2024-2025 TEAM

Luke Barnes

Luke is from Fort Smith, Arkansas and graduated from the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith with a Biology degree. His interests are split between fish and plants; he loves fish and aquatic ecosystems, but also has a deep love for plants. His hobbies include swimming, playing in creeks, hiking, foraging, and reading. He says ‘Anything that gets me outside or stimulates  mind is a good time!”

Dustin Benton

Dustin Benton was born and raised in Brunswick, Georgia and is a recent graduate from the College of Coastal Georgia with a BS in Environmental Science.   His interests include ecosystem restoration, geology, environmental justice, and creating a sustainable world. He enjoys fashion, music collecting, watching movies, and going to the beach. 

LaDerrius (LD) Hannah

LD is from the small town of Centreville, Alabama. In 2022, he received a Bachlor of Science in Marine Biology from The University of West Alabama. He has recently discovered an interest in Wildlife Ecology and Restoration Ecology. If not outside, LD is spending time playing computer games with his friends. He enjoys outside activities, but finds comfort in spending free time indoors listening to music.

Jenna Jackson

 Jenna is originally from Tuscaloosa, AL and graduated with a B.S. from the University of Alabama specifically in marine science and biology. While working in the University Ichthyology Collection she developed a curiosity for freshwater fishes in addition to an interest in marine invertebrates. While her greater interests lay with aquatic sciences, she is excited to gain more experience with terrestrial ecosystems. She is an avid enjoyer of Formula 1 racing, dystopian novels and classics, video games, and French language/culture.

Jewell Johnson

Jewell is from Atlanta, GA and graduated from Valdosta State University. Her interest in ecology began in high school where she participated in the Fernbank Scientific Tools and Techniques program. There, she found her love for studying the relationship between organisms and their environments and wetland sciences. She loves reading, hiking, and volleyball. 

Jamie Sarmiento

Jamie is originally from Nashville, TN and recently graduated from The University of Alabama where she majored in biology and marine science. She is interested in working with conservation and restoration efforts for aquatic systems and organisms. Outside of work, she loves watching movies, listening to music, and spending time outdoors!

Khalil Williams

Khalil graduated from Alabama A&M with a degree in Environmental Science and a concentration in Environmental Management Systems. He is deeply interested in the ecological interactions between our natural environment and anthropogenic factors like urbanization, waste management, and land-use. He spends most of my free time writing spoken-word, drawing, and playing videogames.