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Christian Colo
Advisor: Dr.
Christian is from Cleveland, OH. He researched nutrient fluxes from the Wailuku River, the largest watershed in Hawaiʻi, to understand how nitrogen and phosphorus delivery may change under future climate conditions. These nutrients had the potential to reshape coastal ecosystems and food webs. By establishing a baseline of nutrient export and identifying land-based sources, he aimed to inform coastal zone management strategies in an era of rapid environmental change. His favorite part of the research was learning about the deep interconnectivity between land and sea and collaborating with fellow conservationists. The most challenging aspect for him was wrapping his head around the many complex biogeochemical processes that influence nutrient movement across ecosystems.
Konapiliahi Dancil
Advisor: Dr.
Konapiliahi is from Makawao, Maui. His thesis focuses on selecting plant species for restoration of lowland wet forests on Hawaiʻi Island—ecosystems that have been heavily overrun by invasive species. He also works with the Liko Nā Pilina Hybrid Restoration Ecosystems project, testing how different plant community compositions affect invasion resistance and native species persistence. His favorite part of the thesis journey has been learning from seasoned professionals across the island who have spent decades restoring native landscapes. Drafting his thesis proposal proved the most difficult task. He emphasizes that most of Hawaiʻi's lowland wet forests are now transformed, with little to no pristine examples remaining—an urgent call to action for restoration efforts.
Anna Ezzy
Advisor: Dr.
Anna is Haʻikū, Maui. Her thesis explored the experiences of women-identifying agroforestry practitioners and their access to conservation funding in Hawaiʻi. Through semi-structured interviews, she investigated how women growers navigated conservation decision-making and whether current programs supported equitable access to land and resources. She and a PIPES intern, Mia Takai, visited restored loʻi, tomato farms, and ʻiliahi reforestation sites across three islands. Anna’s favorite part of the project was learning from the stories and relationships each wahine cultivated with the land. The most challenging part was ending interviews—each conversation opened doors to even deeper discussions.
Sofia Ferreira Colman
Advisor: Dr.
Sofia is originally from Paraguay. She developed 3D reef models to analyze how coral structure and fish traits influenced reef fish communities along the Kona coast. Her research integrated coral morphology, fish behavior, and benthic complexity to better understand how environmental changes might affect reef ecosystems. Her favorite part was being in the ocean, conducting scientific diving and collecting data. The hardest part? Spending long months processing images and manually annotating traits. As a graduate research assistant at the MEGA Lab, she also contributed to coral reef projects across the Pacific. Whether snorkeling, swimming, or SCUBA diving, Sofia was happiest in the water.
Olivia Jarvis
Advisor: Dr.
Olivia is from Oceanside, CA. Her thesis used machine learning and aerial imagery to map invasive strawberry guava trees and model their potential spread under climate change. Working in the SDAV lab, she supported projects ranging from shoreline mapping to biocontrol monitoring and helicopter surveys of Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death. She attended international conferences, planted native trees, and volunteered in loko iʻa systems. Olivia enjoyed taking conservation-focused classes that shaped her thesis and enriched her connection with her cohort. Narrowing her wide-ranging interests into a concrete project and research proposal was the most challenging part. A fascinating tidbit: the biocontrol she studied—a leaf galling insect (Tectococcus ovatus)—created surreal growths that slowed tree growth.
Ihilani Kamau
Advisor: Dr.
Ihilani is from Hilo, Hawaiʻi. Her research investigated how sea level rise could affect wastewater infrastructure and water quality in Kona, using tools like FIB sampling and δ15N isotope analysis in limu. Her work had personal and community relevance, involving direct conversations with residents and early morning sampling adventures. While balancing field logistics—such as collecting samples across 12 sites and processing them within six hours—was tough, the payoff was rewarding. Her favorite part was analyzing bacteria results and seeing what they revealed about the health of coastal environments.
Brianna Ninomoto
Advisor: Dr.
Brianna is from Kāneʻohe, Oʻahu. She studied how sea level rise affected water quality and infrastructure at loko iʻa (traditional Hawaiian fishponds) in Hilo. Her research incorporated drone modeling, community engagement, and collaborative work with organizations in Keaukaha. She learned how to fly drones, construct 3D maps, and communicate findings with local schools and community groups. Her favorite part was connecting with groups dedicated to revitalizing loko iʻa practices. The most challenging part was keeping field equipment secure in public-access areas. She noted that modern infrastructure, such as roads, had forced fishpond stewards to adapt traditional practices in creative ways.
Naiʻa Odachi
Thesis: High-resolution satellite imagery: An alternative method for the detection and monitoring of rapid ‘ōhi‘a death in Hawai‘i
Advisor: Dr.
Naiʻa’s thesis used high-resolution satellite imagery to track the spread of Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death (ROD) across Hawaiʻi. By training automated detection systems, she supported faster, more accurate identification of ROD outbreaks. Her work spanned East Hawaiʻi and other islands and was shared at international conferences in Aotearoa and the Hawaiʻi Conservation Conference. Her favorite part was contributing to a pressing conservation issue with broad community impact. The most difficult aspect was accounting for the speed at which ROD progressed, which could affect data accuracy when symptoms changed between image collection and sampling.
Brian Rule
Advisor: Dr.
Brian is from Meade County, KY. His thesis examined the agricultural effects of split fertilizer timing and harvest intervals on Hawaiian energy cane cultivars—a potential future source for sustainable aviation fuel. Conducted at the UH Panaewa Research Farm, his study also explored the multifunctional uses of sugarcane, including biofuels and bioplastics. He was fascinated by the crop’s versatility and potential. His biggest challenge was managing the demands of fieldwork alongside classes and lab work.
Kalena Shiroma
Advisor: Dr.
Kalena is from Olaʻa and Kaʻūmana, Hawaiʻi. Her thesis blended forestry and geospatial tech by creating orthoimages of Hawaiian forests using drones and Structure from Motion photogrammetry. With field sites in Puʻu Waʻawaʻa and cliff ecosystems on the Big Island, she compared aerial imagery with on-the-ground data to assess forest health. Formerly a forestry technician with the USDA, she brought years of forest inventory experience to her research. Kalena’s favorite part of graduate school was being immersed in her thesis topic while staying involved in community conservation efforts. The biggest hurdle was the time-consuming process of permit writing and approvals—but she was grateful for the experience.
Josephine Tupu
Josie is from Sāmoa. Her thesis uses bioacoustics to study native Hawaiian birds at Hakalau Forest NWR. Her thesis builds on her extensive involvement with conservation projects like mosquito monitoring and seed dispersal studies. She also co-mentored a PIPES intern over the summer and served as Vice President of the Kaiameaola Club. Outside of school work, she volunteers for conservation programs across Hawaiʻi Island, learning about native species and building relationships with place and people. Her favorite part of the thesis experience is spending time in Hakalau forest, hearing native birds sing from all corners of the forest, and learning the plants that support them.