People
Nicholas S. Marzolf, Ph.D.
Assistant Scientist
Jamie Rogers, M.S.
Research Associate
Jamie Rogers, originally from Waynesville, GA, received her B.S. in Biology with a concentration in Environmental Science from Georgia Tech. As an undergrad, Jamie focused on marine ecology while completing various research experiences through the University of Georgia Marine Institute on Sapelo Island, GA. She then transitioned to freshwater ecology while working as a Seasonal Technician here at Ichauway under Dr. Steve Golladay. As a technician Jamie worked on various water quality, paleolimnology, and invertebrate projects across the lower Flint River Basin which fueled her interest in stream critters and their habitats. She continued at Ichauway as a graduate student researching the movement and early life history of riverine Shoal Bass and Largemouth Bass in the lower Flint River basin. Shortly after graduating, she joined the Aquatic Sciences Lab as a Research Associate in 2024 and is thrilled to continue exploring and investigating the aquatic habitats of southwest Georgia.
Brian Clayton
Hydrologic Monitoring Technician
Brian grew up in Iron City Georgia, a mere thirty miles from the Jones Center. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in biology from Georgia Southern University he began working at the Jones Center in 1999. Starting his career in the Aquatic Biology lab, Brian studied freshwater mussels, wetland invertebrates, and water quality in the Flint River. He then moved to the Hydrology Lab working on projects such as surface and groundwater interactions, aquifer transmissivity, and wetland hydroperiod change by hardwood encroachment. Today, Brian works on the long-term monitoring sites collecting data used by many of the Jones Center labs. Over the past 25 years he has had the opportunity to be a part of numerous research projects leading to a better understanding of water resources in southwest Georgia.
Jewell Johnson
Seasonal Technician II
Jewell Johnson, from Lithonia, GA, and received her B.A. in Biology at Valdosta State University. During her time at Valdosta, she participated in various undergraduate research projects and developed an appreciation for wetland systems. After graduating college, she is now participating in the NSF Woods2Water fellowship through the University of Alabama. In this program, she had the fortunate opportunity to join the Aquatic Sciences Lab under Dr. Marzolf. Here she has developed an appreciation for biogeochemistry in freshwater ecosystems and has had the opportunity to explore the beauty of southwest Georgia. She plans to pursue education in this field and learn as much as possible.
Dustin Benton
Seasonal Technician II
Dustin Benton, originally from Brunswick, GA, received his B.S. in Environmental Science with a concentration in Environmental Studies and a minor in Geology from the College of Coastal Georgia. Dustin took part in multiple undergraduate research projects while in college that led to him gaining an appreciation for aquatic systems. After graduation, he joined the NSF Woods2Water program through the University of Alabama. During his time in Alabama, he had the fortunate opportunity to join the Shogren Stream Science Lab under Dr. Arial Shogren, as well as be a seasonal field technician at NEON’s Domain 8. In his time at the Jones Center at Ichauway, he had the equally as fortunate opportunity to join the Aquatic Sciences Lab under Dr. Nick Marzolf. Both of these experiences have allowed him to develop an appreciation for freshwater ecosystems as well as learn as much new material as possible. Dustin plans to work seasonal technician positions until eventually going back to school for ecological research.
Scott Messick
Seasonal Technician I
Scott Messick, from Suwanee, GA, is a rising senior at the Odum School of Ecology at UGA who is working in the lab the summer of 2025. His major is Ecology with a minor in Entomology. He has eagerly jumped in to various research labs while at UGA, including work with GIS, aquatic insect taxonomy, animal behavior, and ecosystem function. He enjoys freshwater science and hopes to continue exploring aquatic biodiversity in the SE US post-undergraduate. He is excited to gain applied experience while at The Jones Center and hopes to use the summer to narrow his focus on future research pursuits!
Chloe Hall
Ph.D. Student, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chloe received her B.S. in Environmental Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. After spending a year in the Aquatic Sciences Lab as a research technician, she is excited to be continuing on in the lab as a PhD student co-advised by Dr. Nick Marzolf and Dr. Amanda DelVecchia at UNC- Chapel Hill. She is pursuing a PhD in Ecology at UNC within the Environment, Ecology, and Energy Program. Her research interests include freshwater biogeochemistry and carbon cycling in southeastern wetlands. Chloe is working to investigate greenhouse gas dynamics, with a focus on methane (CH4), in freshwater wetlands. She aims to contribute to the growing body of work regarding the ecological importance of inland waters, especially freshwater wetlands. When Chloe isn’t in the swamps with the gators, she’s probably in the creek instead.
Tayton Alvis
Ph.D. Student, University of Alabama
Originally from Hillsborough, North Carolina, Tayton attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he graduated in 2025 with a B.S. in Environmental Science and a minor in GIS. During his undergraduate career, he met many amazing scientists and gained research experience across many facets of the aquatic environment, including fish, mussels, macroinvertebrates, and biogeochemical cycling. He is passionate about aquatic biodiversity, and loves exploring the freshwater ecosystems through snorkeling and fishing. Tayton joined the Aquatic Sciences lab as a PhD student in August of 2025, co-advised by Dr. Marzolf and Dr. Atkinson at the University of Alabama. His project focuses on biotic responses to nitrogen enrichment in streams. After taking a deep dive into Georgia’s coastal plain streams, he hopes to apply his research knowledge to aid in conservation efforts throughout the American Southeast.
