Pacific Internship Programs for Exploring Science (PIPES)

PIPES Alumni by Program

All PIPES Alumni by Year

2022 REU

Grace Hsiang

From: Vermont.

Mentor: Jonathan Price, Amberly Pigao.

Host Organization: UH Hilo Geography Department.

Jemma Godbout

From: Oʻahu.

Mentor: Peishih Liang.

Host Organization: U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Kieran Mitchell

From: Kauaʻi.

Mentor: Luke (Nalu) Mead.

Host Organization: Kumuola Marine Science Education Center.

Kim Yumul

From: California.

Mentor: John Burns.

Host Organization: UH Hilo - MEGA Lab.

Koa Grabar

From: Hawaiʻi Island.

Mentor: Bryce Masuda.

Host Organization: Hawaiʻi Endangered Bird Conservation Program.

Lillian Lewis

From: Washington.

Mentor: USGS Pacific Island Ecosystem Research Center.

Host Organization: United States Geological Survey.

Mia Noelani Takai

From: Hawaiʻi Island.

Mentor: Ryan Perroy.

Host Organization: UH Hilo - SDAV Lab.

Nainoa Alefaio

From: Oʻahu.

Mentor: Ana Kon.

Host Organization: Na Maka Haloa O Waipio.

Olivia Boucher

From: Hawaiʻi.

Mentor: Dr. Patrick Hart, Stephanie Mladinich.

Host Organization: UH Hilo - LOHE Lab.

Tyler Jeschke

From: Hawaiʻi Island.

Mentor: Troy Sakihara, Devon Aguiar.

Host Organization: Division of Aquatic Resources.

2021 REU

Alyssa Mathews

From: Hawaiʻi.

Project: Using High-resolution Imagery to Quantify Differences in Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death Mortality Associated with Ungulate Presence or Absence on Hawaiʻi Island.

Mentor: Ryan Perroy and Timothy Sullivan.

Host Organization: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Spatial Data and Visualization Lab.

Amy Patterson

From: Hawaiʻi.

Project: Characterizing Temporal Trends in Disease and Growth in Porites lobata Corals at Laehala, Hawaiʻi.

Mentor: John Burns and Cliff Kapono.

Host Organization: MEGA Lab.

Andrew Curley

From: Arizona.

Project: Response of Hawaii's Nearshore Fishers to the Impacts of COVID-19.

Mentor: Tim Grabowski and Michelle Shuey.

Host Organization: USGS Hawaiʻi Cooperative Fishery Research Unit.

Cole Dill-De Sa

From: Hawaiʻi.

Project: Using Social Media To Characterize The Impact Of COVID-19 On Hawaii’s Nearshore Fisheries.

Mentor: Tim Grabowski and Michelle Shuey.

Host Organization: USGS Hawaiʻi Cooperative Fishery Research Unit.

Dylan Kelling

From: Oʻahu.

Project: No Wai Ke Kuleana: Investigating Māhele Documents to Further Assess Applicability in Modern-Day Restoration Efforts.

Mentor: Lokelani Brandt.

Host Organization: ASM Affiliates.

Isabel Schwartz

From: California.

Project: Effect of Different Seed Treatments On Improving Santalum paniculatum (ʻIliahi) Seed Resilience From Rodent Predation.

Mentor: Emily Leucht and Kallie Barnes.

Host Organization: Three Mountain Alliance.

Jessica DeCosta

From: Oʻahu.

Project: When A River Jumps: A Peek into Waipiʻo.

Mentor: ʻIʻini Kahakalau and Nalei Kahakalau.

Host Organization: Kū-A-Kanaka.

Kailey Alcosiba

From: California.

Project: The Human Health Impacts and Cultural Aspects of the Polynesian Rat.

Mentor: Carmen Antaky and Steven Hess.

Host Organization: USDA National Wildlife Research Center.

Kaʻiʻinipuʻuwai Keliʻihoʻomalu-Holz

From: Hawaiʻi.

Project: Mālama I Ka ʻĀina Momona O Kalapana.

Mentor: Gina McGuire and Lisa Kelley.

Host Organization: University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Geography Department.

Sabrina Bejang

From: Majuro.

Project: Exploring Cultivation Practices for Native Limu at the Pacific Aquaculture & Coastal Resources Center.

Mentor: Karla McDermid and Rose Criscione.

Host Organization: Pacific Aquaculture Resources Center.

Skyler Chong

From: Hawaiʻi.

Project: Effect of Aeration on Organic Matter Decomposition Rates in Loko I‘a at Waiāhole, Hilo.

Mentor: Luke Mead and Cybil Glendon-Baclig.

Host Organization: Kamehameha Schools.

Sophia Smith

From: Hawaiʻi.

Project: Investigating the Role of Ambrosia Beetles In the Spread of Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death (ROD).

Mentor: Helen Sofaer and Jorden Zarders.

Host Organization: USGS Pacific Island Ecosystem Research Center.

Taylor “Uʻi” Barongan

From: Hawaiʻi.

