SPRING 2009

CNS
College of Natural Sciences

COLLEGE NEWS PROFILES ALUMNI

 I N S T U T I O N A L A D V A N C E M E N T

Their future depends on YOU

Through the generosity of alumni and friends, HPU continues to
offer its students the environment to excel academically
Your gifts and grants assist every
College of Natural Science student.
They help pay for the 29 percent of
operating expenses not covered by
tuition.

Students have hands-on

research opportunities with
faculty and Oceanic
Institute (OI) scientists.
New classrooms, resource
centers, and laboratories
provide an enhanced
learning environment.
Students benefit from small
class sizes and
individualized instruction.
Internship programs offer
students insight into
possible careers.

To make a gift online, go to

www.hpu.edu/onlinegift.

For more information, please visit

www.hpu.edu/support or contact
the Institutional Advancement
Office at development@hpu.edu or
(808) 544-0213.

“I hope you will support HPU’s commitment to excellence in education.

Your gift will help to shape the lives of our future leaders.”
--Chatt G. Wright, President

CNS Spring 2009

 T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S

FEATURE STORY:

The RV Kaholo
HPU’s teaching and research vessel provides invaluable
time on the water for students to learn marine field
methods, but it also has a personality all its own…
Page 12

Graduate Studies 14
College News 2 Master’s in Marine Science I
New faculty profiles I Pre- Graduate student profile: Melissa
medical/Pre-Health Certificate Carr
Program
Alumni Profile 16
Research 5 Traveling with Tim Zepplin
Environmental Science with Susan
Carstenn I Particle Physics with Measuring geo-neutrino flux
Stephen Dye I Geobiology with John Alumni News 17 within Earth’s interior 6
Culliney Updates from the CNS ‘Ohana

Student Profiles 9 Faculty Publications,

Find out why 4 students chose Presentations, & Grants 20
HPU’s CNS for their undergraduate
degree

Feature 12
The Kaholo Story by student 6th graders consider human impact on
reporter Gwen Wedow marine environments during Marine
Debris Awareness Month 3

CNS Spring 2009 Vol. 1 No. 1

Andrew Brittain, Dean/Brenda Jensen, Associate Dean/Christopher Winn, Associate Dean
Contributors: HPU Office of Institutional Advancement; Louis Primavera, Susan Carstenn, Stephen Dye, John Culliney, Whitney Masamitsu, Christopher Winn, Tim
Zepplin/Writers: Melissa Eyre, Gwen Wedow/ Graphic Design: Melissa Eyre
Cover photo: Black-footed Albatross (Phoebastria nigripes), Laysan Island, by Samuel Kahng Photos of RV Kaholo by Varis Grundmanis
C O L L E G E N E W S CNS Spring 09 2

CNS is pleased to announce the addition of four new faculty

Dr. Yongli Chen, Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Yongli Chen joined CNS in August 2007. Chen received a Ph.D. in Biophysics from Tsinghua University in Beijing, China in
1999. She joined Dr. George P. Hess’ Laboratory at Cornell University to study how abusive drugs like cocaine affect the
mammalian central nervous system and to search for and design small organic molecules
which can alleviate the drug’s effect. Since dysfunction of the glutamate receptor is
involved in many neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and
epilepsy, Chen is particularly interested in glutamate receptor pharmacology to
understand how glutamate receptors are involved in pathophysiology. Chen is also
enthusiastic about screening interesting marine natural products using glutamate
receptors as molecular targets. Understanding of the biochemistry behind the action of
marine pharmaceuticals will greatly facilitate drug development and modification for
optimization. Dr. Chen teaches courses in chemistry and biochemistry.

