Challenging a 50-year-old narrative about Hawaiʻi’s native birds, a new study from the University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz� found no scientific evidence that Indigenous People hunted waterbird species to extinction. , the research debunks this long-held myth and offers a new, integrated theory to explain the disappearances.

Researchers found no evidence that Indigenous People over-hunted birds to extinction. Instead, the authors suggest a new theory: the birds died out because of a combination of climate change, invasive species and changes in how the land was used—most of which happened either prior to Polynesian arrival, or after the suppression of Indigenous stewardship. The study also noted that now-endangered waterbirds were probably most abundant just before Europeans arrived, when wetland management was a core aspect of Kānaka ʻŌ���ɾ� (Native Hawaiian) society.

Refuting conservation theories

“So much of science is biased by the notion that humans are inevitable agents of ecocide, and we destroy nature wherever we go. This idea has shaped the dominant narrative in conservation, which automatically places the blame for extinctions on the first people—the Indigenous People—of a place. Even where there is zero scientific evidence to support it, the myth of Hawaiians hunting birds to extinctions took root in Hawaiʻi and for decades has been taught as if it was a scientific fact,” said Kawika Winter, associate professor at (HIMB) and co-author of the paper. “Our study not only dispels this myth, but also contributes to a growing body of evidence that Indigenous stewardship represents the best ways for native birds to thrive in a world where humans are not going away.”

This study re-examines existing evidence without the bias that the discipline has increasingly been criticized for—the idea that people are separate from and inherently bad for nature. The research provides a more nuanced understanding of history, paving the way for an increasingly robust approach to conservation research.

“Science has matured to a point where graduate students are being trained to challenge its own long-standing world view,” said Kristen Harmon, lead author on the paper who recently earned a PhD from the (CTAHR) Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management. “Our interpretation of historical ecology, how ecological systems change over time, influences our approaches to solving global-scale ecological problems. Bringing together information from different disciplines and knowledge systems can yield a more accurate picture of reality, which is ultimately the goal of every scientist.”

Empowering Indigenous stewardship

The study’s conclusions are expected to help transform conservation actions in Hawaiʻi, particularly for the recovery of endangered waterbird populations, such as ʻalae ʻula (Gallinula chloropus) and ʻaeʻo (Himantopus mexicanus knudseni).

“Recent studies support what Hawaiians have always known—that restoration of loʻi (wetland agro-ecosystems) is critically important to bring these waterbirds into abundance again,” said Melissa Price, an associate professor who runs the Wildlife Ecology Lab at CTAHR. “If we wish to transform our islands from the ‘Extinction Capital of the World’ into the ‘Recovery Capital of the World’ we need to restore relationships between nature and communities.”

This new understanding could help change how we protect these birds and mend long-standing disagreements in the community.

Ulalia Woodside Lee, who was not a part of this research project, offered some reflections as the Hawaiʻi and Palmyra Executive Director for The Nature Conservancy, “For generations, Native Hawaiians have been criticized for causing the extinctions of our precious native birds. This has contributed to a breakdown in trust between the Hawaiian community and conservationists, and the exclusion of Native Hawaiians from important conservation decisions. This study will help us to move past those untruths, so that we can all move together into a brighter future where our native species are thriving again.”

The earned high marks in nearly 20 academic subjects in the , with , and leading the way among the highest-ranked programs.

Oceanography ranked No. 5 in the U.S. and No. 7 in the world, atmospheric science placed No. 8 nationally and No. 11 worldwide, and hospitality and tourism management ranked No. 12 in the U.S. and No. 32 in the world.

The rankings were released by the Shanghai Ranking Consultancy and is considered one of the most comprehensive and objective assessments of university performance by discipline.

����Vlog�ٷ� Mānoa also posted strong global and national placements across science, engineering, social science and other fields. tied for No. 17 in the U.S. and ranked No. 51–75 worldwide, while ecology and each tied for No. 24 nationally and placed No. 76–100 globally.

Additional ����Vlog�ٷ� Mānoa subjects recognized in the 2025 rankings include communication, education, political science, water resources, biological sciences, civil engineering, food science and technology, environmental science and engineering, agricultural sciences, economics, management and physics.

“These rankings reflect the depth and consistency of excellence at ����Vlog�ٷ� Mānoa,” Interim Provost Vassilis L. Syrmos said. “Our faculty are advancing research that matters locally and globally, while preparing students to address some of the most pressing challenges facing our world.”

����Vlog�ٷ� Mānoa was evaluated alongside approximately 2,000 universities from more than 100 countries and regions, selected from a global pool of more than 25,000 institutions. The rankings are based on measures such as world-class faculty, world-class research output, high-quality research, research impact and international collaboration.

Other recent rankings:

• 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, October 9, 2025
• Wall Street Journal/College Pulse 2026 Best Colleges in the U.S. rankings, October 2, 2025
• U.S. News and World Report 2026 Best Colleges rankings, September 23, 2025

For more information, .

—By Marc Arakaki

A multi-year scientific expedition including the University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz� and led by researchers from the University of California, Santa Barbara and collaborating institutions, were able to find critical connections between land, rainwater and lagoon waters.

The researchers determined that land use on tropical islands can shape water quality in lagoons and that rainfall can be an important mediator for connections between land and lagoon waters. These findings provide vital information for ecosystem stewards facing global reef decline. Their findings were published in .

“The links between land and sea are dynamic and complex, so it’s a topic that has remained elusive to science,” said Mary Donovan, co-author and faculty at the in the ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� (SOEST). “It took a dream team to pierce through that complexity. We brought together a group of interdisciplinary thinkers, from students to senior investigators, across at least five major institutions to tackle this immense challenge.”

