Science
Mrs. Gretchin Geye
Mrs. Gretchin Geye, biology professor and chair of the Division of Science, concentrates on the nursing pre-requisite courses. Mrs. Geye earned her bachelor’s degree in 1987 and master’s in biology (with a research area in microbiology) in 1991, both from Tarleton State University. She also holds a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction in physics from Texas A&M.
Mrs. Geye lives with her husband outside of Rising Star, where they raise cattle, cotton, hay, and peanuts. They have three grown children. Their son and grandson live and work on the family farm, and they enjoy all of their grandkids as often as possible.
Mr. Ed Barnes
Ed Barnes earned an AAS degree in Veterinary Technology from Lone Star College – Tomball in 1997. After spending nearly 15 years in veterinary nursing, he returned to school at Tarleton State University where he conducted research on the aquatic parasites of the Bosque and Paluxy rivers, earning a bachelor’s degree in biology in 2015. He continued his education at Tarleton State University doing graduate work on the reptile and amphibian communities of the cross timbers ecoregion, earning a master’s degree in biology in 2017.
Mr. Barnes lives in Granbury with his artist wife and gaggle of dogs, cats, fish, and birds.
Mr. James Francis
Mr. Francis obtained his undergraduate degree in 2015, conducting research on mammalian distribution throughout the state of Texas. He then continued his education by earning a master’s degree in biology, with an emphasis in zoology. While his primary research was focused on the phylogenetics and evolution of North American rodents, he also spent considerable time in the field collecting data on vertebrate populations throughout New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.
A passionate conservation biologist nature lover, Mr. Francis has spent time working with endangered wildlife for Texas Parkas and Wildlife, Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, the International Rhino Foundation, and other organizations dedicated to protecting and preserving nature and educating others and the importance of biodiversity.