Project: Comparing Trap Types for Capturing Avian Malaria (P. Relictum) Positive Mosquitoes (Culex quinquefasciatus) On Hawai’i island.

Mentor: Renee Bellinger and Stephanie Mladinich.

Host Organization: USGS Pacific Island Ecosystem Research Center & Hawaiʻi Cooperative Studies Unit.

2019 REU

Anuhea Robins

From: O'ahu.

Project: Comparing microarthropod communities amongst different plant species’ leaf litter in a Hawaiian lowland wet forest.

Mentor: Rebecca Ostertag and Robert Peck.

Host Organization: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo and United States Geological Survey.

Hallie Whitmore

From: Hawaiʻi.

Project: Horizontal transfer of wolbachia from aedes albopictus to culex Quinquefasciatus.

Mentor: Jared Nishimoto and Jolene Sutton.

Host Organization: Conservation Genomics Research Group.

Jesse Tabor

From: Hawaiʻi.

Project: Invasive Potential for Non-Native Bees Present in Hawai’i.

Mentor: Jon Koch.

Host Organization: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo.

Mario Kaluhiokalani

From: O'ahu.

Project: Genetic Barcoding of the native, Mugil cephalus, and invasive, Osteomugil engeli, mullet in a coastal Hawaiian fishpond.

Mentor: John HR Burns.

Host Organization: Multiscale Environmental Graphical Analysis (MEGA) Lab.

Nikko Bjontegard

From: Hawaiʻi.

Project: Assessing The Effectiveness Of Ceratocystis Management Methods To Decrease The Spread Of Rapid ʻŌhi’a Death In Hawai‘i.

Mentor: Robert Peck, Kylle Roy, and Kelly Jaenecke.

Host Organization: Hawai‘i Cooperatives Studies Unit , U.S. Geological Survey, and Pacific Island Ecosystem Research Center.

Shelbi Madera

From: Hawaiʻi.

Project: Pollen Disbarment of Hawaiian Nectivorous Birds.

Mentor: Kristina Paxton.

Host Organization: Tropical Conservation Biology and Environmental Science program University of Hawaii Hilo, LOHE lab.

Tamara Tso

From: Hawaiʻi.

Project: Oyster Conditions in Land Based Aquaculture Operations Compared to Conditions in Hilo Bay Research Farm.

Mentor: Maria Haws and Daniel Wilkie.

Host Organization: Pacific Aquaculture & Coastal Resource Center.

Uʻilani Jesse-Kealanahele

From: O'ahu.

Project: Sewage pollution impacts on Puakō’s coral reefs.

Mentor: Tracy N. Wiegner and Devon K. Aguiar.

Host Organization: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo.

Valentine Santarone III

From: Hawaiʻi.

Project: Species-typical behavior analyses on ‘alalā (corvus hawaiiensis) Responding to native plant species enrichment..

Mentor: Alison Flanagan and Bryce Masuda.

Host Organization: Hawai’i Endangered Bird Conservation Program.

Yukio Ishii

From: Hawaiʻi.

Project: Mapping of Water Motion in Anthropogenic Areas at Puakō, Hawaiʻi.

Mentor: Devon Aguiar.

Host Organization: University of Hawaii at Hilo: Marine Science Department.

2018 REU

Amy Durham

From: Hawaii.

Project: Habitat Composition Surveying in Pu'u Maka'ala Natural Area Reserve for Release of the Endangered Hawaiian ʻAlalā (Corvus hawaiiensis)..

Mentor: Alison Greggor, Bryce Masuda, Jonathan Price, and Rebecca Ostertag.

Host Organization: Hawaiʻi Endangered Bird Conservation Program.

Heather Lee

From: Kauai.

Project: Vigilance of Released ‘Alalā (Corvus hawaiiensis) at Feeding Stations.

Mentor: Alison Greggor.

Host Organization: Hawaii Endangered Bird Conservation Program.

Jamie Colvin

From: Omaha.

Project: Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death (ROD).

Mentor: Timothy Sullivan.

Host Organization: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, Spatial Data Analysis and Visualization (SDAV) Lab.

Jasmin Curiel

From: Hawaiʻi.

Project: Using camera traps to evaluate frugivory within Hawaiian forests located on Hawaii Island.

Mentor: Pat Hart.

Host Organization: UHH TCBES Dept. Listening Observatory for Hawaiian Ecosystems.

Jesse Leavitt

From: Hawaiʻi.

Project: Genomic Diversity of The Critically Endangered ‘Alalā (Corvus hawaiiensis): Management of Captive Breeding Population.

Mentor: Jolene Sutton and Geneviève Blanchet.

Host Organization: Conservation Genomics Research Group.

Kawainohiaakalani Navares

From: O'ahu.

Project: The Effect of Topography on Lava Movement.

Mentor: Jonathan Price.

Host Organization: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo/United States Geological Survey.

Leilani Sablan

From: Guam.

