Education & Workforce Development

Education and Workforce Development are central to the SMART FIRES project, building pathways that connect students, educators, and communities with hands-on research and career opportunities in fire science and environmental resilience. Through experiential learning, internships, and faculty-led mentorship, SMART FIRES equips participants with the skills and knowledge needed to address complex wildfire challenges while strengthening Montana’s workforce. By fostering collaboration across K–12, higher education, and community partners, the program supports a diverse, well-prepared pipeline of future scientists, land managers, and professionals dedicated to sustainable fire management and ecosystem health.

Related Posts

  • 2025 Seed Awards

    The SMART FIRES Research Seed Award Program provides funding to support innovative research projects that align with the goals of the SMART FIRES NSF…

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  • Early Professional Career Development Awards

    The 2025 SMART FIRES Early Professional Career Development awards provide support for early-career faculty and postdoctoral scholars at Montana State University in disciplines related…

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  • Fire Science Field Day: Educators Explore Wildfire Mitigation in Montana

    As part of the Montana Federation of Public Employees 2025 Educator Conference, SMART FIRES hosted a Fire Science Field Day in Missoula on October…

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  • Future teachers explore citizen science at MSU

    Pre-service teachers (future science teachers) from EDM 403 and EDM 415 (Science Methods) at MSU helped pilot-test Temtop air quality instruments as part of their classes’…

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