Aloha all,
Sharing some summaries of our marine studies programʻs (supported by Robyn, Marc and myself) successes and exposure these past few weeks primarily in the area of sea turtle research. A few highlights below.
Annual 4th Grade Presentation
Continued our collaboration and support of Colbyʻs amazing place-based program with a presentation on sea turtles!
Successful Middle School Scuba Club weekend session
We supported 5 students in Cole Hooverʻs 8th grade capstone of re-establishing a scuba club!
Successful hosting of Ghana collaborators
We had a successful week supporting visits from three of our collaborators – Dr. Andy, Ketty and Akwasi from Ghana. We have cemented our relationship, established plans for future collaborative work, and showed the beauty of HPA and Hawai’i. Thank you to Auxiliary for supporting their stay on campus. In addition, students in various classes of Willie’s and Robyn’s, Sea Turtle Research Program and Marine Biology really benefited from their interactions with our visitors.
Successful Sea Turtle Research Trip to Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park
We conducted our annual research trip to “KAHO” with various visitors and our students participating. We also have begun supporting a student from the University of Arkansas on an epibiont study. We also welcomed Alden Mazo back to the program she was such a positive member of during her 2 years at HPA!
Successful ISTS
We were engaged in so many ways with this event. I was able to serve as Session Chair for the Education and Outreach Session, served as student evaluator, presented at a day long Stranding Workshop, lead a huakaʻi for 20 individuals from around the world to learn more about basking sea turtles, strengthened relationships with collaborators across the state and internationally, etc. We were mentioned in various presentations and various posters and served as a formal supporter of the vent.
One of our big successes was supporting the participation of 5 schools at the symposium creating the Honu Hui. Teachers have reported that this was a very successful and enjoyable experience. We finished the day with Alum Alden and two other individuals sharing insight into how to be successful joining projects, in college, etc.
Fishing Line Recycling again in the news!
In addition to the newsletter for Marine Debris in the Pacific local collaborator Wendy Noritake wrote a lovely article in Kohala Mountain News!
Happy to highlight any of these events in the greater community as I am very proud of us, our students, and our school in supporting so much of this work!
As a reminder, we have our upcoming trip to Galapagos with blog being shared out and our upcoming State Science and Engineering Fair on April 1-3.