Project: Comparing Benthic Water Samples of Off-Shore Sewage Pollution Using FIB and Macroalgal Tissue in Puakō to Adjacent Northern & Southern Resorts.

Mentor: Tracy Wiegner.

Host Organization: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Marine Science Department.

Qindasi Silva

From: Baltimore.

Project: Nalo Meli ʻāpaʻakuma Project: Investigating Non-Lethal Genomic Sampling Methods of Hylaeus Bees for Conservation Genetics.

Mentor: Jonathan Koch.

Host Organization: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo.

Timothy Medina

From: Brooklyn.

Project: Mapping Erosions and Generating Baseline data of Mauna Kea.

Mentor: Ryan Perroy.

Host Organization: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, Department of Geography & Environmental Institute.

2017 REU

Adel Sharif

From: Pennsylvania.

Project: Comparing near shore water quality in front of properties with Cesspools, Septic Tanks, and Aerobic Treatment Units in Puakō, Hawaiʻi.

Mentor: Tracy N. Wiegner.

Host Organization: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Marine Science Department.

Amanda Wong

From: Oʻahu.

Project: Microclimate of leaf litter in ecological restoration of Hawaiian lowland wet forests.

Mentor: Rebecca Ostertag and Susan Cordell.

Host Organization: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Biology Department and USDA Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry.

Amy Olsen

From: Hawaiʻi Island.

Project: Assessing Bacteria and Water Quality in Keaukaha Coastline.

Mentor: Tara Holitzki.

Host Organization: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Marine Science Department.

Ashley Romero

From: Hawaiʻi Island.

Project: Investigating the Behavior of Rats, and Their Response to Population Control Measures.

Mentor: Paul Banko.

Host Organization: United States Geological Survey.

Claire Dobry

From: Michigan.

Project: Pseudoalteromonas rubra strain PPB1, isolated from locally sourced marine sponge of genus Petrosia, as bacterial biocontrol agent in mosquito larvicide .

Mentor: Jolene Sutton.

Host Organization: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Biology Department.

Giovanni Tolentino-Ramos

From: Oklahoma.

Project: The Effects of 1% Coconut on Bell Labs Bait’s Preference Ratios and Consumption Rates Among Wild House Mouse (Mus musculus).

Mentor: Dean Foster.

Host Organization: USDA National Wildlife Research Center.

Jihoo Kim

From: Chicago.

Project: Species Richness and Diversity of Oribatid Mites in Hawaiian Lowland Wet Forest.

Mentor: Rebecca Ostertag, Robert Peck, and Susan Cordell.

Host Organization: University of Hawai’i at Hilo, United States Geological Survey, and the United States Department of Agriculture: Institute for Pacific Islands Forestry.

Kainalu Steward

From: Maui.

Project: Understanding Hydrology at Honokea Loko Iʻa & Comparing pH and Alkalinity Levels Between 12 Springs Along the Honohononui and Keaukaha Shoreline.

Mentor: Steven Colbert and Cherie Kauahi.

Host Organization: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Marine Science Department.

Katherine Hiu

From: Oʻahu.

Project: Nutritional Composition of Five Endemic Hawaiian Fruits at ‘Alalā Release Site.

Mentor: Bryce Masuda, Jon Price and Rebecca Ostertag.

Host Organization: Hawaiʻi Endangered Bird Conservation Program.

Marcel Kate Jardeleza

From: Guam.

Project: Seasonal and elevation changes in phenotype of the Spotted Wing Drosophila suzukii on Hawaiʻi Island.

Mentor: Jonathan Koch.

Host Organization: University of Hawai‘i at Hilo Tropical Conservation Biology and Environmental Science (TCBES).

Mehana Sabado-Halpern

From: Hawaiʻi Island.

Project: Developmental Rates of the coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei).

Mentor: Robert Hollingsworth and Lindsey Hamilton.

Host Organization: USDA US Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center.

Sierra Ching

From: Hawaiʻi Island.

Project: Quantifying vegetation, structure, and canopy density at ʻalalā release site.

Mentor: Bryce Masuda, Jon Price and Rebecca Ostertag.

Host Organization: Hawaiʻi Endangered Bird Conservation Program.

Tyler Gerken

From: Hawaiʻi Island.

Project: Determining Staphylococcus aureus, Methicillin-Resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and Fecal Indicator Bacteria concentrations in soils of the Puʻu Makaʻala Natural Area Reserve, Hawai‘i Island.

Mentor: Tracy N. Wiegner.

Host Organization: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Marine Science Department.

2016 REU

Andrew Hanano

From: Hawaiʻi.

Project: Population dynamics of shrimp and damselflies in anchialine pool ecosystems.

Mentor: Robert Peck.

Host Organization: Hawaii Cooperative Studies Unit/United States Geological Survey (USGS).

Bret Mossman

From: Hawaiʻi.

Project: Analysis of captive Palila foraging behavior.

Mentor: Bryce Masuda.

Host Organization: San Diego Global/Keahou Bird Conservation Center.

Carmen Garson-Shumway

From: Hawaiʻi.

