Macon State College MVPs is a web feature that profiles notable students, alumni, faculty and staff.

Family: Two brothers, John Pickens and Chris Pickens; parents, Jim and Barbara Pickens; two nieces and two nephews - Drew, Cameron, Carter, and Abbey.

Job Title: Assistant professor of biology.

Degrees: Bachelor's degree in biology, University of Georgia; master's degree in horticulture, University of Georgia; Ph.D., in plant sciences, University of Tennessee.

Year she joined the Macon State faculty: 2004.

Some of her teaching career highlights are … "My first class teaching at Macon State, because I knew I had made the right choice in teaching and being here. The students, staff, and faculty at Macon State are some of the nicest, most fun people I know. Another highlight was the development of the four-year degree in biology at Macon State so I could teach plant biology and genetics. I've also enjoyed helping start some clubs - the MSC Skindivers and the Natural Science Network. I enjoy getting to know the students on a more personal level and spending time camping and going on other trips with the clubs. The biggest highlight of all was the honor of receiving the faculty award for Outstanding Service to the college and community. There is nothing more fulfilling than to be honored by the people around you for doing a good job at something that you really enjoy and take great pride in."

She enjoys teaching at Macon State College because … “It is just the right size school. It is small enough to where you can know all of your students well, but big enough so that we have the facilities to teach biology well and even do a little research. Also, the people here in Middle Georgia are great."

Her favorite course to teach is … "Plant biology and genetics, of course. I am a plant geek from way back, and all my students know it."

One thing people don’t know about Macon State is … "What a great school we have here and all of the degrees it offers. We have grown a lot in the six years I have been here, and I think people don’t realize what a gem they have in Macon State and what opportunities we can provide the Middle Georgia area."

One thing people don’t know about her is … "I am an avid scuba diver. I’ve been certified since college. I love to go out in the ocean and spend hours looking at the different sea life. That is why I am part of the skindiving club here at Macon State."

In her spare time she likes to … "Dive, camp, go to the beach, hike, spend time in my garden, eat good food and spend time with friends."

The one person she'd most like to meet is … "Jacques Cousteau, but doesn’t every diver say that? He has seen so many amazing things. I would love to go diving off the Calypso."

If she wasn’t a college professor she would be a ... "Greenhouse manager or a horticulturist for Epcot Center or Disney. Epcot Center and Disney have some of the most beautiful gardens in Florida. Also, they have a really cool hydroponics greenhouse."