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Kūpono Aguirre
Advisor: Dr.
Kūpono, a graduate student from Waikapū, Maui, conducted his master’s thesis research on the seed dispersal habits of feral pigs in Hawaiian forests, with a focus on the moku of Hilo. His work involved collecting pig scat samples from multiple forested sites around Hilo, then germinating the contents in a greenhouse setting to identify which plant species were being dispersed by these animals. The goal of his study was to better understand the ecological role feral pigs play in spreading both native and invasive plants. Kūpono found deep fulfillment in pursuing original research that reflected his own questions and interests, particularly within ecosystems he cared about. He noted that the most challenging part of his research was navigating the bureaucratic complexities of permit applications and approvals, which required significant patience and persistence.
Walter Boger
Thesis: Shifts in carbon flux from a Hawaiian watershed due to climate change
Advisor: Dr.
Walter, hailing from Maryland, examined how climate change is expected to alter the export of carbon from the Wailuku River to Hilo Bay. His thesis, which focused on shifts in carbon export under changing precipitation patterns, sought to understand how these environmental changes might affect the delivery of carbon in its various forms—dissolved, particulate, organic—into coastal marine ecosystems. Walter emphasized the cultural and ecological importance of the Wailuku River, noting that under storm flow conditions, it lives up to its name: “waters of destruction.” He thoroughly enjoyed working in the field and engaging with the dynamic nature of the river. However, the repeated demands of writing—grant proposals, research presentations, and academic conferences—proved to be the most rigorous and consistent challenge of his graduate experience.
Nathalie de Rocquigny
Thesis: Behavior, infestation, and molecular characterization of Cryptophlebia spp. (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) associated with macadamia nut in Hawai'i
Advisor: Dr.
Nathalie, from Winnipeg, Canada, focused her thesis on the behavior, infestation patterns, and molecular biology of Cryptophlebia moth species that negatively impact macadamia nut yields in Hawaiʻi. Conducting her research on large commercial farms in Keaʻau and Kapaʻau, she investigated how these moths damage crops and how to potentially mitigate their impact through improved pest management. Nathalie also worked as a teaching assistant in the College of Agriculture, helping students in labs while sharing her knowledge of farming systems. She expressed that her favorite part of the experience was handling the caterpillars she encountered in the field, finding their behaviors fascinating and occasionally even amusing. Like many of her peers, she found writing to be the most difficult part of the thesis process, particularly the task of compiling months of detailed research into a coherent narrative.
Amy Durham
Thesis: Intraspecific variation in home range size, overlap, and movement behaviors of ʻio - the Hawaiian hawk (Buteo solitarius)
Advisor: Dr.
Amy, originally from California and currently residing on Hawaiʻi Island, investigated the spatial use patterns of ʻIo (the Hawaiian Hawk, Buteo solitarius) through a GPS-telemetry study. Her field research took place in Puʻu Makaʻala Natural Area Reserve and surrounding forests, where she captured, banded, and fitted ʻIo with solar-powered GPS transmitters to monitor their movements. Amy’s study aimed to understand how these native raptors utilize their territory and how space use varies between individuals. She particularly loved the hands-on aspect of fieldwork, feeling deeply connected to the birds and landscapes she studied. However, she acknowledged that working with people—especially coordinating complex logistics and stakeholder involvement—was more challenging than anticipated. Still, she valued the opportunity to take ownership of her research and contribute meaningful data on a culturally and ecologically significant species.
Matthew Dye
Thesis: Fish meal replacement by microbially fermented black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal in diets for juvenile mixed species tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus/O. aureus)
Advisor: Dr.
Matt, a local student from Hilo, investigated the potential of upgrading black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens) as a sustainable protein source for aquatic feed. His thesis research took place in Panaʻewa and focused on using microbial processing to enhance the nutritional value of larvae raised on organic waste—an innovation that could simultaneously address food sustainability and waste management. Matt also volunteered with a non-profit, Ka Ike o ka Aina, where he taught keiki about science through Hawaiian cultural frameworks. He was particularly inspired by the productivity and history of Puanui, the narrowest ahupuaʻa on Hawaiʻi Island. Matt’s favorite part of the research process was learning how to design experiments and test hypotheses. He anticipated that writing the manuscript and distilling complex data into publishable results would be the most daunting task.
