People
Mike Conner, Ph.D.
Scientist
Jordan Baron
Graduate Student
I am a Master’s student at Mississippi State University researching northern bobwhite winter resource selection and supplemental feed use. My interests include animal behavior, predator-prey relationships, and population dynamics. I got my B.S. From Bemidji State University in Minnesota. Before researching quail, I volunteered on Greater Prairie chicken and duck banding projects. In addition, I also worked on the Jones Center’s wild pig and meso-mammal projects.
My advisors are Dr. McConnell through MSU and Dr. Conner at the Jones Center. In my free time, I enjoy hunting, fishing, and long brisk walks through the wonderful second-growth longleaf pine forests we have here. Oh and maybe struggling to identify birds.
Lexie Dingerson
Graduate Student
Lexie graduated with a B.S. in Zoology from Southern Illinois University. She is a master’s student at the University of Georgia researching mesopredator camera trapping methods. Lexie’s interests include animal behavior, mammal ecology, and predator-prey relationships. In her free time, she likes to crochet, read, and cuddle with her cats.
Lauren Stevens
Research Technician
Lauren is an Auburn University graduate with a B.S. in Wildlife Ecology and Management. She is passionate about understanding the dynamics of both large and small mammal populations, with a focus on conservation research and public outreach. With her time at The Jones Center, Lauren plans to continue gaining experience and knowledge that will support her next career goal of pursuing a master’s degree. Outside of research, Lauren enjoys spending time in nature, whether it’s fishing, biking, or exploring the outdoors. She is also an avid thrift store enthusiast, always on the lookout for hidden gems in the local area.
Ally Horn
Research Technician
Ally graduated from Florida State University with a B.S. in Biology. Her broad interests are restoration, wildlife ecology, and herpetology, and she is still figuring out her main interests before continuing her education at graduate school. Outside of field work, she is very passionate about DIY and will try every kind of art once (next up is glass blowing).
Alex Cassu
Research Technician
Alex Cassu is a University of Delaware graduate with a B.S. in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation. She has interests in mammalogy, community-based conservation, wildlife management and ecological stewardship. She is enjoying learning from different seasonal field gigs before pursuing a master’s degree. If she’s not out in the field doing research, you will find her hiking the 46 high peaks of the ADKs, thrifting, on a run, or traveling.
Jesse Plunk
Research Technician
Jesse Plunk is a Southern Illinois University Carbondale graduate, earning a B.S. in Zoology. His wildlife passions include carnivore research, predator-prey interactions, and wildlife conservation through community and anti-poaching efforts. With his time at the Jones Centre Jesse plans to continue gaining experience to aid in his pursuit of a permanent carnivore research position. When not on the clock, he can be found hiking, kayaking, swimming, sketching animals, or playing video/board games with friends.
LaDerrius Hannah
RAMP Fellow
LaDerrius Hannah is from the small town of Centreville, Alabama. In 2022, he got his Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology from The University of West Alabama. Recently LaDerrius has discovered an interest in Wildlife Ecology and Restoration Ecology. If he’s not outside, he spends some time playing computer games with friends and listening to music.
Khalil Williams
RAMP Fellow
Born and raised in the Bay Area, Khalil Williams graduated in 2024 with a B.S. in Environmental Science, and a concentration in Environmental Management Systems, from Alabama A&M University in Huntsville, Alabama. His interests include freshwater stream ecology and response to human and natural factors, insect pinning, identification, alongside wildlife conservation and ecology. Other than pinning beetles or combing through endless amounts of deer images in the lab, he enjoys writing and performing spoken word poetry, digital media editing, and playing videogames.
Stephen W. Golladay, Ph.D.
Scientist
Dr. Golladay’s interests include the ecology of streams and wetlands, the impact of human land use on water quality and aquatic invertebrates, and the impact of variation in hydrology on ecological processes and aquatic communities Recently, he has developed an interest in the ecology and conservation of rare and endangered freshwater mussel species.
Dr. Golladay has served as a technical advisor to the Sand County Foundation, Georgia EPD, DNR and Water Management districts in Florida. He has developed training activities for resource professionals in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Dr. Golladay also has assisted in the development of programs to enhance the
natural resource awareness of regional educators in cooperation with regional Georgia Youth Science and Technology.
Stephen W. Golladay, Ph.D.
Scientist
Dr. Golladay’s interests include the ecology of streams and wetlands, the impact of human land use on water quality and aquatic invertebrates, and the impact of variation in hydrology on ecological processes and aquatic communities Recently, he has developed an interest in the ecology and conservation of rare and endangered freshwater mussel species.
Dr. Golladay has served as a technical advisor to the Sand County Foundation, Georgia EPD, DNR and Water Management districts in Florida. He has developed training activities for resource professionals in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Dr. Golladay also has assisted in the development of programs to enhance the
natural resource awareness of regional educators in cooperation with regional Georgia Youth Science and Technology.
