Contact Us

Outreach

265 North 6th St.
Highlands, NC 28741

828.526.4123

Programs offered September-May

Highlands Biological Station Staff

Dr. James Costa
Executive Director
828.787.1712 | costa@wcu.edu

Dr. Costa has been a professor of Biology at WCU since 1996 and Executive Director of HBS since 2006.  He has a dual BS in Biology and Philosophy from SUNY-Cortland, and he holds an MS and PhD in population genetics/entomology from UGA.  He teaches biogeography, ecology, and evolution, and his research and writing interests range from insect ecology and behavior to Darwin, Wallace, and the history of evolutionary thought.

Ask me about HBS’ organizational plans and partnerships, grant/fundraising efforts, and research opportunities.

Jason Love
Associate Director
828.787.2820 | jlove@wcu.edu

Jason had extensive experience working in a variety of ecological research facilities before becoming the Associate Director at HBS. He has a BS in Forest Resources from UGA and a MS in Wildlife and Fisheries Management from West Virginia University.

Ask me about lab/research management, grant efforts, bringing your class to HBS, and anything to do with day-to-day operations.

Patrick Brannon
Educational Outreach Coordinator
828.526.4123 | pbrannon@wcu.edu

Patrick joined the HBS staff in 2003, and has worked in other environmental education organizations before that. Patrick has a BA in Biology from UNC-Asheville, and a MS in Ecology from Appalachian State University.

Ask me about our outreach program, including scheduling and delivery!

Katie Cooke
Business Officer
828.526.2602 | kfcooke@wcu.edu

After graduating with her BS in Business Management from Winthrop University, Katie worked for the University of North Georgia as a study abroad advisor. She has been the business officer since 2016.

Ask me about HBS’ fiscal operations, HR, purchasing, and questions regarding college class credit.

Sarah Vickery
University Program Associate
828.526.2602 | svickery@wcu.edu

After graduating with a BFA in ceramics from the University of New Hampshire, Sarah Vickery pursued opportunities in Colorado and North Carolina. Her journey led her to settle on the Highlands-Cashiers plateau, where she now resides, intertwining her artistic pursuits with her passion for the outdoors.

​Tara Henderson
Horticultural Specialist
828.526.0188 | thenderson@wcu.edu

Before completing their degree in Natural Resource Conservation and Management from WCU, Tara gained outdoor experience on trail maintenance crews in the NC mountains and spent a summer working in the Iowa prairies. Now graduated, Tara dedicates their time and love to the beautiful landscape they call home and the flora they share it with.

Mike McMahan
Facilities Manager
828.526.0188 | mrmcmahan@wcu.edu

Prior to joining HBS in 2015, Mike had experience managing his own small business as well as in heating and cooling.

Ask me about property maintenance/repairs and any on-site installations/construction projects.

Dr. Rada Petric
Field Site Director
r_petric@uncg.edu

Dr. Petric got her BS and MS in Biology from UNC – Greensboro before completing her PhD in Environmental Health Science from UNC – Greensboro. She loved the school so much she completed a post-doctoral fellowship before starting at HBS.

Ask me about the Institute for the Environment, including mentoring opportunities and general inquiries, or about my bat research.

Highlands Biological Foundation Staff

Jamie Creola
Executive Director
828.526.2221 | jamie@highlandsbiological.org

Jamie has over three decades of leadership experience across a spectrum of nonprofits including museums, zoos/aquariums, and universities around the country. She has a passion for engaging diverse audiences and has a knack for storytelling. She holds a B.S. in Marine Biology  from UNC Wilmington and a M.A. in Science Education from LSU. 

Ask me about Foundation events and programming and fundraising opportunities related to HBF.

Julie Thomson
Education Specialist
828.526.2623 | julie@highlandsbiological.org

Julie joined the Foundation in April 2024, bringing a passion for hands-on, place-based education that allows people—especially children—to practice and develop observation skills. She has over eight years of experience working in museums and previously provided environmental education programs for a variety of organizations. Julie has a B.A. in Communication from Michigan State University and a M.A. in Arts History from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Ask me about all things related to Nature Center programming, outreach, and Nature Camps.