Noah Hunt
Thesis: Signal interactions between native and introduced forest birds of Hawaiʻi Island and predicting distance of signals from their energy
Advisor: Dr.
Noah, originally from Spokane, Washington, conducted his thesis on the acoustic interactions between native and introduced forest bird species in the ahupuaʻa of Hakalau and Paukaʻa. His research sought to determine whether these species are partitioning sound space to avoid communication interference, or if their vocalizations are overlapping in ways that could disrupt native behavior. Working closely with his lab hui, Noah also mentored a PIPES intern to study the relationship between sound pressure and distance for different species. He greatly enjoyed being out in the forest with fellow researchers and observing the bird communities firsthand. The most surprising and challenging part of the work was designing a robust observational study that could accurately tease apart complex acoustic patterns, especially in mixed-species environments.
Dan Dio Mikros
Thesis: Targeting infection at the source: Evaluating the efficacy of semiochemical repellent compounds in the management of rapid ʻōhiʻa death-associated ambrosia beetles
Advisor: Dr.
Dan, from Chicago, evaluated the use of semiochemical repellents to deter ambrosia beetles that contribute to the spread of Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death (ROD) in Waiākea Forest Reserve. These beetles cultivate symbiotic fungi within trees, which they farm for food, and their boring activity facilitates the transmission of deadly pathogens. Having spent several years in the ROD entomology lab prior to grad school, Dan built upon his previous experience and designed a thesis that combined cutting-edge chemical ecology with forest conservation. He found a strong sense of purpose in contributing to the protection of Hawaiʻi’s iconic ʻōhiʻa forests. Dan also embraced the challenge of learning statistical programming in R, which initially intimidated him but ultimately became a valuable skill that enhanced his confidence and scientific competence. He most appreciated the friendships he formed with peers from diverse backgrounds, unified by a shared passion for environmental science.
Emma Stierhoff
Thesis: ʻAmakihi kaulana i ka hoʻōla maʻi: Assessing the long-term impacts of chronic infection with avian malaria in Hawai‘i ‘amakihi
Advisor: Dr.
Emma, who grew up in New Jersey on Lenape land, focused her research on the long-term effects of chronic avian malaria infections in Hawaiʻi ‘amakihi (Chlorodrepanis virens). Her field site was located in the ahupuaʻa of Keauhou, near Ainahou Ranch in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Her thesis explored the physiological and behavioral costs that persist long after initial infection. Emma spent many hours mist netting, banding birds, conducting behavioral observations, and running physiological assays. Outside the field, she served as a graduate assistant for the UH Hilo Geography Department, offering GIS support to students. Her favorite part of the thesis experience was building intimate knowledge of Hawaiʻi’s forest birds and ecosystems, particularly ʻamakihi. The biggest challenge she faced was coordinating multiple partners, schedules, and logistical hurdles during a time when the global pandemic limited face-to-face collaboration and field access.
Zach Taylor
Thesis: Conducting reef fish surveys through a new lens: The transformative potential of innovate technologies and community-based monitoring methods
Advisor: Dr.
Zach, originally from Nebraska, researched coral reef fish survey methods to determine the strengths and limitations of both traditional and novel approaches. Working at Keahole Point with the MEGA Lab, his project involved digitizing reefs into 3D models and testing various fish census techniques. Zach relished the chance to assist undergraduates with field surveys and technical skills, while also observing rare endemic fish species. He found fulfillment in contributing to the conservation of Hawaiʻi’s coral reefs, which serve as a vital resource for both biodiversity and the local economy. However, he acknowledged that planning and executing fieldwork efficiently and safely was a continual challenge, especially when coordinating with large teams and unpredictable marine conditions.