Lab Members

Assistant Professor (Principal Investigator)

Dr. Morgan Carter

she/her

“Through my training in molecular plant-microbe interactions, I found the hidden world of endofungal bacteria and have been hooked ever since. When not in the lab, I read, play video and board games, and enjoy the mountains and beaches of NC.”

Plant Pathology Ph.D. – Cornell University 2020

Biochemistry B.Sc. – North Carolina State University 2014

e: morgan.carter@charlotte.edu

Google Scholar

ORCID

Web of Science

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Graduate Researchers

Bhuwan Abbot

she/her

“My research interests involve DNA and RNA omics, and molecular biology. As a PhD student in The Carter Lab, I am exploring the key genes involved in interactions between Pestalotiopsis and Luteibacter. When I’m not in lab, you’ll spot me at the grocery store, doing chores, or running errands!”

Biological Sciences (PhD)

e: babbot@charlotte.edu

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Dallas (Nivens) Moses

she/her

“My favorite area of biology is microbial ecology, and in my free time I love to read!”

Biological Sciences (PhD)

e: dnivens1@charlotte.edu

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Ruth Wright

she/her

“Some of my hobbies include shopping, watching movies, and just relaxing.”

Biological Sciences (PhD)

e: rwrigh55@charlotte.edu

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Alison Moore

she/her

“My interests lie in bacteriophages as well as antimicrobial resistance”

Biological Sciences (MSc)

e: amoor161@charlotte.edu

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Aylha Pferschy

she/her

“I enjoy learning more about microbes, pathogenicity, and molecular biology. The interactions between hosts and microbes are especially captivating due to how intricate and ever-changing they are.”

Biological Sciences (MSc)

e: apfersch@charlotte.edu

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Undergraduate Researchers

Sara Field

she/her

“I’m interested in One Health and researching pathogens. In my free time I love to swim, read, and scroll through Pinterest!”

Biological Sciences

Early Entry Masters Student

e: sfield7@charlotte.edu

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Eric Brooks

he/him

“I want to pursue a career in biological research. Omics, molecular biology, microbiology, and organic chemistry are some pathways I’d love to work in. I also love lifting, Roblox, and anime!”

Biological Sciences

e: ebrook34@charlotte.edu

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Atalia Cooper

she/her

“I am a new undergraduate researcher beginning my journey in the Carter Lab to expand my knowledge and experience in a laboratory setting. I hope to grow into a full-time member of the team as I deepen my understanding of research practices. Outside of the lab, I enjoy crocheting, spending time with my dogs and reptiles, and collecting indoor plants.”

Biological Sciences

e: acoope81@charlotte.edu

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Collaborating and Affiliated

Caroline West

she/her

“For research, I really love nucleic acids, learning more about disease processes, learning new skills, and brand new topics that haven’t been explored. For hobbies, I enjoy reading, working out, dancing, spending time with my two daughters, and being outside.”

Bioinformatics (PhD)

e: chill112@charlotte.edu

Collaboration Student with the LaBella Lab

After a summer rotation in the Carter Lab, Caroline continues to work with us on phages in our bacterial endosymbionts, adding another layer!

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Lab Alums

MyAsia Owens

she/her

MyAsia tackled some of the tricky aspects of Mycetohabitans, helping us tame it for new experiments. Graduated Spring 2025.

Biological Sciences

Undergraduate Researcher

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Paola Diaz-Matamoros

she/her

Paola helped the lab grow! No really, she was key to getting our in planta assays rolling. Graduated Spring 2025.

Biological Sciences

Undergraduate Researcher

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Taylor Yonemura

he/they

Taylor established our first collaboration with the UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens and brought the first insects into the Carter Lab. Graduated Spring 2025.

Biological Sciences

Undergraduate Researcher

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Laira Lee

she/her

Our antiSMASH wizard, Laira finished high school and her virtual internship with us and is moving on to NC State for undergrad.

NCSSM-Morganton

High School Intern

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Lauren Carneal

she/her

Lauren was instrumental in getting this place up and running! We are incredibly excited to follow her work as a graduate student at Penn State.

Genetics B.Sc. – Clemson University 2023

Technician

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Timothy Love

he/him

After studying motility and competition in the lab, Tim got a part-time position at a PT office, which will help him achieve his goals of becoming a physical therapist.

Biological Sciences

Undergraduate Researcher

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Venus Kajangu

She/her

After completing her project on binding element prediction, Venus left the lab to take her growing computer skills to the world of psychology research.

Psychology and Computer Science (Concentration: Bioinformatics)

Undergraduate Researcher

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