Natural Medicine Inclusion Summit 2025!

Speakers List.

If you would like to speak at our future event, the Women In STEM Experience (WISE), held in Missoula, in Fall 2025 (Date: October, TBD), please submit your abstract. 

Visit theWISExperience.org for more details. 

Dr. Annie Belcourt is a dedicated educator and advocate for Native American communities. As a Community and Public Health professor and chair of Native American Studies at the University of Montana, she brings a wealth of experience in clinical psychology and public health to her work. Dr. Belcourt is passionate about incorporating trauma-informed educational strategies into her teaching, recognizing the impact of trauma on individuals and communities. Her research focuses on mental health disparities, post-traumatic stress reactions, and the importance of cultural context in understanding and addressing these issues.

Dr. Damian Chase-Begay is an Associate Research Professor at the University of Montana, specializing in social epidemiology and Indigenous health. His research focuses on integrating traditional cultural practices with evidence-based substance abuse prevention interventions for urban Indigenous communities. He is a recipient of multiple awards, including a career development award from the National Institute on Drug Abuse and a Health Equity Scholars for Action award from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Dr. Chase-Begay is also a fellow at the Center for Dissemination and Implementation at Stanford and the University of Washington Indigenous HIV/AIDS Research Training program. He has extensive experience in the Indigenous health field, having served as the City-County Health Officer for Missoula, Montana, and holding leadership positions at All Nations Health Center and the National Council of Urban Indian Health.

 School of Public and Community Health Sciences - University of Montana

Indigenous Knowledge in STEM

Over hundreds of generations, Indigenous communities have developed sophisticated practices and ways of knowing in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Understanding these practices and ways of knowing leads to a richer understanding of all STEM disciplines.  It also provides opportunities in research to find solutions to complex problems using different perspectives.  

Dr. Thomas' research at the University of Montana focuses on using pulsatile flow to separate gases and biological molecules. This involves mathematical modeling and experiments to analyze gas separation in different geometries and utilizing pulsatile electroosmotic flow to separate DNA in microfluidic devices. 

Additionally, as Director of Indigenous Research and STEM Education, Dr. Thomas will continue to improve STEM education for Native American and Alaska Native students at all levels. 

Department of Biochemistry - University of Montana.

Jennifer Harrington is a dedicated advocate for responsible land stewardship, working to bridge the gap between traditional ecological knowledge and modern conservation practices. As the Director of the Native American Natural Resource Program at the University of Montana, she is deeply committed to preserving and protecting our natural resources for future generations. 

Her work emphasizes the importance of understanding and respecting the interconnectedness of people and the land. 

Native American Natural Resources Program Manager and M.S. student, Forestry - University of Montana

Dr. Margaret Coffey is a naturopathic physician and a provider at Natura Health and Wellness Clinic in Missoula, Montana. She specializes in primary care and naturopathic cancer care, utilizing a broad range of modalities to support patient choice and healing. Dr. Coffey is passionate about empowering individuals to achieve optimal health and wellness through personalized naturopathic care. Natura Health

Dr. Coffey's journey to naturopathic medicine is unique and inspiring. A graduate of the US Air Force Academy with a BS in Chemistry, she served in the military for eight years, including a posting in Germany where she was exposed to different approaches to healthcare. After her military service, she taught developmental math and ultimately found her calling in naturopathic medicine, which she views as a perfect blend of her interests in nutrition, medicine, education, and whole-person care. Dr. Coffey graduated from Bastyr University and completed a residency at the Champlain Center for Natural Medicine in Vermont before establishing her practice in Missoula. When she's not working with patients, she enjoys hiking, skydiving, and spending time with friends and family.

Healing Roles: The Importance of Defined Patient and Provider Roles in Naturopathic Medicine. Natura Health

The current healthcare system in the United States is often characterized by its expense, inefficiency, and inadequate patient care. Integrative medicine provides solutions to alleviate many of these challenges. Naturopathic medicine, a distinct branch within the integrative healthcare space, is built on a unique doctor-patient relationship that can ensure that healthcare is truly transformational, not transactional. 

First and foremost, naturopathic medicine clearly defines the roles of patients and providers. Providers embrace the role of Docere, or doctor as teacher. They ensure that patients understand the causes of their health concerns and the reasoning behind treatment regimens. Providers also assume the responsibility of prevention, collaboration across the healthcare ecosystem, identifying and addressing the root cause, and treating the whole person, not just a single body system. Increased appointment times allow providers to satisfy these responsibilities often without the burdensome influence of insurance. 

The role of the patient is also significantly different. The responsibility for the success of treatment plans, including dietary and lifestyle modifications, is given to the patient, not relegated to the treatment itself or the provider alone. Patients are truly empowered to act and not be acted upon. When these and other roles are clearly defined, communicated, and followed, patients see better outcomes, healthcare costs can decrease, and the healthcare experience for providers and patients alike is drastically improved. 

