Brad Bigelow, UM: “A Layperson’s Guide to Cyber Warfare”
7 p.m. | Feb. 6
Brad Bigelow is a retired Air Force officer and former advisor to the Deputy Chief of Staff for Cyber for NATO’S strategic operations command. Virtually every aspect of today’s world depends on cyberspace, and cybersecurity stories appear daily. Bigelow’s talk will explain what constitutes warfare in cyberspace and how it fits within the framework of national security and military operations. He will address concerns regarding disinformation and the protection of critical infrastructures.
In his talk, Bigelow aims to alleviate fear, uncertainty and doubt that many people feel about the security of the internet and other elements of cyberspace. Bigelow’s expertise on the subject comes from his experience on the President’s National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee staff. He has written and spoken on the subject of cybersecurity and military cyber operations in the U.S. and Europe. In collaboration with Missoula College, UM’s College of Business has begun offering a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity.
Dr. Cara Palmer, MSU: "Sleep on It: Connections between Sleep and Mental Health"
7 p.m. | Feb. 20
Sleep has become a major health concern across America. Dr. Cara Palmer’s 15 years of research focus on how sleep patterns relate to a person’s susceptibility to mental health problems and how sleep patterns develop.
Palmer completed her doctoral training in Life Span Developmental Psychology at West Virginia University and a post-doctoral fellowship in Clinical Child Psychology at the University of Houston. She has received awards and grants for research from organizations including the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, Sleep Research Society and World Sleep Society. Topics of her expertise include sleep health, effects of poor sleep, signs of insufficient sleep and sleep and mental health.
Dr. Jason Neiffer, UM: "Learning Reimagined: the Promise and Perils of AI in Education"
7 p.m. | March 6
Dr. Jason Neiffer is the executive director of Montana Digital Academy, the state’s virtual school.
For more than 25 years, Neiffer has pursued ways to combine technology and teaching to make learning engaging and meaningful for learners of all ages. His professional interests include distance learning, media literacy, digital productivity, artificial intelligence, social studies and humanities education.
He is a graduate of Great Falls High School, Carroll College, Walden University and University of Montana. His first work in educational technology was in 1984, when he set up all of the Apple IIe computers at Roosevelt School in Great Falls as a rambunctious 4th grader.
The 2025 lectures will be held in person at Great Falls College.*
*Dr. Cruzado's lecture will be held at the Great Falls High School Davidson Auditorium
Location: Heritage Hall (map)
Cost
Entire series: $25
Individual Lecture General: $10
Individual Lecture Students: $5
Limited seating available
To purchase tickets call (406) 899-0277.
Tickets are also available at Kaufmans and Leslie’s Hallmark in the Holiday Village Mall.
The "Bringing the U to You" Lecture Series is a collaborative effort of the UM Alumni Association and the MSU Alumni Foundation.
If you have questions regarding these lectures, contact the UM Alumni Association at 406-243-5211 or at alumni@umontana.edu
The U to You Committee is a group of the University of Montana and Montana State University alumni committed to connecting the campuses to the Great Falls area through stimulating educational experiences.