Morgan Cargill

Academic Interests

Chemistry, Biology, Pharmacology, Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Fun Fact

My two front teeth are fake! (I lost them after taking a tumble off a Razor scooter on my 8th birthday. Ouch!)

Throughout my life, I have consistently demonstrated a profound interest in mathematics and the natural sciences. Growing up in the foothills of North Carolina allowed me to explore topics in the sciences, such as environmental science and biology. Still, the public schools I attended often needed more funding and resources to provide me with learning opportunities in the physical sciences. Recognizing this, I applied and was accepted to the Durham campus of the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM) during my sophomore year of high school to explore biology, chemistry, and physics both inside and outside of the classroom. 
   
I took my first chemistry courses during my junior year of high school. Although it was only an introductory, honors-level chemistry course, I was instantly intrigued by how well chemistry and its applications intersected several of my interests. It was the perfect balance of math and science, and I was eager to attend class each day. After taking an introductory organic chemistry course during my senior year, I noticed how well it related to my research and career interests. I am incredibly interested in pharmacology, as I have several family members with health issues that require several intense medications, and I have always wanted to learn more about not only how these drugs interact with their bodies but also with each other. If two drugs do not go well together, I want to know what it is about their character that causes the disagreement between the two. 
   
During my senior summer and academic year, NCSSM also allowed me to research and work toward identifying novel antibodies for the Lassa virus in the Gunn lab here at Duke. I am incredibly grateful to continue my research with them this academic year. Although those in research environments often don't interact with many people during a day in the lab, I am extremely outgoing and love meeting new people whenever possible, primarily through volunteer opportunities. Outside of the classroom at Duke, I am a member of the Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity, American Chemical Society, Duke STEM Connect, and DukeLIFE. 

What do you like about being a SPIRE Fellow?

As someone whose identity is underrepresented on Duke's campus, I have often had "imposter syndrome," especially in difficult STEM classes, where it can feel like there is nobody to turn to who will relate to my experiences. However, SPIRE is a program that celebrates diversity in all its aspects, allows you to develop your identity in the STEM field, and gives you all the resources you need to succeed in your field(s) of interest. The diversity of SPIRE allows you to connect with like-minded community members who are passionate not only about their academic interests but also about the intersection of those interests and their identity. Interactions between SPIRE fellows seem to be very different from those of typical Duke students in that they can easily connect based on their unique experiences both inside and outside of academics.