Dr. Michael Smith, ND, MS is a naturopathic physician at Natura Health and Wellness Clinic in Missoula, Montana. He completed his medical training at the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) in Portland, Oregon. Before that, he completed a Master of Science in Biomedical Science from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City, where his research focused on epigenetics and neuroscience. Dr. Smith has previously filled roles in the biotechnology and medical devices sector and various community organizations. His clinical interests include ADHD, mental health, pediatrics, asthma, allergies, GI, and cardiovascular conditions. Dr. Smith enjoys spending time with his wife and two children in his free time, hiking, cooking, and making music. Natura Health.

Unlocking Nature's Potential: A New Approach to Transforming "Forever Chemicals" 

Imagine a world where the advanced materials designed to protect and help us (non-stick pans, waterproof clothing, boat polymers, PC cooling liquids, and beyond) become a persistent threat to our health and environment. One subclass of these advanced materials, "forever chemicals," known as fluorocarbons, are incredibly stable, making them useful in many products and resistant to natural breakdown. Unfortunately, this increases their accumulation in our water, soil, and even our bodies, raising serious concerns. 

This research is designed to tackle this challenge head-on. We’re developing new methods to transform these stubborn chemicals into less harmful substances with the environment in mind. Inspired by how nature breaks down inert hydrocarbons, we're using a combination of carefully designed molecules and common environmentally abundant minerals to trigger a chemical reaction that can gently alter pharmaceuticals that contain C-F bonds or entirely “rip through” per-fluorocarbons, sequestering or trapping the fluorine atoms as Earth-abundant minerals. 

Think of it like this: we're building a tiny, specialized tool to precisely target and dismantle the chemicals. This will open doors for safer ways to dispose of these pollutants and create new valuable materials. 

I am excited about the potential to create a more sustainable future by developing solutions to address the challenge of "forever chemicals." This has implications for protecting our natural resources, improving human health, and creating a cleaner environment for everyone. Follow my progress at ProjectCleanUp.org where we are thinking 1000 years into the future.

Green Path School

In this beautiful and informative talk, herbalist Elaine Sheff will explore a new twist on ten of our most popular healing herbs easily grown in your garden. Elaine will share growing tips, medicinal properties, and unique and inspiring recipes for each plant. Learn about making herbal honey, throat sprays, oils, salves, eye washes, liniments, teas, and cough drops. Herbs discussed will include bee balm, self-heal, chamomile, plantain, calendula, comfrey, yarrow, marshmallow, echinacea, and peppermint. Each participant will get a free Ten Healing Herbs book download at the end of the class. 

The author of several books on herbal medicine and healing, clinical herbalist Elaine Sheff has been passionate about sharing herbal knowledge for over 35 years. She is a professional member of the American Herbalist Guild, teaching workshops and at conferences, both nationally and internationally. She graduated from the Rocky Mountain Center of Botanical Medicine and the Southwest School of Botanical Medicine. Elaine has an International Certification in Aromatherapy from the Pacific Institute of Aromatherapy and is a certified Instructor of the Fertility Awareness Method. She is the Co-Director of Green Path Herb School, where she strives to inspire and empower students and clients to remember their connection to the earth, the plants, and their own healing process. Elaine is an avid gardener and one of the founders of the Montana Herbal Festival. You can often find her marveling at small flowers in mountain meadows. 

Green Path School.

Paul Wheaton, often called "The Duke of Permaculture," is a leading voice in the permaculture movement. He's the founder of Permies.com, a thriving online community for permaculture enthusiasts, and a prolific content creator, producing podcasts, videos, and articles on sustainable living. Wheaton is passionate about sharing practical permaculture solutions, focusing on natural building, alternative energy, gardening, and community building. He offers permaculture design courses and workshops, empowering individuals to create more sustainable and resilient lifestyles. 

He is a prominent permaculture expert and advocates for sustainable practices that align with principles of natural medicine. He emphasizes a holistic approach to health, encouraging self-reliance through growing medicinal plants and creating healthy living spaces with natural building materials. By promoting a connection to nature, waste reduction, and responsible land use, Wheaton indirectly supports the core values of natural medicine, empowering individuals to take control of their well-being and live in harmony with the environment. 

Paul Wheaton         Wheaton Labs

The Program in Ecological Agriculture & Society (PEAS Farm) is the UM Environmental Studies Program's student and community farm, providing hands-on learning experiences in sustainable agriculture and food systems.

Join us for an inspiring talk where recent PEAS Farm students will share how their experiences on the farm have shaped their understanding of food systems, influenced their career paths, and helped them discover their purpose.   Program in Ecological Agriculture & Society.