Lab Members
Dr. Christopher R. Hemingson (he/him)
Assistant Professor & Principal Investigator
Department of Marine Biology, Texas A&M University at Galveston
​
Positions
2026 - current: Assistant Professor of Marine Biology, Texas A&M University at Galveston, USA
​
2023 - 2026: Stengl-Wyer Postdoctoral Scholar, the University of Texas at Austin, USA
​
2022 - 2022: Science Writer, Great Barrier Marine Park Authority, Australia
​
2021 - 2022: Team Leader INLOC Group, Australia
​
2017 - 2021: PhD, James Cook University, Australia
​
2015 - 2016: MSc, James Cook University, Australia
​
2010 - 2014: BS, Texas A&M University, USA
Mattie Ward (she/her)
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Department of Marine Biology, Texas A&M University at Galveston
​​
Howdy! My name is Mattie Ward, and I am a current honors undergraduate student at Texas A&M University at Galveston studying Marine Biology. I joined the Trait Ecology & Adaptation Lab under Dr. Hemingson in March of 2026. My research interests include evolutionary biology, morphology based traits of marine species that can be traced back millions of years ago, CRISPR-Cas9 based proteomics, and a focused interest in the foundational fin-to-limb transition. After undergrad, I plan on continuing my studies in a more focused Evolutionary Ecology program. I was born and raised in Dallas, Texas (Go Stars!), and in my free time enjoy reading the newest horror fiction, collecting tattoos, and spending time with my partner and two cats.
Be the next member of the TEA Lab!​
The TEA Lab is just getting started and is looking for eager and motivated new lab members to kick start the lab group! Please see the 'Join' tab for more information about current openings. Or contact me directly at: chris.hemingson@tamug.edu ​