DEBORAH AGBAKWURU
I am an international student from Nigeria. I'm currently a PhD candidate in the Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences. My research focuses on immunology and immunobiology, specifically T cell biology. My bachelor's degree is in Pharmacy (Bachelor of Pharmacy), which is equivalent to the US Doctor of Pharmacy degree. I practiced as a pharmacist in Nigeria for a few years before moving to the United States in 2021. I don't enjoy the outdoors very much, unlike a typical Missoulian. Instead, in my free time, I prefer to stay indoors, scroll through social media, and talk to family and friends all over the world. I am also particularly interested in STEM and in recruiting the younger generation to careers in STEM through mentorship.
ABIGAIL FUESLER
Although born and raised in California, after living in North Carolina my entire adult life, I now call the southeast home. I was drawn to North Carolina because I could participate in a unique undergraduate program in Wilderness Leadership & Experiential Education offered at Brevard College. After undergrad, I held positions as a camp director and administrative professional in higher education, but went back to school to earn an M.S. in Experiential & Outdoor Education from Western Carolina University. My previous research has centered on outdoor academic programs in higher education. I am now pursuing a Ph.D. in Forest & Conservation Sciences because I am passionate about contributing to the growing body of literature surrounding the intersection of society and electric mountain bikes.
KATELYN MELCHER
I grew up in Iowa and attended the University of Northern Iowa for my bachelor's in psychology. I then received my master's in clinical-counseling psychology from the University of Minnesota Duluth. I worked as a clinician and researcher before starting in the Clinical Psychology PhD program here at UMT. I am interested in eating disorders, health psychology, teaching medical professionals how to have conversations about mental health with patients, and making psychological science more accessible to everyone. In my free time, I enjoy running, hiking, reading, baking, and generally being active and outside.