Kentucky Academy of Science News

In memoriam: Dr. Julia Carter

Julia E. H. Carter, Ph.D., 80, of Ft. Mitchell, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on May 24, 2024 at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Edgewood, KY.
After growing up in New Jersey and Connecticut, Julia studied at Wellesley College, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy with a minor in Chemistry. Her interest in cancer research began with summer research internships at the Cancer Research Institute of New England Deaconess Hospital. For three years after graduation, she worked full time at the Cancer Research Institute, under the direction of two Harvard professors. Dr. Carter later earned her Master’s degree and Ph.D. in Physiology at Rutgers University, and then completed post-doctoral training at Rutgers under the Director of The Bureau of Biological Research. In the late 1970s, the Carter Family moved from New Jersey to Cleveland, Ohio. It was there that Dr. Julia Carter, Dr. Harry Carter, Dr. Larry Douglass and Mr. Sidney Wood founded the Wood Hudson Cancer Research Laboratory in 1981 as a not-for-profit laboratory dedicated to cancer research. In 1984 the Lab moved to Covington, KY, and then in 1990 to Newport, KY, where it has thrived and continues today. Dr. Carter has served as Principal Investigator on five U.S. EPA funded cooperative research agreements as well as on research agreements with five pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.
Julia was a longtime member of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Ft. Thomas, and played an active role in the life of the parish. Julia was also a devoted mother and grandmother, who always made time to celebrate special occasions and holidays with her family. With her grandchildren, she enjoyed playing a variety of board games and card games, and was a spirited, if understated, competitor.
Julia was preceded in death by her parents, Percy W. Hudson and Julia E. Wood Hudson, and her husband of 32 years, Harry W. Carter, M.D. Julia is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Percy (Laura) Carter and Sidney (Zoe) Carter; and her grandchildren, Harry, Isabelle, Samuel, Caleb and Jasper.
Visitation will be from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm, Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Fort Thomas, KY. Funeral Ceremony will follow at 1:00 pm Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at St. Andrews. Burial will take place in the Highland Cemetery in Ft. Mitchell, Kentucky.
Memorials are suggested to support the ongoing 2024 Undergraduate Research Education Program at Wood Hudson Cancer Research Laboratory, 931 Isabella Street Newport, KY 41071. Dobbling, Muehlenkamp-Erschell are caring for Julia and her family. Online condolences can be given at www.dmefuneral.com.