Project: Investigating climate driven shifts in Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA for water resource and land management solutions.

Mentor: Tracy Wiegner.

Host Organization: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Marine Science Department.

Conor Handley

From: Hawaiʻi.

Project: Rat behavior in a mezic montaine forest.

Mentor: Paul Banko.

Host Organization: United States Geological Survey (USGS).

David Russell

From: Hawaiʻi.

Project: Comparison of the accuracy of time-stamp infrared aerial geo-positions vs. high precision ground GPS units.

Mentor: Timothy Sullivan.

Host Organization: Big Island Invasive Species Committee (BIISC).

Kimberly Kahaleua

From: Hawaiʻi.

Project: Facilitating adaptation in montane plants to changing precipitation along an elevation gradient.

Mentor: Steven Hess and Christina Leopold.

Host Organization: United States Geological Survey (USGS) Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center.

Nadiatou Ouedraogo

From: Hawaiʻi.

Project: The invasion biology of Drosophila suzukii in Hawaii.

Mentor: Jonathan B. Koch.

Host Organization: University of Hawaii at Hilo.

Saria Adnan Sultan

From: Hawaiʻi.

Project: Determining nutrient pollution loads to Puakō’s coral reef.

Mentor: Tracy Wiegner.

Host Organization: University of HawaiʻI at Hilo Marine Science Department.

Shaun Wriston

From: Hawaiʻi.

Project: Effect of Koa density on abiotic variables in restoration.

Mentor: Stephanie Yelenik.

Host Organization: US Geological Survey in collaboration with University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.

Ulumauahi Kealiikanakaʻoleohaililani

From: Hawaiʻi.

Project: Vegetation structure and fruit availability at ‘alalā reintroduction sites.

Mentor: Rebecca Ostertag, Bryce Masuda and Jon Price.

Host Organization: University of Hawaii at Hilo Biology.

2015 REU

Belytza Vélez Gámez

From: Hawaiʻi.

Mentor: Tara Holitzki.

Host Organization: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Marine Science Analytical Lab.

Bryan Tonga

From: Hawaiʻi.

Mentor: Tracy Weigner.

Host Organization: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Marine Science.

Jamison Domingsil

From: Hawaiʻi.

Mentor: Timothy Sullivan.

Host Organization: Big Island Invasive Species Committee (BIISC).

Jazmine Panelo

From: Hawaiʻi.

Mentor: Lisa Muehlstein.

Host Organization: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Marine Science.

Melanie Quiñones-Santiago

From: Hawaiʻi.

Mentor: Creighton M. Litton.

Host Organization: UH Mānoa Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management.

Natasha Coumou

From: Hawaiʻi.

Mentor: Eben Paxton and Stephanie Yeleni.

Host Organization: USGS Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center (PIERC).

Nicole Preston

From: Hawaiʻi.

Mentor: Patrick Hart.

Host Organization: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Biology.

Stephanie Kung

From: Hawaiʻi.

Mentor: Noelani Puniwai.

Host Organization: UH Mānoa, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management (NREM).

Stephen Garney

From: Hawaiʻi.

Mentor: Timothy Sullivan.

Host Organization: Big Island Invasive Species Committee (BIISC).

2014 REU

Anthony Tornito

Project: Quantifying How Climate Change will Affect the Leaf Area Index (LAI) of Native Hawaiian Wet Forests.

Mentor: Christian Giardina, Paul Selmants.

Host Organization: USDA Forest Service IPIF.

Blaine Luiz

Project: Effects of Puccinia psidii on Metrosideros polymorpha Tree Health and Seedling Survivorship on the Windward Coast of Hawaiʻi Island.

Mentor: J. B. Friday & R. Flint Hughes.

Host Organization: UH Mānoa CTAHR & USDA Forest Service.

Denis Sene

Project: The Effects of Rising Mean Annual Temperature on Rates of ʻŌhiʻa Litterfall.

Mentor: Christian Giardina, Paul Selmants.

Host Organization: USDA Forest Service IPIF.

Devon Aguiar

Project: Assessing Vulnerabilities to Sea Level Rise in Hawaiʻi County.

Mentor: Ryan Perroy.

Host Organization: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Geography.

Evelyn Braum

Project: An Assessment of Sewage Pollution through Groundwater Seeps Entering the Coastal Waters of Puakō, Hawaiʻi.

Mentor: Tracy Wiegner.

Host Organization: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Marine Science.

Gabriel Trujillo

Project: Using Genetic Techniques to Study Impacts of Non-native Parasitoid Wasps on Native Moth Caterpillars..

Mentor: Paul Banko.

Host Organization: U.S. Geological Survey.

Maile Aiwohi

Project: Macroalgae: A Bionutrient Indicator of Sewage Pollution at Puakō, Hawaiʻi.

Mentor: Tracy Wiegner.

Host Organization: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Marine Science.

Michelle Victoria

Project: Native and Invasive Plant Communities in Low, Medium, and High Suitability Areas in Keamuku Maneuver Area.

