Spring 2026 graduates of the (GES) undergraduate program at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa took with them a bachelor鈥檚 degree and real-world, hands-on experiences with research that benefits communities and ecosystems in Hawaiʻi and far beyond.

Through the GES program in the at the 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa (SOEST), students including Makana Andrade and Micah Soriano, engaged in original research, wrote a senior thesis and presented their findings at a research symposium.

“I congratulate all our spring graduates on successfully completing their required faculty-mentored thesis experience,” said Michael Guidry, chair of the GES Program. “As with all our GES graduates and their thesis work, Makana鈥檚 and Micah鈥檚 findings demonstrate how the research efforts of 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa undergraduates provide new insights and solutions to important issues and train the next generation of problem solvers.”

Makana Andrade

Andrade was born and raised on Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi. During his second year of transfer to 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa, he started working on his thesis with his mentor, Travis Idol, associate professor in the in the 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa . His thesis focused on the response of Acacia koaia, a tree endemic to Hawaiʻi, to nursery practices done on similar species, specifically Acacia koa. Andrade鈥檚 study examined koaiʻa’s growth patterns from seed to seedling to determine its preferred soil type, nutrient uptake, and watering requirements, in an effort to ensure they are readily available for population revitalization.

After graduation, Andrade hopes to continue pursuing his passion for the conservation of Hawaiian endemic species and working in the wilderness.

Micah Soriano

As a GES student with a passion for chemistry, Soriano reached out to SOEST oceanography professor Nick Hawco and joined the Hawco Lab the summer after his sophomore year. Since then, Soriano has helped with various projects, gaining valuable experience. For his senior research thesis, Soriano explored how vitamin B12 availability in the Southern Ocean limits how effectively diatoms, a type of phytoplankton, can process and use essential metals for growth.

After graduation, he plans to work for a year or two before continuing his academic studies.

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The University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 selected four graduate students as recipients of the , which support original research and creative projects using the library鈥檚 archival and special collections.

This year鈥檚 scholars represent the fields of linguistics, natural resources and environmental management and history. Their projects explore topics including Micronesian languages, trans-Pacific ethnobiological knowledge, public health in modern China and the early development of Japanese aviation.

The 2026 scholarship recipients are:

• Kelsey Bialo, a linguistics doctoral student, for the project “Exploring Minor Syllables and Sesquisyllabicity in Micronesian languages”
• Kelsie Kuniyoshi, a natural resources and environmental management doctoral student, for the project “Pilina Inoa: An Exploration of Trans-Pacific Ethnobiological Knowledge Through the Samuel Elbert Collection”
• SeungHyeon Pyo, a history doctoral student, for the project “Hijacking the Invisible Hand: The Language of Markets and Corporate Incubation of Early Japanese Aviation”
• Sijian Wang, a history doctoral student, for the project “Living with Toxicity: Chemical Disinfectants in China, 1910–1950”

Open to students from any discipline and level of study, the Library Treasures program encourages the use of archival materials, rare collections, maps, manuscripts, government documents, audiovisual resources and digital collections housed at Hamilton Library.

have examined topics connected to Hawaiʻi, the Pacific, Asia and global history and culture using collections such as the Hawaiʻi Sugar Plantation Archives, Tahitian newspapers and Okinawan magazines.

Scholarship recipients will present their work during a public event in the fall.

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A $2-million gift from Jeff Bezos and Lauren S谩nchez Bezos is supporting University of Hawaiʻi-led research aimed at restoring fire-prone grasslands on Maui and reducing the risk of future wildfires, building on and long-term recovery following the devastating 2023 fires.

Much of Maui鈥檚 former sugar plantation lands are now unmanaged and dominated by invasive species, such as guinea grass, that create more fire-prone vegetation and intensify wildfire risk. Several 糖心Vlog官方 units are collaborating to address that vulnerability through land stewardship research designed to inform policy and guide on-the-ground management decisions.

The effort brings together researchers from the (糖心Vlog官方ERO) housed in 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 , the , and the Ecosystems and Land Care Program in the Department of (NREM) in the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience. The work will be conducted with watershed partners, ranchers and ʻ腻颈苍补 (land)-based organizations across Hawaiʻi.

“Insufficient investment in land care across former plantation lands has left large areas of Maui vulnerable to wildfire,” said Kimberly Burnett, a specialist with 糖心Vlog官方ERO. “This work builds on evidence that actively managed lands, including forests, well-managed rangelands and agriculture, can significantly reduce fuel loads and support outcomes like erosion reduction, food production, biodiversity and community resilience.”

Data-driven strategies for wildfire prevention

In the early stages of the project, researchers will work closely with partners to co-develop research questions and products that are directly useful for land managers and decision-makers. Anticipated outcomes include statewide wildfire risk and probability maps to help guide fire reduction strategies across a range of land uses, as well as analyses of different wildfire mitigation scenarios over space and time.

Those scenarios may include forest restoration, green breaks, agroforestry, grazing and mowing, with researchers assessing the benefits and costs of each approach.

“We want to look at options beyond just mowing brush given how well these different actions align with other things people value and contribute to public safety,” said Clay Trauernicht, a specialist with NREM.

The project will also examine policy and market-based tools that could help finance and support land-use transitions that advance multiple ecosystem services, including wildfire risk reduction, across Hawaiʻi.

The gift builds on existing support from the Bezos Maui Fund to restore the island鈥檚 watersheds and reduce wildfire risk, and reflects a broader strategy that links environmental recovery with community resilience. That land-based work is complemented by a separate $1.5-million investment to support Lahainaluna High School graduates enrolled at 糖心Vlog官方 who continue to face economic hardship following the fires.

“We are profoundly grateful to our donors for their continued commitment to Maui,” said 糖心Vlog官方 Foundation CEO and Vice President of Advancement Tim Dolan. “Their support is making a lasting difference for the people and places that define this community.”

