Katelyn

Melcher

Undergraduate School: University of Northern Iowa

Graduate School: University of Minnesota Duluth, M.A., University of Montana., M.A.

Doctoral Program: University of Montana Clinical Psychology Ph.D.

Interests & Career Goals: I enjoy working with adolescents through emerging adults and their families who are experiencing challenges due to disordered eating, chronic medical conditions, or both. I strive to help patients and their families identify and use their strengths to cope with medical stress and overcome barriers in their lives. I like working within multidisciplinary teams to help patients meet their goals. In the future, I would like to work in adolescent health in an academic medical center and see patients, teach medical students and future healthcare providers, and engage in research.

Favorite Pastimes: I have many outside interests including running, dance, hot yoga, reading, baking, crafting, and napping. I love talking with my patients about their favorite hobbies and trying new things based on their recommendations! Spending time with friends and family is also very important to me.

Why Duke? During my interview, I really connected with my supervisors, and I felt confident I would be supported in both my personal and professional goals. I was excited about the opportunity to blend my interests in pediatric psychology and eating disorders within my clinical training.

Research Interests: I am interested in how chronic medical conditions, eating behavior, and body image intersect, especially in pediatric and young adult populations. I am particularly interested in pediatric rheumatology and autoimmune/autoinflammatory conditions. I enjoy learning and implementing participatory action research strategies and using mixed methods. I also have fun exploring creative ways to disseminate my research with healthcare providers, patients, and families. Through my research, I hope to integrate lived experience expertise and promote health equity.