Duncan Hughes
Parker-Nellis Building

Experience/Background

I am currently working for the Soque River Watershed Partnership (of which North Georgia Technical College is a member) to conduct a four year comprehensive assessment of the physical, chemical, and biological health of streams in our watershed. Data collected include traditional water quality parameters (pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature), suspended sediment concentration, E. Coli bacterial counts, physical habitat characterization and biological information on benthic macroinvertebrates (insects, crayfish, snails and clams) and fish. This research is funded by the Environmental Protection Agency and Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Division via Clean Water Act Section 319 (non-point source pollution). Data from this assessment will be used by localities and citizens to implement a watershed protection plan to maintain areas of high water quality and improve and restore degraded or threatened areas.

Education

Education: B.S. Environmental Health Science, 1996, University of Georgia
M.S. Environmental Science, 2006, Columbus State University

Courses taught: Survey of Environmental Law, Introduction to Environmental Ethics, Hydrology, Introduction to Geographic Information Systems, Quantitative Field Sampling and Analysis (team), Forest, Stream, and Wetland Ecology (team)

Interests: Stream ecology and water resources management

Kevin Peyton
Environmental Technology Instructor – Natural Resource Management

Experience/Background

I have been on the faculty here since 2004. Prior to this I worked at Tall Timbers Research Station in Tallahassee, Florida as a game-bird research technician. My work there focused on the management and ecology of Bobwhite quail. Previous to that I worked at International Paper Company in Bainbridge, Georgia. My work there focused on the conservation of the endangered Red-Cockaded woodpecker. My primary interest is in game species management and a lot of what I teach focuses on that aspect of natural resources. We work closely with Georgia Department of Natural Resource personnel on various collaborative projects. Two of the most prominent is our association with Smithgall Woods Conservation Area located in nearby Helen, Georgia and the Lake Burton Trout Hatchery at nearby Lake Burton We use Smithgall Woods as an outdoor classroom for our program and we assist with management activities there. Our fisheries students gain valuable experience working with the Lake Burton Hatchery.

Education

BSFR – 1999 University of Georgia, Warnell School of Forest Resources