People
Open positions
If you are interested in joining the lab as a graduate student, you can apply to the SMU graduate program in Molecular and Cellular Biology.
Current lab members
Jon Hibshman, PI
I am fascinated by the problem of desiccation tolerance. I enjoy working with an energetic, diverse, and curious group of researchers interested in tackling this problem from different angles! I believe a combination of model systems and approaches is the best way to make scientific discoveries and seek to employ this philosophy in the lab. When not in the lab, I can usually be found hanging out with my family, fishing, playing board games, or following my favorite sports teams.
Bailey Brown, Research Assistant
I am working to understand the role of dur-1 in C. elegans normal physiology and tolerance to various environmental stresses, including desiccation. I graduated with honors from SMU in May 2025 with a B.S. in Biological Sciences and minors in Chemistry and Art History. In the future, I hope to attend medical school and continue my journey in biological research. Outside of the lab, I love snowboarding, playing guitar, knitting, and practicing yoga!
Delainey Hinson, Undergraduate Researcher
I am a Biological Sciences major with potential minors in English and Human Rights, and I am on the pre-med track. I am very excited to be working with tardigrades in the lab, helping to learn more about desiccation tolerance. Outside of research and school, I enjoy puzzles, listening to music, and reading!
Madison Lester, Undergraduate Researcher
I am a Biological Sciences major with minors in Chemistry, Neuroscience, Health Science, and History, and I am on the pre-med track. I am a member of many of the medical clubs here at SMU and I participate in medical shadowing and volunteering. As well as this, I am involved in human rights volunteer work. Also a Dedman Scholar, I am very interested in biological research, and its application to medicine. I enjoy reading, drawing, and listening to music in my free time!
Niharikha Mukala, Research Assistant
I am a focusing on understanding the biochemical mechanisms by which protectants function and the endogenous biology of C. elegans. I earned my M.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Clemson University in December 2024, where I worked on the characterization and localization of mitochondrial SET domain proteins in T. brucei. My previous work includes infectious disease research (COVID-19), in vitro drug metabolism studies, transcriptomics, and proteomics data analysis. In my free time outside of the lab, I enjoy reading, practicing yoga & music.
Shraddha Siddhartha, Undergraduate Researcher
I am a Biochemistry and Health and Society double major and am on the pre-med track. I am incredibly excited to be working in the Hibshman lab. As a Dedman Scholar, I am also very interested in genetics and biochemical research. In my free time, I love to dance, listen to music, and watch football!
Zhirong Wang, Postdoctoral Fellow
I am on a scientific journey that transitions from studying development (发生) using mouse hippocampus and cochlea, to regeneration (再生) using zebrafish lateral line neuromasts, and finally to cryptobiosis (隐生) using tardigrades and worms. I am particularly interested in the neurobiology of both entering and exiting cryptobiosis. Outside of the lab, I enjoy spending time at the gym, in the kitchen, and in my music room.
Kieran Williams, PhD Student
My goal is to understand the role small heat shock proteins play in stress tolerance in C. elegans as well as the structural biology that underlies their function. My previous work includes genetics and bioinformatics research which I aim to bring into the world of stress biology. When I’m not in the lab, I enjoy playing the trumpet, watching sports and reading.
You could be here!
Lab Alumni
Capri Woss, SMU ’25 (2024-2025)
Hibshman Lab 