life science | University of Hawai驶i System News /news News from the University of Hawaii Sat, 25 Apr 2026 00:42:00 +0000 en-US hourly 1 /news/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/cropped-糖心Vlog官方News512-1-32x32.jpg life science | University of Hawai驶i System News /news 32 32 28449828 Honu emerge as reef defenders against invasive algae in Northwestern Hawaiian Islands /news/2026/04/19/honu-emerge-as-reef-defenders/ Sun, 19 Apr 2026 18:00:30 +0000 /news/?p=232477 Hawaiian green sea turtles have been documented for the first time actively grazing on Chondria tumulosa.

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An invasive algae already well-established in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands is raising concern among researchers as it threatens to spread into the main Hawaiian Islands. Scientists from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) have identified a potential ally in slowing its advance: sea turtles.

Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu) have been documented for the first time actively grazing on Chondria tumulosa, an aggressive invasive red alga that has spread rapidly across reefs among three of the northernmost atolls in Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument (PMNM).

The findings, recently published in the journal by researchers, suggest that honu may play a meaningful role in controlling this ecologically damaging species—while also potentially spreading it.

“After these exciting finds, our multi-partner effort to prevent this seaweed from taking hold in the Main Hawaiian Islands must include a plan to increase numbers of threatened, native green sea turtles, as well as ramping up efforts to identify all routes that could allow Chondria to spread to Oʻahu,” said Celia Smith, 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa‘s professor and senior author of the study.

closeup of turtle grazing on algae
糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa researchers captured the first footage of green sea turtles helping control aggressive invasive algae.

Dangers of C. tumulosa

First detected at Manawai (Pearl and Hermes Atoll) in 2016, C. tumulosa has since expanded to more than 101 square kilometers of reef habitat (nearly the size of Kahoʻolawe), including Kuaihelani (Midway Atoll) in 2021 and Hōlanikū (Kure Atoll) in 2022. The alga forms dense mats more than 6 centimeters thick that can smother live coral and displace native reef species, making it one of the most pressing threats to the monument’s reef ecosystems.

Turtles take a bite

turtle grazing on algae
Native honu are acting as reef defenders by grazing on invasive algae that threaten Papahānaumokuākea coral.

Using a stationary GoPro camera deployed on a reef at Midway Atoll in June and July 2025, the research team captured approximately 50 minutes of footage showing three honu grazing on C. tumulosa mats. One female took up to 18 bites in a 95-second burst, leaving disruptions 5–15 cm in diameter across the algal canopy—substantially larger than what urchins or fish could achieve. A complementary necropsy of a stranded adult female confirmed C. tumulosa fragments throughout her digestive tract, accounting for roughly 25% of the material in her esophagus and crop.

closeup of invasive algae
The invasive red alga Chondria tumulosa forms thick, suffocating mats that smother native coral and threaten Hawaiʻi鈥檚 reef ecosystems.

“These turtles are consuming a meaningful amount of this alga in a single foraging session,” said Tammy Summers, USFWS staff biologist and co-author of the study. “It鈥檚 exciting because it points to honu as a native megaherbivore with the potential to suppress C. tumulosa biomass—but it also raises important questions about whether fragments excreted during their migrations between atolls could accelerate the alga鈥檚 spread.”

The findings carry immediate management implications. Because 96% of Hawaiian green sea turtles nesting occurs at Lalo (French Frigate Shoals) before individuals disperse to foraging grounds across the archipelago, the authors recommend eDNA monitoring at Lalo to track potential spread of C. tumulosa beyond its known range.

The study was a collaboration between 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa‘s School of Life Sciences and USFWS Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, and was funded by USFWS Invasive Species Strike Team funds through a cooperative agreement with 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa. Smith leads the Limu Lab at 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa, where research on C. tumulosa physiology, distribution and ecology has been ongoing for several years. Other authors on the paper are Caroline Pott from USFWS and Angela Richards Donà from the School of Life Sciences.

This work was accomplished under permit numbers PMNM-2025-001, USFWS 274 Recovery Permit TE72088A-3, Recovery Sub-permit TE163899-2, NOAA Permit 21260, and 275 State of Hawaiʻi, Department of Land and Natural Resources Special Activity Permit 2026-01.

The School of Life Sciences is housed in 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa‘s .

