Meet the Team
Sydney Silver - Water Lab Technician
Sydney Silver is a senior Biology major at the University of North Georgia and is a lab tech in the water lab. As part of the water lab, Sydney runs tests in the field and the lab on eleven different sites in the Chattahoochee River Basin. Sydney joined the lab to combine her love of science and nature, to learn about water management, and because she grew up swimming in Lake Lanier and kayaking down the Chattahoochee River. Outside of school Sydney enjoys hiking, rock climbing, and enjoying time in the outdoors.
Nick Stoltz - Beetle Lab Manager
Nick Stoltz is a Biology major with a Chemistry minor at the University of North Georgia. As one of the managers for the predatory beetle lab, Nick cares for the beetles, keeps the lab in good shape, as well conducts independent research. As a veteran technician of the beetle lab, Nick enjoys the experience of the fusion between field and lab work as well as the team building with fellow technicians. Fun Fact: The ironclad beetle can withstand pressures up to 39,000 times its body weight with its hard shell!
Garrett Aaron- Ecological Protection Lab Technician
Garrett Aaron is a senior biology major. He works as a lab technician at the beetle lab. He enjoys his role here because he watched many of the eastern hemlock trees in his hometown hiking trails die as he went through high school, and he wants to make a change for future generations. He spent his summer as a raft guide on the Royal Gorge section of the Arkansas River. His favorite thing to tell his customers on the river is "Don't forget, safety comes third, right after looking cool and having fun." Kidding of course.
Cici Nave - Water Lab Manager
Cici Nave is a senior biology major. She started working as a lab tech in the water lab fall of 2021 and was promoted to lab manager spring of 2022. She is also a tech in the beetle lab. As manager, she coordinates sampling trips, trains new techs, goes into the field, and performs lab tests. Her favorite part of the job is field work. Working in the water lab has allowed her to understand how water connects to all parts of sustainability. Cici enjoys reading, thrifting, and hiking. She wants to work in forestry after graduation.