People
In our lab, you will find a community dedicated to scientific excellence and environmental stewardship. We uphold the highest standards of professionalism, including research integrity, collaboration, service, and respect for colleagues at all levels.
Dr. Guilherme Corte
- 2024: Assistant Professor, Texas A&M University at Galveston, TX, USA
- 2023-2024: Assistant Professor of Biology, University of the Virgin Islands, USVI, USA
- 2022: Visiting Scholar, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, Maryland, USA
- 2021: Post-doctoral Researcher, Institute of Marine Research Admiral Paulo Moreira, Brazilian Navy
- 2020-01/2023: Lecturer/Benthic Lab head, University of Vale do Itajaí, Santa Catarina, Brazil
- 2017-2020: Post-doctoral Researcher, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- 2016: Post-doctoral Researcher, State University of Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
- 2015: Visiting Scholar, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- 2016: PhD in Ecology, State University of Campinas, Brazil
- 2011: Master in Ecology, State University of Campinas, Brazil
- 2008: B.Sc.; Biology, State University of Campinas, Brazil
Kianna Pattengale
PhD student
- PhD in Marine Biology, Texas A&M University, 2025- Present
- M.S. in Marine and Environmental Science, University of the Virgin Islands, 2024
- B.S. in Biology, minor in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Nevada, Reno, 2021
Hometown: Loomis, California
Fun fact: I have a chainsaw sawyer certification
Email: kpattengale@tamu.edu
Amany Begum
PhD student
- PhD in Marine Biology, Texas A&M University Galveston, 2025- Present
- MSc in Coastal and Marine Fisheries, Sylhet Agricultural University, Bangladesh, 2020
- BSc in Fisheries, Sylhet Agricultural University, Bangladesh, 2018
Hometown: Sylhet, Bangladesh
Hobby and Fun fact: I enjoy educating and empowering communities—especially in disaster-prone or underserved regions particularly focusing on sanitation, vaccination, and safety during natural hazards.
And I love exploring the stories behind names and structures, uncovering the history and meaning that shape them
Email: ama.ny_2364@tamu.edu
Hannah Ferraro
Master’s student
- 2024-present: Master of Marine & Environmental Science
Institution: University of the Virgin Islands - 2021: Bachelor of Arts in Marine Science and Minor in Earth and Environmental Science from Boston University
Research topic: Effects of Disturbance Events on Seagrass Carbon Storage
Rob Racette
Undergraduate Researcher
- Major in Marine Biology with a minor in Diving at Texas A&M University at Galveston, 2022 – present.
- Foreign language and archaeology studies at Austin Community College, 2023-2024.
Research Interests: I am interested in marine zoology with a particular interest in vertebrates and mammals, in addition to marine ecology and reactions of marine organisms to shifting climate. I am also interested in mammalian evolution and physiological ecology.
Hometown: Corpus Christi, Texas
Fun Fact: I like to draw, make music, and I make wooden model trains in my spare time.
Email: rjr010504@tamu.edu
Madison Hoop
Undergraduate Researcher
- Major in Marine Biology and Marine Fisheries with a Minor in Coastal Environmental Science and Society at Texas A&M University at Galveston.
Research Interests: I am interested in researching sandy beach ecosystems and how human and wildlife interactions shape coastal environments. I aim to explore ways to study, manage, and protect these systems while promoting coexistence between coastal communities and the natural habitats that support them.
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Fun Fact: In my free time I enjoy collecting glass figurines of marine animals and making beaded sea creature keychains.
Email: Leigh_the_sea1013@tamu.edu
Breccan T. Healey
Undergraduate Researcher
- B.S. in Marine Biology at Texas A&M University at Galveston, 2023 – present.
- Minor in Dive at Texas A&M University at Galveston
Research Interests: I am interested in marine zoology, specifically marine mammals, sharks, and manta rays. I am interested in marine ecosystems such as kelp forests, coral reefs, and trenches. I am interested in research concerning environmental conservation.
Hometown: Rosenberg, Texas
Fun Fact: I like to play music on the electric keyboard.
Email: breccan_healey@tamu.edu
Emma M. Sanders
Undergraduate Researcher
- B.S. in Marine Biology with a Minor in Marine Fisheries at Texas A&M University at Galveston, 2022 – present.
Research Interests: Biology as a whole is my primary interest, as I greatly enjoy all forms of life which exist here on Earth. I take particular interest in both marine and terrestrial invertebrates, environmental conservation, and animal care. It is my intention to be involved in the support, protection, and care of our planet’s organisms and ecosystems in any and all ways that I can.
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Fun Fact: I’m very fond of many physical forms of art, such as knitting, sculpting, sewing, or making terrariums for my jumping spiders and isopods to live in.
Email: Emmas10@tamu.edu
Nicholas Cernosek
Undergraduate Researcher
- Major in Marine Biology with a Minor in Coastal and Environmental Science and Society at Texas A&M University at Galveston, 2022 – present.
Research Interests: I am interested in studying the ecology of coastal and marine ecosystems and better understanding the interactions between the organisms and the impacts humans have on their ecosystems. I like learning about all animals, but my greatest interest is in crustaceans and better understanding their impacts on their environments.
Hometown: Katy, Texas
Fun Fact: I enjoy fishing and spending time at the beach.
Email: ncc2004@tamu.edu