Dr. Samuel Kahng, Assistant Professor of Oceanography

Sam Kahng joined CNS in January of 2008, bringing with him a broad range of experience in both the
private sector and academics. Following an undergraduate degree in Physics from Carleton College in
Minnesota, Kahng worked for a decade for the world’s largest management consulting firm assisting
major airline companies with distribution, revenue management, and revenue accounting. Kahng
maintained his interest in science, particularly marine ecology, via world-wide travel. In 2002, Kahng
entered a graduate program in the Department of Oceanography at the University of Hawaii at Manoa
where he studied under one of the world’s leading coral reef ecologists. Kahng received his Ph.D. in
oceanography in 2006. His dissertation research dealt with an alien species that threatens Hawaii’s
multi-million dollar black coral industry. Kahng continues his research on coral reef ecology focusing
on deep-water corals, invasive species and related problems. Kahng’s expertise in coral reef ecology and oceanography and
his collaborative efforts with scientists within this discipline represent an important addition to HPU’s College of Natural
Sciences. Dr. Kahng teaches courses in biology and marine ecology.

Dr. Jiasong Fang, Associate Professor of Oceanography

Jiasong Fang joined the CNS faculty in September 2008. Fang received a B.S. degree in
petroleum geology and geochemistry from Yangtze University in China, an MS degree in geology
and geophysics from Louisiana State University, and a Ph.D. degree in chemical oceanography
from Texas A&M University. Fang worked as a research scientist in the Department of Civil and
Environmental Engineering at the University of Michigan and prior to his arrival in Hawaii taught
at Iowa State University. Fang’s research interests are in the areas of oceanography,
biogeochemistry, geomicrobiology, and environmental science. Current research includes
studying carbon and hydrogen isotope fractionation in lipid biosynthesis of deep-sea piezophilic
bacteria, determining ecotoxicity of nanomaterials (fullerene) based on alterations in microbial membrane composition and
lipid phase behavior, and studying the fate and transport of steroidal hormones in the environment. Other research interests
include paleoclimate reconstruction using stable isotopes and lipid biomarkers in peatland sediments and source and
transport of organic contaminants in the atmosphere. Fang is an honorary professor at China University of Geosciences and
adjunct professor at the Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Dr. Fang teaches courses in
chemistry, oceanography, and geology.

Dr. David Hyrenbach, Assistant Professor of Oceanography

David Hyrenbach joined CNS in January 2008, adding expertise in many fields of study including
seabird ecology, spatial statistics and ocean conservation. Born in Spain, Hyrenbach completed his
Bachelor’s of Science at the University of California in San Diego and his Ph.D. at the Scripps
Institution of Oceanography. Prior to his arrival at HPU, Hyrenbach worked as a research scientist at
the Duke University Marine Lab and as a visiting scholar at the University of Washington's School of
Aquatic and Fishery Sciences. In 2008 Hyrenbach was awarded a three-year Pew marine
conservation fellowship to evaluate spatially-explicit protective measures for highly-mobile marine
 C O L L E G E N E W S CNS Spring 09 3

vertebrates in the Alborán Sea, Western Mediterranean. His research at HPU will initially focus on two main questions
relating to marine birds, turtles and mammals. First: how does oceanographic variability shape the distribution and the
community structure of these pelagic vertebrates? And second: how do these habitat associations influence the efficacy of
spatially-explicit management strategies for their conservation? Hyrenbach will apply his expertise in wildlife tracking and
spatial ecology to study the habits and habitats of far-ranging marine vertebrates. In particular, building upon his previous
albatross research, Hyrenbach has initiated a study to investigate the movements and ingestion of plastic by these majestic
oceanic birds. Dr. Hyrenbach teaches courses in biology, marine biology, and marine ecology.

CNS professor David Hyrenbach shares his expertise on the impact of marine debris with Puohala Elementary
6th graders during Waimanalo beach clean-up

Last October was Marine Debris Awareness Month in Hawai’i. Sixth grade teacher Mary Place and 26 of her students from Puohala
Elementary School in Kāne’ohe participated in the event with the assistance of HPU marine ecologist Dr. David Hyrenbach. The
class goal was not only to clean up the beach at Waimanalo Bay State Park but to understand how scientists like Hyrenbach use
scientific approaches to do marine research. Ms. Place summed up their day with Dr. Hyrenbach; “When I explained that I wanted
him to tell us about how he uses the scientific method to do research, he chose to SHOW us the scientific method by coming with us
to look at the marine debris on the beach! He started by explaining to the class his focus on albatross and how human use of plastics
are killing these birds. He talked about a dichotomous key to determine whether the debris might be ingested by the bird and he
explained why the bird cannot expel the plastic. He quickly gathered the troops into 2 groups and while one group was on their
hands and knees looking for debris, the other was learning about albatross in the Pacific.”