Understanding the phase shift

Scientists have long been concerned that with an increase in human-associated inputs from land to a coral reef, there is often a “phase shift”—a decline in corals accompanied by an increase in harmful algae. This ecological shift is often linked to excessive nutrients and changes in the microbial community, but the precise connection between land use and coral reef health has been poorly understood.

Through its investigation, the team found that nutrients in the lagoons off Moʻorea were highest in concentration closer to the island, lower farther offshore.

Informing stewardship efforts

“Gravity is a unifying force in ecology, and islands are always uphill from the coral reefs that surround them,” said Christian John, lead author of the study and postdoctoral scholar at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Across Pacific Island systems, the flow of nutrients from mountains to the ocean is a central focus for coastal resource management. Targeted strategies, such as reducing polluted runoff, developing buffers along rivers, or actively mitigating soil loss at development sites, can significantly dampen the adverse effects of land use on lagoon water quality.

“The ahupuaʻa, land use divisions that connect mauka to makai, are central to watershed management here in Hawaiʻi,” said Nyssa Silbiger, co-author and associate professor in the SOEST Department of Oceanography. “Understanding water quality is a fundamental challenge for everyone: it is key to assessing coral reef health and it is inseparable from human health.”

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Kapiʻolani Community College students are helping to uncover how the Manu o Kū (white tern, Gygis alba)—a small seabird with cultural and navigational significance in Hawaiʻi—thrives in the heart of the city. Guided by biology and ecology professor Wendy Kuntz, students are gaining hands-on research experience through a National Science Foundation (NSF) funded project exploring the nesting and movement of the culturally significant seabird.

“My undergraduate research on the Manu o Kū has allowed me to gain real-world experience through an ecology perspective,” said Kriss Yeow, a Kapiʻolani CC student pursuing an associate in science degree in natural resources and environmental management. “By studying the interactions between birds, plants, and humans, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of conservation and how landscape changes are linked to �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ��’s resource use and land stewardship.”

A $200,000 NSF grant for Kuntz’s project, The City Life of Manu o Kū: Nesting and Movement Ecology of White Terns in Urban Honolulu, builds on her existing campus monitoring program, which tracks nesting sites at Kapiʻolani CC.

“With more than 40 nesting sites on our campus, the Manu o Kū has become part of everyday life at Kapiʻolani,” said Kuntz. “Once locally extinct in the main Hawaiian Islands, their return to urban areas like ours is a powerful reminder of resilience. By studying their nesting biology and sharing data through community partnerships, our students contribute to a broader understanding of how people and wildlife coexist in �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ��’s urban landscapes.”

A key goal of the project is to engage Kapiʻolani CC students, particularly Native Hawaiian and underrepresented students, in hands-on ecological research conducted on campus and throughout Honolulu.

“At a time of rapid changes in federal funding priorities, Dr. Wendy Kuntz’s success in securing this National Science Foundation grant is especially meaningful,” said Chancellor Misaki Takabayashi. “Her work will inspire our students to learn from �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ��’s own ʻāina and native species, deepening both scientific understanding and a sense of kuleana (responsibility) for our islands.”

In collaboration with and , the project offers students training in field techniques and conservation science—preparing the next generation of �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ��’s environmental stewards.

University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz�’s Professor Robert Thomson has been named the next editor-in-chief of , the leading journal in the field of systematics and one of the most impactful journals in evolutionary biology globally.

Under Thomson’s leadership, Systematic Biology will continue to serve as a premier platform for groundbreaking research and collaboration in evolutionary biology. The journal publishes new methods for inference of evolutionary history, understanding drivers of biodiversity, as well as the theory and practice of describing species. These research areas align with ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz�’s position as the only Carnegie Research 1 institution centered in a global biodiversity hotspot.

The journal relies on advanced computational and statistical tools, offering students training in cutting-edge areas such as big data analysis, machine learning and modeling complex processes—skills that are increasingly relevant in emerging sectors of the economy. As editor-elect starting in January 2025, Thomson oversees new submissions to the journal and collaborates with outgoing editor-in-chief, Isabel Sanmartín. Thomson’s full term as editor-in-chief will run from January 2026 to December 2028.

“I am honored to take on this role and happy to represent ����Vlog�ٷ� in advancing the field of evolutionary biology on a global scale,” Thomson said. “Hawaiʻi’s incredible biodiversity underscores the importance of systematics, and I look forward to fostering research that deepens our understanding of life’s complexity while supporting conservation efforts here and beyond.”

More about systematic biology

Systematic biology explores biodiversity and the evolutionary ties between species. By tracing these relationships, it reveals life’s history, predicts species’ responses to change and informs conservation.

This field is vital in Hawaiʻi, a biodiversity hotspot with species found nowhere else. From honeycreepers to coral reefs, Hawaiʻi’s ecosystems showcase evolution in action. Systematic biology helps uncover species’ origins, understand ecosystem dynamics and guide conservation amid climate change and habitat loss.

More about Thomson

serves as chair of the Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology graduate program. He is a research associate in the at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and author of the book (University of California Press, 2016). He has published dozens of papers on systematics and conservation biology in journals such as Science, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Molecular Biology and Evolution and Systematic Biology. This work has been recognized with multiple awards, including the ����Vlog�ٷ� Regent’s Medal for Excellence in Research and the UC Davis Merton Love Award for outstanding dissertation in evolution and ecology.

