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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 one PhD student, 3 masters students, and several undergraduates. With a mix of Biology, Chemistry, and Marine Biology degrees and expertise. We welcome any interested parties to reach out regarding joining our lab! 

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We are currently recruiting for a Ph.D. Student! 

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Ideally, the candidate will hold a MS degree with experience in (marine) biology, epigenetics, immunology, (eco)toxicology or a closely related discipline with prior research experience in fish exposure experiments and molecular biology and/or omics skills.

Interested 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) by March 1st.

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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. 

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Leisha Armijo-Martin, BS, MS, PhD, MBA, DABT 

Nanomaterials Engineer and Nanotoxicologist

Dr. Leisha Armijo-Martin is a postdoctoral researcher at TAMUCC specializing in nanomaterials engineering and nanotoxicology. Her research explores the intersection of nanotechnology and health, including the development of an NSF-funded dental care technology that integrates magnetic and antibacterial properties to improve oral hygiene. She is also involved in pioneering methods to analyze nanoplastics in marine environments, contributing to a better understanding of their toxicological impacts. She is passionate about interdisciplinary research, scientific innovation, and mentoring the next generation.

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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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Elizabeth DiBona, MS

Ph.D. Candidate, Marine Biology

Elizabeth (Bea) DiBona is a Ph.D. candidate at TAMUCC, researching PFAS developmental immunotoxicity in marine medaka. She joined the Seemann Lab in 2018, earning her master's studying microplastic exposure in medaka before continuing her Ph.D., expected in Spring 2025. An award-winning presenter and NSF STAGES participant, Bea is also active in costal conservation efforts. She aims to advance research on environmental contaminants and their impact on aquatic ecosystems and human health. Bea is currently pursuing future positions as a postdoctoral researcher, scientist or environmental toxicologist.

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Future PhD Student

Ph.D. Student Marine Biology

 A Ph.D. position in the field of fish developmental biology, ecotoxicology and environmental health is available in the lab of Dr. Frauke Seemann at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC). Starting in Fall 2025, the research will be directed towards the investigation of multi-generational toxicity of environmental pollutants affecting bone and/or immune system integrity. 

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Interested 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) by March 1st.

Ph.D. Students

PostDocs

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Remi Labeille, BS.

Masters Student, Chemistry

Remi began in the Seemann lab in 2022. His research project focuses on the potential epigenetic modifications associated with ancestral BaP exposure in medaka. Remi is currently working on collaborative projects with Dr. Abdulla at TAMUCC analyzing metabolic profiles of medaka. Upon completion of his masters in Spring 2025, Remi will continue his research career as a Ph.D. student at Vanderbilt University. 

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Elizabeth Everett, BS 

Masters Student, Marine Biology

Elizabeth (Liz) began in the Seemann lab in 2024 after transferring from Tarleton. Liz's research project focuses on trophic transfer of environmental microplastics using copepods and cannonball jellyfish. Upon completion of her masters in 2025, Liz aims to work in a federal/state agency or in industry. 

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Alissa Richbourg, BS

Masters Student, Marine Biology

Alissa began at TAMUCC in 2024 and is working on a collaborative project with Dr. Wei Xu at TAMU and the Liu Marine Organic Geochemistry Lab at UTMSI. Her research focuses on the effects of photodegraded microplastics on the health and early development of marine medaka. This research aims to expand current knowledge surrounding microplastic toxicity and how it impacts early developmental stages.

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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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Breeonna Stimpsonleavitt

Undergraduate,

Marine Biology

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Garrett Diehl

Undergraduate,

Biology

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Layke Kinney

Undergraduate,

Biology

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Evelyn Contreras

Undergraduate,

Biology

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Isaiah Hicks

Undergraduate,

Biology

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Jordan Askew

Undergraduate,

Biology

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Paige Rogers

Undergraduate,

Biology

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Amy Jimenez

Undergraduate, Biology

Past Students

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

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