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About the Seemann Lab

In the Seemann Lab, we take pride in our team and the research we conduct. We are committed to delivering reproducible, open science. The research projects conducted in the lab are related to fish toxicology, notably developmental toxicology, immunotoxicology and transgenerational toxicology. Using the medaka fish models, Oryzias latipes and Oryzias melagstigma, we investigate pollutant-induced impacts on the molecular, cellular, tissue and organismic levels and over generations. This approarch allows us to identify potential molecular key markers, which may be employed to obtain information about the individual fitness upon exposure and subsequently population health.

We are located at Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi in the Department of Life Sciences. Through TAMUCC we have access to genomic, isotope and microscope core facilities which allow employment of state-of-the-art methodologies to achieve our research goals.

Meet Our Team

Our team is currently comprised of two PhD students, 1 masters student, 2 research technicians, and several undergraduates. Our lab has a mix of Biology, Chemistry, and Marine Biology degrees and expertise. We welcome any interested parties to reach out regarding joining our lab! â€‹ â€‹â€‹â€‹â€‹

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Frauke Seemann, Ph.D.

Principal Investigator, Associate Professor in College of Science - Life Sciences

As the Principal Investigator, Dr. Seemann leads the lab with her expertise in developmental biology, ecotoxicology, and environmental health. Her expertise and dedication to efficiency have been vital in upholding the highest standards in all lab research. In addition to leading the lab, Dr. Seemann teaches genetics, human genetics and expertise graduate courses at TAMUCC. 

PostDocs

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Future PostDocs

Ph.D. 

Interested researchers should send a motivation letter (describing research interests, relevant experiences and career goals), a CV, a list of 4 reference s and copies of unofficial transcripts as a PDF file to Dr. Frauke Seemann (Frauke.seemann@tamucc) 

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Nonnie "Betsy" Cook, BS

Ph.D. Student, Marine Biology

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Betsy is a PhD student in Dr. Seemann's Environmental Toxicology lab at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. Betsy earned a B.S. in Coastal Environmental Science from Louisiana State University before moving to Corpus Christi. Her research focuses on how exposure to a pollutant called benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) affects gene regulation in the Japanese medaka fish model. After completing her degree, Betsy hopes to teach at a university or conduct research for a government agency. She is passionate about mentoring others and the implications of environmental pollution on public health.

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Andy Rizzo, BS

Ph.D. Student, Marine Biology

 Andy Rizzo is a Ph.D. student in Marine Biology at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. Originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina, Andy earned a B.S. in Biology and a B.S. in Environmental Science from North Carolina Wesleyan University before moving to Texas to begin her graduate studies. Her research focuses on the toxicological effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in marine systems, with a particular interest in immunotoxic and developmental impacts in marine medaka and ecologically relevant species such as spotted seatrout. Andy is broadly interested in understanding how environmental contaminants affect aquatic organisms and ecosystem health, with the goal of supporting conservation and protection of marine ecosystems.

 

arizzo1@islander.tamucc.edu â€‹â€‹

Ph.D. Students

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Amy Jimenez, BS

Masters Student, Biology

Amy began in the Seemann lab in 2025 with an interest in gaining experience in the biomedical field. Her research project(s) focus on PFAS effects on the thymus based on developmental exposures. Upon expected graduation in the Summer of 2027, Amy plans on applying to either medical school or a Ph.D. program to further explore medical science.

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Future Student

Masters Student, Marine Biology or Biology

Prospective students should send a motivation letter (describing research interests, relevant experiences and career goals), a CV, a list of 4 reference s and copies of unofficial transcripts as a PDF file to Dr. Frauke Seemann (Frauke.seemann@tamucc) 

Masters Students

Undergraduate Students

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Antares Hoffmann

Undergraduate,

Environmental Science

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Jamie Ehlers

Undergraduate,

Chemistry (Biochemistry Concentration)

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Layke Kinney

Undergraduate,

Biomedical Science

(Minor in Chemistry)

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Evelyn Contreras

Undergraduate,

Cellular/Molecular Biology

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Isaiah Hicks

Undergraduate,

Biology

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Jordan Askew

Undergraduate,

Biology

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Alissa Richbourg, MSc

Research Technician I

Master of Science in Marine Biology

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Ivonne Blandon, Ph.D.

Research Associate

Ph.D. in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences

Master of Science in Fisheries and Aquaculture

Research Technicians

Past Students and Lab Members

Masters Students

7

Elizabeth DiBona, 2020

Rijith Jayarajan, 2022

Alexis Trujillo, 2024

Dylan Mack, 2024

Remi Labeille, 2025

Elizabeth Everett, 2025

Alissa Richbourg, 2025

Lab Members

8

Carol Haley (Technician)

Lina Eng (Intern)

Ariana Flores (Intern)

Jessica Potter (Intern)

Marina Tenorioi Botelho (Visiting Postdoc, Brazil)

Leisha Martin (Postdoctoral Researcher)

Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi, Corpus Chrisit, Texas 

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