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2025 Cohort
2025 TCBES Cohort
2024 Cohort
2024 TCBES Cohort
Internship-Track (2024)
Internship Advisor:
| Student | Project |
|---|---|
| Allen, Elizabeth | Supporting marine debris removal and forest kīpuka restoration through fieldwork, permitting, and native species conservation with Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund and Pūʻā Foundation |
| Funkhouser, Jadyn | Conducting GIS-based sea level rise modeling, habitat mapping, and public-facing data visualizations for The Nature Conservancy’s conservation sites |
| Haynes, Corryn | Developing and teaching K–5 enrichment curriculum for ʻImiloa Astronomy Center informed by teacher feedback and place-based learning |
| Manzo, Mya | Evaluating and improving Hawaiʻi County’s landscaping regulations through plant inventories, stakeholder interviews, and community engagement |
| McKLamb, Margaret | Creating care protocols for endangered uhiuhi (Caesalpinia kavaiensis) and supporting outreach and restoration events with the Waikōloa Dry Forest Initiative |
| O'Dell, Meeya | Analyzing ʻamakihi (Chlorodrepanis virens) resistance to avian malaria through disease and phenology datasets at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park with USGS |
| Smith, Frederick | Supporting coral restoration and coastal ecosystem monitoring with The Nature Conservancy in West Hawaiʻi |
| Suesue, Sofia | Monitoring nēnē (Branta sandvicensis) populations and testing acoustic tracking methods at Hakalau Forest NWR through a joint internship with CEMML and USFWS |
| Winter, Chloe | Assisting NOAA Fisheries with federal rulemaking and environmental review for Hawaiʻi’s deepwater shrimp and precious coral fisheries |
Thesis-Track (2024)
| Student | Thesis | Advisor |
|---|---|---|
| Andrade, Breann | A biocultural approach in ʻōpelu (Decapterus macarellus) trophic shifts with the seasonal presence of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangilae) in Hawaiian waters | Dr. |
| Angst, Maria | Age-structured stock assessment to determine population, growth, and reproductive biology of kala (bluespine unicornfish; Naso unicornis) around Maui | Dr. |
| Blyth, Marcia | How can conservation support language reclamation? Addressing colonialingualism in conservation | Dr. |
| Cho, Yun Jae ("Ed") | Detecting differences in wastewater contamination levels across rivers along the north shore of Kauaʻi | Dr. |
| Chong, Skyler | Waikai, limu, and iʻa: Assessing the impacts of climate change on the ecological dynamics of loko iʻa | Dr. |
| Dolde, Cleora | Investigating seedling niche breadth, habitat associations, and conspecific density dependence in Hawaiian and Puerto Rican montane wet forests | Dr. |
| Franz, Heidi | Morphological and behavioral differences of ʻuaʻu kani (Ardenna pacifica) in Hawaiʻi | Dr. |
| Keliʻihoʻomalu-Holz, Kaʻiʻinipuʻuwai | Articulting community resilience and climate adaptation through ʻŌiwi ancestral knowledge in Kaimū, Hawaiʻi | Dr. |
| Kelton, Allison | In development | |
| Marion, Hunter | Using remote sensing to evaluate gorse (Ulex europaeus) management efforts on Mauna Kea and Haleakalā | Dr. |
| Mason, Mackenzie | DNA barcoding of Osteidae oysters in Hawaiʻi for applications in aquaculture | Dr. |
| Pascoe, Makoa | Evaluating the resilience of productive rocky intertidal ecosystems to sea level rise using a community-based approach | Dr. |
| Sanford, Eric | In development | Dr. |
| Thomey, Lilleana | Baseline habitat characterization and innovative drone techniques to expand and guide conservation efforts for native West Maui Amastra spp. | Dr. |
| Tredinnick, Grace | Endophytic diversity associated with declining ʻŌhiʻa (Metrosideros polymorpha) on Hawaiʻi Island | Dr. |
2023 Cohort
2023 TCBES Cohort
Internship-Track (2023)
Internship Advisor:
| Student | Project |
|---|---|
