Morgan Carter receives NSF CAREER award and Understanding gas prices

July 13, 2026
Categories: Niner Insider
Bacteria in cells

Morgan Carter receives NSF CAREER award for bacterial-fungal interaction study

Morgan Carter, assistant professor of biological sciences in the UNC Charlotte Klein College of Science and CIPHER center, has received a prestigious National Science Foundation CAREER award to advance understanding of how bacteria influence and communicate with the fungi they inhabit.

Photo of gas pumps

Why is gas so expensive? UNC Charlotte expert discusses

Summertime road trips are more expensive this year as families across the country absorb the cost of increased prices at the pumps. Matthew Metzgar, clinical professor of economics at UNC Charlotte, shared his expertise on why prices are up, why they vary across states and what people can do to save money on fuel.

what you need to know: faculty and staff

  • Academic Affairs Weekly Digest: The dissertation defense is one of the ways a new scholar demonstrates readiness to join the academy. View upcoming dissertation defense announcements, along with other important updates in this week’s news digest.
  • ICYMI: Last week, Gov. Josh Stein signed North Carolina’s 2026-27 state budget into law, making significant investments in the UNC System and UNC Charlotte. The approved budget includes a 3% salary increase for most UNC System employees, a 13% salary increase for sworn law enforcement officers and bonuses for state employees, including University employees. Review these FAQs about employee compensation for additional information.
  • New position: Tehia Starker Glass has been appointed assistant provost for faculty success, effective Wednesday, July 1. She is responsible for providing strategic leadership for University-wide initiatives that support faculty well-being, professional development and career progression from recruitment through retirement.
  • Road closure: The section of Cameron Boulevard from the John Kirk Drive entrance to the first entrance of Lot 6 will be closed for speed table installation from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday, July 15.
  • Summer Research Symposium: The Office of Undergraduate Research’s annual Summer Research Symposium is from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday, July 20, in the Popp Martin Student Union. Can’t attend in person? View the presentations on the symposium website.
  • Nominations open: Nominations for the Erskine B. Bowles Staff Service Award, honoring staff whose outstanding service reflects the mission and values of the UNC System, are open through Friday, July 31.
  • Outstanding chapter award: UNC Charlotte hosted the 40th Anniversary Phi Beta Delta Conference, bringing together students, faculty and international education leaders to celebrate global learning and scholarship. The event featured presentations, student leadership and awards, with UNC Charlotte’s Mu Chapter earning the 2026 Outstanding Chapter Award.

What you need to know: students

  • Package pickup extension: The package pickup window in lower Prospector will have extended hours, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, while mail smart lockers undergo maintenance. Resident students should follow the normal steps to pick up mail when they receive an email notification.
  • Road closure: The section of Cameron Boulevard from the John Kirk Drive entrance to the first entrance of Lot 6 will be closed for speed table installation from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday, July 15.
  • Summer Research Symposium: The Office of Undergraduate Research’s annual Summer Research Symposium is from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday, July 20, in the Popp Martin Student Union. Can’t attend in person? View the presentations on the symposium website.

the difference is charlotte

Niner Nation Week graphic

Niner Nation Week returns Thursday, Sept. 27, through Friday, Oct. 4, bringing together alumni, students, faculty, staff, families and friends for a week of celebration, traditions and Niner pride. From Homecoming and the Alumni Tailgate to community events across Charlotte, planning is underway for another unforgettable week.

professional development: faculty and staff

  • Call for faculty reviewers: The STEM Communication Training Program is seeking faculty reviewers to rate work produced by graduate students. The program is designed to help students develop skills to communicate their research to general, nonspecialist audiences. Please complete the STEM communication faculty reviewer interest form by Wednesday, July 29, to be considered for this opportunity.
  • Virtual wellness workshop: Register for “Parental Burnout: How to Overcome Challenges and Thrive through Parenthood” from noon to 1 p.m., Wednesday, July 22. This HR training, in partnership with ComPsych, will address the signs and risk factors associated with parental burnout and provide practical strategies to thrive through parenthood.
  • Career by Design: Twenty-two Charlotte employees recently completed human resources’ Career by Design program, a new professional development experience that helps staff take an intentional, self-directed approach to career growth.

To do list: faculty and staff

To do list: students