Mentor: Stephanie Yelenik.

Host Organization: U.S. Geological Survey.

Motusaga Vaeoso

Project: Utilizing Molecular Analysis Techniques to Determine Rates of Parasitism of Native Lepidoptera from Two Host Plants ʻŌhiʻa and Koa at Different Elevations..

Mentor: Paul Banko.

Host Organization: U.S. Geological Survey.

Ricky Tabandera

Project: The Hydrology of the Puako Community: A dye tracer Investigation into Waste Water Movement..

Mentor: Steven Colbert.

Host Organization: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Marine Science.

Sean Kirkpatrick

Project: To determine if Feeding Frequency has an Effect on System Efficiency.

Mentor: Armando Garcia-Ortega.

Host Organization: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Pacific Aquaculture and Coastal Resources Center (PACRC).

Sierra Mitchell

Project: The Influence of Fog on Epiphytes in Ohi'a Forests on a Climate Gradient.

Mentor: Jonathan Price.

Host Organization: UH Hilo Department of Geography.

Vanessa Castello

Project: Habitat Suitability Model of Hawaiian Dry forests: Analysis of abiotic factors to establish differences between high and low sites.

Mentor: Susan Cordell and Amanda Uowolo.

Host Organization: USDA Forest Service IPIF.

2013 REU

Anela Akiona

Project: Length-Mass Regressions of Common Estuarine Fishes in Hawaii.

Mentor: Troy Sakihara.

Host Organization: Division of Aquatic Resources.

Dan Jennings-Kam

Project: Scanning Electron Microscopy of Phytoplankton and Microzooplankton from Submarine Groundwater Discharge Plumes at Kiholo and Kaloko, Hawaii, USA.

Mentor: Jada White, Jim Beets.

Host Organization: EPSCoR ENDER.

Frederica Lamar

Project: The Influence of Nutrient Enrichment on Microzooplankton and Phytoplankton in West Hawaii Waters.

Mentor: Jason Adolf, Linnea Heu.

Host Organization: EPSCoR ENDER.

Jose Martes-Martinez

Project: Insect communities and herbivory effects on Hawaiian Lowland Wet Forests.

Mentor: Laura Warnan, Ostertag Cordell..

Host Organization: US FS.

Kristina Black

Project: Effect of Varying Rainfall on Atyoida bisculata Fecundity in Pacific Streams.

Mentor: Rich MacKenzie and Becky Ostertag.

Host Organization: US FS and University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Biology.

Kyle Honda

Project: Identifying Microorganisms in the tissues and rhizosphere of Leucaena leucocephala.

Mentor: Abby Cuttriss, Jon Awaya.

Host Organization: UH Hilo Biology.

Nemesis Ortiz

Project: The effect of temperature changes on bird song interactions in two different environments.

Mentor: Patrick Hart.

Host Organization: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Biology.

Ryan Pea

Project: Current Profiling in Hilo Bay using an Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler.

Mentor: Jason Adolf, Steven Colbert.

Host Organization: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Marine Science.

Stephen McAuliffe

Project: Liko Nā Pilina: Looking at the Abundance of Herbivorous Insects and their Effects on Plant Growth within the Big Island’s Lowland Wet Forests.

Mentor: Laura Warnan, Ostertag Cordell..

Host Organization: US FS.

Taylor Warner

Project: Vegetation Measurements of Montane Native Hawaiian Forest Herbaceous Ground Cover, Five Years Since Herbicide Application.

Mentor: Cheyenne Perry.

Host Organization: Mauna Kea Watershed Alliance/ DHHL.

2012 REU

Alexis Dziedziech

Project: Resource allocation and competition experienced by Iʻiwi.

Mentor: Bob Peck.

Host Organization: USGS-Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center.

Edgar Lugo

Project: Eluetherodactylus coqui: Social behaviors of the male species.

Mentor: Gary Ten Eyck.

Host Organization: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy.

Emily Mishina

Project: The Kipuka Project: Study of bird nesting and rat diet.

Mentor: Dan Gruner.

Host Organization: University of Maryland.

Kanoe Steward

Project: Tissue nutrient pools and growth rates of the opportunistic alga Ulva spp. on Hawaiʻi's leeward coast.

Mentor: Bruce Dudley.

Host Organization: USFS-Institute for Pacific Island Forestry.

Laurence Walsh

Project: The effect of topography and substrate age on nutrient availability.

Mentor: Kealoha Kinney/Susan Cordell.

Host Organization: USFS-Institute for Pacific Island Forestry.

Lori Bothwell

Project: Leaf litter decomposition and temperature in Hawaiian tropical forests.

Mentor: Christian Giardina & Creighton Litton.

Host Organization: USFS-IPIF.

Louise Economy

Project: Carbon dioxide concentrations in freshwater systems and their influence on carbonate saturation.

Mentor: Steven Colbert.

Host Organization: UH Hilo Marine Science.

Malia Stewart

Project: Investigating functional diversity of seedlings.

Mentor: Laura Warman.