Related 糖心Vlog官方 News stories on 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa research on C. tumulosa:

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Global rankings recognize 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa programs among world鈥檚 best /news/2026/01/21/times-subject-rankings-2026/ Wed, 21 Jan 2026 18:00:36 +0000 /news/?p=228476 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa was ranked in all 11 of the 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject lists.

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U H Manoa students sitting at a desks

Five subject areas were placed in the world鈥檚 top 1%, and an additional four earned top 2% honors in the 2026 , released on January 21.

Education led the way, ranked in the No. 101–125 tier, followed by physical sciences at No. 126–150, arts and humanities at No. 151–175, and law and life sciences each at No. 201–250. To qualify in the world鈥檚 top 1%, rankings must be within the top 250 in the world () 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa was ranked in all 11 of the 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject lists.

“We are proud that 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa continues to be recognized globally, reflecting our commitment to academic excellence, research and the student experience,” 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa Interim Provost Vassilis L. Syrmos said. “These rankings underscore the hard work and dedication of our faculty, students and staff, who make 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa a truly exceptional place.”

All 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa rankings:

  • Education studies: No. 101–125
  • Physical sciences: No. 126–150
  • Arts and humanities: No. 151–175
  • Law: No. 201–250
  • Life sciences: No. 201–250
  • Social sciences: No. 251–300
  • Medical and health: No. 301–400
  • Psychology: No. 301–400
  • Business and economics: No. 401–500
  • Computer science: No. 501–600
  • Engineering: No. 501–600

Times Higher Education considers the following factors for its rankings: teaching, research environment, research quality, industry income and international outlook. Regarded as one of the leading national and international university rankings focused on research and academic excellence, Times Higher Education considered between 425–1,555 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.

Other rankings

糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa also received these notable rankings:

For more information, .

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Surprising bacteria discovery links Hawai驶i鈥檚 groundwater to the ocean /news/2025/10/16/caulobacter-inopinatus/ Thu, 16 Oct 2025 19:22:50 +0000 /news/?p=223787 The discovery was made during a 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa undergraduate marine microbiology class.

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bacteria under a microscope
Microscopic images of the newly discovered bacterium, Caulobacter inopinatus. (A) A single cell with a tail-like flagellum used for swimming. (B, C) Cells that have attached to a surface with stalk-like extensions.

A new species of bacteria has been discovered off the coast of Oʻahu, shedding light on how unseen microbial life connects Hawaiʻi鈥檚 land and sea ecosystems.

Researchers at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa identified Caulobacter inopinatus, a previously unknown species of bacteria found in seawater collected near a beach on Oʻahu鈥檚 south shore. The finding——was unexpected because all other known species in the Caulobacter genus (a scientific group that includes closely related species) are from freshwater or soil environments, not the ocean.

buildings and ocean

The discovery, made during a 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa undergraduate marine microbiology class, began as a routine demonstration on how to grow bacteria from seawater samples. When one colony growing on a Petri dish looked different from all the other colonies, further testing confirmed it was something entirely new.

From land to sea

Scientists found that C. inopinatus cannot survive in salt concentrations typical of seawater, despite being isolated from it. This paradox led researchers to investigate how it ended up in the ocean. They determined it was likely transported from land by submarine groundwater discharge—the natural movement of fresh groundwater through the seabed into the sea. These discharges are known to carry nutrients and pollutants into nearshore waters; in this case, they may also move land-based microorganisms. Microbial exchanges are important because bacteria play critical roles in nutrient cycling, water quality and coastal ecosystem health.

water from a stream

“Understanding how microbes move between land and sea helps scientists track the flow of nutrients and contaminants that can affect coastal water quality, fisheries and coral reef health—issues that directly impact Hawaiʻi鈥檚 communities and economy,” said study co-author and 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa Professor Stuart Donachie. “Discoveries like C. inopinatus help us better trace how land-based activities and natural processes influence marine environments at a microscopic level.”

The species name, inopinatus, comes from the Latin word for “unexpected,” reflecting both the chance nature of its discovery and its surprising characteristics.

Collaborative work

The research was part of ongoing microbial diversity studies led by Donachie. Undergraduate researchers Austin Dubord and Mia Sadones contributed to the project through 糖心Vlog官方 惭ā苍辞补鈥檚 , which supports student-led research and creative work. Collaborators included 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa faculty Michael Norris and Jennifer Saito, graduate students Chiyoko Onouye and Thi Hai Au La, and University of Mississippi Assistant Professor and 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa PhD graduate Rebecca Prescott.