| Breindel, Nathaniel | Investigating effective pesticide treatments for invasive Himalayan raspberry (Rubus ellipticus) in Fern Forest with BIISC to support community-based invasive species management |
| Jensen, Sydney ("Mina") | Evaluating conservation operations for Hawaiian Monk Seals (Monachus schauinslandi) at Ke Kai Ola using the Baldrige Performance Excellence Framework to assess response, care, and education strategies |
| Patterson, Ariel | Conserving rare Hawaiian silverswords (ʻāhinahina; Argyroxiphium sandwicense) through genetic diversity monitoring, pollination, and habitat protection with the Plant Extinction Prevention Program |
| Puletiuatoa, Tuimalata | Documenting traditional agroforestry practices and developing educational materials to promote sustainable land use in American Samoa with USDA IPIF and ASCC ACNR |
| Tabaque, Andrew | Studying akaʻakai (Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani) growth and supporting estuarine restoration and education at Waiākea Pond with the Division of Aquatic Resources |
| Thomas, Randall | Reviving and expanding CAFNRM’s composting program into a hands-on compost learning center for sustainable agriculture education |
| Thomas, River | Comparing dwarf and tall Rhizophora apiculata mangroves in Palau to understand stunted growth patterns and nutrient dynamics with DFLW and IPIF |
| Tominiko, Christine | Designing a fishpond monitoring plan for Waiākea estuary that incorporates aquatic plant management and fish community assessment with DAR |
Thesis-Track (2023)
| Student | Thesis | Advisor |
|---|---|---|
| Benito, Gabriela | In development | Dr. |
| Elliott, Kelli | Understanding the potential competitive advantage of microplastics of invasive Megathyrsus maximus over introduced Digitaria eriantha | Dr. |
| Henry, Trina ("Nikki") | In development | Dr. |
| Larson, Annie | Ontogenic patterns of occupancy and detectability of pākuʻikuʻi (Acanthurus achilles) around Hawaiʻi Island | Dr. |
| OʻHollaren, Ian | In development | Dr. |
| Lough, Elizabeth | Genetic and vocalization diversity of ʻuaʻa across Hawaiʻi Island | Dr. |
| Moe, Lauren | Movement patterns of juvenile blacktip sharks (Carcharhinus limbatus) within a tropical nursery habitat | Dr. |
| Smith, Lauren | In development | Dr. |
| Vasquez Morales, Mishell | In development | Dr. Matthew Knope |
2022 Cohort
2022 TCBES Cohort
Internship-Track (2022)
Internship Advisor:
| Student | Project |
|---|---|
| Barnette, Sibley | Developing guest education materials and supporting ecotourism operations and community-based conservation at Nukubati Island in Fiji |
| Benavides, Anya | Assisting with invasive species removal, native plant restoration, and wildlife monitoring across Hawaiʻi’s Natural Area Reserves |
| Goin, Kaʻehukai | Leading cultural protocol training and supporting marine debris removal with the Papahānaumokuākea Marine Debris Project |
| Gotschall, Ioanna | Supporting biocultural fisheries management by integrating local knowledge into a community-based marine monitoring plan in Hōnaunau |
| Lockhart, Leslie | Designing a climate-resilient pollinator garden and implementing regenerative soil practices at Ho‘ola Farms |
| Mahadeo, Alexandra | Monitoring Hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) nesting activity and mapping nest distribution to support conservation and habitat protection |
| Michaud, Hanna | Propagating native plants and restoring island ecosystems through nursery and fieldwork with the Three Mountain Alliance |
| Rozendo, Hannah | Co-developing an ʻOhana Stewardship Plan through cultural research, resource assessments, and community engagement in Puna |
| Smith, Benjamin Julian | Locating seabird burrows with detection dogs and supporting endangered bird conservation on Mauna Loa with DOFAW |
Thesis-Track (2022)
2021 Cohort
2021 TCBES Cohort
Internship-Track (2021)
Internship Advisor:
| Student | Project |
|---|---|
| Barnwell, Mikayla | Assisting with the design, permitting, and implementation of a pilot coral restoration project in West Hawaiʻi with The Nature Conservancy |
| Barrientos, Alejandro Caamaño | Supporting hatchery operations and juvenile fish rearing for sustainable Almaco Jack aquaculture at Blue Ocean Mariculture |
| Chalgren, Lucy | Advancing science communication through social media and place-based curriculum development with NOAA and ʻImiloa Astronomy Center |
| Daog, Cienna-Lei | Engaging community members and students in loko iʻa stewardship, research, and marine education at Kumuola Marine Science Center |
| Girbino, Vi | Coordinating agroforestry planning, biodiversity research, and drone-based tree identification for a regenerative farm and solar project in Pāhoa |
| Hartmann, Hannah | Developing a mycofiltration strategy to remediate jet fuel contamination at Red Hill in collaboration with the Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi |
| Kamioka, Mio | Exploring Indigenous sustainability and voyaging knowledge through oral history research and international engagement with the Hōkūleʻa community |
| Paradea, Avalon | Supporting partner-led outreach and conservation efforts to strengthen pilina between residents and ʻāina through the South Kohala Coastal Partnership |
| Ripley, Natasha Siaivao Selai | Conducting coral nursery restoration, phytoplankton monitoring, and training development with the Coral Reef Advisory Group in American Samoa |
| Russell, David | Researching native plant communities and climate-adapted restoration strategies for the Puʻuwaʻawaʻa CBSFA with the U.S. Forest Service |
Thesis-Track (2021)
2020 Cohort
2020 TCBES Cohort
Internship-Track (2020)
Internship Advisor:
| Student | Project |
|---|---|
| Asiata, Tearina | Supporting mosquito-borne disease surveillance and public health communication with the American Samoa Department of Health |
| Glazner, Jessica | Designing coral resilience experiments based on nutrient dynamics at Palmyra Atoll with The Nature Conservancy |
| Graves, John | Assisting with sediment analysis, coral surveys, and benthic species ID to support marine conservation with the Division of Aquatic Resources |
| Kapono, Aloha | Mapping historical shoreline changes to inform sea-level rise adaptation planning for Hawaiʻi County with SDAV Lab |
| Kapono, Lauren | Modeling ʻopihi (Cellana spp.) habitat vulnerability and sea-level rise impacts through spatial analysis with Nā Maka Onaona and MEGA Lab |
| Kubo, Kimsky | Protecting Palila (Loxioides bailleui) habitat through ungulate control and native plant restoration with the Mauna Kea Forest Restoration Project |
| Muraoka, Darrian | Conducting water quality monitoring and creative community outreach for Hilo Bay with Waiwai Ola Waterkeepers |
| Springer, Whitney | Monitoring spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) and false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens) to reduce bycatch and inform species protection efforts with Pacific Whale Foundation and partners |
| Steward, Kainalu | Digitizing island shorelines in Papahānaumokuākea to assess sea turtle habitat resilience under sea-level rise with MEGA Lab |
Thesis-Track (2020)
2019 Cohort
2019 TCBES Cohort
Internship-Track (2019)
Internship Advisor:
| Student | Project |
|---|---|
| Anderson, Jordyn | Assessing re-attachment potential and the large-scale aquaculture feasibility of native Hawaiian macroalgae |
| Grimmet, Geoffrey | Mapping blood lead test results alongside pollution sites using GIS to assess exposure risk for children with the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health’s HEER Office |
| Kirkpatrick, Sean | Evaluating biosecurity risks and sanitation effectiveness for Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death spore transmission at the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry |
| Lopez, Kawehi | Developing BIISC’s digital communications strategy and outreach content to enhance public engagement and support for invasive species control |
| Norrbom, Sarah | Supporting marine debris removal and microplastic tracking with Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund while advocating for anti-pollution legislation |
| Stone, Michael | Addressing the issue of marine debris through restoration and advocacy with Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund |
| Maʻa, Sebastian | Mapping invasive plants and monitoring estuarine water quality to support coastal restoration planning in Oregon with TEP and Netarts Bay WEBS |
| Villalobos, Carmelita | Conducting beach surveys and seal identification outreach to support Hawaiian Monk Seal (Monachus schauinslandi) conservation with Ke Kai Ola |
Thesis-Track (2019)
2018 Cohort
2018 TCBES Cohort
Internship-Track (2018)
Internship Advisor:
| Student | Project |
|---|---|
| Arakawa, David | Supporting seabird rehabilitation and public outreach through native bird care programs at the Hawaiʻi Wildlife Center |
| Bischer, Alexander | Saving Hawaiʻi Island’s remaining forest birds |
| Cook, Talavi | Practicing Indigenous permaculture and cultural food systems restoration with the Flowering Tree Permaculture Institute |
| DeVivo, Samantha | Pacific Aquaculture & Coastal Resource Center: Creating the Children’s Learning Center and gaining experience with aquaculture practices |
| Dudley, Melanie Leilā | A healthy land produces a healthy people: The importance of pilina (relationship) with place and community through ʻāina education for a more sustainable future |
| Flint, John | Speaking out for conservation at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park |
| Goodoni, Maya | Striving towards a career in watershed management |
| Irish, Amanda | Invasive plants species management and lowland wet forest restoration in Hawai′i |
| Keister, Kelsey | Coordinating Hawaiian monk seal (Monachus schauinslandi) response and leading ocean conservation outreach at Ke Kai Ola, The Marine Mammal Center |
| Malone, Wilson | Sustainable management of Alaska’s Kenai River Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in its economic, cultural, and scientific contexts |
| Meagher, Kelsey | Monitoring of the critically endangered hawksbill sea turtle (Honu ʻea; Eretmochelys imbricata) on Hawaiʻi Island |
| Melcher, Kimo | Applying GIS and aerial imagery to environmental planning projects with the Ola Design Group on Molokaʻi |
| Zepeda, Vanessa | Analyzing ancient marine ecosystems through biomarker isotope research in the Astrobiogeochemistry Lab at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory |
Thesis-Track (2018)
2017 Cohort
2017 TCBES Cohort
Internship-Track (2017)
| Student | Project | Internship Advisor |
|---|---|---|
| Kow, Clifford | Understanding how visitor demographics affect scientific learning at the Mokupāpapa Discovery Center | Dr. Misaki Takabayashi |
| McGuire, Gina | Applying Makawalu to Midway Atoll's Visitor Program, Kuaihelani, Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument | Dr. |
Thesis-Track (2017)
2016 Cohort
2016 TCBES Cohort
Internship-Track (2016)
| Student | Project | Internship Advisor |
|---|---|---|
| Cole, Andrew | How much is enough? Linking field surveys to geospatial modelling for conservation of Hawaiian plants | Dr. |
| van Dyk, Kathryn | Pollination in Hawaiian forest birds | Dr. |
Thesis-Track (2016)
2015 Cohort
2015 Cohort
Internship-Track (2015)
| Student | Project | Internship Advisor |
|---|---|---|
| Marrow, Ashley | Graduated from program | Dr. |
| Nagle, Joshua | Becoming a friend(s) of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park | |
| Newton, Keena | Characterizing the Acalolepta aesthetica invasion in Hawaiʻi |
Thesis-Track (2015)
Earlier Cohorts
We are now accepting applications for our next cohort.
Program Application Term: Fall 2026
Priority Deadline: December 1, 2025
Last day to submit an application: March 15, 2026