Host Organization: USFS-Institute for Pacific Island Forestry.

Mickhale Green

Project: Microbiol water quality in Hilo Bay.

Mentor: Tracy Wiegner.

Host Organization: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Marine Science.

Peter Sepulveda

Project: Trunk epiphyte species and frequency across an elevation gradient in the north-eastern section of Hawaii Island.

Mentor: Jon Price.

Host Organization: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Geography.

2009 REU

Annette Ah Young

Project: Isolation and characterization of environmental pollutant degrading bacteria.

Mentor: Jonathan D. Awaya.

Host Organization: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Biology.

Darcey Iwashita

Project: Impact of mean annual temperature on native and non-native plant species diversity in Hawaiian rainforests.

Mentor: Creighton Litton, Christian Giardina.

Host Organization: National Resource and Environmental Management, US Forest Service, Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry.

Heather Gleason

Project: Ecology and restoration of Hawaiian dryland ecosystems.

Mentor: Erin Questad, Susan Cordell.

Host Organization: US Forest Service, Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry.

Jeremy Albano

Project: Impact of mean annual temperature on native and non-native plant species diversity in Hawaiian rainforests.

Mentor: Creighton Litton, Christian Giardina.

Host Organization: Natural Resource and Environmental Management, US Forest Service, Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry.

Lopaka Inciong

Project: Nutrient dynamics in coral reef environments.

Mentor: Tracy Wiegner.

Host Organization: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Marine Science.

Nakoa Goo

Project: Importance of Secondary Consumers in Hawaii Coral Reef Ecosystems.

Mentor: Jim Beets.

Host Organization: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Marine Science.

Niegel Rozet

Project: Characterizing Skeletal Growth Anomaly (SGA) in Montipora Capitata.

Mentor: Misaki Takabayashi.

Host Organization: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Marine Science.

Russell Auwae

Project: Strawberry Guava Research Project.

Mentor: Christian Giardina.

Host Organization: US Forest Service.

2008 REU

Anthony Olayon

Project: USDA Forest Service - Kipuka Ecology..

Mentor: Christian Giardina.

Host Organization: Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry, USDA Forest Service.

Chandra Legdesog

Project: The importance of Day versus Night Pollinators in Hawaiian Ecosystem..

Mentor: Heather Sahli.

Host Organization: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo.

Eduardo Hazera

Project: USDA Forest Service - Kipuka Ecology.

Mentor: Christian Giardina.

Host Organization: USDA-Forest Service.

Grant Tolley

Project: Identifying Mechanisms That Seed Production in the Endangered Plant Hibiscadelphus Giffardianus.

Mentor: Bob Peck/Melody Euaparadom, USGS.

Janelle Williams

Project: Foraging Ecology of Invasive Ants in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park..

Mentor: Bob Peck/Kirsten Snook, USGS.

Lan Truong

Project: The importance of Day Versus Night Pollinators in Hawaiian Ecosystem..

Mentor: Heather Sahli.

Host Organization: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo.

Malia Williams

Project: Utility of Water Availability Measurements for Assessing the Productivity of a Sub-alpine, Dry Forest Tree..

Mentor: Chris Farmer.

Host Organization: USGS.

Monika Frazier

Project: Diversity of Free-Living Symbiodinum at Three Location of Hawai'i..

Mentor: Misaki Takabayashi.

Host Organization: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo.

Topaz Collins

Project: Rearing the Banana Moth, Opogona Sacchari and Trapping Banana Moth in the Field..

Mentor: Robert Hollingsworth.

Host Organization: USDA - Agricultural Research Service.

2007 REU

Brenner Wai

Project: Biocontrol of Miconia calvescens: Avoiding Biotic Interface.

Mentor: Tracy Johnson.

Host Organization: USDA Forest Service.

Cassie Lyons

Project: Restoration of Native Forests: The Kipuka as a Model of Forest Fragmentation.

Emily Hart

Project: Effects of Storms on Primary and Secondary Water Quality, and Fisheries Production in Hilo Bay.

Isaiah Iaea

Project: The Use of Springtails as an Indicator for Feral Pig Presence.

Mentor: David Foote.

Host Organization: U.S. Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division.

Jonathan Koch

Project: Pollination Webs in Hawaiian Ecosystems.

Mentor: Heather Sahli.

Host Organization: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo.

Kolea Zimmerman

Project: Identifying the Role of Insects in the Pollination of Rare Native Plants.

Mentor: Robert Peck, U.S. Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division.

Krishna Hemperly

Project: Estimating Bio and Carbon Mass Across Heterogeneous Landscapes.

Mentor: Flint Hughes.

Host Organization: USDA Forest Service.

Linda Sweinhart

Project: Seed Ecology of Lowland Wet Forest Species.

Lisa Shizuma

Project: Effects of Storms on Primary and Secondary Water Quality, and Fisheries Production in Hilo Bay.

Xeronimo Castaneda

Project: Restoration of Native Forests: The Kipuka as a Model of Forest Fragmentation.

