Growing up just 30 miles from Pullman in the small town of Deary, Idaho, Matteya Proctor didn’t have to look far to find her academic home. After first earning bachelor’s degrees in neuroscience and psychology at Washington State University, Matteya decided to stay and pursue her PhD in neuroscience.
Now working with mentors Drs. Carrie Cuttler and Ryan McLaughlin, Matteya is researching the effects of hemp-derived minor cannabinoids on the symptoms of menopause.
Can you describe your current research and a real-world problem it aims to address?
I’m currently working primarily on a project seeking to investigate the impact of hemp-derived minor cannabinoids on symptoms of menopause/perimenopause. There’s a surprisingly limited amount of existing research on the challenges faced during menopause and the menopause transition. I’m particularly interested in how this intervention may impact the cognitive domains and cognitive symptoms we’re investigating. Longer term, I feel that this project will influence my future research, but also women’s health at a broader level.
What are your long-term career goals?
I hope my research experiences will set me up for an academic career where I can continue to learn for the rest of my life and contribute to new knowledge and understandings, but also serve in roles where I can mentor like-minded individuals with similar passions. I want to continue to research the intersection of health and cognition, and hope that I can land in an academic niche where I can inform and influence health and science education and communication, particularly in ways that might impact rural health and education disparities.
Why did you choose WSU over other graduate programs?
I ultimately chose WSU over other graduate programs simply because of the community. I was fortunate to attend WSU for my undergraduate degrees, and feel extremely blessed for the experiences I’ve had, as well as for the wonderful people I have been able to learn from and with since joining this community. I felt confident that, with the support from my network here, I could foster the unique graduate experience I was looking for.
What has been your favorite thing about WSU and the College of Veterinary Medicine?
My favorite thing about WSU and the College of Veterinary Medicine has been the fact that there are resources and opportunities everywhere I turn, while still having a community-minded feel. I grew up in a really small town and was nervous about transitioning into a much larger student demographic when I began college; instead of being overwhelmed, I was happily surprised at how easy and natural it has felt and continues to feel.
How has receiving a stipend impacted your ability to focus on your studies and research?
Receiving a stipend has allowed me to truly dedicate my attention and energy to my studies and research. I no longer have to work several part-time jobs to reduce the financial burden of paying for my education and can truly make the most of the opportunities available to me.
What is it like living in Pullman?
Even though I did my undergrad here, this is my first time living in Pullman, and I really enjoy it! Despite being much larger than what I am used to, there is still a community-minded feeling, and I appreciate living near so many who care about similar things. There are great student groups and community events, and I love being close to my friends and classmates.
What would you say to prospective graduate students considering the College of Veterinary Medicine?
I would simply express how grateful I am for the experiences I’ve had and the people I’ve met. I now have experiences in the College of Veterinary Medicine as both an undergraduate and a graduate student, and I think that places me in a good position to share insight into the strengths of this college; I loved it enough that I didn’t want to leave, and I think that speaks to the quality of my education and experiences, as well as to the people here.