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa graduate student Koa Grabar has been named a recipient of the (GSPA). The award, sponsored by the Ecological Society of America, honors graduate students who demonstrate a strong interest in the intersection of biological sciences and public policy.

Farm to conservation

Grabar鈥檚 journey into the world of natural resources began in Hilo. Surrounded by chickens and the unique biodiversity of Hawaiʻi Island, his upbringing sparked a lifelong fascination with 贬补飞补颈ʻ颈鈥檚 bird populations.

“Growing up on a farm and hiking a lot in Volcano and seeing all the forest birds really [sparked] my interest in this kind of stuff,” Grabar said. This interest eventually led him to pursue studies at the 鈥檚 Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, where he focused his research on the delicate balance between human activity and wildlife.

Grabar鈥檚 current research investigates human—wildlife interactions, specifically focusing on how endangered waterbirds adapt to different wetland settings. His work helps wetland managers understand how human presence affects these sensitive species.

Advocating for research resources

As a GSPA winner, Grabar will travel to Washington, D.C., to participate in policy training and meet with congressional staff on Capitol Hill. The award focuses on lobbying for research funding in biology and ecology, advocating for the resources necessary to sustain vital research in Hawaiʻi and across the nation.

He expects to graduate in May 2026 and then take a private sector job in environmental land planning. However, his long-term goal remains rooted in the field that raised him: wildlife conservation and wetland protection. For students who are still finding their way, Grabar offers a simple piece of advice.

“Reflecting on what your interests are and what you care about is the most important thing,” he said.

Challenging a 50-year-old narrative about Hawaiʻi鈥檚 native birds, a new study from the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 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 K膩naka ʻ艑颈飞颈 (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鈥檚 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.”

Four postgraduate fellows from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa were selected to work directly with Hawaiʻi-based organizations through the (Hawaiʻi Sea Grant) E. Gordon Grau Coastal and Marine Resource Management and Policy Fellowship Program (Grau Fellowship).

“We’re thrilled to mark the sixth year of the Grau Fellowship, which has grown to include 18 Grau Fellows in this newest cohort,” said Maya Walton, Hawaiʻi Sea Grant assistant director for research and fellowships. “The host offices, dedicated mentors, and Hawaiʻi Sea Grant staff and faculty are all collaborating to provide the practical training and experience necessary to prepare the next generation of professionals working at the interface of science, policy and resource management.”

Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR)

Olivia Boucher will focus on DAR鈥檚 Holomua Marine Initiative, building and expanding on the work of past fellows who designed island-based management strategies and community-based monitoring plans for this initiative. Boucher will focus her efforts on community engagement, policy research, and cross-sector collaboration that will help bridge science, the public and decision-making. Boucher holds a master of environmental management from 糖心Vlog官方 惭ā苍辞补鈥檚 (NREM).

Department of Land and Natural Resources Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands

Leigh Engel will be supporting the Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands in managing and protecting Hawaiʻi鈥檚 shoreline resources. She will be implementing place-based approaches that mirror natural systems to address coastal erosion and hazard mitigation, while advancing long-term goals of conserving beaches, dunes, estuaries and other vital ecosystems. Engel earned a master of science in NREM from 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa, where she was also a Pacific Islands Climate Adaptation Science Center Scholar.

City and County of Honolulu Office of Climate Change, Sustainability and Resilience

Maddy McKenna will be working with the Coastal and Water Program team to implement the city鈥檚 adaptation strategy, honoring both Western science and Indigenous ecological knowledge in developing people-centered solutions for Oʻahu鈥檚 threatened coastlines. McKenna earned a master of arts in climate and society from Columbia University, and a PhD in from 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa.

Matt Miller will work on cutting-edge climate mitigation strategies such as managed retreat and to support and enhance the city鈥檚 partnerships with community-based organizations. His goal is to use his experience researching severe and shifting weather in the tropics to help build a resilient Oʻahu through planning and outreach measures. Miller earned a master of science in atmospheric science from 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa.

The paid fellowship, named in honor of Emeritus Professor E. Gordon Grau, Hawaiʻi Sea Grant鈥檚 visionary former director, provides early career professionals the opportunity to obtain relevant resource management and policy experience in Hawaiʻi and, for many, to pursue career opportunities in their home state.

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–By Cindy Knapman

A cutting-edge marine platform designed to revolutionize coral reef monitoring and mapping called ReefVision Robotics was field tested in Kāneʻohe Bay by University of Hawaiʻi researchers.

The successful trial, conducted at the (HIMB) in September, represents a step toward a more scalable and highly accurate method for monitoring and mapping coral reefs. The project鈥檚 initial targets are invasive macroalgae species and marine debris but the technology can be used to detect many coral reef organisms. This test served as one of several trial runs before the technology is deployed in the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument in summer 2026.

“The integration of these technologies represents a significant step forward in our ability to manage and respond to invasive species threats facing our Hawaiian coral reefs,” said Keolohilani “Keo” Lopes, Jr., the project lead. The research is part of his PhD dissertation in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management within the 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa .

The platform integrates three leading-edge detection methods on a suite of unmanned marine systems—two operating on the surface and one submersible—to provide a comprehensive picture of the reef environment including:

• Computer vision: The surface robot is equipped with advanced camera systems and uses machine learning to visually identify and automatically flag invasive algae or marine debris.
• Environmental DNA (eDNA): A second surface robot also serves as a mobile genetic lab, collecting water samples during deployment for eDNA analysis after its return. This allows researchers to perform rapid, in-field genetic analysis of water samples to confirm the presence of a target species.
• Hyperspectral benthic mapping: A submersible drone dives beneath the surface to scan the reef with a hyperspectral camera. This sensor captures detailed light signatures, creating 3D maps that reveal the specific composition and health of the coral ecosystem.

