Until college, Nikki Charlton had never met anyone who was a plant pathologist. But when it came time to choose a major, she wanted a field that blended her love of biology, chemistry and math — and one that would always be in demand. That path led her to a Ph.D. in plant pathology, where she developed a love for fungi. Today, Charlton is a systems research manager at Noble, specializing in ecosystem health and producer dynamics in pecan production.
Q: How did you get started in your field of research?
A: I was drawn to plant pathology because I wanted a career that would always be needed. Agriculture is essential — we all have to eat — so it felt like a meaningful direction.
I completed my undergraduate degree in biological sciences. I initially pursued chemical engineering, later moved into a pre-dental path and eventually recognized that dentistry was not my calling. That pivot opened the door to a genetics class, and I discovered how much I loved it. My professor advised me to gain hands-on experience in a research lab, which ultimately brought me to a plant pathology lab — an environment that deepened my interest in scientific research. From there, I completed my master’s then returned for my Ph.D.
I genuinely feel like I ended up exactly where I’m supposed to be. I love what I do.
As a plant pathologist, I started working on pecan scab — really focusing on the biology of the pathogen and how we could help producers manage what is probably the most economically significant disease of pecans in the southeastern United States.
I love working in the lab, but I also love knowing that my work directly helps producers. When a producer values the research, you feel like you’re making a real difference.
Q: What are you working on right now, and how will it help producers?
A: Right now, I am most excited about the nut nutrient analysis we’re doing in the lab. We’ve been processing pecans collected from producers and analyzing them for antioxidants, phenolics, vitamin E, fatty acids and oil content. It’s exciting to see the results come in and observe the range in these nutritional values.
This work matters because producers are eager to understand the nutritional quality of their pecans and how management practices can influence them. Having solid data allows them to confidently tell customers they are offering a high-quality, nutrient-dense pecan. And consumers are increasingly seeking foods that deliver nutritional value.
Q: What is innovative/unique about the research you work on at Noble?
A: Our work is truly producer driven. The buy-in from the producers and the direct, immediate feedback we receive shape the direction of our research. Their input helps us stay focused on what they value and ensures the outcomes will be meaningful and practical for them.
Q: Who are you inspired by professionally and why?
A: My former supervisor, Carolyn Young, inspires me the most. She was a fantastic mentor; I worked with her for over a decade. She brought so much enthusiasm to the science and the discoveries happening in the lab, and that excitement made the work fun. I hope to bring that same energy to my own team. She taught me what it looks like to be a supportive mentor and to truly love what you do.
Q: What do you love most about your work?
A: I love the team I work with — the people make all the difference. And I love that we get to work directly with producers. It’s rewarding to know that what we do has an impact beyond our day-to-day tasks. Helping improve producers’ lives and operations gives the work a deeper purpose.
Laura Brenner
Laura Brenner, Sr. Content Writer
Laura Brenner is a senior content writer for Noble Research Institute. She’s worked in agricultural communications for over a decade, specializing in nonprofit communications and storytelling. Laura earned a bachelor’s degree from Penn State University and a master’s degree from Purdue University. She resides near her hometown of Lancaster County in south-central Pennsylvania.