In a series of newly published groundbreaking studies, researchers at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (HIMB) identified 10 new species of marine sponges found in Kāneʻohe Bay, shedding light on an often-overlooked but vital part of coral reef ecosystems.

Published in the journals and , these findings were discovered using an innovative technique that explores both genes and structural characteristics. Despite their status as one of Earth’s oldest lifeforms, marine sponges remain vastly understudied. These newly identified species contribute to a broadening understanding of sponge biodiversity within the Hawaiian archipelago and throughout Oceania.

The HIMB research team, working out of the , used autonomous reef monitoring structures (ARMS)—specialized devices that mimic the reef’s natural environment—to collect sponge specimens without disturbing the fragile ecosystem.

“We used ARMS to collect sponges from within the reef,” said Rachel Nunley, a Scientists in Parks (SIP) intern at Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park and lead author of the PeerJ study that identified six new species. “After sponge collection, we used DNA analysis to narrow down what species we were looking at. We found that these species in Kāneʻohe Bay were new to science and have not been documented anywhere else in the world.”

Kāneʻohe Bay, where HIMB is located, is abundant with small, isolated “patch reefs,” which are teeming with undescribed sponge species as well as non-native species introduced from the Caribbean and the Western Indo-Pacific.

Challenges of studying sponges

Unlike other marine life, sponges present unique research challenges due to their small size, fragility and dynamic nature.

“Sponges are found within the ‘nooks and crannies’ of the reef, making them difficult to collect without destroying the reef,” said Jan Vicente, a postdoctoral researcher at ToBo Lab and lead author of the Zootaxa study that identified four additional sponge species.

“Sponges are widely underappreciated, even though they play an essential role in cycling nutrients that help maintain coral reef biodiversity in remote island archipelagos where nutrients in coral reefs are scarce,” said Vicente.

Merging science with ʻike Hawaiʻi (ancestral knowledge)

To honor the cultural significance of their discovery, researchers named the new species based on traditional moʻolelo (stories) or ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language) that reflect the species’ characteristics.

“They were found in Kāneʻohe Bay off the island of Moku o Loʻe, and their names come from Native Hawaiian stories,” explained Robert Toonen, principal investigator of the ToBo lab and co-author on both studies. “�ĘL��ʻ��,’ for example, was the sister of three brothers who kept honesty within the family.”

Future of reef research

The research team has sampled more than 1,000 specimens from the coral reef cryptic fauna using ARMS in Kāneʻohe Bay, and they have also recovered ARMS from five different ecoregions across the Pacific. In time, they hope to understand the complete diversity of Oceania. HIMB researchers want to determine which species are endemic, native, and which have been introduced to the Hawaiian archipelago, and how the species are connected.

Funding for this research was provided by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Ocean Acidification Program.

Shark conservation must go beyond simply protecting shark populations—it must prioritize protecting the ecological roles of sharks, according to new research at the University of Hawaiʻi.

The largest sharks of many of the biggest species, such as tiger sharks and great whites, play an oversized role in healthy oceans, but they are often the most affected by fishing. The big sharks help maintain balance through their eating habits. Sometimes their sheer size is enough to scare away prey that could over-consume seagrass and other plant life needed for healthy oceans.

Sharks also help shape and maintain balance from the bottom-up. That means a variety of sharks in a variety of sizes are needed, yet their many and diverse contributions are under threat from overfishing, climate change, habitat loss, energy mining, shipping activities and more. The study, led by Florida International University (FIU) with partners at ����Vlog�ٷ� ��ā�ԴDz�’s (HIMB) and others, was and sheds new light on how sharks- and their size- contribute to healthy oceans.

“New tools and technologies have enabled us to make huge strides in recent years in understanding the diverse—and critically important—roles that sharks play in the world’s ocean ecosystems,” explains Elizabeth Madin, co-author of the paper and associate professor at HIMB. “It’s clear now that protecting shark populations is a wise investment in ocean health, and one which ultimately benefits people and the planet.”

Besides helping to maintain balance within the food web, reef sharks feed in offshore waters and bring nutrients back to the reef. Others move nutrients around that are used at the base of the food chain. Sharks can also serve as food for other species and even as scratching posts for fish to remove parasites. The problem is shark abundance has plummeted by 71% for oceanic species in the past 50 years. Populations of the top five reef shark species have been depleted by 63%. As their numbers plummet, their important roles in ocean health are also lost.

“It’s time to have a conversation about everything sharks are doing to maintain ocean health so we can better prioritize conservation efforts and have the biggest impact,” said Simon Dedman, researcher at FIU and lead author of the study.

The issue of shark conservation becomes all the more critical as global temperatures increase, leading some sharks to head into new areas where they can find the temperatures they can thrive in.

“This study verifies what we’ve long suspected—sharks are critical to ocean health,” said Lee Crockett, executive director of the Shark Conservation Fund which funded the study. “This landmark study serves as confirmation that marine conservationists, philanthropists, policymakers, and the public alike need to recognize that sharks are keystone species that have a now-proven significant effect on marine environments.”

With the expansion of blue economy industries like aquaculture and tourism, people’s encounters with sharks will likely increase. Finding a balance that protects the sharks most needed for healthy oceans is hitting a critical point. “National and international policy must focus on actions that rebuild populations and restore sharksʻ functional roles,” said Mike Heithaus, study co-author and FIU marine ecologist. “That requires action to increase both spatial measures like Marine Protected Areas and fisheries management measures like catch/size limits and gear limitations. If people want healthy oceans, we need healthy shark populations.”