“We are moving beyond standard visual surveys to provide managers with definitive genetic, spectral and visual data, all collected autonomously,” said HIMB Associate Research Professor Erik Franklin, a collaborator on the project. “While technical challenges related to data synthesis and real-world accuracy remain, the collaborative team–comprising marine biology, invasive species, and technology experts–gives us confidence in the ultimate data products.”

The successful completion of the field test yielded valuable initial data, paving the way for the future research cruise to Papahānaumokuākea. The team aims to demonstrate a suite of technologies that can be deployed across coral reefs globally to protect them for generations.

The project is a collaboration among: 糖心Vlog官方, Queensland University of Technology (Australia), NOAA Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, the state鈥檚 Division of Aquatic Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The University of Hawaiʻi marked the success of a first-of-its-kind pilot program designed to strengthen the next generation of conservation leaders in Hawaiʻi by blending academic training with hands-on professional development.

The inaugural Conservation Program Management Intensive over two weeks in August 2025, collaboratively offered by the 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa and 鈥檚 (NREM), with support from the 糖心Vlog官方 System and , brought together 22 participants: seven 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa conservation-focused graduate students and 15 conservation professionals, many from the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources鈥� (DLNR) Divisions of Aquatic Resources and Forestry and Wildlife, one from The Nature Conservancy and several from across the 糖心Vlog官方 System. Students represented all four counties in Hawaiʻi.

Participants learned directly from more than two dozen expert instructors and professionals representing agencies and organizations across the Hawaiʻi conservation landscape, including 糖心Vlog官方 Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit, 糖心Vlog官方 Hilo, 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa NREM, Hālau ʻŌhiʻa, Heʻeia Ahupuaʻa Kākoʻo ʻŌiwi, Paepae o Heʻeia and National Estuarine Research Reserve, The Nature Conservancy, DLNR Chair鈥檚 Office and the Divisions of Aquatic Resources, Forestry and Wildlife, and Conservation and Resources Enforcement, the Hawaiʻi Attorney General鈥檚 Office, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Congressman Ed Case, Kupu, and 糖心Vlog官方 惭ā苍辞补鈥檚 Lyon Arboretum, among others.

The course covered a wide range of topics essential to conservation program leadership and management, including:

• Cohort building, ʻāina-based learning and Hawaiian life pathways
• Community engagement and co-stewardship management
• Strategic planning and decision analysis
• Administrative procedure and state/federal government functions
• Human resource management, budgeting, grant writing and management
• Public meeting facilitation, environmental law and congressional processes
• Project management, communications and leadership development

“This course was created to directly address needs expressed by statewide public and non-profit organizations working in conservation,” said 糖心Vlog官方 Director of Land and Ocean Conservation Futures Director and Course Co-instructor Suzanne Case. “While early-career professionals often bring strong disciplinary expertise, many organizations identified a critical need for training in program administration and leadership. It looks like the course hit this need spot-on.”

Co-instructor Linden Schneider reflected on the real, lasting impact, saying, “This program not only delivered practical knowledge, but also created a powerful cohort-based learning community where participants shared their own challenges and created solutions, collaboratively, in real time.”

Alan Hunley of the 糖心Vlog官方 Outreach College praised the program鈥檚 collaborative design.

“Our goal was to make this course accessible and impactful for both students and working professionals,” Hunley said. “We were thrilled to see the energy and dedication of the participants, and the positive feedback confirms this model is working.”

Participants also expressed high praise:

• “Such a great course, filled with knowledge from many knowledgeable speakers, very informative and fun excursions to actually go to different entities and see their facilities and hear from their work experiences. I would recommend this class and take it again every five years to revitalize and remember why I love my job.”
• “I feel incredibly grateful for the relationships I built with the kumu, fellow students and presenters throughout this experience. The thoughtful balance between classroom learning and site visits made the program truly unique.”

Encouraged by the pilot鈥檚 success, Case and Schneider anticipate offering the course again in summer 2026 to a mix of graduate students and early-career professionals in conservation-related fields. Tuition is expected to be $1,000 for 80 hours of instruction, with applications opening in early spring 2026. Applicants will be selected based on their ability to immediately apply the course content to their work. For more information about the course, .

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

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

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

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.

“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. .

With diverse expertise ranging from oceanography to economics to community-based coastal management, the University of Hawaiʻi hired eight new faculty members to support sustainable Pacific fisheries efforts. The new cohort of hires will develop an innovative graduate program to advance fisheries research, education, and training for sustainable management in Hawaiʻi and across the Pacific.

Fishing is essential to the way of life in Hawaiʻi and the Pacific, providing 50–90% of the protein for Pacific Islanders. However, management strategies from the U.S. continent often fail here because they were designed for cold-water, industrial fisheries. Pacific fisheries are different—they operate in warm tropical waters with diverse species and fishing gear, and with Indigenous Pacific Island communities. The Pacific Island region is multinational and has comparatively less scientific data, requiring a locally developed approach to ensure they can be sustained for generations.

“It is critically important to elevate and co-develop knowledge relevant to the Pacific, foster local expertise, and train the next generation of fisheries stewards and managers,” said Megan Donahue, director of the (HIMB) in the 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa (SOEST). “The new faculty members in this cohort each bring unique perspectives and talent to the complexities we face here. In addition to their contributions to advancing research and sustainable management of Pacific fisheries, they will be a vital part of developing a fisheries graduate training program.”

