Principal Investigator
Postdoctoral Associate
Ph D students
Undergraduate Researchers
Dr. Candice Lumibao
Dr. Candice Lumibao is an Assistant Professor at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. She obtained her PhD at University of Notre Dame (USA). She is passionate about a lot of things – from plants, microbiomes, science education, R to hiking, reading and social dancing. She uses a variety of tools in my research, including ancient DNA, metagenomics, ‘resurrection’ ecology and population genetics.
Dr. Pawan Devkota (2026 – present)
Dr. Pawan Devkota is a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi. He holds a Ph.D. in Biology from Texas Tech University, with research focused on plant physiological responses to abiotic stress, particularly photosynthesis and plant–soil interactions in agricultural systems. His postdoctoral research examines plant–fungal partnerships in coastal salt marshes to understand how plant–soil–microbe interactions shift along environmental stress gradients. Outside of research, he enjoys exploring nature, travelling, hiking, and watching movies.
Yue Liu (PhD Candidate, 2022-2027)
Yue Liu is a Ph. D. student majoring in Marine Biology at Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi. She conducts research on the functional outcomes of plant-microbe interactions related to coastal ecosystem processes under changing climate. She is good at some ball games such as table tennis, tennis and badminton. When she’s not busy, she usually spends time with her friends, especially enjoying the sunshine on the beach
Charley Mitchell, M.S. (PhD Student, 2026-2031)
Charley Mitchell is a Marine Biology Ph.D. student at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. He holds an M.S. in Biology, focusing on Ecology, Behavior, & Evolution, and Genomics, and a B.A. in Marine Science from Boston University. His previous research focused on coastal ecosystems and marine health, specifically investigating seagrass wasting disease. Currently, his research will focus on plant-microbe interactions within marsh ecosystems. When he is not actively conducting research or attending classes, he enjoys running, listening to music, and exploring the city.
Linzee Pacheco (2024 – present)
I am a very passionate and driven student in the STEM field. I love to watch movies, crochet plushies, and cuddle with my dog, waffles, as a way to unwind and relax. I am 21 years old and come from New Mexico. I am also a Native American in the tribe known as “Navajo” and a Hispanic woman dedicated to showing my young nieces and nephews that you can truly do anything in life if you put your mine to it.
Logan Walker (2025-present)
I’m an undergraduate student pursuing marine biology, with plans to get a master’s in it. I’ve recently begun gaining an interest in microscopic research spurned by the microscope I got for Christmas. When I’m not in the lab, I enjoy playing video games with friends, cooking, diving, and finding samples for my microscope.
Trinity Storr (McNair Scholar, 2025-present)
I’m an undergraduate student in Biology with an associate’s degree in biotechnology from Del Mar College. I’m currently a McNair Scholar, where I’m building research experience to prepare for a Ph.D. studying microbes and their interactions. Outside of academics, I enjoy painting and spending time with my dog, Chuy Luis.
Maddy Lee (2025-present)
Maddy Lee is an undergraduate student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biology with a concentration in Organismal-Plant science. She is from Fort Worth, Texas and is currently studying at Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi. She is passionate about gaining research and hands on experience in the Botany field. Her favorite hobby is cultivating various kinds of house plants, as well as spending time doing water sports.
Awesome Lab Alumni (*Done*, but not forgotten!)
Graduate Students: Jezreel Wilsom (MS, 2023-2025); Samantha Maupin (MS, 2023-2025)
Undergraduate: Miranda Mitchell (2025-2026); Jamie (Wenxiu) Yang (2024 – 2025); Maryam Sharafeldin (2024, LSAMP and S-RISE scholar); Julia Muniz (2024); Bree Garcia (2023-2024, McNairs Scholar and Honors student, now a graduate student at Nova Southeastern University); Georgia Harris (2022 – 2024, LSAMP scholar, now a graduate student at University of Maine); Grace Rush (2022 -2023, Honors student); Ellie Hoover (2022, volunteer); Mikaelia Robinson (2023 -2024, student intern); Breanna Clark (2022-2023, student intern); Nathan Shiryaev (DMC summer 2023 intern)