Meet Our Team

Dr. James Costa has been a professor of Biology at Western Carolina University since 1996 and the Executive Director of Highlands Biological Station since 2006. He holds a dual B.S. in Biology and Philosophy from SUNY Cortland and an M.S. and Ph.D. in population genetics and entomology from the University of Georgia. With a passion for biogeography, ecology, and evolution, his teaching and research explore insect ecology and behavior, as well as the lives and legacies of Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace. A prolific author, Dr. Costa also writes extensively on the history of evolutionary thought.

Before joining Highlands Biological Station as Associate Director, Jason Love gained extensive experience working in various ecological research facilities, developing expertise in conservation and resource management. He holds a B.S. in Forest Resources from the University of Georgia and an M.S. in Wildlife and Fisheries Management from West Virginia University. With a strong background in ecological research and conservation, he plays a key role in supporting HBS' mission by overseeing operations, facilitating research initiatives, and fostering educational programs that promote environmental stewardship.

Patrick Brannon joined the Highlands Biological Station staff in 2003, bringing experience from previous roles in environmental education organizations. He holds a B.A. in Biology from UNC Asheville and an M.S. in Ecology from Appalachian State University. Passionate about education and outreach, he is dedicated to engaging communities in environmental science and making ecological concepts accessible. Through his work, he fosters a deeper appreciation for biodiversity and conservation while advancing HBS’s mission of research, education, and public engagement.

Katie Cooke joined Highlands Biological Station as Business Officer in 2016, bringing experience in financial management and administrative operations. She holds a B.S. in Business Management from Winthrop University and previously worked as a study abroad advisor at the University of North Georgia. With a strong background in organizational management, she plays a key role in overseeing budgets, financial planning, and operational logistics, ensuring the station runs smoothly and efficiently in support of its research and educational mission.

Sarah Vickery serves as the University Program Associate at Highlands Biological Station, where she manages housing for visiting researchers and classes and oversees marketing efforts to promote the station’s programs. She holds a B.F.A. in Ceramics from the University of New Hampshire and has gained diverse professional experience in Colorado and North Carolina before establishing herself on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau. With a strong background in administration and communications, she plays a key role in ensuring smooth operations for HBS’s educational and research initiatives while enhancing outreach and engagement efforts.

Mike joined Highlands Biological Station as Facilities Manager in 2015, bringing extensive experience in business management and mechanical systems. Prior to HBS, he managed his own small business and worked in the heating and cooling industry, developing a strong skill set in maintenance, operations, and infrastructure management. At HBS, he plays a vital role in maintaining facilities, ensuring the functionality of research and educational spaces, and supporting the station’s daily operations. His expertise helps sustain a well-equipped and efficient environment for researchers, students, and visitors.

Tara serves as the Horticultural Specialist at Highlands Biological Station, where they manage and cultivate the station’s diverse plant collections and gardens. Before earning a degree in Natural Resource Conservation and Management from Western Carolina University, they gained hands-on experience working on trail maintenance crews in the North Carolina mountains and spent a summer restoring prairie ecosystems in Iowa. Now based in the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau, Tara applies their expertise and passion for native flora to maintaining and enhancing the station’s landscapes. Their work supports HBS’s mission by promoting conservation, education, and ecological stewardship through thoughtful horticultural management.

Dr. Rada Petric earned her B.S. and M.S. in Biology from UNC Greensboro before completing a Ph.D. in Environmental Health Science at the same institution. Her passion for research and education led her to continue at UNC Greensboro as a post-doctoral fellow before joining Highlands Biological Station. As part of her role, she is actively involved in the Institute for the Environment, where she supports mentoring opportunities and program development. She also conducts research on bat ecology, contributing to a broader understanding of their behavior and conservation. Whether you're interested in environmental research, academic collaborations, or bat ecology, Rada is a valuable resource for insight and engagement.

Adriana serves as the Research Assistant at Highlands Biological Station, where she supports a variety of research projects and fieldwork initiatives. Originally from upstate New York, she earned a B.S. in Environmental Science with a minor in Music from UNC-Chapel Hill. She first joined HBS in the fall of 2023 through UNC’s field site program and is thrilled to return in a research capacity. Passionate about Southern Appalachian ecology, she is particularly fascinated by the region’s diverse flora and works to contribute to its study and conservation. When not in the field or assisting with research, she enjoys backpacking, sketching, playing the banjo, and searching for salamanders.