New faculty

• Donna Dimarchopoulou, Fisheries Quantitative Biologist–/
• Mary Donovan, Ecosystem-based Fisheries Science & Management–SOEST/ HIMB
• Erik Franklin, Fisheries Science & Management–SOEST/ HIMB
• Kanoe Morishige, Indigenous-Led Biocultural Coastal Management–/
• Eileen Nalley, Fisheries Extension–SOEST/
• Justin Suca, Fisheries Oceanography–SOEST/
• Ron Vave, Ocean Governance & Marine Resources–/
• Xiurou Wu, Environmental & Resource Economics–/

Fisheries in Hawaiʻi are distinct in that they include a variety of sectors ranging from the open ocean longline fishery, which is the sixth largest fishery in monetary value in the U.S., to community managed fishponds or loko iʻa. Importantly, the majority of nearshore fisheries in Hawaiʻi are non-commercial, which requires unique considerations for management. This program seeks to build on existing work by faculty and practitioners across the 糖心Vlog官方 System to understand the unique contributions of these diverse commercial and non-commercial fisheries to the economic, social, and cultural well-being of Hawaiʻi to ensure their longevity.

“This cohort of new hires will take fisheries at 糖心Vlog官方 to the next level to better serve students, communities, fishers, government agencies and conservation organizations in Hawaiʻi and across the Pacific,” said Jeff Drazen, professor in the SOEST Department of Oceanography. “Our vision with this cohort is to stand up a center of expertise and excellence to facilitate the synergistic work that 糖心Vlog官方 is uniquely positioned to contribute.”

Developing the graduate education program

In Hawaiʻi, the Division of Aquatic Resources, the Western Pacific Fisheries Management Council, and NOAA鈥檚 Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center have noted the need for greater local research and management capacity. This graduate program will be distinguished from others by creating learning opportunities for students to weave western science and Indigenous knowledge in collaboration with communities, and supporting community-based fisheries solutions and participatory governance approaches.

“We are thrilled to welcome the new fisheries cohort, whose work will significantly enhance Pacific Island fisheries,” said Brian Neilson, Administrator of the Hawaiʻi Division of Aquatic Resources. “By advancing research and cultivating the next generation of scientists, practitioners, and managers with social and cultural competencies tailored to Pacific Island communities, this initiative will benefit Hawaiʻi and our island neighbors.”

Indigenous agroforests (food-producing agroecosystems where trees and crops grow together in forest-like environments) may offer valuable insights for addressing two of the world鈥檚 biggest challenges: declining biodiversity and rising non-communicable disease, according to research led by University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 researchers. , the study found that agroforests with greater ecological diversity also offer a more nutritionally diverse food supply.

The team analyzed 48 Indigenous agroforests in Fiji using a trait-based framework. Focusing on specific plant characteristics important for ecological resilience, such as how their seeds are dispersed or how tall they grow, and traits important for human health and nutrition, such as carbohydrates, vitamin A or zinc, they measured the ecological and nutritional functional diversity in the agroforests. The findings showed that agroforests with a high diversity of traits important to ecological resilience—such as recovery after major weather disturbances—also support a wider range and depth of nutrients necessary to human health.

The results point to an important link between environmental management and nutritional resources. While much of modern agriculture focuses on high-yield, low-cost food production, this often comes at the expense of ecosystem health, nutritional diversity and downstream dietary quality. Agroforestry systems, by contrast, grow a variety of trees and plants in the same space, mimicking natural ecosystems and offering a greater diversity of edible and medicinal products.

“Fiji鈥檚 agroforests highlight the potential of biodiverse agroecosystems to contribute to climate-resilient and nutrition-sensitive agriculture,” said lead author Ashley McGuigan. “As we work to strengthen food systems that are rooted in place, responsive to climate change, and supportive of community health, this research underscores the importance of biodiversity, agroforestry, and local knowledge in food production.”

McGuigan is an extension specialist faculty member in 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 at the (CTAHR) and a 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 PhD graduate.

Supporting Indigenous knowledge and practices

The study also highlighted the importance of Indigenous knowledge and management practices. The agroforests in the study are stewarded by placed-based and multi-generational informed knowledge systems that are uniquely attuned to local social and ecological conditions, and have enabled resilience to varying levels and types of disasters and disturbances for millenia. Researchers said these knowledge systems and management practices are critical to support a transition towards food production systems that are not only more environmentally sound, but also nutritionally diverse and resilient to climate disruptions.

“Our findings support stronger investment in Indigenous and agroecological food production systems, both in the Pacific and globally,” McGuigan said. “We recommend working with practitioners to identify and record additional functions and traits, and use trait-based tools to help design food production systems that support ecological resilience and human nutrition. We urge policymakers to prioritize systems that reflect the interconnected nature of environmental and human health.”

The work was supported by the National Science Foundation, Fulbright Program and 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补, among others. The other authors on the study include: Tamara Ticktin (糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 School of Life Sciences), Rachel Novotny (糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 CTAHR), Veniana Tikonavuli and Unaisi Vuli (The University of the South Pacific), and Abrania Marrero (Harvard University).

“Food production is a cornerstone of Fiji鈥檚 economy and community well-being,” Vuli said. “It provides essential food security and supports around 80% of rural livelihoods. Fiji is also increasingly reliant on imported goods, but supporting local food production helps strengthen resilience against climate and economic shocks.”

Maiah Iseminger and Daley Trost, undergraduates at the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 (CTAHR), earned first place in the state鈥檚 first-ever Food Policy Hackathon.

A multitude of 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 students from CTAHR were among teams that gathered from across the state to address food insecurity, one of Hawaiʻi鈥檚 most pressing problems in a time of increased food costs. Iseminger and Trost proposed a pilot program to help public school families make sure they have enough food during a natural disaster by retrofitting kitchens and creating a food storage area.Their pilot would include one school in a hurricane evacuation area from every state Department of Education complex.

“It was rewarding to use creativity to try and solve a real world problem,” said Iseminger, a senior in CTAHR鈥檚 .

Innovative and impactful solutions

The two-day hackathon brought together bright minds to tackle key issues identified during the 2025 Hawaiʻi Food Summit. Participants were challenged to collaborate, research and design innovative policy solutions, leading up to concise and impactful five-minute presentations.

“Seeing so many minds work toward a shared goal was uplifting,” said Trost, a sophmore in . “And when you are in the same physical space as others, it creates respect for them and their opinions.”