The study is dedicated to the late 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa Earth Sciences Professor Craig Glenn (1954–2024), whose pioneering research on submarine groundwater discharge in Hawaiʻi helped illuminate how freshwater and seawater interact along island coastlines, and to former 糖心Vlog官方 undergraduate student Justin Bukunt (1983–2011), whose early research on groundwater discharge at Kawaikui Beach Park informed this discovery. Their contributions continue to inspire new generations of scientists exploring Hawaiʻi鈥檚 unique coastal environments.

The School of Life Sciences is housed in 糖心Vlog官方 惭ā苍辞补鈥檚 .

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鈥楽ips for Seedlings鈥 brews support for Hawai驶i鈥檚 endangered plants /news/2025/10/14/sips-for-seedlings/ Tue, 14 Oct 2025 21:30:33 +0000 /news/?p=223641 Lyon Arboretum staff shared educational materials, photographs and displays highlighting the islands鈥 threatened flora.

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people sitting on a table draped with plants

The University of Hawaiʻi at 惭ā苍辞补鈥檚 and the (PEPP) in 糖心Vlog官方 惭ā苍辞补鈥檚 joined forces with Honolulu Beerworks to host “Sips for Seedlings,” an outreach and fundraising event on October 11, at Honolulu Beerworks鈥 new Kalihi taproom.

person standing and smiling next to a display
(Photo credit: Honolulu Beerworks)

The event, which drew more than 200 people, spotlighted efforts to protect Hawaiʻi鈥檚 most endangered native plants, while inviting the community to learn more through hands-on engagement and collaboration.

Attendees enjoyed the re-release of Hāhā-Loha, a limited-edition grape sour ale inspired by the conservation of rare Hawaiian plants. The beer was originally created through a partnership among the three organizations to spark public interest in native plant protection. A portion of proceeds from beer sales, as well as contributions from Shaka Mobile Bar and Local Boiz Mixed Tea, supported ongoing conservation and education work at Lyon Arboretum and PEPP.

Throughout the day, Lyon Arboretum staff shared educational materials, photographs and displays highlighting the islands鈥 threatened flora. 糖心Vlog官方ors also had the opportunity to purchase plants grown by the arboretum and participate in keiki-friendly activities designed to foster awareness of native ecosystems.

person talking about plants
(Photo credit: Honolulu Beerworks)

“Our goal is to make conservation approachable and engaging for everyone,” said Lyon Arboretum Education Manager Raedelle Van Fossen. “Events like ‘Sips for Seedlings’ remind our community that protecting Hawaiʻi鈥檚 native plants isn鈥檛 just about science—it鈥檚 about connection, culture and ensuring these species have a future in our islands.”

The Hāhā-Loha label featured artwork by 糖心Vlog官方 Hilo alumna and former Lyon Arboretum summer intern Saxony Charlot, whose work celebrates Hawaiʻi鈥檚 biodiversity and the people dedicated to preserving it.

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Introduced animals change how island plants spread, new global study finds /news/2025/10/08/introduced-animals-island-plants-spread/ Wed, 08 Oct 2025 19:57:02 +0000 /news/?p=223305 The study analyzed data from 120 islands across 22 archipelagos.

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two photos of a plant species
Newly opened fruits of hōʻawa (Pittosporum flocculosum) are exposing their seeds to birds (left), but older fruits and seeds have withered on the plant without being consumed (right) because the seed-dispersing birds are extinct.

On islands, many plants rely on animals such as birds, bats and reptiles to disperse their seeds and help them grow in new places. When native animals go extinct, this naturally reduces seed dispersal. However, a new global study, , has discovered that the impact of introduced, invasive animal species on how plant seeds are dispersed across island ecosystems is even greater than the impact of native animal extinctions.