“Dr. Hyrenbach had an easy rapport with my students and caught their attention with the articles that he brought to show us, like the
contents of what an albatross spits back up and pieces of debris to help them see what can and cannot be swallowed by the bird. He
has even written back to the class to see how they are doing…Thank you, Dr. Hyrenbach, for giving my students a hands-on
experience doing science with an expert. It was a truly "scientific" excursion that they won't soon forget.”

Puohala Elementry School 6th graders learn what is involved in conducting scientific research with HPU’s Dr. David Hyrenbach.
during a Waimanalo Bay State Park beach clean-up event.
 C O L L E G E N E W S CNS Spring 09 4

Kaplan Essay Contest Winners

from HPU

HPU students Margeaux DeMoulin;

Junior, Pre-Medical Studies, and Sage
Yoo; Pre-Dentistry Post-Baccalaureate
student, received gift certificates from
Kaplan, Inc. for demonstrating
exceptional writing skills in a personal
statement essay this past Fall. Each
student receives a free Kaplan study
program to prepare for the MCAT
medical school qualifying exam.

From left to right: Mr. Paul Muna

Aguon; Alpha Epsilon Delta National
Honor Society President (Hawaii
Alpha Chapter), Dr. Andrew Brittain;
Interim Dean of the College of Natural
Sciences, Ms. Margeaux DeMoulin,
Mr. Sage Yoo, Dr. Louis Primavera;
Pre-Health Professions Coordinator,
Ms. Richelle Kim; Honolulu Kaplan
Director.

More Choices from CNS

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Pre-Medical/Pre-Health Studies and Pre-
Medical Studies Minor Arrive Fall 2009
Pre-Medical/Pre-Health Certificate
A new certificate program within HPU’s College of Natural Sciences begins next Fall semester, 2009. The Pre-Medical/Pre-Health
Certificate is designed for career-changing students that are looking for assistance in taking science courses (and other associated
subjects) that will prepare them for the qualifying examinations for health professional schools (MCAT, DAT, OAT, GRE, etc.).

The goal of this two-year certificate program is to guide participants through the entire preparation and application process so that
they will be competitive applicants to graduate health profession schools. The program is intended for students that have already
earned a BA/BS/BFA degree and wish to apply to allopathic medicine, osteopathic medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, optometry,
physical therapy or veterinary medicine schools (students wishing to apply to other health profession schools will also be
considered). The program will be supervised by Dr. Louis Primavera, CNS’ Pre-Health Professions Coordinator. Dr. Primavera will
provide a Committee Letter of Evaluation for those successfully completing the certificate requirements; the letter may be
submitted with the student’s health profession school application.

Pre-Medical Studies Minor

Admission to healthcare professional schools (medicine or one of the related health professions- dentistry, optometry, veterinary
medicine, and others) is very competitive but a realistic goal for capable students who carefully plan their undergraduate degree
programs. Most professional schools value multi-talented applicants who possess a strong background in the liberal arts and
sciences. Hawaii Pacific University does not recommend one specific academic major for students planning to apply to healthcare
professional schools. Instead, students are advised to pursue the minor in Pre-Medical Studies (available FALL 2009) in addition to
their chosen major.