Sharks, a species often misunderstood and feared, play crucial roles in ocean ecosystems as top predators. In honor of Shark Awareness Day on July 14, ����Vlog�ٷ� News interviewed shark expert Carl Meyer, researcher at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa , on the importance of sharks to ocean health, common misconceptions and safety tips for being in the ocean.

What types of sharks do you study?

Our research focuses on coastal species such as tiger sharks, Galapagos sharks and scalloped hammerhead shark; bathyal or deep sea species such as bluntnose sixgill sharks, prickly sharks and Pacific Sleeper sharks; and enigmatic pelagic species such as oceanic whitetip sharks and cookiecutter sharks. We use technology to reveal the hidden lives of sharks. For example, we attach sophisticated biologging devices to sharks that track their movements and swimming behavior and give us a shark’s eye view of their lives. These devices help us to understand where sharks roam and how they use their natural habitats.

Why are sharks important to ocean ecosystems?

Sharks are very important for the health of ocean ecosystems. They are top predators that regulate the populations of other animals in the ocean and ensure that no one species becomes dominant and disrupts the marine ecosystem. Sharks are indicators of ocean health. If you have abundant sharks, then your ecosystem is healthy. If you see a decline in sharks, it indicates that there may be a problem with the marine environment.

What are common misconceptions people have about sharks?

The single biggest misconception that people have about sharks is that they’re all dangerous. And this is simply not the case. Most shark species represent little or no threat to humans simply because they consume very small prey, and even the species that we might consider to be dangerous such as tiger sharks, white sharks and bull sharks, actually bite people very infrequently. So these are rare events. Although we might consider them to be dangerous, in fact, we are a lot more dangerous to sharks than sharks are to us. We need to address these misconceptions about sharks in order to have effective conservation measures that allow us to coexist successfully with these really ecologically important predators.

Are sharks mistaking people for prey?

So when sharks bite humans, it’s likely because people in the water have size and movement characteristics that make sharks view them as potential prey.

The mistaken identity hypothesis is a popular misconception that stems from viewing shark behavior through a human lens. Sharks are not mistaking humans for another type of prey. They are opportunistic predators that routinely explore objects with certain size and movement characteristics to see whether they are potential prey. So for example, when we put small video cameras on tiger sharks, we see them routinely investigating inanimate objects like floating coconuts, leaves, plastic bags, those are clearly not things that they’re going to eat, but they go and they investigate them to see if they are potential prey. So when sharks bite humans, it’s likely because people in the water have size and movement characteristics that make sharks view them as potential prey.

What are some safety tips you recommend?

Although the risk of being bitten by a shark is very low, there are some things that we can do to reduce the probability of being bitten and also to improve the outcome in the event that we encounter a shark that tries to bite us. The single biggest thing that we can do is to always do our ocean recreational activities with other people. There is more safety in numbers. It reduces the probability of you being bitten. And if you are extremely unlucky and you get bitten, then there are other people around to help you. So a lot of the time when there’s a shark bite incident, the severity of the outcome is determined by whether there’s somebody close at hand to help the person that’s injured.

Windward Community College has launched a free, limu (seaweed) culture pathway combining traditional Native Hawaiian knowledge with Western scientific methods, with classes beginning in the fall. The new prepares students for emerging algal-based career opportunities in agricultural biotechnology, pharmacognosy, agribusiness entrepreneurship and plant-based manufacturing.

“These classes are a wonderful opportunity for students and community members to learn more about the importance of limu in Hawaiʻi. For those thinking about a career in agriculture or biomanufacturing, these classes are a great place to start,” said Jolie Dollar, Limu Center coordinator and instructor. “Our partnership with the Waikalua Loko fishpond, where limu is already being grown, is a bonus for students wanting coursework that combines Hawaiian traditional knowledge, ecological sustainability and food production.”

The limu culture track, which can be completed in two to three semesters, enables students to conduct research on critical limu-related topics, enhancing their knowledge of limu ecology and production. Students can also enroll in the , and earn credits that can be used for advancement to the limu culture CA.

Thanks to grants from the (TCUP) and Carl D. Perkins Strengthening Career and Technical Education, all classes within the limu culture CA program will be tuition-free. A tuition waiver will be automatically applied once students register for the limu culture classes. Students must apply to Windward CC and receive an acceptance email before registering.

• Related ����Vlog�ٷ� News story: $3.5M grant for limu research center at Windward CC, May 2, 2023

The U.S. is experiencing a growing demand for skilled algae workers, with more than 11,500 projected jobs nationally, offering salaries exceeding $40,000 annually, according to an Algae Technology Education Consortium survey. Hawaiʻi‘s unique environment makes it a prime location for algae-related employment, with around 5,000 job opportunities in algae cultivation, harvesting and processing, and another 5,000 positions in algal biomanufacturing and fermentation.

For more details about the Limu Culture pathway, contact Dollar at (808) 236-9245 or jolied@hawaii.edu.

A groundbreaking new 30-meter reveals that trees on the Valley Isle are taller than previously thought, challenging past assumptions about the island’s forest elevation. The map developed by a University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz� professor in the has implications that extend beyond cartography that could impact future environmental resource management in all areas, including Lahaina.

Qi Chen, project lead, utilized remote sensing technology (airborne lidar) as reference data to train models based on satellite imagery, surpassing the accuracy of traditional mapping methods. Similar to how medical professionals use x-rays to assess the human body, researchers analyzed the colors and values of each pixel in satellite and lidar imagery to infer the height of trees at various locations.