Both students are now developing a policy proposal to address food import dependence and insecurity in Hawaiʻi for their environmental policy course.

The Hawaiʻi Food Policy Hackathon was co-sponsored by the Stupski Foundation and Hawaiʻi Food+ Policy which is an internship program that empowers college students and young farmers to become advocates for a more sustainable and resilient food system in Hawaiʻi.

Scientists at the University of Hawaiʻi have developed new wildfire risk maps to better predict fire danger across the state. Unlike the current Red Flag Warning system, which relies on weather from a limited number of stations, these maps provide a daily, high-resolution look at the most current fire ignition risks statewide.

“This new mapping system gives us a clearer, more detailed picture of wildfire risks across Hawaiʻi. By providing daily updates and a long-term dataset, we hope to improve preparedness and help protect communities from future fires,” said Professor Sayed Bateni of 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 (WRRC) and .

Publicly available on the Hawaiʻi Climate Data Portal (HCDP), the maps are easy to access and available to communities and emergency responders to alert them to the risk of potential wildfires. Users are able to zoom in to a particular area to assess the current fire risk, and generate customized packages of data to export from the portal. Historical fire risk maps are also available for the past 20 years.

The maps are generated using real-time data obtained from various weather networks across the state including the . The Hawaiʻi Mesonet currently consists of over 60 advanced weather stations with a total goal of 100 within the next two years. These stations provide valuable weather and climate monitoring and forecasting. The data collected can also be used for water resource management, agriculture, ranching, ecosystem and cultural resource protection and more.

“It鈥檚 all about improving preparedness, especially in light of recent disasters like the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles and the tragic Lahaina fire,” said Tom Giambelluca, retired 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 professor of Geography and Environment, former director of the WRRC, and leader of the Hawaiʻi Mesonet. “With real-time data on factors like soil moisture, we can better identify areas at high risk for wildfires or flooding.”

Utilizing a well distributed network of weather stations is crucial in Hawaiʻi, where diverse landscapes create extreme climate variability. In West Maui, annual rainfall can differ by more than 140 inches within a mile, highlighting the need for precise, localized data.

“The Hawaiʻi Mesonet is adding high quality weather observations in places where they are most needed,” Giambelluca said.

“This mapping system is a game-changer for wildfire preparedness in Hawaiʻi,” said Clay Trauernicht, assistant specialist in the 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 . “Using current data allows us to better anticipate fire risks and take proactive measures to protect communities.”

The Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency, Federal Emergency Management Agency and Hawaiʻi State Legislature provided funding to create the fire ignition probability maps.

Bateni, Giambelluca, Trauernicht and Pacific Islands Climate Adaptation Science Center University Consortium Director Ryan Longman will host a presentation in person and online on April 1 at noon to explain how the maps were created, how they predict fire risk and how to access and use the data.

• Note: To view the most current maps, visit the Hawaiʻi Climate Data Portal website, click on “visualize data,” then “ignition probability” to select the dataset you would like to view and then click submit at the bottom.

A red alga first found by University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 researchers smothering coral reefs in Papah膩naumoku膩kea Marine National Monument (PMNM) has been detected for the first time by the team outside of the marine monument and more than 2,000 miles away.

The research team detected DNA matching Chondria tumulosa in Majuro Atoll in the Republic of the Marshall Islands in the east-central Pacific Ocean. Papah膩naumoku膩kea is a chain of islands and atolls that extends approximately 1,200 miles northwest of the main Hawaiian Islands in the northern Pacific.

“Our discovery in Majuro suggests that C. tumulosa may be more widespread than we previously thought. This could have significant implications for coral reef ecosystems across the Pacific, potentially requiring broader monitoring efforts and a more comprehensive understanding of the alga’s distribution and ecological impact,” said 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 graduate student Patrick Nichols.

A threat to coral reefs

First detected in 2016 and named in 2020 by 糖心Vlog官方 researchers, C. tumulosa has earned a reputation for smothering coral reefs in PMNM, where it forms dense mats that blanket corals and other native organisms. Its mat-forming behavior, ability to spread rapidly, and unknown origin have posed significant challenges for reef conservation.

Until now, the alga had only been observed spreading throughout the three northwestern-most atolls of PMNM: first at Manawai (Pearl and Hermes), then Kuaihelani (Midway Atoll) and H艒lanik奴 (Kure Atoll). However, a new detection outside of Hawaiʻi caught the researchers by surprise.

From eDNA to field confirmation

The discovery was made possible by the detection of the species鈥� DNA from water samples obtained earlier this year, emphasizing the pivotal role of environmental DNA (eDNA) as a front-line tool in the early detection of harmful nuisance species.

The discovery in Majuro was a two-step process that combined molecular surveillance with targeted fieldwork to detect a species that is otherwise extremely difficult to visually identify. The process began with the eDNA analysis, a bio-monitoring technique that screens water samples for the nuisance alga鈥檚 genetic “fingerprint.”

The genetic test for C. tumulosa eDNA was developed by 糖心Vlog官方 researchers in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and can detect the presence of target species across vast areas without the need for extensive in-water surveys.

Armed with this evidence, 糖心Vlog官方 graduate students Patrick Nichols (School of Life Sciences), Keolohilani Lopes Jr. () and Jimmy Fumo (School of Life Sciences) traveled to Majuro in November 2024 to conduct an extensive survey, including the site of the initial positive eDNA detection. Using microscopy and additional genetic sampling, they were able to visually confirm the presence of C. tumulosa.

Comparing alga behavior

At Manawai in PMNM, C. tumulosa has been observed forming thick mats that suffocate coral reef communities, displacing native flora and fauna. In Majuro, however, the species was observed in much lower abundance, forming small patches at some sites. This growth pattern resembles where C. tumulosa grew cryptically and was difficult to identify.