Currently, humanities or non-science majors may have a slight advantage in terms of medical school admissions (due to perceived
versatility). However, the path of a science major to medical school is probably shorter due to the number of courses taken. A minor
in Pre-Medical Studies degree would allow any major at HPU to pursue a career in medicine (or any other healthcare profession of
their choice) regardless of their formally declared major program of study. The premise behind this minor program is that any HPU
major will be able to initiate their studies to achieve success on their healthcare professional school qualifying examinations.
 R E S E A R C H
CNS Spring 09 5 E N V I R O M E N T A L
Riparian restoration on windward
O’ahu
Evidence of riparian erosion seen here at He’eia Stream
makes this site suitable for restoration efforts.
Susan Carstenn, HPU Assistant Professor of Environmental
Science, has teamed with the Executive Director of Hui o
Ko'olaupoko , Todd Cullison, to address riparian
restoration along a section of He’eia stream on windward
O’ahu. Other team members include Hui Kū Maoli Ola,
who leases the land on which the restoration will take
place for a native plant nursery, and community
volunteers.
Historically, O’ahu’s watersheds were altered to meet the
needs of a growing Hawaiian population. A portion of
nature’s energy and resources were redirected to support
agroecosystems, e.g. taro farms and fish ponds; however,
adequate energy and resources remained to support
healthy and functional natural ecosystems. Currently,
urban and agricultural alteration of O’ahu’s watersheds
continue, often times to the detriment of the natural
systems and ultimately to the human systems responsible
for the change.
Cullison coordinates the restoration process and partners
provide access to the site for volunteers to implement the
S C I E N C E
restoration work. While the nursery supplies technical
advice on native plant material, equipment, and long-
term site maintenance, HPU’s role is to investigate the
efficacy of restoration techniques and monitor the
restoration process.
Undergraduate environmental science and studies majors,
including Elizabeth Elkjer, Amanda Calhoun, and Eija
Rissanen, will design and implement research projects
investigating techniques for vegetation restoration while
minimizing the temporary impacts of erosion on water
quality. Students will monitor and assess restoration
success and the downstream effects of restoration on
water quality.
The State of Hawaii Department of Health and the
Environmental Protection Agency under the 319 grant
program is providing the funding for the restoration.
Hawaii Pacific University, through the Board of Trustees
Scholarly Endeavor Program, is providing funding in
support of undergraduate research.
New book challenges
traditional methods of
experimental design
and statistical analysis
of ecosystems
A new book co-edited by CNS
faculty member Susan Carstenn
addresses the limitations of
established approaches to
ecological and environmental research. Real World
Ecology: Large-Scale and Long-Term Case Studies and
Methods showcases studies that have used innovative
experimental methods to tackle the new and emerging
problems that ecologists face today.
 R E S E A R C H

P A R T I C L E P H Y S I C S CNS Spring 09 6

Geo-neutrino observations probing Earth’s radioactive heating

CNS Physicist Stephen Dye’s research involving the detection

and measurement of antineutrinos from deep within the Earth is
reported in the highly acclaimed journal Proceedings of the
National Academy of Sciences [1.8.08] and the Newspaper of
Earth and Space Sciences, EOS [10.28.08].

One hundred years ago, not long after Henri Becquerel’s

discovery of radioactivity, Ernest Rutherford and Bertram
Boltwood initiated a connection between geology and nuclear
particle physics. They suggested the use of radiometric dating
to determine the age of the Earth. Rutherford and his students
Hans Geiger and Ernest Marsden went on to develop radiation
detectors. This fruitful connection led to modern
measurements of Earth’s formation 4.54 billion years ago with
an uncertainty of less than one percent: certainly a marvelous
achievement of interdisciplinary science.

A century after the seminal work of Rutherford and Boltwood,

geology and nuclear particle physics are connecting again. With the discovery of the neutrino and the
development of neutrino detectors, physicists are now developing methods to improve our
understanding of heat production within the Earth’s interior. The application of this novel approach to
study nuclear heating within the Earth promises new understanding about Earth's chemical composition,
the evolution of Earth's internal structure, and possibly the Earth's magnetic field.

Geo-neutrinos are electron antineutrinos emitted in the beta decay of long-lived isotopes within the Earth.
These isotopes, primarily uranium-238, thorium-232, and potassium-40, produce antineutrinos, the
antiparticles of neutrinos, that are affected by only the weakest two of nature’s four known forces (i.e.
gravity and the weak nuclear force). As a consequence these neutrinos can pass through the Earth where
they can be detected by massive, subsurface detectors and provide information about terrestrial heat
sources otherwise inaccessible to geological instruments.

Two underground detectors, one in Japan and one in Italy, are currently recording geo-neutrinos
emanating from the Earth’s interior. These and other pioneering efforts to measure geo-neutrino flux will
improve our understanding of the radioactive heating of the Earth’s interior. Future projects dedicated to
measuring and modeling the planet’s geo-neutrino flux would define the amount and distribution of heat
producing elements in the Earth and provide transformative insights into the thermal history and dynamic
processes of the mantle.