The study analyzed data from 120 islands across 22 archipelagos, examining how extant native, extinct native, and introduced vertebrate frugivores—animals that eat fruit and disperse seeds—affect plant reproduction. The findings of how significantly invasives are altering seed dispersal across islands highlight the severity of the new challenges for plant reproduction and ecosystem health. The study is co-authored by Donald Drake, professor in the 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa in the and interim director of .

two berries on a tree
The large seeds of Hawaiian lama trees (Diospyros sandwicensis) are no longer dispersed because native birds large enough to eat the fruits (top fruit) are extinct. Instead, introduced rats often eat and destroy the seeds (bottom fruit).

“Understanding how introduced species reshape ecological interactions is crucial for planning effective conservation strategies,” Drake said. “In Hawaiʻi, where native ecosystems are particularly vulnerable, these findings underscore the need for proactive management to preserve our unique biodiversity.”

The study reported that non-native mammals, especially omnivorous mammals, such as pigs and rats, have often replaced native frugivorous birds, bats and tortoises. These replacements frequently have different physical traits, such as smaller or larger gape sizes (the width of an animal鈥檚 mouth or bill), which affects the size of seeds they can carry. And they sometimes destroy seeds rather than dispersing them intact. As a result, some native plants may no longer be effectively dispersed, threatening their regeneration and long-term survival.

Researchers also found that species introductions typically outnumbered extinctions both in terms of species numbers (faunas average 44% introduced species versus 23% extinct) and in the number of islands impacted (92% versus 76%). This suggests that human activities, including accidental and deliberate introductions of animals, are adding to extinctions in driving widespread changes to island ecosystems.

Hawaiʻi鈥檚 forests in danger

In Hawaiʻi, native forests originally relied entirely on native birds to spread seeds of plants such as lama, hōʻawa and olopua. When introduced animals replace these natural dispersers, the regeneration of native forests can slow or stall, affecting not only biodiversity but also watershed health and cultural practices tied to native plants. The research underscores the importance of managing invasive species and protecting remaining native frugivores to maintain the islands鈥 unique ecosystems.

“Many studies focus on individual species or single islands, but this research shows that introductions can fundamentally alter ecological interactions on a global scale,” Drake said. “For Hawaiʻi, these insights are vital: we need to control introduced animals, protect the remaining native frugivores and restore disrupted seed-dispersal networks to safeguard our forests and native plants.”

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糖心Vlog官方 President鈥檚 Award honors Excellence in Building and Grounds Maintenance /news/2025/09/18/uh-presidents-award-honors-hartison/ Thu, 18 Sep 2025 23:18:33 +0000 /news/?p=222313 Ivan Hartison received the award for his dedicated service at the Isabell Aiona Abbott Life Sciences Building.

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Gabe Lee, Ivan Hartison and Wendy Hensel
Board of Regents Chair Gabe Lee, Ivan Hartison and 糖心Vlog官方 President Wendy Hensel

The University of Hawaiʻi named Ivan Hartison as the 2025 recipient of the President鈥檚 Award for Excellence in Building and Grounds Maintenance.

Hartison was honored for his vital work at the Isabella Aiona Abbott Life Sciences Building at 糖心Vlog官方 M膩noa. He plays an important role in high-level research spaces, including BSL-2 labs and endangered species insectaries, where he helps ensure safety, sanitation and the protection of Hawaiʻi鈥檚 natural resources.

Beyond his daily duties, Hartison is known for going above and beyond, whether helping students recover endangered Hawaiian flies, lending a hand with heavy lifting or stepping in to support colleagues.

Through his commitment to his job at 糖心Vlog官方 M膩noa, Hartison earned the respect from both peers and students, embodying the spirit of teamwork and service at the University of Hawaiʻi.

Established in 1986, the President鈥檚 Award for Excellence in Building and Grounds Maintenance recognizes a 糖心Vlog官方 system employee who exemplifies dedication and excellence in supporting campus facilities.

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Chewbacca coral: New deep-sea species spotted in waters off Hawai鈥榠, Mariana Trench /news/2025/09/16/chewbacca-coral-new-deep-sea-species/ Tue, 16 Sep 2025 17:30:31 +0000 /news/?p=221996 糖心Vlog官方 researchers helped identify a newly discovered deep-sea coral species, nicknamed “Chewbacca” for its hairy branches.

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fluffy looking coral
Iridogorgia chewbacca

A new deep-sea coral species in the tropical western Pacific that resembles a highly recognizable character from Star Wars has been discovered and named by a team of researchers including an expert from the University of Hawaiʻi.

