CLASSNOTES
Reducing tick borne disease
Journalism and Mass Communication
In the spring, summer and early fall months, lone star ticks, the most common type of tick in Georgia, spike in activity and may transmit pathogens that could cause disease in humans. According to research conducted by Elizabeth Gleim (PhD ’13), tick populations can be managed through a technique called prescribed burning. Gleim, co-author of the PLOS One article published last fall, performed the research over several SPECIAL Elizabeth Gleim (PhD ’13) stands in front of years. During that time, she visited a prescribed burning site used to reduce tick 21 plots in Georgia and Florida to populations. collect tick samples monthly. Most of those plots had been subjected to long-term prescribed burning, a way to manage and control the growth of plant and animal species on a specific area of land. She found that prescribed burning over a long period of time effectively reduced tick populations and changed the landscape of the burned areas. “At the end of the day, prescribed fire on a long-term basis decimated tick populations,” says Gleim, now a visiting assistant professor at Emory University’s Oxford College. “It’s exciting because by reducing tick populations, the technique indicated that it was reducing risk of tick-borne disease in humans while also enhancing ecosystem health.” Lone star ticks are known for transmitting a number of human pathogens that can cause disease. They include southern tick associated rash illness, known as STARI, and ehrlichiosis. Although ticks are present in Georgia and Florida year-round, they are a greater danger in the spring, summer and early fall when they are active.
Forestry and Natural Resources
Bill Mahan (MS ’73) of Smithland, Ky., has been retired from his job as a regional wildlife biologist at the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources for more than 10 years and now co-owns a farm on the lower Ohio River, which he manages for waterfowl. Ed Lebetkin (MS ’74) of Chapel Hill, N.C., retired from his job at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences in 2008 and now owns an antique woodworking hand tools store in Pittsboro, N.C. Gaylon Cook (MS ’75, PhD ’77) of Blackshear is a professor of biology at South Georgia State College. He has taught at several intitutions over the years, including Utah State University, Plymouth State College, Merrimack College and Utah Valley State College. Peter Cumbie (PhD ’75) of York, S.C., retired from his job as a part-time biology profes-
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sor at Winthrop University in 2011. Neal Eichholz (MS ’75) of Crawfordville, Fla., retired from the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission in 2004. Kent Kammermeyer (MS ’75) of Clermont is now a wildlife consultant with more than 55 clients in the Southeast. Previously he worked at the Georgia Department of Natural Resources for 30 years. Terry Kile (MS ’75) of Leesburg retired from his job as a biologist for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources in 2003 and now maintains a small farm. Hilburn Hillestad (PhD ’84) of Marietta is retired after working as an environmental consultant for both Law Engineering and Environmental Services Inc. and Jacoby Development Inc. Ben Carswell (MS ’12) of Jekyll Island was named on Georgia Trend’s 2014 “40 Under 40” list for his work as director of conservation at the Jekyll Island Authority.
GEORGIA MAGAZINE • www.ugamagazine.uga.edu
Scott Williamson (MMC ’92) of Alpharetta is now vice president for public affairs and communication at the CocaCola Co., where he has worked for 22 years. He also serves on the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication board of trust. Willliamson was named to the Grady College’s Fellowship class of 2015. Danielle Underferth (MMC ’97) of Spring, Texas, is now the communications manager for the city of Beaumont, Texas, a role in which she oversees communications such as the city website, video, media relations, public service announcements and newsletters. Davia Mosley (MA ’06) of Powder Springs is now the marketing manager for the College of Continuing and Professional Education at Kennesaw State University. Previously she worked as copy desk chief at The Marietta Daily Journal and as lifestyle editor at the Cherokee Tribune newspaper.
Law
Charlie Hunnicutt (JD ’75) of Athens received the Distinguished Service Scroll Award from the School of Law in March for his work as senior counsel at the law firm Thompson Hine in Washington, D.C. Joey Loudermilk (JD ’78) of Ellerslie received the Distinguished Service Scroll Award from the School of Law in March for his work as a judge with the Juvenile Court of Georgia’s Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit. Daisy Hurst Floyd (JD ’80) of Macon was appointed dean of the Walter F. George School of Law at Mercer University. She served as Mercer’s law school dean from 2004-10 and as interim dean since February 2014. William Terry Turner (JD ’80) of Baxley was named 2015 Solicitor-General of the Year, an award that recognizes outstanding leadership and dedication in the field of prosecution. Turner was honored during the Georgia Association of Solicitors-General conference hosted by the Prosecuting Attorneys Council of Georgia in May. He is solicitor-general for Appling and Jeff Davis counties. Darren Penn (AB ’90, JD ’94) of Atlanta was named president of the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association at the organization’s annual meeting in Atlanta. Robbie Kamerschen (JD ’94) and Becca McWalters (AB ’06) of Atlanta were married April 12. Jackson Cox II (JD ’95) of