Hibshman Lab

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.

Haley Albano, Undergraduate Researcher

I am a Biological Sciences major considering a minor in Psychology, and I am on the pre-med track. I have a background in behavioral science research from high school, and I am excited to have the opportunity to work in a wet lab with tardigrades. When I am not at school, I enjoy playing sports, like softball and pickleball, hanging out with my family, and exploring new food spots. 

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!

Anna Lewis, PhD Student

I am interested in understanding the molecular mechanisms that allow organisms to survive extreme stressors, with a particular focus on the reproductive consequences of desiccation in C. elegans. I earned my B.S. in Biochemistry from the University of Oklahoma, where I utilized synthetic chemistry and biochemical approaches to expand the diversification of natural products. Outside of the lab, I enjoy reading, crafting, and exploring Dallas restaurants!

Sonia Loshakov, Undergraduate Researcher

I am a Biochemistry major on the pre-med track. Previously, I worked with pericytes and mice in the lab, but this is my first experience with tardigrades, and I am looking forward to learning all about them! Outside of the lab and my classes, I enjoy spending time with my younger brother, playing field hockey and softball, and listening to music. 

Niharikha Mukala, PhD Student

I am a focusing on understanding the biochemical mechanisms by which protectants function. 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.

Alexandra Reyes, Undergraduate Researcher

I’m a Geophysics and Biochemistry double major with minors in Math and Physics. I’m excited to be working in a wet lab, and I’m interested in testing the limits of the dauer state in C. elegans under various stressors. Outside of classes, I play the trumpet in the Mustang Marching Band, and I enjoy reading, running, and crocheting.

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!

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.

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