The coral, named Iridogorgia chewbacca, is known for its long, flexible branches and shiny surface. The species earned its nickname because the coral鈥檚 “hairy” looking branches and upright, lone-standing appearance reminded researchers of Chewbacca, the furry character from the Star Wars films.

closeup of fluffy coral
Closeup of Iridogorgia chewbacca showing the branches with the polyps out in a feeding position

The species belongs to the genus Iridogorgia, a group of deep-sea corals with long, spiraling structures. The new coral was first seen in waters off Molokaʻi in 2006 and later near the Mariana Trench in 2016. The Molokaʻi specimen measured about 4 feet tall, while the Mariana Trench sample was about 20 inches. The branches are flexible and can grow up to 15 inches long.

Les Watling, professor emeritus in 糖心Vlog官方 惭ā苍辞补鈥檚 and co-author of the , recognized the coral while reviewing research from colleagues in China. His earlier work in Hawaiʻi waters and collaborations with NOAA expeditions helped confirm that it was a new species.

“Seeing this coral for the first time was unforgettable,” Watling said. “Its long, flexible branches and shape immediately reminded me of Chewbacca. Even after years of deep-sea work, discoveries like this still make me stop and take notice.”

The study used both physical characteristics and genetic analysis to describe I. chewbacca and another new species, Iridogorgia curva. It also documented other known species in the western Pacific. Researchers found the region has a high diversity of Iridogorgia, with 10 species recorded in tropical western Pacific waters.

Thousands working together

Each coral colony is made up of thousands of tiny polyps, which work together to form the larger structure. Despite its large size and striking appearance, I. chewbacca usually occurs alone, scattered across deep-sea rocky bottoms.

Watling鈥檚 work highlights 糖心Vlog官方鈥檚 contributions to deep-sea research and shows the value of international collaboration in discovering and documenting new marine species. The discovery adds to scientists鈥 understanding of the biodiversity hidden in the deep ocean and demonstrates that even long-studied regions like the Pacific still hold surprises.

The School of Life Sciences is housed in 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa’s .

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Deep ocean discoveries: 糖心Vlog官方 undergrad explores a world few have seen /news/2025/09/02/deep-ocean-discoveries-landon-schumaker/ Tue, 02 Sep 2025 22:54:25 +0000 /news/?p=221195 Landon Schumaker gained hands-on experience studying life in one of the deepest parts of the ocean.

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person with protective gear on a boat
Landon Schumaker

Growing up in Chandler, Arizona, thousands of miles from the nearest coastline, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa major and undergraduate student Landon Schumaker never imagined his future would take him to the farthest reaches of the deep sea. But this summer, Schumaker conducted research in Perth, Australia, with the support of the , a funding opportunity administered by the 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa (UROP) and the .

deep sea fish
Bassozetus, a deep-sea eel-like fish

From June through August, Schumaker worked with the Minderoo-University of Western Australia Deep-Sea Research Centre to study the Nova Canton Trough, a hadal region more than 6,000 meters deep. This area had never been studied at such scale and depth until recently.

Schumaker said that last year scientists conducted an expedition to the Nova Canton Trough and deployed cameras to assess deep-sea biodiversity between 2,471 and 7,983 meters deep. He contributed to meticulous work on this footage, including taxonomic identifications, statistical analyses and visualizations.

“The deep sea fascinates me because it feels like an entirely different world,” Schumaker said. “It鈥檚 a world that is perceived to be so far away, yet in reality, is on our planet and right beneath our surface waters. There are vast knowledge gaps, and every expedition brings the possibility of discovering something new.”

deep sea fish
Coryphaenoides, a deep-sea bottom-dwelling fish

Schumaker鈥檚 work was complemented by monthly virtual check-ins with his 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa mentor, Professor Jeff Drazen in the , who has guided him for more than a year.

“Landon was pretty familiar with the deep ocean when he departed for Australia, and he had already analyzed deep-sea videos. But in Australia he really dug into big datasets, and he dramatically increased his ability to use statistical modeling to explore research results,” Drazen said. “I鈥檓 really impressed that he analyzed the data and has a draft of a peer reviewed paper. This was a stellar opportunity for Landon and he really capitalized on it.”

