People    

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

Ph.D. student

• Ph.D. 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

Amany Begum

Ph.D. student

• Ph.D. in Marine Biology, Texas A&M University Galveston, 2025 – Present
• M.S. in Coastal and Marine Fisheries, Sylhet Agricultural University, Bangladesh, 2020
• B.S. in Fisheries, Sylhet Agricultural University, Bangladesh, 2018

Hannah Ferraro

Ph.D. student

• Ph.D. in Marine Biology, Texas A&M University, 2026 – Present
• M.S. in Marine and Environmental Science, University of the Virgin Islands,  2026
• B.A. in Marine Biology, minor in Earth and Environmental Science, Boston University, 2021

Research interests: My research interests broadly focus on coastal ecology and biodiversity, particularly in sandy beach and seagrass ecosystems. My work explores how biological communities and ecosystem processes vary across environmental and biogeographic gradients, including patterns in taxonomic and functional diversity.

Hometown: Glastonbury, Connecticut
Fun fact: I’ve hiked the tallest volcano in Panama!
Email: hannahferraro@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

Anna McCollom

Undergraduate Researcher

• B.S. in Marine Biology at Texas A&M University at Galveston, 2024 – present. 

Research Interests: I am interested in studying marine conservation ecology and investigating how anthropogenic activity influences protected or vulnerable habitats. I am particularly interested in evaluating the effectiveness of conservation policies on marine protected areas and the marine mammal populations therein. I love growing in my understanding of how species interact with each other to sustain fragile environments.
Hometown: McKinney, Texas
Fun fact: I am a lover of all things outside– when I am not studying, I am likely on a hike, planning my next national park trip or travel adventure, photographing nature, or creating outdoors-inspired art.
Email: annam@tamu.edu

Joseph Andres

Undergraduate Researcher

• B.S. in Marine Biology and Marine Fisheries at Texas A&M University at Galveston, 2023 – present. 

Research Interests: My research interests include coastal ecology, conservation, studies tracking anthropogenic effects on the environment, and aquatic animal care.
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Fun fact: I love collecting physical media! (DVDs, CDs, Comics, etc)