While working on her Master of Science thesis in Environmental Engineering, Melody Madden spent three months abroad. As a Montana Tech International student, Melody was hosted by the University of New South Wales which is located in the coastal city of Sydney, Australia.

The title of Melody’s master’s thesis is, “Using Domestic Pets as Bio-samplers Within Mining Communities.”  Dogs can serve as an indicator of contaminants.  Samples of their hair can be analyzed to reveal the presence of heavy metals and other toxins that exist in the local environment. 

In her thesis, she looked at the results from numerous dog hair samples that she has taken in and around the area of Butte, Montana.  Butte has an extensive history of underground and surface mining. Melody explained that her technical tasks pertaining to her thesis while at the University in of New South Wales, included background research, analysis of data previously collected in Montana, and development of research statistics.

While in Australia, Melody worked under the direction of Dr. Leonte, a statistician. She stated, “There was not a specific program to fit what I was doing for my thesis, but everyone at the University was very good at helping me find a place. I was given my own office space, and even had my own laptop.”

Melody traveled to Broken Hill, Australia, to obtain a few more dog hair samples. Broken Hill is historically a lead mining town with very similar contamination problems as found in Butte, such as attic dust. In regard to her trip to Broken Hill, she said, “This was a successful research trip. I got all the samples I wanted and made many friends. It was quite the experience to be on my own doing research. Of course, I was in contact with both Dr. Peterson and Dr. Leonte.” When Melody was doing her research in Broken Hill, she did a radio interview concerning her research, and had a webpage created upon which the audio interview can be heard. Click on this link to hear about Melody's research in her own words: http://www.abc.net.au/farwest/stories/s1154285.htm

Ms. Madden reported that there is much to do within and around Sydney. She added, “There is no chance that anyone would get bored. When traveling there are hostels everywhere to stay in and airfare is significantly cheaper than in the U.S. I was able to fly to Cairns, then to Brisbane, and back to Sydney. It is wise to learn the bus and train system right away. Once mastered, getting around is fun and simple.” In reference to the campus of the University of New South Wales, she stated that there are tons of places to eat and activities to take part in, such as dances, movies and, parties.

Melody sized up her experience with Montana Tech’s International program with the following statement: “Awesome! It’s the chance of a lifetime. I learned so much, not just about school, but about myself and cultures other than America.”

Questions or Comments? Contact Cindy Dunstan
406-496-4304 • Fax: 406-496-4710