Meet Our Team

Adriana serves as the full time 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.

Bo Kinsland is a senior at North Carolina State University pursuing a B.S. in Conservation Biology with a minor in Entomology. He currently contributes to a range of research initiatives at Highlands Biological Station, including projects focused on microplastics, wetlands, and bird banding. With a strong interest in freshwater ecosystems, Bo is particularly passionate about the health of local streams and aspires to advance their protection and conservation through his future career.

Annika Willis serves as a Research Assistant at Highlands Biological Station, where she supports projects investigating the presence of microplastics in terrestrial ecosystems, with a particular focus on wild shrews and earthworms. A rising senior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, she is pursuing a B.S. in Environmental Science with minors in Biology and Anthropology. Annika first joined HBS through the Institute for the Environment field site program and is excited to return in a research capacity. Beyond her academic work, she enjoys dancing and spending time outdoors exploring new places.

Heather Pratt brings several years of experience in field research and environmental monitoring to her role at Highlands Biological Station. She has spent multiple seasons contributing to long-term ecological studies across the Southern Appalachians. With a particular interest in aquatic invertebrates, Heather plays a central role in HBS’ wetland monitoring initiatives, focusing on insect diversity and dragonfly populations. Her work supports the Station’s broader mission by advancing biodiversity research and contributing to ongoing conservation efforts in the region.

Finn is a Garden Assistant at Highlands Biological Station, where they assist with the care and maintenance of the native plant collections in the Botanical Gardens. A student at Appalachian State University, Finn is majoring in Sustainable Development with minors in English and Philosophy. Passionate about the intersection of creativity and the natural world, they are eager to deepen their understanding of Southern Appalachian flora and contribute to the garden’s mission of conservation and education.

Robert Burton serves as a Garden Assistant at Highlands Biological Station, where he supports the care and maintenance of the Botanical Garden’s diverse native plant collections. Originally from Climax, North Carolina, Robert developed an early passion for plants through time spent outdoors with his father, who introduced him to gardening and tree identification. He continues to cultivate that interest through his own native plant garden at home. An avid backpacker, runner, and cyclist, Robert enjoys exploring natural spaces across the state. He is interested in pursuing a future in forestry and wildlife management, with a broad enthusiasm for environmental stewardship and conservation.

Erin Flanagan serves as a Grant-in-Aid Researcher and Summer Undergraduate Research Fellow at Highlands Biological Station, where she is studying the link between atmospheric deposition of microplastics and their bioaccumulation in Southern Appalachian forest food webs—from soil invertebrates to small mammals. A rising senior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Erin is majoring in Environmental Studies with a strong interest in the intersections of environmental health, conservation, social equity, and policy. She first joined HBS through the Highlands Field Site in Fall 2024 and is excited to return to advance research that deepens our understanding of microplastics in terrestrial ecosystems.