Looking ahead, the results from the Nova Canton Trough study are expected to lead to at least two scientific publications, with Schumaker as a co-author, and potentially lead author. Long-term, he hopes to pursue a PhD in biological oceanography and dedicate his career to exploring and protecting the deep sea.

More on the Tyler Fellowship

large camera system
Baited lander, an underwater camera system used to film sea life attracted to food

“The Tyler Fellowship provided me with the financial support I needed to travel, live abroad for an extended period and gave me the opportunity to learn about so many different projects going on around the world,” Schumaker said. “This fellowship meant a lot to me, as it was something I put a lot of effort into between developing a proposal and a project plan, and then being entrusted with this award. Receiving it was both rewarding and humbling.”

Applications for the Tyler Fellowship for summer 2026 are expected to open in spring 2026.

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Gal谩pagos research: 糖心Vlog官方 undergraduate students explore, discover, protect /news/2025/08/26/galapagos-research-experience-summer-2025/ Wed, 27 Aug 2025 00:45:10 +0000 /news/?p=220948 Eight 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa undergraduates spent the summer conducting hands-on research on invasive species and island ecosystems in the Galápagos.

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people conducting research
Riley Herron conducting research (Photo credit: M. Speece, Charles Darwin Foundation)

From tracking invasive marine species, to exploring vegetation recovery on degraded, uninhabited islands, to studying tiny beetles threatening mangroves, eight University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa undergraduates spent two months this summer in the Galápagos Islands. Funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation with additional support from 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa, and guided by research mentors from 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa and the Charles Darwin Foundation, the students conducted hands-on research on invasive species that connected them to ʻāina (land/sea), k膩naka (people) and mālama ʻāina (stewardship).

The experience built on a preparatory spring course (NREM 491), where students learned the foundations of island invasion biology and developed their own research proposals.

Monitoring invasive species

person standing in front of a large sign
Cienna Kahrobaie

Cienna Kahrobaie, a major, studied invasive marine species at boat docks around Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. Using settlement plates (small experimental surfaces for marine organisms to grow on) deployed for two months, she compared species richness, percent cover, and community composition at docks experiencing differential boat traffic, and learned valuable identification techniques from experts at the Charles Darwin Foundation and Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama.

“Settlement plates allow scientists to get a glimpse of what is growing in marine communities around boat docks, so if we employ them at sites with specific maritime traffic patterns, we can more quickly detect invasive species of concern,” Kahrobaie said. “This would allow conservationists to respond quicker to these marine invasions and prevent their establishment.”

While conducting research, she found a moment of discovery while resting in a tidepool. By staying still, she observed fish, hermit crabs and even an octopus up close, learning that sometimes slowing down revealed more than trying to see it all at once.

Studying connections between islands

people walking the island landscape
Photo taken by Riley Herron walking the Galápagos landscape

Riley Herron, a major, conducted research on Santa Fé Island, a remote, uninhabited Galápagos island recovering from heavy feral goat degradation and resulting ecological damage. She studied how the island鈥檚 microtopography affects microclimates critical for woody plant seedling establishment, setting up large plots to measure environmental conditions and seedling presence for the island鈥檚 three dominant woody species. Through her research, Herron found connections between the Gal谩pagos and Hawaiʻi.

“I hope my research helps highlight the interconnectedness of our ecosystems,” Herron said. “There are so many large-scale processes that shape what happens on the micro level, and as our climate continues to change, understanding those small-scale interactions becomes more important than ever. As island ecosystems are isolated, limited in resources and filled with endemism, they are the first to be impacted, emphasizing how important island conservation is globally.”

Tiny threatening beetles

person conducting research in a lab
Lana Mitchell conducting research

Lana Mitchell, a major, studied how an invasive mangrove bark beetle affects native red mangrove seedlings, testing whether fertilizer could offset beetle damage. The project challenged her to conduct independent research while navigating new skills, from kayaking to communicating in Spanish, all while deepening her passion for conservation.

“I hope that this can aid scientists in measuring how much of a difference in survival and growth a propagule (a young mangrove seedling) can undergo with and without beetle infestations,” Mitchell said. “This research could help to determine the overall survival of native species in exposure to invasives, giving scientists a window of time in which to provide native species with resources to better sustain their growth and longevity in island ecosystems.”

