We are always looking for excellent, highly motivated students and researchers to join our team. Our research focuses on environmental epidemiology, water quality assessment, and pediatric respiratory health, with particular emphasis on understanding how environmental exposures impact childhood asthma and allergic diseases. We combine traditional epidemiological methods with cutting-edge approaches including DNA methylation analysis, machine learning algorithms, and geospatial modeling to advance public health knowledge and inform evidence-based interventions.
Contact Dr. MelaramEnvironmental Epidemiology
Investigating environmental exposures and childhood respiratory health through longitudinal cohort studies and epigenetic analysis
Water Quality & Agriculture
Examining harmful algal blooms, cyanotoxin contamination, and sustainable agricultural applications
Asthma & Rural Health
Addressing health disparities in underserved communities using advanced data science and machine learning approaches
BREATHE-CC Cohort
Prospective birth cohort study investigating environmental determinants of childhood respiratory health in South Texas
Important Information About Positions
We are seeking passionate students who are genuinely interested in environmental health research and making a positive impact on public health. As a developing research laboratory, not all positions are paid initially. Compensation is provided based on the funding status of specific research projects. Students working on funded studies receive appropriate compensation, while those on preliminary or developmental projects may begin as volunteers with opportunities for paid positions as funding is secured.
We are seeking exceptional graduate students to pursue Master's or Doctoral degrees in environmental health, epidemiology, public health, or related fields. Graduate students in our lab work on cutting-edge research projects that contribute to their thesis or dissertation while advancing our understanding of environmental health relationships.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in public health, environmental science, epidemiology, biostatistics, or related field
- Strong analytical and quantitative skills
- Experience with statistical software (R, SAS, SPSS) preferred
- Interest in environmental health or pediatric epidemiology
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Fluency in English required; Spanish language skills advantageous
Research Opportunities Include:
Graduate students may work on projects involving longitudinal birth cohort studies, DNA methylation analysis, environmental exposure assessment, machine learning applications in health disparities research, or harmful algal bloom impact studies. Students will gain experience in advanced statistical methods, manuscript preparation, and conference presentations.
We welcome motivated undergraduate students interested in gaining hands-on research experience in environmental health and epidemiology. Undergraduate researchers contribute to ongoing projects while developing essential research skills and gaining exposure to graduate-level scientific investigation.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Sophomore, Junior, or Senior status in public health, biology, environmental science, statistics, or related field
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Basic understanding of research methods and statistics
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
- Enthusiasm for environmental health research
- Ability to commit 10-15 hours per week to research activities
- Interest in pursuing graduate education preferred
Learning Opportunities Include:
Undergraduate students gain experience in literature reviews, data collection and management, statistical analysis, research methodology, scientific writing, and conference presentation. Students may contribute to ongoing publications and develop independent research projects under faculty mentorship. This experience provides excellent preparation for graduate school applications and future careers in public health research.
Genuine interest in environmental health and improving public health outcomes through rigorous research
Strong quantitative skills and enthusiasm for learning advanced statistical and computational methods
Ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams and contribute to a supportive research environment
Creative problem-solving skills and openness to exploring novel approaches to environmental health challenges
Commitment to addressing health disparities and improving outcomes for underserved communities
Dedication to professional development and staying current with evolving research methodologies
How to Apply
To apply for any position in the Melaram Lab, please send a cover letter, your CV/resume, and contact information for two references to Dr. Rajesh Melaram. Your cover letter should describe your research interests, relevant experience, and why you are interested in joining our research team. Please specify which type of position you are seeking and your availability.
We encourage applications from students of all backgrounds and are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse research environment. The lab particularly welcomes applications from individuals who are passionate about addressing health disparities and environmental justice issues.
Apply Now - Contact Dr. MelaramThe Melaram Lab is located in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, providing access to excellent research facilities and a collaborative academic environment. We maintain strong partnerships with clinical institutions including Driscoll Children's Hospital and work closely with community organizations to ensure our research has real-world impact.
Our lab culture emphasizes mentorship, professional development, and work-life balance. We provide opportunities for students to present research at national conferences, contribute to peer-reviewed publications, and develop skills that prepare them for successful careers in public health research, clinical practice, or policy development.
Current Lab Resources and Opportunities:
Statistical Computing
Access to R, SAS, and specialized epidemiological software for advanced data analysis
Collaborative Networks
Partnerships with clinical institutions, community organizations, and international research teams
Professional Development
Conference presentation opportunities, manuscript writing training, and career mentorship
Community Engagement
Opportunities to work directly with communities and translate research into public health practice
Questions about joining our team? Please don't hesitate to reach out to discuss potential opportunities and learn more about our research programs.
Dr. Rajesh Melaram | Principal Investigator | rajesh.melaram@tamucc.edu | Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi