Tearina is from American Samoa, and her internship was with the American Samoa Department of Health. Her proposed study initially aimed to examine the relationship between climate change and the rise of mosquito-borne diseases on Tutuila Island. However, due to challenges like the global pandemic, limited resources, and time constraints, she pivoted to focus on the epidemiology of mosquito-borne diseases more broadly. She constructed and updated information sheets and case investigation forms for notifiable diseases in the territory. She also observed the American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency’s water quality monitoring and participated in a mass drug administration campaign to suppress lymphatic filariasis. Her favorite part of the experience was returning home after two years to witness advances in public health firsthand. The most challenging aspect was analyzing data from the most recent lymphatic filariasis campaign.

Jessica is from Northern California, and her internship was with The Nature Conservancy Hawaiʻi Chapter, Palmyra Program. Her project focused on leveraging the resilience of Palmyra Atoll’s coral reefs to thermal stress, due in part to nutrient subsidies from seabirds and apex predators, to inform climate resilience strategies elsewhere. She designed an experiment to simulate these nutrient inputs and explore whether boosting plankton production could support coral survival through bleaching events. Her favorite part of the internship was collaborating with the Palmyra and TNC teams. The most challenging part was the complexity of designing a robust experimental framework, though she had the support of experienced scientists.

Lauren is from Hilo, Hawaiʻi, and completed her internship with Nā Maka Onaona, MEGA Lab, and Arizona State University. Her work contributed to developing a method for evaluating the productivity and carrying capacity of ʻopihi in response to sea-level rise. She also created maps to assess habitat vulnerability. A highlight of her internship was working with esteemed ʻōiwi leaders and learning what it means to be a Hawaiʻi leader. COVID-19 restrictions made it difficult to gather, travel, and host events, posing a consistent challenge throughout her experience.

Kimsky is from Pohnpei, Micronesia, and interned with the Mauna Kea Forest Restoration Project. He worked on removing ungulates to protect endangered Palila, planting native species, and managing fencing. A fun fact he shared was that the program offered hiking, camping, and off-road riding around Mauna Kea. The most challenging moment came on his first day, when he lost contact with his field crew while checking fences—but he viewed the mistake as an important learning opportunity.

Darrian is from Kekaha, Kauaʻi, and interned with Waterkeeper Alliance: Waiwai Ola Waterkeepers Hawaiian Islands. His work included water quality and turbidity testing, social media outreach for Hilo Bay Waterkeeper, and community education. He particularly enjoyed learning how non-profits function behind the scenes and credited his mentor and collaborators for helping him grow. COVID-19 posed challenges for outreach efforts, prompting him to develop creative alternatives like poster contests, radio PSAs, and drone-based watershed visualization projects.

Whitney is from Utah and interned with the Pacific Whale Foundation, Cascadia Research Collective, and DAR’s Protected Species Program. Her work focused on spinner dolphins and false killer whales. She conducted land-based surveys in South Maui and North Hawaiʻi and participated in outreach with local fishers to reduce false killer whale bycatch. Her favorite part was connecting with community partners who shared a commitment to ʻāina momona. The hardest part was being away from her dog for a month while attending a tech program on Oʻahu—though she found the program extremely rewarding.

Kainalu is from Lahaina, Maui, and interned with the MEGA Lab. He digitized shorelines at Lalo in Papahānaumokuākea to study island movement and sea-level rise resilience. His goal was to help inform best management practices for habitat conservation, particularly for nesting sea turtles. He loved learning more about the kūpuna islands and honing his research skills. He was honored to be mentored by Native Hawaiian scientist Dr. Haunani Kāne. The most challenging part was managing the time-intensive task of digitizing monthly shoreline imagery.