“The revised height estimates for Maui’s forests have significant implications, influencing factors such as water yield, carbon sequestration and wildlife habitat suitability,” said Chen.

Justin Kellum, a graduate student in geography, played a crucial role in analyzing airborne lidar data for the project.

“I was able to work directly with Dr. Chen in reviewing and editing data for this project. It was a great experience for me to work directly with airborne lidar data for such a significant effort,” said Kellum.

Significance of forest height

Identifying the horizontal spread of forests is relatively straightforward, but determining their vertical height has been a persistent challenge. Accurate information about forest height is crucial for various reasons.

Taller trees, for example, may increase the risk of specific types of fires, and forests with diverse heights tend to support more biodiversity. Moreover, understanding variations in tree height is essential for calculating carbon sequestration rates, playing a vital role in efforts to combat global warming and address climate change.

“The revised height estimates for Maui forests will help enhance the accuracy of calculations for factors like evapotranspiration, wind speed, and carbon sequestration rates, aiding in the development of more precise ecological models and decision-making processes,” said Chen. “It will also provide critical information needed to accurately evaluate the upstream freshwater yield, a crucial consideration for town planning in watersheds like Lahaina.”

Next steps

The Maui Forest Height Map is an extension of a similar map developed for and released in 2021. The research team plans to expand their efforts, with maps of Kauaʻi and Hawaiʻi Island expected in 2024 and 2025, respectively.

The project received funding of $119,500 since 2019, with $23,500 allocated for the Maui Forest Height Map, from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) through AmericaView.

Additional resources:

The is highly ranked in a variety of subject areas, according to two of the premier comprehensive subject rankings in the world.

The placed No. 7 in the U.S. and No. 17 in the world, the ranked No. 10 in the U.S. and No. 13 in the world and the placed No. 18 in the U.S. and No. 49 in the world, according to the (GRAS) released by the Shanghai Ranking Consultancy. The oceanography and atmospheric sciences departments are out of the , and the TIM school is housed in the .

In total, 14 subjects placed in the top 1% in the world (top 250 out of more than 25,000 colleges and universities worldwide) in both the and the GRAS.

“These rankings affirm our university’s commitment to excellence across a wide range of disciplines,” ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� Provost Michael Bruno said. “Our world-class faculty are working hard to prepare our students to be the creative and innovative leaders who will transform our islands and the world.”

Global Ranking of Academic Subjects

Fourteen ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� subjects were ranked by the Shanghai Ranking Consultancy, including four in the world’s top 100 and 11 in the nation’s top 70. GRAS, released on October 27, is considered one of the most comprehensive and objective rankings of world universities by subjects.

����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� was one of more than 1,900 universities in 104 countries and regions selected for the GRAS rankings, out of more than 25,000 total colleges and universities around the world. The criteria include research output, research influence, international collaboration, research quality and international academic awards.

����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz�’s rankings:

• Atmospheric science: No. 13 worldwide, No. 10 U.S.
• Oceanography: No. 17 worldwide, No. 7 U.S.
• Hospitality and tourism management: No. 49 worldwide, No. 18 U.S.
• : No. 51–75 worldwide, No. 19–30 U.S.
• : No. 101–150 worldwide, No. 47–62 U.S.
• : No. 101–150 worldwide, No. 47–63 U.S.
• : No. 101–150 worldwide, No. 68–84 U.S.
• Ecology: No. 151–200 worldwide, No. 43–60 U.S.
• : No. 151–200 worldwide, No. 72–87 U.S.
• : No. 201–300 worldwide, No. 43–69 U.S.
• : No. 201–300 worldwide, No. 49–66 U.S.
• and : No. 201–300 worldwide, No. 53–67 U.S.
• : No. 201–300 worldwide, No. 88–114 U.S.
• : No. 401–500 worldwide, No. 56–63 U.S.

Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject

In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject, released on October 26, five out of the 10 ranked ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� subjects placed in the world’s top 1% (within top 250 in the world), while four others placed in the world’s top 2% (within top 500).

Times Higher Education considers the following factors for its rankings: teaching, research environment, research quality, international outlook, industry income and patents. Regarded as one of the leading national and international university rankings focused on research and academic excellence, Times Higher Education considered between 621–1,374 of the top institutions for each of its subject rankings, out of more than 25,000 institutions worldwide, to be eligible for its World University Rankings by Subject.

����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� world rankings:

• Education: No. 126–150
• : No. 126–150
• : No. 176–200
• : No. 176–200
• : No. 201–250
• and : No. 301–400
• : No. 301–400
• Clinical and health: No. 301–400
• Engineering: No. 401–500
• : No. 501–600

Other rankings

����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� also received these notable rankings:

• 2024 Times Higher Education World University Rankings: ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� placed No. 57 in the U.S. and in the No. 201–250 tier worldwide, September 27, 2023
• 2024 QS World University Rankings: ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� placed No. 66 in the U.S. and No. 386 in the world, June 27, 2023
• Global 2000 list by the Center for World University Rankings: ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� came in at No. 137 in the U.S. and No. 505 in the world, May 15, 2023
• 2023–24 U.S. News and World Report’s Best Graduate Schools rankings, April 24, 2023

For more information, visit the .

—By Marc Arakaki

New species of flammable invasive grasses have been discovered and identified across most Hawaiian islands by a University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz� PhD student.

Kevin Faccenda discovered 34 invasive and/or weedy species never before reported in Hawaiʻi during more than 50 days of fieldwork conducted across Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Maui, Molokaʻi and Hawaiʻi Island over the past year. Six of these species have never been found outside of their native range before, making Hawaiʻi the first place worldwide to experience naturalizations by these species. Faccenda says controlling the spread of these grass species and others is critical to avoid future wildfires, like the one that devastated Lahaina on August 8.

