Principal Investigator
Dean of Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences
Research Team
Assistant Research Scientist
Laboratory Staff
Research Coordinator
Research Coordinator
Graduate Student
Lydia Valtadoros, B.S.
Exercise Physiology ’26
Undergraduate Research Assistants
Neuroscience ’25
Minor: Biochemistry & Biology
Hi Guys!! I’m an international student from Lima, Peru, who is passionate about research, dancing & learning about new cultures! I joined the Carter Lab with the purpose of understanding the intricate connection between cardiovascular diseases & sleep. As someone who aspires to become a doctor & specialize in international health policy, I am driven by the desire to address the pressing issue of cardiovascular diseases, which happen to be the second leading cause of death in my country. I firmly believe that research can provide invaluable insights into prevention, diagnosis, & treatment strategies, which could help improve the health of many people!!
Health Science Studies ’27
Minor: Biochemistry
I am incredibly excited for this opportunity to research more about the effects of stress and sleep on cardiovascular disease in the Carter Lab! Internal medicine has always fascinated me, especially cardiology. As someone looking to go into a career in healthcare, I am motivated to study these effects to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and develop more efficient treatments. I am from Birmingham, AL and am involved in Highland Baptist Church, Pi Beta Phi, and Pathway Waco! I am passionate about traveling, movies, and surfing!
Psychology ’28
Hi! My name is Anjana Chepur, and I was born & raised in Virginia and currently live in Dallas, TX. I am so excited to be a part of the Carter lab this summer & learn more about stress and its effects on sleep! I have always been intrigued by the interactions in the body regarding psychophysiology & I am thrilled to be learning more about it in my college life. I plan on going into health care & hope one day to contribute to the treatments for cardiovascular stress. Some of my hobbies include playing the piano, running cross country, & watching comedy movies. I also love animals and have a pet Labrador!
Business Fellow & Biology ’26
Minor: Biochemistry
I am thrilled to join the Carter Lab this semester, so that I am able to further my academic interests in the field of medical research! As a budding premed, I am excited to learn more about the role of sleep in cardiovascular disease as it pertains to neural control. I hope to learn more about technological advancements in the cardiovascular field while reading academic journal articles. Outside of the lab, I enjoy Classical Indian dance and performing throughout my community!
Health Science Studies ’27 Hello, my name is David Valdez, and I am an international student who comes all the way from Monterrey, Mexico. I am passionate about research, sports, and learning more about the medical field, especially surgical-related topics. My career goals are centered around medical research, surgery, and trying to be the best version of myself. I joined the Carter Lab to learn more about the relationship between cardiovascular responses to external stress and autonomic nervous system activity. I also want to develop an insight into the autonomic cardiovascular mechanisms involved in insomnia and how the nervous system is involved in sleep deprivation.
Health Science Studies ’27
Hello! My name is Joelle, and I am beyond excited to join the Carter Lab this semester and explore my passion for medical research as I pursue my goal of becoming a doctor! I am from Maryland and I am a Health Science Studies major. As an EMT, I have seen firsthand the impact of various health conditions on individuals and communities, which has fueled my interest in studying the physiological mechanisms behind them. I am especially eager to learn more about autonomic functions under various conditions, and how it can connect to improving patient outcomes. In my free time, I help with philanthropy events for my sorority, Alpha Phi, and play in intramural sports! I can’t wait to contribute to this lab, and grow as a student researcher alongside this amazing team!
Health, Kinesiology, and Leisure Studies ’26
Hello! My name is Carson Newton, and I am from Greenville, South Carolina! I am a Pre-Physical Therapy student, at Baylor University, and I aspire to become a Doctor of Physical Therapy, eventually opening my own Sports Medicine practice once I graduate. I am thrilled to be a part of the Carter Autonomic research lab, which investigates many areas of the health field that can be applied and explored further. As we see increasing rates of cardiovascular health risks, nervous system dysfunction, and high external stress factors in the general public, this lab presents not only myself the opportunity to learn about how to mitigate these risks, but also explore future interventions. My main goals are to have continuous learning, experiences in human physiology, and being able to develop situational application. Outside of the lab I have many hobbies, including watching any sport you can think of, participating in competitive powerlifting, enjoying the outdoors, and embracing my community!
SIC ‘EM!
