Faculty Research

Dr. Rudolf Bohm, PhD: Neuroscience

Our lab uses the fruit-fly, Drosophila melanogaster, to study mechanism of learning and memory. We use genetics modifications and the courtship to breakdown the areas of the brain that are important for memory formation and retrieval.

Dr. Cynthia Galloway, PhD: Bryology, Forensic Sciences

I do forensic research involved in obtaining DNA from chemically developed fingerprints for obtaining DNA fingerprints. I also work on collecting and identifying mosses and lichens from Texas to develop a distribution maps for these organisms. This work is concentrated in underreported counties of the state.

Dr. Fang He, PhD: Genetics

Using fruit flies as model organism, we study the molecular mechanisms of human genetic disorders that cause neurodegeneration. In the long run we aim to find the appropriate targets for pharmaceutical intervention for these diseases.

Dr. Haeyoung Kim, PhD: Genetics, Neurosciences

Our group is primarily interested in how postmitotic cells cope with lesions in DNA. In addition, we are also investigating molecular mechanisms of DNA demethylation. Methylation and demethylation of CpG dinucleotides in the genome play a pivotal role in gene expression regulation.

Dr. Richard Laughlin, PhD: Microbiology, Infectious Disease

My lab has worked on a number of different animal and human pathogens. Our most recent work has focused on zoonotic pathogens- those organisms that can infect both humans and animals. This has included Salmonella Typhimurium, antibiotic resistant Enterococcus species, and SARS-CoV-2 in wildlife.

Dr. Richard James Wilson Patrock, PhD: Ecology

My research involves local plant-insect interactions, especially those concerning those involved with plant fitness, including pollination and plant parasitism.  We are building a database of insect plant-host relationships focused on the Coastal Bend region of Texas but with a larger, more global context for specific families of plants, including the grasses, nightshades and bignonias.

Dr. Rafael Perez-Ballestero, PhD: Neuroscience, Microbiology, Cancer Biology

Our efforts are currently focused on two research projects: 1) Study of nerve regeneration in the vertebrate central nervous system (emphasis on the optic nerve of teleost fish). 2) Characterization of molecular mechanisms in the process of apoptosis (emphasis on Bcl-2 family proteins in apoptosis and cancer).

Dr. Randy Powell, PhD: Ecology, Herpetology

I am a classically trained herpetologist. My research focus is Neotropical South America. More specifically, the biodiversity, distribution, ecology and natural history of Bolivian reptiles and amphibians.

Dr. Chang Sung, PhD: Cancer Biology, Genetics

My research interests include identification of therapeutic targets and development of promoter methylation technologies to suppress various human cancer cells, including glioblastoma stem-like cancer cells.

Dr. Weimin Xi, PhD:  Ecology, Infectious Disease

Using field survey, modeled data and quantitative analytical models, Dr. Xi's lab focuses on population, community and ecosystem dynamics and geospatial variations, mechanisms of biodiversity maintenance, how natural disturbance, environmental factors, and human activities influence these patterns at various spatial and temporal scales under climate change and their implications for human disease and ecosystem health.

Xi lab Website: drxilab.netlify.com

Herbarium

TheTexas A&M-Kingsville Herbarium (TAIC) contains approximately 7,000 specimens of vascular plants. It was established shortly after the opening of South Texas Teachers College in 1925. The college name was changed to Texas College of Arts and Industry in 1929, and our official herbarium abbreviation TAIC derives from that name. In 1967 the institution became Texas A&I University and our most recent name change occurred in 1993. Throughout the years and the name changes the herbarium has remained as a resource for the study of the plant life of South Texas. Our holdings are primarily from the immediate area, predominately Kleberg , Kennedy and adjacent counties  In addition to our vascular plants, we have through the work of Dr. Cynthia Galloway, large holdings of non-vascular plants such as Mosses and Lichens. The herbarium is managed by Dr. Weimin Xi.