Meet the Team

Jonathan Hopkins - Water Lab Technician

Jonathan Hopkins studies physics and computer science at the University of North Georgia. He joined the Water Lab in Summer 2022 to get some practical experience doing science while enjoying the outdoors and helping to protect the environment. As a water lab technician, Jonathan collects water samples and performs tests in the field and the lab to monitor the water quality. Ultimately, he wants to find more ways to use data and technology to allow humans to live in harmony with nature. Favorite quote: "There are no words that can tell the hidden spirit of the wilderness, that can reveal its mystery, its melancholy and its charm." - Theodore Roosevelt

Anna Moller - Lab Technician

Anna is a senior and international student majoring in Psychology with a sustainability and leadership focus. Serving both the Beetle and Water Lab, she engages in many different tasks, raising and releasing predatory beetles along with performing various of chemical tests on water samples from Lake Lanier. As part of the ELC, Anna enjoys the opportunities to work outside in the field, team up with other great students, and learn new technical skills. Favorite quote: “Sustainable development starts within the individual. You must learn to be sustainable yourself to create sustainable development around you. Who you are with yourself determine the impact you have on your surroundings.”

Garrett Aaron- Ecological Protection Lab Technician

Garrett Aaron is a senior biology major. He works as a lab technician at the beetle lab. He enjoys his role here because he watched many of the eastern hemlock trees in his hometown hiking trails die as he went through high school, and he wants to make a change for future generations. He spent his summer as a raft guide on the Royal Gorge section of the Arkansas River. His favorite thing to tell his customers on the river is "Don't forget, safety comes third, right after looking cool and having fun." Kidding of course.

Cici Nave - Water Lab Manager

Cici Nave is a senior biology major. She started working as a lab tech in the water lab fall of 2021 and was promoted to lab manager spring of 2022. She is also a tech in the beetle lab. As manager, she coordinates sampling trips, trains new techs, goes into the field, and preforms lab tests. Her favorite part of the job is field work. Working in the water lab has allowed her to understand how water connects to all parts of sustainability. Cici enjoys reading, thrifting, and hiking. She wants work in forestry after graduation.