Texas A&M–Kingsville Biology Research Labs & Faculty
Explore Our Research Labs
Coming Soon!
Meet Our Research Faculty
Dr. Rudolf Bohm, PhD
Neuroscience: Studies memory formation using genetically modified Drosophila and courtship behavior to identify brain regions tied to learning.
Dr. Cynthia Galloway, PhD
Bryology, Forensic Science: Develops DNA fingerprints from chemically treated prints and maps moss and lichen distributions across Texas.
Dr. Fang He, PhD
Genetics: Uses fruit flies to study neurodegenerative genetic disorders and identify potential pharmaceutical targets.
Dr. Haeyoung Kim, PhD
Genetics, Neuroscience: Explores how non-dividing cells repair DNA lesions and investigates DNA demethylation in gene regulation.
Dr. Richard Laughlin, PhD
Microbiology, Infectious Disease: Studies zoonotic pathogens like Salmonella, antibiotic-resistant Enterococcus, and SARS-CoV-2 in wildlife.
Dr. Zachary Mitchell, PhD
Aquatic Ecology: Researches fishery management, drought impacts, inflow effects, thermal tolerances, and crayfish habitat needs.
Dr. Richard James Wilson Patrock, PhD
Ecology: Investigates plant-insect interactions related to pollination and parasitism, focusing on the Coastal Bend and global host-plant data.
Dr. Rafael Perez-Ballestero, PhD
Neuroscience, Microbiology, Cancer Biology: Studies optic nerve regeneration in fish and apoptosis mechanisms involving Bcl-2 proteins.
Dr. Emelyn Salazar, PhD
Immunology: Studies how snake venom affects vascular inflammation and the immune response in envenomation models.
Dr. Katheryn Watson, PhD
Wildlife Biology, Conservation Ecology: Studies raptor ecology, migration, and habitat use, and examines how restoration projects support endangered species such as the Whooping Crane, Ocelot, and Aplomado Falcon.
Dr. Chang Sung, PhD
Cancer Biology, Genetics: Investigates promoter methylation technology and therapeutic targets to suppress glioblastoma and other cancer cells.
Dr. Weimin Xi, PhD
Ecology, Infectious Disease: Uses geospatial modeling to study ecosystem and biodiversity changes under climate stress and their ties to human disease.
Ask a Researcher
Curious about how our labs work or how you can get involved? Consider these questions:
- How does your lab’s work connect to real-world challenges?
- What breakthroughs are you most excited about?
- How do students contribute to your research?
- What advice do you have for students considering research?
We’ll be adding Q&A content and short video responses soon. Have a question? Email us.
Get Involved in Research
Undergraduate and graduate students are encouraged to become active members of our research community. Working alongside faculty mentors provides hands-on experience, professional skills, and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful scientific discoveries.
How to Get Started:
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Identify a Potential Mentor
Review the faculty profiles above to learn about their research areas. Reach out to professors whose work interests you and ask if they are currently accepting undergraduate and/or graduate students. -
Confirm Research Opportunities
Discuss project possibilities, expectations, and time commitments with the faculty member. -
Obtain Department Approval
Once a faculty mentor agrees to supervise your work, request approval from the department to enroll in the appropriate research course.
Research Course Options:
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Undergraduate:
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BIOL 4304 – Research Projects in Biology
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Graduate:
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BIOL 5102 – Research Problems I
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BIOL 5202 – Research Problems II
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BIOL 5320 – Research Problems III
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