Tanner Barwick joined the Coastal Ecology Lab in 2022 as a student intern through College of Coastal Georgia’s internship program. He continued a work relationship with the lab after the program’s completion, moving to a student assistant position throughout his final year working on a Bachelor of Science degree. After graduation, he became a part of the Coastal Ecology Lab’s Research Staff. He primarily works on the Coastal Ecology Lab’s gopher tortoise project and husbandry of the lab’s extensive animal ambassadors used in educational public outreach programing. He also participates in varying other projects at the lab such as restorative mining vegetation surveys, priority species surveys, and data analysis.

Barwick is a Georgia native who graduated in December 2023 with a Bachelor of Science degree from College of Coastal Georgia (CCGA). He comes from a family of veterinarians and vet techs, which helped solidify passion for animal care at an early age. During his time at CCGA, he gained a significant interest in furthering his education of coastal Georgia’s fascinating native wildlife and their equally intriguing habitats. He enjoys participating in game camera analysis and fieldwork that allows him to further learn of and experience the great wildlife of Georgia. He is also passionate about sharing this information with the public, especially when it helps further one’s understanding of the environment and its many inhabitants.