Our Mission:

Curiositas is the premier journal of undergraduate research at Montana State University, showcasing the wide variety of scientific and creative scholarship that occurs at MSU. We believe that any work that broadens our intellectual horizons is meaningful research, and we hope to shed light on this work through our journal.

Curiositas is a fundamentally interdisciplinary project. We are proudly hosted by Undergradaute Research and the student-run Undergraduate Research Council.

Submissions for 2026 will be accepted in the fall.

Guidlines for Submissions:

Types of Submissions 

  • Research Papers 
    • Content: Appropriate to academic field. Present original findings, analyses, or reviews of existing literature. 
    • Papers are welcome from students in all MSU colleges including English, nursing, engineering, anthropology, range management, biology, and more. 
    • Guidelines: Use a clear thesis, evidence, and scholarly citation style appropriate to your field where applicable.
    • Length: 1,000–3,000 words. 
  • Storytelling/Creative Writing/Exposés 
    • Content: Submissions may include, but are not limited to: 
      • Poetry 
      • Short stories 
      • Narratives 
      • Personal reflections 
      • Visual storytelling (e.g., photo essays, comics) 
      • And more: if you have questions about how your work fits in, please contact us at [email protected]  
    • Theme is open, with works preferred which show people and nature in their complexity and unexpectedness.
    • Length: No minimum-3,000 words (written works) or equivalent for visual content. 
    • Guidelines: Submissions should offer depth and insight, engaging the audience through storytelling or artistic expression.  
  • Research Reflection 
    • Content: Explanation of the experience of research. This article will not necessarily report the findings of the work, rather the process and the emotional and social aspect of conducting research. This work should be broadly engaging. 
    • Length: 1,000-2,500 words. 
    • Guidelines: Submissions should offer a storytelling feel. For questions about how your work fits in, please contact us at [email protected] 
  • Cover Art  
    • Theme: Research, discovery, or curiosity. 
    • Format: Digital or high-resolution images suitable for print. 
    • Guidelines: Art should include a short description (<500 words) explaining how it reflects the theme. 
    • Example: HERE

Review Process 

  • All submissions are peer-reviewed by our editorial board. 
  • Authors will receive feedback and may be asked to revise their work for clarity or adherence to guidelines. 

Previous Publications:

Our Editorial Team:

 

Emily Moss

Emily Moss

Editor

Emily is a first-year student at MSU studying biological engineering and is originally from Kasilof, Alaska. She is passionate about hands-on, interdisciplinary learning and wants to make learning and research fun and accessible. Outside of academics, she enjoys Nordic skiing, cycling, podcasts, and getting outside. After her bachelor's, Emily hopes to pursue synthetic biology and astrobiology.

 

Taylor Pooton

Taylor Pooton

Editor
Taylor Pooton is a first-year student at MSU, originally from Kalispell, Montana. She is pursuing a dual major in Biochemistry and Criminology. Taylor has a passion for exploring a variety of disciplines and believes that research can provide opportunities to learn beyond just your major. Currently, she is working with Dana Rashid on a project examining sterile inflammation as a contributing factor to sacral fusion in birds and mammals. Outside of her academic work, Taylor has a deep appreciation for the fine arts, enjoys playing the flute, and, with her background in speech and debate, is always eager to assist with proposals/presentations.
Calla Castro

Calla Castro

Editor

Calla is a senior studying Honors Microbiology and has been involved in research projects through MSU and Duke University. Her project at MSU with the Center for Biofilm Engineering and Thermal Biology Institute, "Thermophilic Degradation of Plastic Wastes," explores the hot springs in the Heart Lake Geyser Basin of Yellowstone National Park for a heat-loving microbe that can degrade (eat) plastic. Her project with Duke University "External Validation of a Caffeine Population Pharmacokinetic Model in Neonates with Congenital Heart Disease" validated a previously peer-reviewed model of the pharmacokinetics of caffeine in neonates to confirm the model for downstream use in dosing optimization. After completing her undergraduate degree, Calla hopes to continue her education in medicine and epidemiology.