“Even though we have now observed C. tumulosa outside of PMNM we can鈥檛 be sure of its native status,” Fumo said. “Its relatively low abundance in Majuro could mean it is either an emerging invader in the region or a long-established species being naturally controlled by herbivorous reef fishes or other ecological factors.”

Broader surveys underway

With other potential sightings throughout the region, researchers plan to extend their surveys beyond the Marshall Islands to better understand the alga鈥檚 distribution and ecological role. They hope to explore the historical connections between populations in Hawaiʻi and elsewhere to determine if the species has recently spread across the north Pacific or has been established in the region for a longer period of time.

The team鈥檚 work in Majuro builds on years of collaboration between 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 researchers and local stakeholders throughout the Hawaiian archipelago.

“While this discovery raises concerns about the spread of C. tumulosa, it also showcases the incredible potential of new technologies and collaboration,” Nichols said. “By working together on new tools, we can better understand and mitigate the risks posed by nuisance species.”

The University of Hawaiʻi and the Department of the Navy (DoN) have signed a historic 10-year agreement to support the protection and management of natural and cultural resources on Navy and Marine Corps installations in Hawaiʻi. The agreement, which includes climate resilience support for bases and their surrounding areas, covers Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and Marine Corps Base Hawaiʻi on Oʻahu, and Pacific Missile Range Facility Barking Sands on Kauaʻi.

With increasing threats of extreme weather, defense programs throughout the U.S. are investing in collaborations that will allow them to better understand and address the ways severe weather and other hazards could impact military missions. The recently signed agreement enables the DoN to potentially fund 糖心Vlog官方 to conduct $10 million in projects and support services annually to enhance the Navy and Marine Corps鈥� resilience against environmental hazards.

The agreement, known as a renewable Intergovernmental Support Agreement, or IGSA, is the first in Hawaiʻi between an academic institution, Commander, Navy Region Hawaiʻi (CNRH), and Marine Corps Installations Pacific (MCIPAC).

Support services provided by 糖心Vlog官方 to CNRH and MCIPAC under this agreement may include, but are not limited to: biological assessment development, pest and predator control, marine debris removal, Integrated Natural Resource Management Plan implementation, curation services, Integrated Cultural Resource Management Plan implementation, engineering plans and implementation of Nature-based Solutions, floodplain analysis and mitigation, wildfire management and planning, hydrology/sea level rise mitigation, shoreline stabilization, Geographic Information System support, land/ocean/nearshore based surveys, and equipment and supply purchases.

The agreement, signed by Vassilis L. Syrmos and Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations and Environment Meredith Berger, provides the necessary framework for 糖心Vlog官方 to use its collective knowledge and resources—scientists, laboratories, students, and outreach programs—to help the DoN balance the critical needs and requirements of the nation鈥檚 defense with its ongoing natural and cultural resource responsibilities in Hawaiʻi.

“I am pleased that 糖心Vlog官方 was able to enter into this important agreement with the DoN,” said Syrmos. “Those who live and work in Hawaiʻi have a responsibility to be good stewards of the land and this partnership with the Navy signifies their willingness to fulfill their natural and cultural resource responsibilities by utilizing 糖心Vlog官方鈥檚 knowledge and expertise in these areas.”

As a large part of its land-, sea-, space-grant mission, 糖心Vlog官方 works to leverage federal partnerships like the IGSA to provide meaningful impacts for the state in environmental and cultural management.

“We are proud to partner with the University of Hawaiʻi and will benefit tremendously from its world-class research, specialized training programs, and the traditional ecological knowledge that 糖心Vlog官方 incorporates into its educational program,” said Berger, who also serves as the DoN鈥檚 Chief Sustainability Officer. “As proud members of this community, we recognize our kuleana to protect Hawaiʻi鈥檚 environment and natural resources. When we care for this extraordinary place, we advance our diplomacy and reinforce our defense.”

The University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 played a pivotal role in the Pacific Judicial Council鈥檚 (PJC) Environmental Conference held in Palau, which featured discussions on the judiciary鈥檚 role in addressing pressing environmental challenges in the Pacific region. Faculty and students from the (KML), and (NREM) served as speakers and panelists at the October event.

Speakers included Nicole Yamase, who earned her PhD from 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 in marine biology in 2022, and Alexi Meltel, a 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 PhD candidate in marine biology, conducting her dissertation research in Palau and at KML. Yamase is Pohnpean, and the first Micronesian woman to earn her PhD in marine biology. Meltel, who is Palauan, will be the second.

Experts noted that many of those challenges are now being addressed through lawsuits, and it is critical that the courts have the required knowledge to guide their decision-making.

“The fact that the Pacific Judicial Council is engaging with regional scientists is truly wonderful and cause for optimism that accurate science can lead to critically important outcomes that affect our natural resources and all who depend on them ecologically, economically and culturally,” said Research Professor and Director of KML Bob Richmond, who served as the conference organizer for the scientific panels.

The three-day conference focused on climate change, marine pollution, fisheries and economics as well as the intersection between law and science including recent court decisions.

“This conference provided invaluable education and training on the use of science as the core of decision making and action on the most pressing issues facing the Pacific, such as the protection of the marine environment and climate change,” said Professor Sherry Broder from the William S. Richardson School of Law, who provided the legal framework and context for addressing environmental problems in the courts. “Understanding how to use science as the basis for decision making in policy and law contributes to the development of protections of the environment.”

The audience included more than 100 judges, justices, legislators and leaders from across the Pacific, including Guam, Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Samoa, Tuvalu and the Marshall Islands.

“It was a unique and somewhat intimidating experience to translate science for justices, judges, and lawyers in the region,” said NREM Professor Kirsten Oleson, who presented on the economic impacts of environmental damage and degradation. “I enjoyed discussions about how science and law intersect. Many people seemed to appreciate learning how we rigorously assign monetary metrics to nature鈥檚 benefits. It is important to give them confidence in the numbers when, for instance, dealing with damage liability or safeguarding the public trust.”

