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.

Sarah Vickery is the Business & Communications Manager at Highlands Biological Station, where she oversees housing coordination, billing, Grant-in-Aid administration, HR processing, and marketing for the Station’s programs. She holds a B.F.A. in Ceramics from the University of New Hampshire and brings a strong background in administration, communications, and community engagement to her role supporting HBS’s education, research, and outreach initiatives.

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.

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.

Angelina Guerrero serves as the full-time Research Assistant at the Highlands Biological Station, where she supports a variety of ongoing research initiatives. Her work includes projects focused on bat hibernacula and habitat, wetland management, and the study of microplastics in the Southern Appalachians.

Born and raised in North Carolina, Angelina is a recent graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she earned a B.S. in Biology and Environmental Science with a minor in Marine Sciences. During the summer of 2025, she conducted research on tri-colored bat habitat along the North Carolina coast.

Angelina first connected with HBS as a student in the Avian Biology course in the summer of 2023 and returned in 2024 through the UNC Field Site program. She is passionate about ecology, conservation, and species–habitat interactions, and is excited to gain hands-on research experience as part of the HBS research team.

Outside of work, Angelina enjoys hiking, tossing around a frisbee, working on crafts, and spending quiet time outdoors.

Liam serves as the temporary Program Associate at Highlands Biological Station, where he supports summer programs and research activities.

He recently completed a Master of Natural Resources at the University of Georgia, where he studied tree ecophysiology, and he holds a B.S. in Environmental Science from Davidson College. Prior to graduate school, Liam spent two years serving with AmeriCorps, first managing a community garden in New Jersey and later working as an environmental educator in Alaska.

Liam is passionate about Southern Appalachian ecosystems and is especially excited to spend time in the Botanical Gardens this season, getting to know the many herbaceous plants that make the Highlands Plateau so special. Outside of work, he looks forward to exploring the garden and continuing to broaden his understanding of the region’s remarkable plant diversity.

Ripley Brenner is a rising senior at Miami University, where they are majoring in Botany and Environmental Science. Their academic interests include invasive plant ecology and foliar iridescence. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Ripley is excited to join Highlands Biological Station this summer as a Botanical Garden Assistant. Outside of their academic work, they enjoy reading, sewing, and photography.

Avery O’Neil is a rising sophomore at Western Carolina University from Reidsville, North Carolina. This summer, Avery will serve as a Research Assistant at Highlands Biological Station, contributing to the Station’s Microplastics project. Their work will support ongoing research efforts focused on understanding the presence and impacts of microplastics in the Southern Appalachian environment.

Nicci is a UNC-Chapel Hill graduate and former Highlands Institute for the Environment student returning to Highlands Biological Station this summer as a Research Technician. In this role, she will support multiple research projects at the Station, including field and project work connected to the Batpack project. On weekends, Nicci will be backpacking sections of the Appalachian Trail as part of this work and is excited to connect with others who may want to join her on the trail. Learn more about Batpack here!

David Adams is a Ph.D. student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He earned his B.S. in Environmental Science from the University of Central Arkansas, where he conducted research on the Eastern Collared Lizard. At Highlands Biological Station, David will study the ecology, behavior, and physiology of the Southern Gray-cheeked Salamander (Plethodon metcalfi).

Addie Melton is a rising senior at UNC-Chapel Hill from Waynesville, North Carolina. This summer, Addie will be conducting research at Highlands Biological Station focused on elk in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, studying their movement and other ecological patterns.

Aidan Holton is a student at Western Carolina University, where he is studying Natural Resource Conservation and Management with a minor in Emergency and Disaster Management. This summer, Aidan will serve as a Botanical Gardens Assistant at Highlands Biological Station, supporting garden maintenance and helping ensure the gardens remain welcoming, well-kept, and accessible for visitors throughout the season.

Rachel is a rising senior at UNC-Chapel Hill from Plymouth, North Carolina. A former participant in UNC-Chapel Hill’s Highlands Institute for the Environment program, she is returning to Highlands Biological Station this summer to study the influence of urbanization on microplastics in bat tissues. Rachel is excited to contribute to the growing body of research on microplastics in wildlife.

Evie Bradley is a rising sophomore at UNC-Chapel Hill, where she is pursuing a B.S. in Biology. This summer, she will be conducting research at Highlands Biological Station focused on the behavior of the Southern Gray-cheeked Salamander.