Meet the Team

Ally Crookshanks - Water Lab Manager

Ally Crookshanks is a biology major at the University of North Georgia with an interest in environmental research and analysis. She began working with the Water Lab as a technician in February of 2018 and advanced to the lab manager role in May of 2019. As manager, Ally coordinates sampling trips, trains people on water testing procedures, interprets data on an online database, and completes field and lab work. The lab’s purpose is to track different trends among the eleven sites along the Upper Chattahoochee watershed through water quality testing. Since 1987, the UNG water lab has achieved the longest running water quality data set on Lake Lanier. Ally’s hobbies include hiking, kayaking, and running. She also conducts water analysis as an intern for Chattahoochee Riverkeeper. When she graduates she wants to pursue a career in watershed conservation and management. “When the well’s dry, we know the worth of water.” - Benjamin Franklin

Amanda Sirianni - Beetle Lab Manager

Amanda is currently a senior at the University of North Georgia pursuing a degree in Botany and Entomology. She joined the Beetle Lab late Fall in 2017 and now serves as the Beetle Lab Manager, surveying possible release sites, analyzing spread patterns, and taking part in field sampling and lab work. The goal of the lab is to monitor the health of the Eastern Hemlock as well as study the beneficial relationships with the two rearing species on overall tree health by decreasing HWA presence.

Bailey Grace Sitton - Digital Art

Awesome Art Creator (Graphic Designer)

Bailey was sought out after helping a sorority sister make some fun stickers for the beetle lab. After seeing her work, Bailey was hired to make more stickers, signs, posters, and T-shirt’s. Bailey loves creating artwork that is not only fun to see around campus, but also helps make an environmental impact! She hopes that her art can inspire others to develop more sustainable habits. Bailey dreams to one day have her own children’s cartoon tv show.

Bridgett Scheiben - Water Lab Technician

Bridgett is a junior, studying biology. Working as a water lab assistant allows for her to spend time in the outdoors while developing knowledge in water quality and sustainability. Growing in experience in the water lab not only strengthens her love for nature but also respect for all processes behind the scenes. There is nothing that could make her smile more than the hope of through-hiking the Appalachian Trail after college.

Taylor Hutka - Water Lab Technician

Taylor is a senior at the University of North Georgia. He is pursuing a degree in Biology with an interest in environmental science/ecology. He enjoys working for the water lab because it gives him the opportunity to gain practical experience in water quality testing while getting to spend time in the field. Through this opportunity he feels he has found a love for a balance of field work combined with lab work and analysis. Taylor is a huge sports fan! The Atlanta Braves and Georgia football are among his favorite teams. Along with watching sports he enjoys fishing, hiking, and hanging out with friends.

Calvin Perdiago - Lab Technician

Calvin Perdigao is a Junior at University of North Georgia studying Chemistry. As a Lab Technician Calvin collects samples to run tests in the lab, as well as performs field tests. Calvin’s love for nature and environmentalism brought him to the water lab, where he was able to combine his passions for chemistry and nature.

Favorite Quote: “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” -Albert Einstein

Wesley Rhinehart - Beetle Lab Technician

Wesley is a biology major with an interest in environmental science at the University of North Georgia. He is a lab technician at the Predatory Beetle Lab. He enjoys backpacking and anything outdoors and his favorite days at the lab are field days!