2006 REU

Barbara Rowe

Project: Seed Ecology of Lowland Wet Forest Species.

Mentor: Becky Ostertag.

Host Organization: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo.

Frances Kinslow

missing Frances_Kinslow-2006.jpg

Project: Detrital Cycles in Hawaiian Streams: Impacts of Land Use and Invasive Riparian Species and the Role of Micro-organisms.

Mentor: Richard MacKenzie, USDA Forest Service.

Jack Freitas

Project: Adaptive Divergence and Evolution of ʻŌhiʻa.

Mentor: Elizabeth Stacy.

Host Organization: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo.

Kari-Ann Shozuya

From: Hawaiʻi.

Project: Detrital cycles in Hawaiian streams: Impacts of land use and invasive riparian species and the role of microorganisms.

Mentor: Richard Mackenzie.

Host Organization: Institute for Pacific Islands Forestry, USDA Forest Service.

Kevin Pien

Project: Coqui and Vegetation Interactions.

Mentor: Becky Ostertag.

Host Organization: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo.

Magda Benavides

Project: Avian Malaria.

Mentor: Sue Jarvi.

Host Organization: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo.

Nate Olson

Project: Coral Reef Ecology.

Mentor: Misaki Takabayashi.

Host Organization: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo.

Stefanie Willis

Project: Temperature Gradient Effects on Endangered Hawaiian Damselflies.

Mentor: David Foote, USGS.

Trisann Mahealani Bambico

Project: Population Genetics of Amphidromous Fish Across the Islands of Hawai'i.

Mentor: Cam Muir.

Host Organization: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo.

Usha Herald

Project: Palila Sexing.

Mentor: Sue Jarvi.

Host Organization: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo.

Zach Stornant

Project: Monitoring Biological Control Agents on Rubus Species.

Mentor: Tracy Johnson.

Host Organization: USDA Forest Service.

2005 REU

Angela Gephart

Project: Phylogeographic Approaches to Conservation Genetics; a study of Lentipes concolor.

Mentor: Cam Muir.

Host Organization: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo.

Ann Skipper

Project: Lowland Wet Forests.

Mentor: Becky Ostertag, University of Hawaii at Hilo.

Heather Fowler

Project: Efficacy of Irradiated Sporozoites as a Vaccine for Avian Malaria (Plasmodium Relictum) in Hawaiian Amakihi Trial II.

Mentor: Sue Jarvi, University of Hawaii at Hilo.

Jennifer Johanson

Project: Endophytic FungiI.

Mentor: Elizabeth Stacy, University of Hawaii at Hilo.

Kathy Seiber

Project: Reproductive Ecology of Hawaiian Corals.

Mentor: Misaki Takabayashi, University of Hawaii at Hilo.

Moana Ulu Ching

Project: Bird Pollination within the dryland forest of North Kona, Hawaii.

Mentor: Susan Cordell, USDA Forest Service.

Sierra Tobiason

Project: Environmental Impacts and Ciguatera.

Mentor: Mike Parsons, University of Hawaii at Hilo.

Tanya Tavares

Project: Biodiversity Survey of Vertebrate Blood Parasites from Tropical Lowland Forests of Southern China.

Mentor: Carter Atkinson, USGS.

Tyler Takeshita

Project: Reproductive Ecology of Hawaiian Scleractinian Corals.

Mentor: Misaki Takabayashi, University of Hawaii at Hilo.

2004 REU

Aileen Suzara

Project: Phylogenetic Analysis and Genetic Variation of Hawaiian Picture-Winged Drosophila.

Mentor: Cam Muir, University of Hawaii at Hilo and David Foote, USGS.

Chelsie Javar

Project: Alien plants invading native habitats.

Mentor: Jim Jacobi, USGS.

Christina Wong

Project: Hawaiian Lowland Wet Forests: UH Hilo Impacts of Invasive Plant Species on Light and Water Availability.

Mentor: Becky Ostertag, University of Hawaii at Hilo and Susan Cordell, USDA Forest Service.

Danielle Spears

Project: Using the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to Genetically Sex ʻAmakihi (Hemignathus virens).

Mentor: Sue Jarvi, University of Hawaii at Hilo.

John Nygaard

Project: Lowland Wet Forest.

Mentor: Becky Ostertag, University of Hawaii at Hilo and Susan Cordell, USDA Forest Service.

Liezel Barraca

Project: Reforestation of Ku ʻŌhiʻa Laka Recovery Strategies for Lowland Wet Forests.

Mentor: Laura Brezinski, Ku ʻŌhiʻa Laka.

Malia Kipapa

Project: Differences Between the Upper and Lower Areas of Wailuku River on the Island of Hawaii.

Mentor: Tracy Wiegner and Charlie Chong, University of Hawaii at Hilo.

Paige Wiecinski

Project: Evolution of Land Snails.

Mentor: Marta deMaintenon, University of Hawaii at Hilo.

Tiffany Clark

Project: The effect of environmental temperature and population density on the development and survivorship of the immature mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus.

