Team

Sheila Kitchen

2023- now Assistant Professor, Texas A&M University at Galveston
2018-2022 Postdoctoral Researcher, Caltech
2016-2018 Postdoctoral Researcher, Penn State
2010-2016 Ph.D. Zoology, Oregon State University
2008-2010 M.S. Marine Biology, University of North Carolina Wilmington
2004-2007 B.S. Marine Biology, University of North Carolina Wilmington

I am a molecular ecologist that thinks a lot about interspecies interactions and their persistence in a changing world. My goal is to transform my research into applied solutions for conservation.

Graduate Students

Demi Carballosa
2023-present M.S. Student
2021 B.S. Florida International University

My research explores the hidden biodiversity of coral reef ecosystems, with a focus on the fascinating world of cryptofauna. I delve into how these small but mighty creatures play a crucial role in the health and resilience of our beloved marine environments. My interests extend beyond the lab, touching on topics like marine conservation, restoration ecology, and microbiology. I'm particularly passionate about uncovering the intricate relationships between coral reefs and their microbial communities to better understand and protect these ecosystems.

As a Hispanic researcher, I am committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in the scientific community. I strive to create welcoming spaces and engage the public in the wonders of marine biology. Together, we can safeguard the amazing biodiversity of our oceans and inspire the next generation of ocean enthusiasts!

When I'm not in the lab or out in the field, you can find me crafting, baking, and making! I love unwinding with fun projects that bring me joy and allow me to express my creativity.

Tiana Acito
2024-present Ph.D. Student
2023 B.S. University of Miami

Ziyu Wang
2025-present Ph.D. Student
2023 B.S. Texas A&M University

In the backyards and gardens of the suburbs, my fascination with the natural world began not with grand discoveries, but with the small, often overlooked wonders of everyday life. As a child, I spent countless hours raising caterpillars and watching them metamorphose into butterflies. This early curiosity blossomed into a deep passion for biology, driving me to pursue a bachelor’s degree in zoology and now to graduate studies in marine biology.

I’m currently studying the early development and settlement of corals and jellyfish. Viewed through the lens of developmental biology, my study reveals how shared ancestral mechanisms give rise to diverse adult forms and shed light on the evolutionary changes that shape life’s diversity. In my work, I remain rooted in curiosity, instinct, and even the biases I bring with me because I believe science is not just about uncovering a single truth but about exploring many possible stories.

My research is inspired by art and literature as it is by science. Leonora Carrington’s surreal paintings and the dreamlike world of Alice in Wonderland remind me to stay open to curiosity, to embrace uncertainty, and to imagine new ways of telling scientific stories. I hope my work challenges the mainstream in biology because I believe every animal carries many possibilities waiting to be seen.

Undergraduates

Garrett Hernandez
Fall 2023- present
LSAMP Scholar F23, S24, F24
Marine Science | TAMUG

Jaelyn Rodriguez
Spring 2024 - present
Aggies Commit to Excellence SU24, F24
Oceans & One Health | TAMUG

Lab Alumni

Meet Our Team

Sheila Kitchen

Graduate Students

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