Coastal Alumni Host Conservation Biology Class at UGA Marine Extension

The College of Coastal Georgia’s Conservation Biology class, taught by Dr. Tate Holbrook, interim chair of the Department of Natural Sciences and professor of biology, recently visited the University of Georgia Marine Extension (MAREX) and Georgia Sea Grant’s Brunswick Station for a special hands-on learning experience in conservation.

They were hosted by the MAREX Coastal Ecology Lab, led by long-time collaborator Dr. Kimberly Andrews and four staff members who are Coastal Georgia alumni: Josh Billings (B.S. in Biological Sciences, 2021), Madison Barnard (B.S. in Environmental Science, 2022), Tanner Barwick (B.S. in Biological Sciences, 2023), and Abbey Crossman (B.S. in Biological Sciences, 2024).

The Coastal Ecology Lab conducts applied research on reptiles to better understand the health and behaviors of these animals in response to development and other human activities. Students learned about the group’s work in gopher tortoise conservation, and got to practice research methods including measuring tortoise morphometrics and using radio telemetry to track animals.  

The College of Coastal Georgia is grateful for our partnership with Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, which benefits current students and graduates alike!  

Dr. Tate Holbrook with College of Coastal Georgia alumni (right to left) Madison Barnard, Abbey Crossman, Tanner Barwick, and Josh Billings.

Story and photos submitted by Dr. Tate Holbrook.