Mountain Scholar

Mountain Scholar is an open access repository service that collects, preserves, and provides access to digitized library collections and other scholarly and creative works from Colorado State University and the University Press of Colorado. It also serves as a dark archive for the Open Textbook Library.

Communities in Mountain Scholar

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Now showing 1 - 3 of 3

Colorado State University, Fort Collins 27770
Explore the Colorado State University community’s scholarly output as well as items from the University at large and the CSU Libraries.
Open Textbook Library Archive 25
A limited number of titles are available here. To see all OTL titles, please visit the Open Textbook Library at https://open.umn.edu/opentextbooks. Only Open Textbook Library staff have access to all OTL Archive titles held in Mountain Scholar.
University Press of Colorado 1088
Access is limited to University Press of Colorado members. Non-members: to purchase books, please visit https://upcolorado.com/.

Recent Submissions

Access status: Open Access ,
The psychological impacts of travel on students: benefits of study abroad
(2026) Meyer, Claire R., author; Garvey, Sara, advisor; Zwick-Tapley, Sarah, committee member
Study abroad has become an increasingly common piece of US undergraduate education. This writing serves to investigate the current literature on study abroad and its impacts on students' mental health, identity development, and intercultural outcomes through learning and living in international locations. Prior research showcases that international travel fosters an environment for growth and stress during the experience. This allows study abroad a unique opportunity to examine students' wellbeing and developmental changes over this period. This project analyzes current literature on the psychological impacts of study abroad with a focus on mental health outcomes, identity development, and intercultural learning. Reviewing and synthesizing peer-reviewed empirical studies from the past decade with related findings to this focus. Experiential Learning Theory, Intercultural Development Theory, and Stress and Coping Theory are then drawn upon to back up research findings showcasing the links to gains in resilience, coping skills, cultural humility, empathy, and global awareness, along with shifts in self and American identity. The literature also documents common significant stressors such as pre-departure anxiety, cultural adjustment challenges, and difficulty with re-entry, and how they help to shape the overall psychological development trajectory of study abroad students. Although this covers various insights, current research is limited by small sample sizes, short program durations, and a lack of longitudinal and demographically diverse studies. Understanding these patterns is key to highlight for researchers and practitioners. These works underline the transformative potential of study abroad experiences, while these unstudied topics highlight a need for international programs designed to support well-being and be more purposeful about addressing research on developmental and intercultural impact.
Access status: Open Access ,
WildCare: a mobile application for accessible wildlife rehabilitation and public education
(2025-12-12) Troyan, Hayley, author; Dewey, Tanya, advisor; Ruzicka, Becky, advisor
Wildlife rehabilitation is an important interface between conservation science and public engagement, yet members of the public often lack accessible, accurate guidance when encountering injured or orphaned animals. Each year, rehabilitation centers across North America admit thousands of animals, with the majority of cases linked to human activity such as vehicle collisions, domestic pet attacks, and unnecessary intervention driven by misinformation. Although websites, pamphlets, and hotlines are widely available, these resources are often fragmented, difficult to access in urgent situations, and limited in scope (Cox, 2021; Miller et al., 2023). This thesis project proposes the development of WildCare, a mobile application designed to increase accessibility, reduce misinformation, and connect the public directly to wildlife rehabilitation centers. The app integrates features such as species identification guides, an emergency decision tree, and location-based center directories, while also providing educational resources on ethical and ecological considerations. By synthesizing scientific literature, professional ethical standards, and models from successful conservation apps, this project frames the app as both a technological innovation and a conservation tool. The expected benefits include reduced harm to wildlife, streamlined intake processes for rehabilitation centers, and improved public understanding of ecological systems. Ultimately, WildCare demonstrates how mobile-first design can strengthen community engagement and support wildlife conservation outcomes.
Access status: Open Access ,
Water and electric utility integrated planning: Joint Utility Planning Tournament: summary report
(2015) Conrad, Steve A., author; Kenway, Steven J., author; Jawad, Maria, author; Water Research Foundation, publisher
This report summarizes the Water and Electric Utility Integrated Planning: Joint Utility Planning Tournament held in Denver, Colorado, on October 16–17, 2014. The event brought together 32 participants from the United States, Canada, and Australia, including representatives from water and electric utilities, regulatory agencies, academia, and related professional sectors. Through a simulated planning exercise set in the fictional city of Meadowlands, five teams developed and defended long-term integrated plans in response to two management scenarios. Plans were evaluated on their ability to address cross-sector needs, manage vulnerabilities and conflicts, improve system reliability and adaptability, and enhance customer service. The tournament revealed both significant opportunities and persistent barriers to integrated water and electric utility planning. Participants found the format effective for highlighting differing sector perspectives, terminology, and service goals. Major barriers identified included incompatible political and regulatory frameworks, siloed institutional cultures, and limited public and sector-wide awareness of the water-energy nexus. Water and electricity were also seen as carrying different social and environmental meanings, further complicating coordinated planning. Despite these challenges, participants identified several promising areas for collaboration, including efficiency improvements, watershed management, hydroelectric generation, and water demand management. Additional benefits of joint planning included potential cost savings, stronger resilience to future uncertainties, increased customer awareness of water-energy interdependencies, and greater potential for innovation and sustainable cross-sector solutions. Overall, the tournament demonstrated that integrated planning can provide meaningful strategic value, but broader institutional alignment and awareness are needed to advance it in practice.
Access status: Open Access ,
Fort Collins Weather Station monthly summary, December 2025
(2025-12) Colorado Climate Center, author
Access status: Open Access ,
Fort Collins Weather Station monthly summary, November 2025
(2025-11) Colorado Climate Center, author