Dr. Mary Miles

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.

   Student Wellness Center 0227
   (406) 994-6678
   mmiles@montana.edu

 

Doctoral Students

Meghan Spears

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

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

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

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.

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