Highlands Biological Station

Meet Our Team

At Highlands Biological Station, our team is dedicated to fostering research, education, and conservation in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. We are a passionate group of scientists, educators, and nature enthusiasts working together to support discovery, learning, and stewardship of this unique and biodiverse region.

From maintaining our research facilities and botanical gardens to leading outreach programs and field courses, each team member plays a vital role in making HBS a hub for ecological exploration and collaboration. Get to know the people behind our mission and the work we do to connect science, nature, and community!

Highlands Biological Station Staff

Dr. James Costa
Executive Director
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.
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Jason Love
Associate Director
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.
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Patrick Brannon
Educational Outreach Coordinator
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.
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Sarah Vickery
University Program Associate

Sarah Vickery serves as the University Program Associate at the Highlands Biological Station, where she manages housing for visiting researchers and classes and oversees marketing efforts to promote the Station’s programs. She also serves as the primary point of contact for billing, Grant-in-Aid administration, and Human Resources processing, ensuring that the Station’s financial and personnel operations run efficiently.

Holding a B.F.A. in Ceramics from the University of New Hampshire, Sarah brings a strong background in administration and communications, along with diverse professional experience in Colorado and North Carolina, before establishing herself on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau. Her work plays a key role in supporting the Station’s educational and research initiatives while strengthening community engagement and institutional outreach.

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Mike McMahan
Facilities Manager
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
Field Site Director
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 Kirk
Research Assistant
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.
Hannah Shepard
Research Assistant
Hannah Shepard is a recent graduate of UNC Chapel Hill, where she earned degrees in Biology and Environmental Science. While at UNC, she conducted research on malaria population genetics and later expanded her field experience as a Highlands Field Site student in Fall 2024, studying bat populations in the high-elevation “Sky Island” habitats of the Southern Appalachians.This summer, Hannah is leading the BatPack Project, a citizen science initiative that monitors bat populations along the southern Appalachian Trail. Through guided backpacking trips, the project engages the public in bat conservation and acoustic monitoring efforts.Outside of research, Hannah enjoys spending time outdoors—especially hiking, backpacking, birdwatching, and reading.

Highlands Biological Foundation Staff

Jamie Creola
Executive Director

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

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.

Marissa Nieddu
Marketing & Communications Specialist

Marissa joined the Highlands Biological Foundation in January 2025 with over a decade of experience in digital marketing and web development. Most recently from Florida, she holds a B.S. in International Business from Southeastern University and moved to Western North Carolina last year. An avid outdoor enthusiast, she has led backpacking trips across the country and is excited to support the Foundation’s mission.

Maddie Wikstrom
Education Specialist

Maddie joined the Highlands Biological Foundation in April 2025 as an Education Specialist, aiming to develop programs that connect people with the Southern Appalachians. Originally from Minnesota, she holds degrees from Western Carolina University and is certified as a Wilderness First Responder, Environmental Educator of North Carolina, and Leave No Trace Trainer. Living in Western North Carolina since 2016, Maddie enjoys exploring its landscapes, quilting, and painting.

Careers at HBS
Volunteer at HBS

Administration

265 North 6th St.
Highlands, NC 28741

828.526.2602

Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm

 

Foundation

P.O. Box 580
Highlands, NC 28741

828.526.2221

Monday-Friday 9:00am-5:00pm

Botanical Garden

265 North 6th St.
Highlands, NC 28741

828.526.0188

Open 7 days a week from dawn to dusk

Nature Center

930 Horse Cove Rd.
Highlands, NC 28741

828.526.2623

Hours are seasonal. Click HERE for latest update

Outreach

265 North 6th St.
Highlands, NC 28741

828.526.4123

Programs offered September-May