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
Morgan Chamberlin, MS, RD
PhD Candidate
Hometown: Helena, MT
I am a PhD candidate in Montana State’s new Exercise and Nutrition Sciences PhD program. My background as a registered dietitian contributes to my research interest regarding dietary strategies to improve metabolic health. Currently, I am investigating the impact of dietary fiber on bile acid compositional changes and how this impacts overall host metabolism. In my spare time, I enjoy all of the outdoor activities Montana has to offer.
Meghan Spears, MS
PhD Student
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 beef on metabolism and inflammation. I spend my time outside of the lab running and exploring all that Bozeman has to offer.
Prabina Bhattarai, MS
PhD Student
Hometown: Nepal
I am a PhD student in the Exercise and Nutrition Sciences program. My general research interest lies in understanding the metabolic and physiological impacts of diet and physical inactivity in humans. Currently, I am involved in a project that aims to determine the impact of food on bile acids, metabolites, and inflammation. I love exploring the outdoors, and I enjoy my free time watching travel vlogs.
Masters Students
Emily Peterson
Hometown: Ennis, mt
I am a Master’s student in the Exercise and Nutrition Sciences program and am also working toward obtaining my Dietetic Verification Statement. My research focuses on the functional relationships between metabolic disease risk and dietary strategies for health. When I’m not in the lab, I enjoy horseback riding, hiking, playing volleyball, skiing and travelling.
Katy Kropatsch
Hometown: Breckenridge, Co
I am a Master’s student in the Exercise and Nutrition Sciences program. I am currently working on an ongoing project in the lab looking at the impact of dietary oils on inflammation and oxidative stress in healthy individuals. When I’m not in the lab, you’ll find me at Bridger ski resort or exploring the backcountry with my dog Apollo.
Lindsay Lee
Hometown: Livingston, mt
I am a Master’s student in the Exercise and Nutrition Sciences program. My research focuses on the protective effects of aronia melanocarpa on the inflammatory response after a high-fat diet in humanized mouse models. When not in the lab, I am climbing at Spire Climbing Gym, visiting my family in Livingston, watching Gordon Ramsay, teaching my cat Teri(yaki) new tricks, and enjoying quality time with friends.
Undergraduate Students
Collin Mcguyer
Hometown: Ronan, MT
Abstract: Consuming cottonseed oil for one month improves total cholesterol and low-density lipoproteins in healthy adults (2023)
Major: Exercise Science
Coralee Bock
Hometown: Valier, mT
Abstract: Increased Satiety effects of soluble fiber conent in lentils: A randomized controlled trial (2023)
Major: Nutrition Science
Caleb Brownell
Hometown: Fort Collins, CO
Abstract: Postprandial lipoprotein response in beef vs lentil meal (2023)
Major: Exercise Science
Ellie Keller
Hometown: Kalispell, MT
Major: Exercise Science
Elsie Crouse
Hometown: Lewistown, mT
Major: Nutrition Science – Premed
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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.
Doctor of Philosophy Graduates
Morgan Chamberlin, RD, Ph.D. 2024
Stephanie M.G. Wilson, Ph.D. 2022
Master of Science Graduates
Lindsay Lee
M.S. 2024
Katy Kropatcsh
M.S. 2024
Meghan Spears
M.S. 2024
2024 – Rachel Topf
2023 – Alexandria Lotstein
2022 – Issac Rowland, Stephanie Xavier
2021 – Hunter Baum
2020 – Morgan Chamberlin
2019 – Lauren Wolf, Nicole Doherty, Ryan Davies
2018 – Melinda Smith, Stephanie M.G. Wilson
2017 – Jessica Burgess
2016 – John Halvorson, Andrea Steward
Laboratory Group Photos
Nutrition Research Laboratory 