Archives: Staff Members

Outhwaite, Alyssa

Dr. Alyssa Outhwaite

Visiting Assistant Professor

Education
Ph.D. in Marine Biology, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
M.S. in Biology, University of Dayton
B.S. in Ecology, Augusta University

Teaching and Research Interests / Recent Publications or Scholarly Output
Teaching Interests: Ecology, Marine Biology/Ecology, Principles of Biology, Conservation & Restoration

Research Interests: Oyster reef natural history and restoration, stable isotope ecology in estuarine food webs, living shorelines and coastal resilience of indigenous communities.

Research Publications: Outhwaite A, Lebreton B, Palmer T, Beseres Pollack J (2024). Habitat provision differs across subtidal reefs varying in location within the estuarine landscape. Estuaries and Coasts.

Sparks, Brianna

Brianna Sparks

Part-time Instructor of Biology

Education
M.S. in Comparative Biomedical Sciences, University of Georgia
B.S. in Biological Sciences (Concentration: Biomedical Sciences), College of Coastal Georgia

Teaching and Research Interests / Recent Publications or Scholarly Output
I currently teach general biology while exploring other topics to teach as well. My research experience is in microbiology, but I have interest in topics such as infectious diseases and zoonotic diseases as well.

Dugan, Amy

Amy Dugan

Part-time Instructor of Environmental Science

Education
M.S. in Environmental Geoscience, Mississippi State University
B.S. in Elementary Education, St. Pete College

Teaching and Research Interests / Recent Publications or Scholarly Output
I am committed to understanding and teaching the connections between Earth systems and human activity, with a particular emphasis on oceanography, climate processes, environmental sustainability, and noise pollution. My work focuses on interdisciplinary learning and mentoring students to think critically about marine and environmental challenges and their broader impact on the planet.

Loewen, Taylor

Taylor Loewen

Part-time Instructor, Health Sciences

Education
B.S. in Kinesiology, Campbell University
M.S. in Kinesiology, Georgia Southern University

Teaching and Research Interests / Recent Publications or Scholarly Output
My teaching and research interests revolve around blending program design, exercise science, and biomechanics to benefit both athletic, non-athletic, pregnant, and postpartum populations.

Mackinnon, Janet

Janet Mackinnon

Part-time Instructor

Education
M.S. Biology, Georgia Southern University
B.S. Biology, Meredith College

Teaching and Research Interests / Recent Publications or Scholarly Output
As a part-time instructor, I currently teach Coastal Zone Management and Plants and Society. Previously, I have taught Sustainability, Aquatic Ecology, Marine Biology, and Introduction to Biology. Topics for the above courses include coastal policy, the diversity and ecology of plants, animals, and microorganisms that live in aquatic systems, an introduction to the marine environment, survey of the general marine habitats and organisms that occupy those habitats, early Earth and diversity of life, the functional anatomy and physiology of representative species, ecology, and conservation biology.

My full-time position is Manager of the Georgia Coastal Management Program with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Coastal Resources Division. These positions intersect by providing internship opportunities for students at CCGA while providing leadership, connecting them with opportunities, and mentoring them through graduation and beyond.

Loewen, Brandon

Brandon Loewen

Part-time Instructor, Health Sciences

Education
M.S. in Exercise Science, Georgia Southern University
B.S. in Exercise Science, Georgia Southern University

Teaching and Research Interests / Recent Publications or Scholarly Output
My teaching interests include integrating exercise science and health education into improving health and performance. My research interests revolve around how to apply strength and conditioning, human psychology, and health coaching to improve health and performance in both athletic and non-athletic populations.

Koshuta, John

John Koshuta

Part-time Instructor, Health Sciences

Education
Ph.D. in Health & Human Performance, Concordia University-Chicago
M.A. in Health Sciences, University of Alabama
B.S. in Exercise Science & Health Promotion, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
B.A. in Journalism, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

Teaching and Research Interests / Recent Publications or Scholarly Output
My teaching interests include sports nutrition, sports psychology, and strength and conditioning.