Mentor: Dennis LaPointe, USGS.

2003 REU

Alexis Giannoulis

From: Hawaiʻi.

Project: Hawaiian Native Forest Birds and Avian Malaria.

Mentor: Susan Jarvi.

Host Organization: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Biology.

Candace Martin

From: Hawaiʻi.

Project: Population Structure of Pinctada margaritifera.

Mentor: Cam Muir/Theresa Lewis.

Host Organization: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Biology.

Cheryl Chow

From: Hawaiʻi.

Project: A Look Underneath the Rocks: Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of the Hawaiian Marine Snail (Peristernia chlorostoma).

Mentor: Marta DeMaintenon/Cam Muir.

Host Organization: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Marine Science.

Colin Phifer

From: Hawaiʻi.

Project: Determining Sex Ratio of Japanese White-Eyes Birds (Zosterops japonicus) on the Island of Hawai`i from Applied PCR-Based Testing.

Mentor: Susan Jarvi.

Host Organization: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Biology.

David Perez

From: Hawaiʻi.

Project: Lowland Wet Forest Vegetation Project Species and Ecosystem Survey (with Kalei Chang and Naupaka Zimmerman).

Mentor: Susan Cordel.

Host Organization: Institute for Pacific Islands Forestry, USDA Forest Service.

Emily Martin

From: Hawaiʻi.

Project: Restoration of Lowland Wet `Ohi`a Forest.

Mentor: Laura Brezinsky.

Host Organization: Hawaiʻi Community College.

Erin McCreless

From: Hawaiʻi.

Project: Bird plumage color across populations and elevations on the island of Hawaii.

Mentor: Patrick Hart.

Host Organization: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Biology.

Kazuki Kageyama

From: Hawaiʻi.

Project: Preliminary Study of Hawaiian Bivalves.

Mentor: Maria Haws.

Host Organization: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Aquaculture.

Kosta Stamoulis

From: Hawaiʻi.

Project: An Investigation Into How Average Depth and Water Exchange Affect Juvenile Fish Diversity in the Wai Opae Tidepools at Kapoho Vacationland.

Mentor: Mike Parsons.

Host Organization: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Marine Science.

Liana Carrol

From: Hawaiʻi.

Project: Assessing the Impacts of Passive Volcano Emissions from Kilauea Volcano using GIS.

Mentor: Barbara Gibson.

Host Organization: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Geography.

Patrick Spooner

From: Hawaiʻi.

Project: Distribution and Relative abundance of Epipelic Diatoms in Wailoa Bay.

Mentor: Mike Parsons.

Host Organization: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Marine Science.

Tina Greenawalt

From: Hawaiʻi.

Project: The Use of Springtails (Collembola) as an Indicator for Feral Pig (Sus Scrofa) Presence in a Hawaiian Montane Wet Forest.

Mentor: David Foote/Peter Vitousek/Ilana Stout.

Host Organization: USGS PIERC/Stanford University.

2002 REU

Ava Misseldine

From: Hawaiʻi.

Project: Anchialine Pond Systems.

Mentor: Mike Parsons/Charles Chong.

Host Organization: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Marine Science.

Darla White

From: Hawaiʻi.

Project: Cigueterra on the Island of Hawai'i: Environmental Influences to Fish Toxicity.

Mentor: Mike Parsons.

Host Organization: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Marine Science.

Heather Plaza

From: Hawaiʻi.

Project: Hawaiian Edible Seaweeds: Total Dietary Fiber Content.

Mentor: Karla McDermid.

Host Organization: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Marine Science.

Jeff Eble

From: Hawaiʻi.

Project: Established Protocol and Preliminary Results of an Investigation of Genetic Structure Within a Hawaiian Micro-mullusk Community.

Mentor: Marta DeMaintenon.

Host Organization: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Marine Science.

Laura Weiss

From: Hawaiʻi.

Project: Development of Tissue Culture Protocols for Noni, Morinda citrifolia.

Mentor: Mike Tanabe.

Host Organization: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo CAFNRM.

Linh Vuong

From: Hawaiʻi.

Project: Ecological Energetics in Plants.

Mentor: Susan Cordell/Becky Ostertag.

Host Organization: Institute for Pacific Islands Forestry, USDA Forest Service/University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Biology.

Meredith Acly

From: Hawaiʻi.

Project: Anchialine Pond Systems.

Mentor: Mike Parsons/Charles Chong.

Host Organization: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Marine Science.

Nicole Wakida

From: Hawaiʻi.

Project: Seminal In Vitro Culture of Morinda citrifolia.

Mentor: Mike Tanabe.

Host Organization: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo CAFNRM.

Sara Barwise

From: Hawaiʻi.

Project: Sex Determination of Hawaiian Amakahi.

Mentor: Susan Jarvi.

Host Organization: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Biology.

Sarah Jackson

From: Hawaiʻi.

Project: Conservation of Hawaiian Native Picture-winged Flies.

Mentor: Cam Miur.

Host Organization: University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Biology.