Team
Mary Miles, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
My research explores the intersection of metabolism and health by examining dynamic responses to metabolic challenges. I use inflammation assessments, metabolomics, and analysis of the gut microbiota to elucidate the influence of diet and physical activity on health. The overarching goal is to develop effective strategies to lower risk of diseases. Inflammation plays an active part in the development of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. While delaying the onset of chronic diseases relating to inflammation is an important means of enhancing well-being, the onset of these diseases occurs and younger and younger ages as obesity, physical inactivity, stresses, and other factors relating to lifestyle become more prevalent.
Doctoral Students
Meghan Spears, MS
Hometown: Lynnwood, WA
I am a PhD student in the Exercise Physiology and Nutrition Program. Currently, I am working on an ongoing project in the lab looking at the impacts of Haskap berry consumption on health. I spend my time outside of the lab running and exploring all that Bozeman has to offer.
Shae Gurney, MS, ACSM-EP
Hometown: Kennewick, WA
I am an Exercise and Nutrition Sciences doctoral student working towards also becoming a registered dietician (RD). My previous work has focused on heat stress, muscle damage, and acute woodsmoke exposure within wildland firefighter populations and beyond. I am excited to bring my experience with exercise and field research to the Nutrition Research Lab where I will be looking at the acute and chronic effects of Haskap (honeyberry, blue honeysuckle) berries on metabolism and inflammation. I spend my free time splashing around while fishing with my dog, hiking to remote lakes, and picking berries off the sides of trails and whatever patches I can find.
Masters Students
Bryce Peterson, CSCS
Hometown: Huntley, MT
I am a Masters student in Exercise and Nutrition Sciences program. I am working on a project looking at how Haskap berries impact health with an interest in its effect on exercise. I spend as much of my free time as possible hiking watching, and weight training.
Adrianna Yeats
Hometown: New Smyrna Beach, FL
I am a Masters student in Exercise and Nutrition Science with the goal of becoming a registered dietician (RD). I am interested in researching interactions between nutrition and exercise and how we can utilize this knowledge to improve performance and recovery in athletes. Outside of my studies, you might find me in the gym, hiking or listening to drum and bass.
Sydney Woeller
Hometown: Bend, OR
I am a Master’s student studying Exercise and Nutrition Science while also working towards becoming a registered dietician (RD). My previous research focused on studying the psychological and physiological impacts of pre-natal piglets fed formula vs. human breast milk and its effect on the microbiome. I hope to continue research into the microbiome and its ties to nutrition while also exploring how women’s hormonal changes affect athletic performance, inflammation, and metabolism. When I am not studying you can find me weight training, hiking , riding horses, or cooking.
Undergraduate Students (Fall 2024)
Annie Calvert, Caroline Hawkes, Cheyenne Maddox, Emily Cleveland, Ellie Keller, Elsie Crouse, Alisson Harris, Rebekah Storlie, David Stowasser
Clinical Partners
Sarah Bronsky, M.D.
I am a family physician that has been working in Bozeman since 1999. In 2015, I began my work with Montana State University Student Health, teaching with the WWAMI program, and working with wonderful team at the Nutrition Research Laboratory.
Graduates
Prabina Bhattarai, Ph.D. 2025
Morgan Chamberlin, Ph.D., R.D. 2024
Stephanie M.G. Wilson, Ph.D. 2022
Lindsay Lee, M.S. 2024
Katy Kropatcsh, M.S. 2024
Meghan Spears, M.S. 2024
Rachel Topf, M.S. 2024
Alexandria Lotstein, M.S. 2023
Issac Rowland, M.S. 2022
Stephanie Xavier, M.S. 2022
Hunter Baum, M.S. 2021
Morgan Chamberlin, M.S. 2020
Lauren Wolf, M.S. 2019
Nicole Doherty, M.S. 2019
Ryan Davies, M.S. 2019
Melinda Smith, M.S. 2018
Stephanie M.G. Wilson, M.S. 2018
Jessica Burgess, M.S. 2017
John Halvorson, M.S. 2016
Andrea Steward, M.S. 2016