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Divisions, Departments, and Degree Programs .:

Select One Anthropology Division of Biological Sciences Chemistry Communication Studies Computer Science Economics English Environmental Studies Geography Geosciences History Liberal Studies Mathematical Sciences Military Science Modern & Classical Languages & Literatures Native American Studies Philosophy Physics and Astronomy Political Science Psychology Sociology

Additional Programs .:

Select One African American Studies Asian Studies Central and Southwest Asian Studies Program Creative Writing Program Film Studies Human and Family Development Minor Intercultural Youth and Family Development Program (M.A.) Irish Studies Program International Development Studies Latin American Studies Linguistics Non-Profit Administration Minor P.E.A.S Program Pre-Engineering Pre-Law Pre-Medical Sciences Pre-Nursing Religious Studies Wildlife Biology Program Women's and Gender Studies

Projects, Centers and Institutes.:

Select One Avian Science Center Center for Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics Center for Ethics (non strictly CAS, but closely affiliated) Center for Riverine Science Flathead Lake (Yellow Bay) Biological Station (affiliated program) Institute for Medicine and Humanities (not strictly CAS, but closely affiliated) Multicultural Learning Solutions Paleontology Center Stella Duncan Memorial Research Institute Shafizadeh Rocky Mountain Center for Wood and Carbohydrate Chemistry The Writing Center

Contact: Dean Chris Comer
LA 136, Missoula, MT 59812
Telephone: 243-2632
Fax: 406-243-4076

Office Location: HEALTH SCIENCES 516A
Office Telephone: (406) 243-2471
E-mail: Jim.Gannon@umontana.edu

Research Interests:

Our primary research efforts fall within the scope of Applied and Environmental Microbiology. Our laboratory focuses on the microbial ecology of industrial processes and process waters, and river systems and their flood plains. 

Industrial Microbiology- we working with industry in a number of areas including pulp and paper processing, cooling water, sugar refining, etc. to study how process variables influence the developing microbiota.  This information results in better monitoring and control of microorganisms in these systems.

Rivers and Flood Plains:

Contaminated Systems:  For the past 8 years we have explored the microbiology of the Clark Fork River flood plain where major flooding events have deposited millions of tons of waste heavy metals. We have focused on understanding microbial processes that govern the movement of heavy metals and how sediment metals have altered the structure and function of the attached microbial communities.

Pristine Systems:  We are currently working on two “pristine” river systems.  The first is located in the Okavango Delta in Northern Botswana.  We are part of an international group studying the effects of the seasonal flooding on the flood plain microbial function relative to the seasonal water cycle.  The Okavango Delta is the largest inland delta in the world and one of the last best habitats for wild animals including Lions, Giraffe, Elephants, etc. 

A second project is a 5-year NSF Microbial Observatory characterizing the microbial assemblages throughout a large alluvial aquifer that borders Glacier National Park. These studies attempt to define and link microbial assemblage and their nutrient quality to the species- rich abundance of macroinvertebrates.  We propose that the nutrient flux and retention mediated by the microbes plays a significant role in driving bioproductivity and biodiversity including charismatic megafauna such as grizzly bear, elk, and bull trout for which the Nyack flood plain is critical habitat.

Education:

B.S. University of Houston, 1975
M.S. University of Houston, 1978
Ph.D. University of Houston, 1981

Selected Publications: