Click to be added to the Email Database Phinizy SwampClick Here for Home PageCenter for Urban River ResearchCenter for Ecological Restoration

Staff Bios

Jamie Adams
Jamie is the Academy's Office Administrator. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from the University of Georgia. She was drawn to the Academy by an interest in non-profits.

Oscar Flite III, Ph.D.
Oscar P. Flite III is the Academy's Interim Research Director. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Zoology from State University of New York at Oswego, a Master’s Degree in Environmental Pollution Control from Pennsylvania State University, and a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from Clemson University. His research has focused on biogeochemical processes and bioremediation within constructed wetlands, riparian buffers, lakes, and rivers.

Aaliyah Green
Aaliyah Green, Education Specialist, received a Bachelor's Degree in Animal Sciences from Rutgers University and a Master's Degree in Ecology from the University of Georgia.  Aaliyah joins the Academy from the Sanannah River Ecology Laboratory, where she conducted research on mercury contamination in diamondback terrapins and Asian turtles.

Ruth Mead
Ruth Mead, Senior Education Specialist, has a Bachelor's Degree in Forestry from North Carolina State University. Ruth has over 14 years experience in forestry and several years of service as a community volunteer. Ruth recently received the Audubon Society Certificate of Appreciation and led the Academy's Adopt-a-Stream club to receiving a national Take Pride in America award from the U.S. Department of the Interior.

Brian Metts, M.S.
Brian Metts, Research Scientist, has a Bachelor's Degree in Biology from the University of Georgia, a Master's Degree in Forest Ecology from Clemson University, and his is pursuing his Ph.D. in Ecology at the University of Georgia. Brian joins the Academy from Savannah River Ecology Lab, where he conducted research on amphibians and reptiles.

Jason Moak
Jason Moak is the Academy's Senior Research Scientist.
He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Augusta State University. Jason has eight years of research experience on southeastern lakes and rivers, including fish, wildlife, plant, and water quality research and impact analysis.  Jason is the Secretary/Treasurer for the South Carolina chapter of the American Fisheries Society.

Dana Putnam
Dana Putnam is the Academy's Public Relations and Events Coordinator. With Bachelor's Degrees in Communication and Art from Mercer University, Dana's background includes television promotions, public relations, marketing, design, and freelance writing.

Stephen Sefick, M.S.
Stephen Sefick, Research Scientist, holds a Bachelor's Degree in Environmental and Natural Resources and a Master's Degree in Forest Resources from Clemson University. A member of Xi Sigma Pi Forestry Honor Society, Stephen was involved in the reintroduction of lake sturgeon into the Coosa River Basin (GA), macroinvertebrate community structure in Little Garvin Creek (SC), and macroinvertebrate drift and benthic sampling in King Creek (SC).

Chenille Williams
Chenille Williams, Education Specialist, received her Bachelor's Degree in Biology from Bennett College in Greensboro, North Carolina. She conducted graduate work in zoology at North Carolina State University, where she worked with telemetry studies and flying squirrels in the Great Smoky Mountains.