The requirements of an experimental program for this purpose were defined by research led by Dye. They
include observations near Hawaii by a deep underwater geo-neutrino detector under development by an
international collaboration of physicists, geologists, and ocean engineers, including Dye.
R E S E A R C H

CNS Spring 09 7 G E O B I O L O G Y

The works of
author and
distinguished
CNS Professor
John Culliney
John Culliney, Professor
of Biology, has been
teaching biology and
marine science on our
windward campus since
1979. Long ago his
research on the East
Coast at the Duke
University Marine Lab in
North Carolina and the
Marine Biological
Laboratory at Woods
Hole, Massachusetts focused on invertebrate embryology and larval ecology of (mostly) mollusks.
However, after moving to Hawai`i, his interests broadened, inspired by the Pacific Ocean setting. He
subsequently authored four books and numerous essays and articles on a variety of subjects including
conservation issues on the North American continental shelf, growing endangered native Hawaiian plants,
the environmental history of the Hawaiian Islands, and adventures exploring underwater between New
England and Hawai`i.

Recently, Culliney contributed five essays on the geologic and biotic transformation of windward Oahu
since prehuman times in a forthcoming book from the Kailua Historical Society, and he is working on a
book-length manuscript, provisionally titled The Fractal Self, with a coauthor, the philosopher David E.
Jones. This book is a study of the evolution of cooperative manifestations in nature from chemistry and
cellular structure and function to the social behavior of animals including humans—with insights from
both science and philosophy, especially the Asian traditions of Buddhism and Daoism. Ancient scholars in
those disciplines are now seen to have anticipated key concepts of fractal geometry in various natural
settings, and principles of origin of complex systems leading to emergence—a phenomenon that thrusts
innovation at all levels of organization into play in the game of natural selection.

With plans to retire in the proverbial "next few years," Culliney aims ultimately to relocate from Oahu to
the Big Island where he has a house near the town of Volcano. "The (Hawai`i Volcanoes) National Park
boundary runs just behind my backyard," he says, and there's 25 miles of wilderness to explore back there
up to the 13,677-foot summit of Mauna Loa." He has plans for encouraging the regrowth of native
Hawaiian trees and shrubs on his lot, formerly part of a cattle ranch. Already several native birds have
moved back into the area as the forest has slowly begun to recover. "They are exquisite birds—
honeycreepers and others—that have all but vanished from Oahu."

Also, the area is honeycombed with lava tubes, and Culliney has found land snails inhabiting zones around
the cave entrances and skylights. This gets him thinking about going back to his early interests in mollusks
and studying their taxonomy and ecology. These native animals, some of which have evolved into
numerous species in the islands, are far less studied on the Big Island than on Oahu.
G E O B I O L G Y CNS Spring 09 8

Another of Culliney's anticipated future projects is to approach NASA for "some very modest funding to
begin developing a Mars garden". The background for this idea comes from recent surveys by NASA,
University of Arizona researchers, and others that have looked for soils on planet Earth that closely match
the Martian regolith in chemical composition. It turned out that the rubbly, oxidized red dirt covering
much of upper Mauna Kea on the Big Island proved remarkably similar to samples that have been
remotely but accurately analyzed on the surface of Mars ever since the Viking Lander took the first scoop
in 1976.

"We could start by choosing some crops from Nepal, say, and perhaps the high Andes," Culliney imagines.
"Things like hardy cabbages, potatoes, and grains grown at high elevations. Put them in sand boxes at first
with simulated Mars soil—up at the Onizuka Visitor Center at 9,200 feet on Mauna Kea. The second stage
would be to take the strongest plants up to the summit at nearly 14,000 feet. Then we would try to
harden them off and select varieties that thrive in conditions that are part of the way to the Martian
environment—with reduced atmospheric pressure, extremely dry air, permafrost a foot below the soil
surface, high ultraviolet flux, etc. Of course, on Mars, growing plants of any kind will require degrees of
earthlike environmental controls, but anything that can reduce the likes of pressure under greenhouse
domes, water use, need for heating at night, and other costs would prove useful in eventual attempts to
establish research settlements on the planet.”

