Lab Members

Principal Investigator

Jason Carter, Ph.D.
Dean of Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences

Research Team

Jeremy Bigalke, Ph.D.
Assistant Research Scientist


Laboratory Staff

Jennifer Bigalke, M.S.
Research Coordinator
Anna Murvich, B.S.
Research Coordinator

Undergraduate Research Assistants

Jenna-Marie Beisert
Medical Humanities ’24
Minor: Biology, Pre-PA
I wanted to join the lab because I am interested in how sleep & cardiovascular health are associated with one another. It is amazing how quality of sleep affects recovery, cardiovascular health, cognition, & other physiological aspects of health. Outside of the lab, I am the DEI & Mission Trip chair of the pre-PA society & am involved in Greek life through Alpha Phi. I also love to workout, try new coffee shops, & spend time with my friends!
Callie Curtis
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!
Anjana Chepur
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!
Ankita Talukdar
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!

Ximena Solis
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!!
Dhruv Pathak
Biology ’27
Hey! My name is Dhruv Pathak and I am extremely excited to join the Carter Lab! I’m deeply interested in clinical research, especially in the areas of sleep and cardiovascular function, since these fields intersect in ways that can profoundly impact human health. Sleep is fundamental to our well-being, influencing everything from cognitive function to even immune response. I am fascinated with understanding the existing association between sleep, stress, and cardiovascular disease, as such insight could lead to the development of innovative treatments and preventative measures. By studying this connection, I hope to contribute to research that not only uncovers the underlying mechanisms but also translates these findings into real-world applications that improve patient outcomes. The potential to make a tangible difference in people’s lives through this research is what drives my passion and commitment to this field. Some of my hobbies outside of clinical research include playing basketball, attending live music, and spending time outdoors with friends and family. 
 

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