Marine Biology Research in Hawaii

To Apply

Complete BOTH of the following applications by Sept 28:

1. Online: http://tinyurl.com/ExEdApp
2. Project: Project Application

Description

Students will be working with Ocean Matters staff at the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology (HIMB) at the University of Hawaii on Oahu. The marine science research centerpiece will be a project in which students use drones and digital cameras to survey megafauna (sea turtle and shark) populations on the HIMB reef. They will couple this land-based work with snorkel swims to refine citizen science data collection protocols, looking particularly at the incidence of the disease firbropapillomatosis in turtles.

In addition to lab work, students will engage in coursework on reef biology and ecology with university researchers and Ocean Matters staff. Classroom investigations may include studies of bioacoustics and bioluminescence.

This project will also explore the indigenous Hawaiian culture through a service project to restore the 12,000 year-old Waikalua Loko fishpond in conjunction with Herb Lee, Jr. (http://www.thepaf.org/14762-2/) of the Pacific American Foundation and Waikalua Loko Fishpond Preservation Society. Additional cultural experiences will include learning about celestial navigation from a member of the Hokulea boat of the Polynesian Voyaging Society as well as time spent hiking to the source of Honolulu’s drinking water supply with a local Hawaiian storyteller. There will also be opportunities for excursions to learn about the history of Pearl Harbor as well as a hike to Diamond Head coupled with a study of island biogeography.