“If we can react to new fire-promoting species of grasses and contain or eradicate them before they become widespread across the landscape, we can reduce ecosystem flammability and therefore the impacts of wildland fire across the islands,” Faccenda said. “If we don’t know the names and areas where fire-promoting species grow across the landscape, how can we manage them?”

Three invasive grass species were discovered in the Lahaina area during Faccenda’s fieldwork before the August 8 fire that destroyed the historic town. Fortunately, none of them are considered to pose high wildfire risk, and according to Faccenda, it is unlikely they added to the dry brush that helped spread the deadly wildfire which was mostly composed of two African pasture grasses, buffel and guinea grasses, which are the dominant grasses seen on dry, leeward hillsides today.

At least two of the newly reported grass species are considered highly flammable and have been discovered at multiple sites across the state. The most flammable, Faccenda said, is a grass from Africa or India, Enneapogon cenchroides, which was found in Mākaha on Oʻahu. Faccenda found this plant with the assistance of Professor Michael Ross from Kapiʻolani Community College and reported seeing more than 500 plants largely confined to infrequently mowed areas along the roadside. However, based on this behavior of growing from shallow and rocky soils, Faccenda said it is likely that this grass will spread up the ridge separating Mākaha and Mākua-Keaʻau valleys and potentially exacerbate the flammability of this already dry area.

The second highly flammable species, Bothriochloa macra, was found on Niʻihau, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Maui, Kahoʻolawe and Hawaiʻi Island from 15 meters to 1,300-meter elevation. Based on preserved samples stored at Bishop Museum, this species has been present in Hawaiʻi since 1936, but had been misidentified by Hawaiian botanists until now. Faccenda said that this Australian grass has previously only been recorded as naturalized in New Zealand, but little information could be found regarding its weed potential or ecology. In Australia, it is associated with disturbance in grassy woodlands, can handle drought and thrives on low fertility soils.

In addition to the invasive grasses, Faccenda found several agricultural weeds that are harmful to agricultural crops, natural habitats or ecosystems, and humans or livestock including one federal noxious weed, a species of African crabgrass. These species have been reported to the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture as well as to the invasive species committees on each island.

Faccenda’s research was funded in part by the Department of the Interior Pacific Islands Climate Adaptation Science Center. Faccenda is mentored by School of Life Sciences Professor Curtis Daehler.

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—By Marc Arakaki

Recently named Fulbright Scholar Lindsay Young will head to the University of the Philippines in Manila to develop a research program and teach a course on blue carbon, carbon stored in coastal marine ecosystems that can fight climate change and protect these areas from natural disasters. Young is an affiliate graduate faculty member from the University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz� ’ (CTAHR) and the executive director of , a Hawaiʻi-based conservation nonprofit organization.

Young will expand on research on the effects of such areas by compiling information on blue carbon restoration projects to create a publicly accessible online geo spatial database, ultimately allowing others to review project outcomes and identify future sites that could benefit from restoration. Her graduate level course will complement the public impact research program, combining the fundamentals of coastal ecology while integrating the concepts of blue carbon restoration and climate mitigation strategies.

“I am humbled to receive this award, particularly since my career path has been a hybrid of academic and applied work,” Young said. “I look forward to not only developing a new program, but learning from my colleagues and students in the Philippines.”

Combating climate change

Blue carbon is stored in ecosystems such as mangroves, tidal marshes and seagrasses, and can be sequestered in large quantities in both the plants and sediment below. In a publication from the , research shows that 50% of all carbon in the ocean is stored in coastal habitats, despite taking up only 2% of ocean area, indicating that these ecosystems could be an underutilized, yet critical component, to battling climate change.

Young explained that coastal ecosystems have a disproportionately high impact on storing carbon to alleviate the impacts of climate change.

“Coastal marine ecosystems have the potential to store 3-5 times the amount of carbon per acre compared to tropical forests, while also providing significant protection against the impacts of natural disasters,” said Young. “This not only serves to potentially sequester carbon and thus reduce the impacts of climate change, but also mitigate the impacts of severe storms on areas that preserve and restore these habitats.”

The global impact of place-based research

Consisting of more than 7,700 islands with thriving mangrove and seagrass ecosystems, the Philippines is an ideal location to expand the knowledge of blue carbon initiatives on a global scale. Moreover, it will provide academics and managers in the country with the knowledge and tools needed to grow this important initiative.

“As the country with the fifth-longest coastline in the world, the Philippines has the potential to contribute significantly to carbon sequestration in the coastal environment,” said Young.

Despite being in different parts of the Pacific, Young’s research in the Philippines will still be beneficial to Hawaiʻi.

“The course and skills will be highly transferable to students at the University of Hawaiʻi—particularly given that the State of Hawaiʻi faces the similar environmental threats as the Philippines as a tropical archipelago,” Young added.

The biodiversity of the world’s oceans faces many threats such as climate change, invasive species, and more. President Joe Biden’s administration selected Kawika Winter, biocultural ecologist at the University of Hawaiʻi at ��ā�ԴDz�’s (HIMB) and director of the (NERR), to serve on the (ORAP), which provides independent recommendations to the federal government on matters of ocean policy.

Winter and 17 other members were selected by a public nomination process facilitated by the and then appointed by the director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and the chair of the Council on Environmental Quality. Members of ORAP represent the views of ocean industries, state, tribal, territorial or local governments and academia. They began their appointment on August 1 and will serve for three years.