Mitchell was struck by how comfortable Galápagos wildlife are around humans, spotting sea lions resting just steps away during her research. According to Mitchell, the experiences reinforced the local community鈥檚 dedication to conservation and strengthened her connection to the islands鈥 unique ecosystems.

eight people smiling
糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa undergraduates conducted hands-on research in the Galápagos, exploring invasive species, island ecosystems and conservation stewardship. (Photo credit: M. Speece, Charles Darwin Foundation)

“This immersive summer research program in the Galápagos is a collaborative effort that provides applied research experiences in invasive species ecology to 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa undergraduate students from across campus,” said Creighton Litton, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management professor, (UROP) director, and one of the eight 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa faculty members who designed and implemented the program over the past three years. “The success of this program stems from committed research mentors from both 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa and the Charles Darwin Foundation, financial support from NSF and 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa and, most importantly, fully engaged students from our campus who commit to a full research experience, from learning the basics and developing proposals on campus in the spring, to field data collection, analysis and write-up in the summer.”

This opportunity is the result of a collaboration between 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa and the Charles Darwin Foundation, and is funded by the National Science Foundation–International Research Experiences for Students, the 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa Provost鈥檚 Office to align the overall program with the campus goal of becoming a Native Hawaiian Place of Learning and the 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa Office of the Vice Provost for Research and Scholarship.

The deadline to apply for the 2026 program is October 15. .

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From seeds to stewards: 糖心Vlog官方 supports launch of Hua 驶Ike learning hub /news/2025/08/18/hua-ike-learning-hub/ Mon, 18 Aug 2025 23:44:28 +0000 /news/?p=220340 The site is designed to help educators bring native plant conservation into classrooms and inspire future environmental stewards.

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person demonstrating plants to students
(Photo credit: Hua ʻIke)

A new online resource aims to make learning about Hawaiʻi鈥檚 rare and endangered native plants easier for students, teachers and the community—and the University of Hawaiʻi is playing a key role.

, with support from 糖心Vlog官方 惭ā苍辞补鈥檚 and other partners, has launched , a free website that gathers lesson plans, classroom activities, multimedia tools and student-friendly content in one place. The site is designed to help educators bring native plant conservation into classrooms and inspire future environmental stewards.

“Hua ʻIke makes it easier than ever for educators and students to connect with the incredible diversity of Hawaiʻi鈥檚 native plants,” said Raedelle Van Fossen, education manager at 糖心Vlog官方 惭ā苍辞补鈥檚 Lyon Arboretum, advisor for the Hua ʻIke project and member of the Laukahi Advisory Council. “By sharing this knowledge, we鈥檙e helping grow the next generation of conservation leaders.”

Hua ʻIke, meaning “seed or fruit of knowledge,” reflects the idea that knowledge, like a seed, can grow across generations. 糖心Vlog官方ors to the site can explore interactive materials, learn conservation stories and connect with a community of educators and learners.

Laukahi was formed in 2016 to implement the Hawaiʻi Strategy for Plant Conservation, aligning statewide efforts to protect native species, nearly half of which are endangered. The organization鈥檚 mission is to unite conservation partners, expand awareness of Hawaiʻi鈥檚 global biodiversity importance and prevent species extinction.

“Hua ʻIke came to life through the collective efforts of many—educators, conservationists, designers—all committed to supporting the next generation of stewards,” said Laukahi Network Coordinator Kimberly Shay. “Through Hua ʻIke, I feel optimistic for the future of Hawaiʻi鈥檚 native plants as students discover the joy of connecting with them and caring for them.”

糖心Vlog官方鈥檚 involvement includes faculty, staff and affiliates serving on Laukahi鈥檚 volunteer advisory council, contributing scientific expertise, educational outreach and project coordination. Lyon Arboretum鈥檚 participation ensures that botanical knowledge and cultural context remain central to the platform鈥檚 design.

Members of the Laukahi Advisory Council with 糖心Vlog官方 ties:

  • Mark Burgman, 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa, School of Life Sciences director
  • Don Drake, Lyon Arboretum interim director
  • Elliott Parsons, 糖心Vlog官方 Pacific Regional Invasive Species and Climate Change Management Network specialist
  • Raedelle Van Fossen, Lyon Arboretum education manager
The post From seeds to stewards: 糖心Vlog官方 supports launch of Hua 驶Ike learning hub first appeared on University of Hawai驶i System News.]]>
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