Montana State University students explore environmental health issues associated with off-campus living in Bozeman

Located in southern Montana, the City of Bozeman is home to approximately 50,000 people. The Gallatin County seat offers a thriving arts scene, cultural festivals, farmers’ markets, and excellent outdoor recreation in nearby Paradise Valley, Yellowstone National Park, and the Gallatin Mountains. Local officials and residents value a sustainable, equitable, and participatory approach to community planning across a range of focus areas.  

Preparing for successful student life in greater Bozeman  

Moving off-campus is a popular option for Montana State University undergraduates seeking autonomy and housing variety. It is also many students’ first time living outside a campus or family home. Bozeman’s tight housing market coupled with a general lack of awareness about the environmental health risks associated with independent living posed a problem––one MSU and the City of Bozeman Neighborhoods Program wished to address. 

Student scientists evaluate rental-associated health risks  

Neighborhoods Program officials partnered with the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Montana State University through the Community Engaged and Transformational Scholarship (CATS) initiative. Undergraduate students in a BIOM 210: Principles of Environmental Health Science course were tasked with evaluating housing-specific health risks and translating their findings for the benefit of potential student renters. Participants divided into four collaborative working groups, each assigned a specific environmental health issue. They conducted immunological research and surveys and prepared presentations.

Resources for healthy off-campus undergraduate living

Student groups created three final presentations on asbestos, dampness and mold, and lead poisoning, as well as one presentation summarizing student survey results and sharing general off-campus housing statistics.

These comprehensive presentations review course research, describe the history, potential health risks/effects, and variations of each issue, and provide helpful tips for prevention and at-home testing. The survey presentation paints a clear picture of off-campus housing in Bozeman. An environmental health student intern additionally created social media content focused on raising awareness about seven environmental health issues of concern to students living off-campus.

Students participating in this partnership helped to raise awareness and ensure better health outcomes among students living in off-campus housing. 

Read the full story of the partnership.

Read the final student report delivered to the local gov/community partner.