“America has a long history of inflicting injustices on Indigenous Peoples. The Biden Administration, however, represents a major shift in this history by elevating Indigenous Knowledge (IK) through its memos regarding the incorporation of IK into research, policy and decision making,” said Winter. “However, it takes more than memos to bring about institutional change. We need IK advocates in decision-making positions to bring to fruition the changes that this administration is calling for. My goal is to use my lived and professional experiences to help the Biden Administration translate Indigenous wisdom into policy.”

Winter is an assistant professor whose primary appointment is with HIMB managing the Heʻeia NERR. His other appointments at ����Vlog�ٷ� Mānoa include life sciences (botany) and natural resources and environmental management. Winter earned his bachelors, masters and doctorate degrees in botany from ����Vlog�ٷ� Mānoa.

According to Winter, the Heʻeia NERR is one of the nation’s leading models for the integration of Indigenous knowledge in research, policy and decision making. Since its designation in 2017, this NERR has become one of the best examples of how NOAA can be responsive to the needs of Indigenous Peoples through collaborative management and collaborative research. His own research is focused on understanding the ecological foundations of Indigenous resource management.

— By Emily Morden

researchers discovered five new endemic moth species during a survey of the Kamehamenui Forest Reserve on Maui in order to get a baseline biodiversity estimate prior to reforestation efforts. The survey was a collaboration between the (CTAHR) and the (DLNR).

Entomologist Dan Rubinoff of CTAHR’s , along with his grad students Camiel Doorenweerd and Kyhl Austin, discovered the moth species, all in Hyposmocoma, a remarkable genus of Hawaiian moths found nowhere else.

One of the new species was also found all the way at the peak of Haleakalā (at 3,045 meters), which they named Hyposmocoma kukilakila in tribute to the magnificent volcano. Two other species were named after Lance Da Silva of DLNR, which funded DNA results that led to the discoveries, and Kim Starr, who worked with the DLNR team that actively supported this research.

“We estimate about 50% of Hawaiʻi’s insect diversity is yet undiscovered and unnamed, and we know even less of how these species are part of the intricate and diverse Hawaiian ecosystems that are unique in the world,”said Rubinoff.

Naming undescribed species opens the door to gathering knowledge on the species, including what they eat, what eats them, their behavior and evolution, he explained. Understanding their position in the ecosystem can be used to set conservation priorities to try to prevent the extinction of the incredible diversity of insects that is unique to Hawaiʻi. Healthy ecosystems are the basis to any sustainable practice of agriculture, use of water, or any other use of natural resources.

“There is still hope for Hawaiian insects, but if we do nothing, we can expect hundreds of species going extinct in the coming decades without us ever even knowing they existed,” Rubinoff said. “The establishment of forest reserves and reforestation efforts offer hope for the preservation of Hawaiian insects.”

����Vlog�ٷ� to learn more.

A professor of geography is part of an international research team that collected plant-trait data from the island of Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain), to compare against a global data set of plant form and function. Jonathan Price is one of the co-authors of “,” which was published in in July.

“Like Hawaiʻi, the Canary Islands represent an isolated volcanic archipelago, with numerous unique endemic species,” Price noted. “The paper involves considering the functional traits of plants on the Island of Tenerife in the context of plants worldwide, and how they evolved in the islands.”

The researchers collected data on eight functional traits for about 80% of Tenerife’s native seed flora. They visited more than 500 locations on the island, from 0 to 2,700 meters above sea level, covering all ecosystems. The research team was led by Professor Holger Kreft of the University of Göttingen in Germany.

“Our study shows, for the first time and contrary to all expectations, that species groups that evolved on the Canary Islands do not contribute to the expansion of the breadth of different traits,” said Kreft, who also leads the university’s biodiversity, macroecology and biogeography research group. “This means they do not lead to more functional diversity.”

In a , the researchers said that understanding the adaptations of plants and their persistence in certain environments, such as those that are arid and isolated, is particularly relevant in the context of anthropogenic (man-made) climate and biodiversity change. Trait-based approaches are crucial to understanding how a species’ functional characteristics interact with its environment and to improving predictions about the impacts of environmental changes on plant diversity and ecosystems.

“At the beginning of our research, we assumed that island plants would show fundamental differences and would be characterized by rather limited diversity in terms of function due to their geographical isolation,” said first author Paola Barajas Barbosa, German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research. “We were all the more surprised to find that the plants of Tenerife have a comparatively high functional diversity.”

Other co-authors include: Dylan Craven, Universidad Mayor, Data Observatory Foundation; Patrick Weigel, University of Göttingen; Pierre Denelle, University of Göttingen; Rüdiger Otto, Universidad de La Laguna; Sandra Díaz, Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas and Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba; and José María Fernández-Palacios, Universidad de La Laguna.

The inaugural Ruth D. Gates Endowed Chair in Coral Reef Systems is Rob Toonen. This position was established to honor the distinguished research and outreach of the late Ruth Gates, at the (HIMB) at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (SOEST). HIMB sought a scientist with a vision for innovative, integrative and transdisciplinary research in coral reef ecology and conservation.

“This position memorializes the global impact of Dr. Ruth Gates, former director of HIMB and widely known through the wonderful documentary Chasing Coral,” said Chip Fletcher, interim dean of SOEST. “In addition to being a widely respected scientist, Ruth was an exceptional communicator known for her candor, humor, integrity and compassion and respect for the interdependence of all living things.”

