TENNESSEE AQUARIUM - Key Persons
Areas of Expertise: Freshwater non-game fishes
Adam started his career in freshwater conservation at Auburn University, where his research focused on threatened and endangered non-game fish species. Adam has worked in the field of conservation and aquatic ecology for the last 15 years. Before working at the TNACI, he worked in both federal and non-profit sectors of the environmental sciences focusing on stream and wetland conservation. Adam advances TNACI's conservation science mission by managing the Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute and supporting staff with field and lab work. He also works with state, federal and other non-profit partners to help focus conservation efforts in key areas of the Southeast to preserve biodiversity.
Favorite Fish: The Smallmouth Bass
Job Titles:
- Aquarium Vice President of Conservation Science and Education
- Vice President of Conservation Science and Education
Areas of Expertise: Ichthyology, Conservation Genetics
Dr. Anna George, Vice President of Conservation Science and Education at the Tennessee Aquarium, was lucky to discover her love for water early in life, on a 7th grade field trip to the Dauphin Island Sea Lab in Alabama. From that point on, her goal was to get underwater to hang out with fish as often as possible. During her undergraduate and graduate coursework in biology, she worked in both freshwater and marine systems to study the conservation, ecology, and evolution of fishes. Since joining the Aquarium in 2006, she has led research and education initiatives in biodiversity studies, species reintroduction, and habitat restoration to help conserve the incredible animals that live in the rivers and streams of the southeastern United States. Her enthusiasm for teaching everyone - scientists and non-scientists alike - about these river animals reflects her passion for protecting our own backyard. Anna has taught at Franklin & Marshall College, Mountain Lake Biological Station, the University of the South, and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. She has served on the Advisory Council for Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary and the Board of Directors for Crabtree Farms.
Helaina Gomez grew up in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and had the opportunity to appreciate and explore the biodiversity in the Southeast, driving her toward a career in freshwater conservation. Helaina received her Bachelor of Science in Ecology and Field Biology with a minor in General Biology at Shorter University in Rome, Georgia. During her undergrad she was a founding member of the university's chapter of the Ecological Society of America, joined the Coosa River Basin Initiative, and conducted research on freshwater mussels endemic to the area. After graduation Helaina dedicated her time to field work with Southeast Conservation Corps, working alongside the Forest Service in many National Forests of the Southeast. Helaina's mission and career goals have also been built upon valuing water and wildlife, so she was thrilled to join the Tennessee Aquarium as an Educator and connect people with nature. Now, as the Watershed Coordinator, she uses her experience and skills to empower others to make informed decisions about the ways we impact water and wildlife.
Kaylee graduated from the College of Coastal Georgia in 2022 with a Bachelor's in Biological Science and a concentration in coastal ecology. Through college she has participated in field work and surveyed many aquatic marsh species including the eastern oyster, mud-fiddler crab, and the oyster toadfish. During her undergrad she had an internship through Coastal Marine Education and Research Academy and an internship through the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. At both she worked with many different species of elasmobranchs with her favorite being spotted eagle rays, bonnethead sharks, and guitar fish. Spontaneous fishing trips with her dad cultured a passion for fish which led to a career in aquatic science. She wanted to get her feet wet in freshwater conservation after college and now works in the propagation room at TNACI helping raise endangered species to reintroduce back into their native habitat.
Fun Fact About Me: I have dog named Maui that I found on the same day I received the call for this job!