Meet Our Team
A passionate group of scientists, educators, and nature enthusiasts working together to advance research, education, and conservation in the southern Appalachian Mountains — one of Earth's most biodiverse temperate regions.
Highlands Biological Station
Dr. James T. Costa
Executive Director
Professor of Biology at Western Carolina University since 1996 and Executive Director of HBS since 2006. 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. His research explores insect ecology and behavior and the lives and legacies of Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace. A prolific author on the history of evolutionary thought.
Jason Love
Associate Director
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. Before joining HBS, he gained extensive experience at ecological research facilities developing expertise in conservation and resource management. Oversees operations, facilitates research initiatives, and fosters educational programs at the Station.
Core staff
Sarah Vickery
Business & Communications Manager
Oversees housing coordination, billing, Grant-in-Aid administration, HR processing, and marketing. Holds a B.F.A. in Ceramics from the University of New Hampshire.
Mike McMahan
Facilities Manager
At HBS since 2015. Background in business management and mechanical/HVAC systems. Maintains all facilities and research spaces, supporting daily Station operations.
Canty Worley
Horticultural Specialist
Over two decades of experience in horticulture, arboriculture, and sustainable land management. A Highlands native (permanently since 2001), small-scale farmer, and French Alpine dairy goat keeper. Brings a holistic permaculture approach to campus landscapes.
Dr. Rada Petric
Field Site Director
B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in Biology/Environmental Health Science from UNC Greensboro. Post-doctoral fellow before joining HBS. Involved in UNC Institute for the Environment mentoring and programme development. Conducts research on bat ecology and conservation.
Angelina Guerrero
Research Assistant
B.S. Biology & Environmental Science, UNC-Chapel Hill (minor Marine Sciences). Full-time researcher working on bat hibernacula, wetland management, and microplastics in the southern Appalachians. First connected with HBS in 2023 via the Avian Biology course.
Liam Stiefel
Temporary Program Associate
M.N.R. in tree ecophysiology from University of Georgia; B.S. Environmental Science, Davidson College. Two years with AmeriCorps (community garden NJ; environmental educator AK). Passionate about Southern Appalachian plant diversity.
Summer Researchers & Assistants
Ripley Brenner
Botanical Garden Assistant
Rising senior, Miami University — Botany & Environmental Science. Research interests: invasive plant ecology, foliar iridescence.
Avery O'Neil
Microplastics Research Assistant
Rising sophomore, Western Carolina University. Contributing to the Station's microplastics project in the southern Appalachians.
Nicci Barrett
Research Technician
UNC-Chapel Hill graduate and former Highlands IE student. Supporting multiple projects including the Batpack project with AT field work.
David Adams
Grant-in-Aid Researcher
Ph.D. student, UNC-Chapel Hill. Studying ecology, behavior, and physiology of the Southern Gray-cheeked Salamander (Plethodon metcalfi).
Addie Melton
Summer Research Assistant
Rising senior, UNC-Chapel Hill. Researching elk movement and ecological patterns in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Aidan Holton
Botanical Gardens Assistant
WCU student — Natural Resource Conservation & Management (minor: Emergency & Disaster Management). Supporting garden maintenance and visitor accessibility.
Rachel Price
Grant-in-Aid Researcher
Rising senior, UNC-Chapel Hill. Former Highlands IE participant. Studying urbanisation's influence on microplastics in bat tissues.
Evangeline Bradley
Grant-in-Aid Researcher
Rising sophomore, UNC-Chapel Hill — B.S. Biology. Researching behavior of the Southern Gray-cheeked Salamander.
Gray Hamby
Microplastics Research Assistant
Rising senior, UNC-Chapel Hill. Veteran of the Highlands Field Site cohort and winter research assistant; returning for the microplastics project.
Highlands Biological Foundation
Jamie Creola
Executive Director, HBF
Over three decades of leadership across nonprofits including museums, zoos, aquariums, and universities nationwide. Holds a B.S. in Marine Biology from UNC Wilmington and an M.A. in Science Education from LSU. Passionate about engaging diverse audiences and storytelling. The go-to contact for Foundation events, programming, and fundraising.
Foundation team
Marissa Nieddu
Marketing & Communications Specialist
Joined HBF January 2025. Over a decade of experience in digital marketing and web development. B.S. International Business, Southeastern University. Avid backpacker; has led trips across the country.
Maddie Wikstrom
Education Specialist
Joined HBF April 2025. Degrees from WCU; certified Wilderness First Responder, Environmental Educator of NC, and Leave No Trace Trainer. Minnesota-raised, WNC-based since 2016. Quilter and painter.
Interested in joining the team?
We welcome researchers, educators, and nature enthusiasts at every stage of their career. Browse open positions or explore volunteer opportunities at HBS.