Toonen joined HIMB in 2003, and has used lab and field experiments, molecular genetics and computer modeling and more in an effort to address a variety of biological questions. From coral bleaching and conservation, to assessing cues for larval settlement and population genetics of marine invertebrates, sharks and turtles, Toonen approaches research from an ecological perspective—scaling up from genes to individuals to populations.

“We are thrilled to have Rob continue his work at HIMB in this new position honoring our inimitable friend and colleague Ruth Gates,” said Megan Donahue, interim director of HIMB. “Throughout his career, Rob has been at the forefront of purpose-driven research for coral reefs, including foundational work on marine connectivity that catalyzed large, ‘Big Ocean’ marine protected areas; influential studies of coral recovery and adaptation in Kāneʻohe Bay, inspiring hope for the future of coral reefs; a vision for community-embedded research and education actualized in the Heʻeia National Estuarine Research Reserve; and, most recently, work on coral restoration and artificial reefs designed to work with nature to protect our coastlines. We also know Rob as someone who lifts others up—a caring and effective mentor for students and an open-hearted colleague.”

Hybrid reefs

Toonen’s current coral restoration endeavor is a collaborative hybrid reef project known as . This project seeks to mimic natural reefs and enhance them by developing engineered reef modules that will reduce wave energy, support coastal communities, and also provide additional habitat for the diversity of life that feeds local families and makes coral reefs attractive to visitors.

Committed to ����Vlog�ٷ� ��ā�ԴDz�’s strategic priority and institutional goal of becoming a Native Hawaiian Place of Learning, HIMB has a deep engagement with, and commitment to, its neighborhood educational and nonprofit organization partners.

“I particularly look forward to working with local communities to incorporate Indigenous management practices into the design with the goal of producing shoreline protection technology that also supports a vibrant and productive coral reef community,” said Toonen.

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–By Marcie Grabowski

The earned international recognition for academic and research excellence overall and in multiple subject areas, including a top 60 showing worldwide in meteorology, atmospheric sciences and geosciences, according to the released on October 25 by U.S. News and World Report.

����Vlog�ٷ�’s flagship campus is ranked No. 394 worldwide out of the top 2,000 universities from 95 countries, selected from more than 26,000 institutions worldwide. The rankings are based on several factors, including global and regional research reputation, publications, citations and international collaboration. ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� was also ranked No. 106 overall in the U.S, No. 117 in regional research reputation, No. 129 in international collaboration in the U.S. and No. 267 in global research reputation.

According to U.S. News and World Report, ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� is highly ranked internationally in several subject areas, including No. 40 in meteorology and atmospheric sciences, No. 60 in geosciences, No. 116 in arts and humanities, No. 119 in space science, No. 179 in plant and animal science, No. 198 in environment/ecology, and No. 250 in social sciences and public health.

Other rankings

Here are ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz�’s latest notable rankings:

• 2023 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, October 11, 2022
• U.S. News and World Report 2022–23 Best Colleges, September 11, 2022
• 2022 Academic Ranking of World Universities by the Shanghai Ranking Consultancy, August 16, 2022

For more information, visit the .

—By Marc Arakaki

The is No. 12 in the world in , No. 15 in , and No. 51–75 in the categories of , and communication ( and ), according to the (GRAS) released July 19, 12:01 p.m. Beijing time (July 18, 6:01 p.m. HST), by the Shanghai Ranking Consultancy, which is considered one of the most comprehensive and objective rankings of world universities by subjects. Thirteen ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� subjects in total were ranked, including two others that placed in the world’s top 200.

����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� was one of approximately 1,800 universities in 96 countries and regions selected for the GRAS rankings, out of more than 26,000 total colleges and universities around the world. The criteria include research output, research influence, international collaboration, research quality and international academic awards.

“These rankings represent ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz�’s commitment to academic and research excellence in a wide range of disciplines,” ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� Provost Michael Bruno said. “This is just another example of the hard work and dedication demonstrated by our world-class faculty, students and staff.”

Subject rankings

• Oceanography: No. 12 worldwide, No. 7 U.S.
• Atmospheric science: No. 15 worldwide, No. 11 U.S.
• Hospitality and tourism management: No. 51–75 worldwide, No. 19–23 U.S.
• Earth sciences: No. 51–75 worldwide, No. 22–31 U.S.
• Communication: No. 51–75 worldwide, No. 31–39 U.S.
• Ecology: No. 101–150 worldwide, No. 30–48 U.S.
• Education: No. 151–200 worldwide, No. 84–99 U.S.
• Geography: No. 201–300 worldwide, No. 49–69 U.S.
• Environmental science and engineering: No. 201–300 worldwide, No. 58–82 U.S.
• Political science: No. 201–300 worldwide, No. 90–115 U.S.
• Business administration: No. 201–300 worldwide, No. 95–123 U.S.
• Psychology: No. 301–400 worldwide, No. 117–145 U.S.
• Agricultural sciences: No. 401–500 worldwide, No. 71–78 U.S.

Academic Ranking of World Universities

In the 2021 Academic Ranking of World Universities, also by the Shanghai Ranking Consultancy released in August 2021, ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� earned a No. 90–110 ranking in the U.S. and No. 301–400 worldwide. This places ����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� in the .

Other rankings

����Vlog�ٷ� ����ԴDz� has also earned these notable rankings:

• 2023 QS World University Rankings, June 8, 2022
• 2022 Round University Rankings world university ranking, May 11, 2022
• 2022 QS World University Rankings by Subject, April 6, 2022

For more, visit the .

—By Marc Arakaki