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources has officially changed its name to the (CTAHR), in a step that CTAHR Dean Parwinder Grewal said will better reflect the college鈥檚 mission and vision (below).

“This update embodies our college鈥檚 commitment to fostering resilience across individuals, communities, economies and ecosystems, emphasizing its focus on sustainable agriculture, climate change adaptation, and family and community well-being,” said Grewal. “We at CTAHR define human resilience as building individual, community and environmental endurance in the face of challenges such as climate change.”

CTAHR aims to lead research and educational initiatives that help prepare Hawaiʻi and the Pacific region to respond to and recover from climate-driven impacts to agriculture and communities.

“Our programs are centered on enhancing the human condition through a comprehensive approach to building resilience in agricultural and natural systems in the face of climate change,” said Grewal.

The process to change the name, which retains the college鈥檚 well known acronym, CTAHR, began shortly after Grewal started as dean of the college in March 2024. He had a series of meetings with faculty, students, staff, and alumni who all supported the name change proposal. A survey conducted among CTAHR faculty, staff, students, alumni and stakeholders found that more than 67% of respondents endorsed the change, with more than 72% agreeing that 鈥渉uman resilience鈥� better captures the college鈥檚 mission and values.

The mission of several of CTAHR‘s departments already reflect the name change such as the , which conducts research and teaching programs on individual and family resiliency. The focuses on research and academic programs in human nutrition and dietetics, to enhance nutritional health of individuals, children and families. The explores human dimensions research through the relationships between humans and the natural environment for improved human management decisions and policy creation. CTAHR‘s extension programs focus on improving economic, social, and health and wellbeing of individuals, families and communities and offer youth development programs such as 4-H to build teenage resiliency.

The school will be changing its signage and webpages over the coming months to reflect the name change. 鈥淗uman Resources鈥� was added to the then “College of Tropical Agriculture” in 1978 when the college merged with the 糖心Vlog官方 Hawaiʻi Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, which was dissolved in 1999. The meaning of “human resources” has since shifted from resources for people, like healthy food and clean water, to primarily being associated with business and personnel management.

CTAHR was the very first college at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa when it was founded in 1907 under the Morrill Act as a land-grant college of agriculture and mechanic arts. The flagship campus now has 17 colleges and schools.

CTAHR Mission

CTAHR creates and delivers knowledge that supports and strengthens families, agricultural and food systems, and the natural environment. We educate and serve the people of Hawaiʻi and those from around the world with integrity and excellence.

CTAHR Vision

CTAHR provides exceptional education, research, and extension programs in tropical agriculture and food systems, family and consumer science, and natural resource management for Hawaiʻi and the international community. We cultivate innovative scientific inquiry, solve real world challenges, and provide experiential learning in an interdisciplinary setting with global impacts.

Eight undergraduate students from a variety of disciplines at the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 experienced an all-expenses-paid research trip of a lifetime—spending eight weeks in summer 2024 immersed in the Galápagos Islands. They engaged in mentored research via a transformational journey that promoted deep connections to ʻ腻颈苍补 (land/sea), k膩naka (people) communities and m膩lama ʻ腻颈苍补 (stewardship of places and people).

Creighton Litton, professor, (UROP) director, and one of the eight 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 faculty members who designed and implemented the program over the past two years, said, “Mentored research opportunities for undergraduate students is a high impact practice that provides myriad benefits to students, mentors, our campus and our islands as a whole. This is an innovative program—possible via a strong collaboration with the (CDF) in Galápagos, and engagement by multiple faculty from across the 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 campus—that provides our students with transformative learning experiences in research science within a Native Hawaiian Place of Learning context.”

More than 80 students applied, and 12 were invited to enroll in a new spring course on island invasion biology to provide a base of knowledge for their mentored research projects. Eight traveled to the Gal谩pagos and four conducted research in Hawaiʻi.

Students developed research proposals in spring 2024 with mentors from 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 and CDF. The collaborative mentorship approach allowed students to develop their research skills while contributing to real-world scientific questions. During the summer, the traveling students were housed at the CDF research station in the Galápagos, where they conducted their research projects focused on island invasion biology.

During the summer experience, students wrote research papers on every aspect of the scientific process, including literature review, data collection and analysis, conclusions and the socioecological implications of their findings. Each student also crafted a personal, contemporary kaʻao (epic story, tale) to document their experiences, from their hua (initial inspiration) to their haʻalele (preparing for the journey) to the huakaʻi (journey) to the hoʻina (reintegration) back into their on- and off-campus communities.

Important invasive species research

Matthew Kahokuloa鈥檚 project involved assessing plant diversity after the reintroduction of giant tortoises on Santa Fé Island.

“Being my first time leaving Hawaiʻi, it was amazing to experience the biodiversity and ecology of another archipelago鈥檚 ecosystem,” Kahokuloa said. “This trip provided me with invaluable field experience, especially in terms of working in remote environments and applying research methods.”

Emily Josefina Velasquez studied the impacts of Caulerpa racemosa (species of edible green alga) on sand dwelling benthic invertebrates (small aquatic animals that live on the bottom of bodies of water) in the Gal谩pagos.

“You couldn鈥檛 walk for 10 minutes without running into a lounging iguana, sea bird, or sea lion, and we were always close to the ocean.” — Nicole Buyukacar

“The Galápagos was a place where my personal growth as an individual thrived and reaffirmed my passion and drive to work in academia,” Velasquez said. “It’s an unforgettable experience. You鈥檙e immersed in your project, living, breathing, and dreaming about it. I was surrounded by scientists from diverse backgrounds, and living and working in an environment where everyone shares a passion for understanding the world around them.”

Nicole Buyukacar鈥檚 project was about the developmental dynamics and temperature sensitivity of the avian vampire fly.

