Lab members

On board the RV Thomas G Thompson for PROTATAX23. July 2023

Dr. Sarah Hu

Assistant Professor

skhu [at] tamu.edu
cv
she/her

I am a microbial ecologists devoted to figuring out what all the weird marine microeukaryotes are doing in the ocean. Our work combines field expeditions, wet-lab experiments, molecular methods, and computational biology to ask address questions about the ecological roles microorganisms play in the ecosystem.

I’m most excited about research in the deep-sea, especially biologically rich habitats like hydrothermal vents. I love teaching and mentoring about all things biological oceanography, coding, and more! This lab is built on a shared love for the natural world and everyone is welcome here.

Alexis Adams

PhD student

My name is Alexis and I am a PhD student here at Texas A&M! With a passion for understanding how ecological interactions impact the world around us I have dedicated myself to studying unicellular eukaryotes and their important role within the deep ocean. When I’m not working you can find me reading or playing my piano. I believe science should be a safe space for all and I am excited to explore the fascinating world of microbes!

alexis98adams [at] tamu.edu
she/her








Kayla Nedd

PhD student

knedd [at] tamu.edu
she/her

My name is Kayla Nedd. I joined the Hu lab in the summer of 2023 as a PhD student. My research interests are microbial ecology in extreme environments. I would like to understand what allows these microbes to be so well equipped to handle the intense conditions of the deep sea. Last summer, I participated in my first research cruise to Axial Seamount, an underwater volcano, to study protists in deep sea hydrothermal vents. I am thrilled to delve further into my research and better understand this truly magnificent aspect of our planet.







Abby Day

Undergraduate Research Assistant

she/her

I am a sophomore Environmental Geoscience major minoring in Anthropology and GIST. Academic/Career Interests: I am extremely interested in the world around us, both the past and what is currently going on today. As an Environmental Geoscience major minoring in Anthropology, I hope to pursue a career that can combine both of these fields. In the past, I did research on microorganisms and what their distribution in the water column could tell us about past climates. That study has continued to pique my interest and I am excited to continue in similar research this semester!







Madeleine Lerma

Undergraduate Research Assistant

she/her

Madeleine in a sophomore Zoology major and ECCB minor from Corpus Christi, Texas. After graduating from Texas A&M University, she hopes to attend graduate school to become a marine biologist and pursue a career in research. She is undecided about the specialty she may choose, but is passionate about marine ecosystems. In her free time, she enjoys reading, listening to music, and exploring nature.







Meagan Sonsel

Undergraduate Research Assistant

she/her

My name is Meagan Sonsel and I am a sophomore environmental geoscience major with a concentration in biosphere. I am extremely excited to work in the lab and discover more about microbial eukaryotes in the deep sea.













Siddarth Seshampally

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Hello! I’m Siddharth Seshampally, a freshman at Texas A&M University, class of 2027, majoring in Oceanography. Playing football (not American football) has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember and I hope to play for the A&M team soon. I have a deep curiosity for the mysteries of the ocean, and my goal is to contribute to the progress of this field. Eager to explore the wonders of marine science and dedicated to making a positive impact, I look forward to the exciting journey that lies ahead.





Join us

Please contact me (skh[at]tamu.edu) if you are interested in working together, I always looking for enthusiastic PhD students and undergraduates. While I encourage you to explore my past & on-going research projects, please share what research questions you are excited to address.

I am recruiting PhD students for Fall 2025

PhD opportunities

How do I apply?

Undergraduate opportunities

  • If you are a current TAMU undergraduate, contact me directly. Our group has openings for undergraduate positions and opportunities for undergrads to explore research questions.

  • REU program at TAMU | Deadline: February

Postdoctoral opportunities