at UM. This episode, we feature Ph.D. student Juthika Thaker, who participated in a panel at last year's GradCon sponsored by the Institute of Health and Humanity. Thaker discusses her research into vaccine rates in rural communities and how she will use her research to strengthen public infrastructure in her home country of India.

In Episode 80, Confluence talks with Rebekah Brassfield, a Systems Ecology student at UM. Brassfield describes her fascinating research into bumblebees and huckleberries, both crucial to Montana's ecological health. Along the way, we also discuss Brassfield's impactful mentors and the impressive research being done at Salish Kootenai College.

In Episode 79, Confluence talks with UM Ph.D. student Becky Kendall. Kendall is studying toxicology, and won the Best in Conference award for a STEM poster presentation at last year's Grad Con. In our conversation with Becky we discuss her creative new research into antidepressants, her pre-doctoral fellowship, and making Montana a better place through her research.

In Episode 78, Confluence talks with Professor Emily Ruskovich, whose 2017 novel "Idaho" was awarded the prestigious International Dublin Literary Award. Ruskovich shares about her time as an undergraduate student at the University of Montana, her love affair with Anne of Green Gables, and the mysterious power of writing to reveal our true selves.

In this episode, Confluence talks with Gabi Graceffo, an MFA student studying poetry and simultaneously finishing an MA in English literature. Her fascinating background includes both work in photography and art history. Graceffo's art blends media including original photography, narrative writing, and poems that respond to images and sites, especially hospitals that she researches.