“The most remarkable thing about the town we worked in, Puerto Ayora, was the abundance of wildlife living right there on our doorstep all the time,” Buyukacar said. “You couldn鈥檛 walk for 10 minutes without running into a lounging iguana, sea bird, or sea lion, and we were always close to the ocean. The experience was an incredible blend of learning to integrate academically and socially into a completely different place while constantly being in awe of the natural beauty and learning to understand the reason why it all needs to be protected.”

The students presented their research and kaʻao products at the CDF research station and at the UROP SURE Symposium. Most students are continuing to work with their mentors to produce peer-reviewed journal publications.

This unique opportunity is the result of a collaboration between 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 and CDF and is funded by the National Science Foundation–International Research Experiences for Students ($300,000 grant), the 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 Provost鈥檚 Office to align the overall program with the campus goal of becoming a Native Hawaiian Place of Learning ($100,000) and the 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 Office of the Vice Provost for Research and Scholarship ($80,000). The funds will make the program available to 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 undergraduate students for at least the next two years.

For more information, .

—By Marc Arakaki

To address pressing issues for the Pacific Islands such as soil degradation, wildfires, climate change and loss of biodiversity, the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa hosted two conferences focused on the study of clay with experts from around the world. The 61st annual meeting of the Clay Minerals Society and 5th Asian Clay Conference were held in June.

The Clay Minerals Society conference鈥檚 theme “Expanding Clay Science over the Pacific and Beyond” helped (CTAHR) scientists鈥� expand their horizons in soil and agricultural sciences.

The conference provided essential knowledge for addressing environmental challenges effectively. Onsite coordination for the conference (and concurrent 5th Asian Clay Conference)—from inception to the final huakaʻi—was provided by the (NREM) and (TPSS).

In honor of the late Goro Uehara, CTAHR鈥檚 internationally acclaimed soil sciences professor, the conference included a special session on variable charge clays that highly influence the behavior of tropical soils.

“I personally feel that this experience has elevated our research group,” PhD student Kristy Lam said. “Mahalo piha to Clay Minerals Society [CMS] chair Yuji Arai and CMS Editor-in-Chief Joseph Stucki for providing us an opportunity to honor both Goro and our elemental ancestors that give birth to our life-giving soils.”

Local planning was led by Susan Crow, Jonathan Deenik, David Pompeani and Tai Maaz as the co-directors of CTAHR鈥檚 new soil health, environment and ecosystem resilience (S(HEE)R) Lab. NREM researcher Linden Schneider brought student volunteers from across the 糖心Vlog官方 System to support the technical capacity, and Lam organized the opening kīpaepae in collaboration with Hālau ʻŌhiʻa, the huakaʻi to explore the geology, soils and history of southeast Oʻahu in collaboration with Deenik and Scott Rowland of the .

“I would like to thank 糖心Vlog官方 for arranging and coordinating the student volunteers,” said Arai, of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and General Chairman of the Conference. “Thank you for your hard work. Your time and support meant a lot to us.”

The University of Hawaiʻi has become the first university to sign a memorandum of understanding to provide environmental research expertise to the (NCEL). The NCEL serves as a non-partisan resource network of over 1,200 state legislators representing all 50 states working to protect, conserve, and improve the natural and human environment around regional and issue-specific projects.

The agreement, signed by 糖心Vlog官方 President David Lassner, 糖心Vlog官方 Vassilis L. Syrmos, Hawaiʻi State Sen. Chris Lee and NCEL Executive Director Dylan McDowell, provides the necessary framework for NCEL to seek out environmental expertise from 糖心Vlog官方 faculty and researchers.

“Our pre-eminent capabilities in environment protection and conservation research have been built organically over many decades and are now widely recognized,” said Lassner. “This new agreement will enable us to share what we have learned with others around the country, as we do throughout Hawaiʻi and the Pacific.”

Under the agreement, NCEL may seek out expertise from 糖心Vlog官方, who will connect NCEL members to the appropriate subject matter expert(s) to discuss. If more research or reporting is required, NCEL may direct 糖心Vlog官方 to available grant opportunities to assist with the additional tasks. Requests from NCEL will be processed through the recently created 糖心Vlog官方 Office of Land and Ocean Conservation Futures directed by Suzanne Case.

“Natural resource management and conservation are no longer just catch phrases as Hawaiʻi and the world are facing an onslaught of environmental challenges that are threatening our well-being,” Syrmos said. “I鈥檓 pleased that NCEL has partnered with 糖心Vlog官方 research to assist them with various initiatives to help preserve and maintain our natural environment.”

, which serves as the flagship of the 10-campus 糖心Vlog官方 System, is classified as a Research 1 institution and one of a handful of land-, sea-, space-, and sun-grant universities. Researchers at 糖心Vlog官方 have world-class expertise in a wide area of environmental-related fields, such as biological control, biocultural restoration, agroforestry, natural resource management, invasive species management, oceanography, clean energy, hydrology and Indigenous knowledge.

“We are unlocking an incredible new opportunity for innovative policy solutions by connecting legislators with the research and expertise of the University of Hawaiʻi,” said NCEL Executive Director Dylan McDowell. “This partnership is an important part of NCEL鈥檚 efforts to connect our network of 1,300 lawmakers with 糖心Vlog官方 experts across the globe on some of the most pressing environmental challenges.”

Lee serves as president of the NCEL board of directors. A strong advocate of clean energy and the environment, Lee felt that it was absolutely necessary to bring to bear all of 糖心Vlog官方鈥檚 world-class research expertise and resources to assist NCEL with its vision of advancing a clean and healthy environment through state leadership.

“Equipping policymakers around the country with real science and data on our biggest issues will empower state leaders to deliver more effective and successful results for communities around the country,” said Lee. “At a time when courts have begun to restrict the scope of science in decision-making by the federal government, it鈥檚 more important than ever that states take the lead.”