Jenna E. Dunham

Jenna Dunham is currently enrolled at NKU, earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Neuroscience. She plans to further her studies and pursue her Ph.D. in the field, focusing on research in the realms of addiction, stress, obesity and mood disorders. This builds upon more than two decades work with individuals to improve health and fitness, an outgrowth of her personal passion for studying habits and promoting behavior change leading to improved health outcomes.

Jenna is a Research Assistant for the Telehealth Assessment and Skill-Building Intervention for stroke family caregiver team within the University of Cincinnati’s College of Nursing. At NKU, she serves as a student researcher for Dr. Lauren Williamson’s lab, focusing on behavioral neuroimmunology and, in the lab of Dr. Ty Brumback, studying the effects of early substance abuse on the autonomic nervous system plus factors that influence and initiate substance use.

A lifelong resident of Northern Kentucky, Jenna is married to her husband, Nick, with whom she has four children between the ages of 8 and 21. A competitive athlete in her youth, she now enjoys watching her children participate in sports and is an active member of Florence Methodist Church.

“I want to thank my family for their unwavering support of my goals. Returning to school as a parent is challenging, and I couldn’t do any of this without the help of my husband, my amazing parents and my friends,” said Jenna. “I am grateful to work alongside brilliant researchers, and I want to thank my mentors, faculty advisors and the talented professors of NKU for providing me with learning and growth opportunities. I am honored to be recognized among such outstanding women and am in awe of what women who lift each other up can accomplish.”

Northern Kentucky University is proud to recognize Rachel Elizabeth Gateley as the 2023 Outstanding Women of Northern Kentucky Nancy Janes Boothe Scholarship recipient.