Culliney admits that this still sounds like science fiction, but there's that old adage that says, 'the truth is
sometimes stranger ...,' and he thinks that a Mars garden on Mauna Kea might catch the fancy of
visionary "terraformers" working for NASA, the European Space Agency, private organizations such as The
Mars Society, and perhaps noted individuals such as the cosmologist Stephen Hawking.

And then… a few years from now…watch for “Mars veggies” for sale at the Hilo Farmers’ Market!

Books by John Culliney:

ISLANDS IN A FAR SEA: The Fate of Nature in Hawai`i

(Revised Edition) (2006). University of Hawai`i Press,
Honolulu. 420 p.

A NATIVE HAWAIIAN GARDEN: How to Grow and Care for

Island Plants (1999). University of Hawai`i Press, Honolulu.
(with B.P. Koebele). 140 p.

ISLANDS IN A FAR SEA: Nature and Man in Hawaii (1988).

Sierra Club Books, San Francisco. 410 p.

LESA MORYA (The Forests of the Sea) – Russian Edition

(1981).
Hydrometeorological Press, Leningrad. 280 p. Culliney with enthusiastic students in his marine
invertebrate zoology lab- Hawaii Loa campus

EXPLORING UNDERWATER:The Sierra Club Guide to Scuba and Snorkeling (1980). Sierra Club Books, San
Francisco. 340 p. (with E.S. Crockett).

THE FORESTS OF THE SEA – Anchor Books (softcover) Edition (1979). Anchor Press/Doubleday, Garden
City, N.Y. 433 p.

THE FORESTS OF THE SEA: Life and Death on the Continental Shelf (1977). Sierra Club Books, San
Francisco. 290 p.
CNS Spring 09 9 S T U D E N T P R O F I L E S

Who we are…
Find out why students choose
HPU’s College of Natural Sciences for their
undergraduate education

Jennifer Canale
Focus: Oceanography

If you ask Jennifer Canale where she is from, her answer

would be, “…well, that’s not such an easy question to
answer. I was born in Ohio, but I have lived in Virginia, Las
Vegas, Hawaii and New Jersey. I moved to Hawaii again in
2007 after living in San Francisco for 10 years”. Canale
was able to return to Hawaii and attend HPU after earning
the prestigious Ernest F. Hollings Scholarship from the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

When faced with the choice of where to continue her

undergraduate education after attending community
college in California, Canale tells us that she was
immediately drawn to the small teacher to student ratio
offered by the College of Natural Sciences at HPU. Canale
echoes the sentiment of many CNS students by aptly
describing her HPU experience in this way; “I love the
intimate classroom setting here at HPU as well as the
hands-on experience I am getting on the [RV] Kaholo and
on field trips. I think my education has been enhanced by
learning with all five of my senses rather than just one or
two”.

In academia Canale fits the profile of a “non-traditional student”. Someone who typically seeks a college education while still
in the workforce or after leaving one career to gain training for a new one. Their experiences, when shared with fellow
students and faculty, bring a unique energy and perspective to the classroom that can be appreciated by all. Canale is
interested in tropical ocean environments such as those found in and around the Hawaiian Island chain. She is inspired to
become a teacher of the earth and marine sciences, ultimately at the community college level where she can mentor non-
traditional students such as herself. Her objective will be to motivate these students to have far-reaching education and
career goals as she did. Canale would like to continue her education after graduation by seeking an advanced degree in
marine science or a related field. An ambition made possible because of her efforts which won her the Hollings Scholarship
and the opportunity to attend HPU as a full-time undergraduate student.

To sum it up, Canale tells us, “I had plenty of choices of where to continue my education after two years at a community
college, and I really think that I made the right choice. I think that I have learned so much more at HPU than I ever would
have if I had gone to a larger school on the mainland where oceanography is only taught in a classroom and students don’t
get to go out and experience it for themselves. I hope I get the chance to stay in Hawaii and give back to the community all
that has been given to me”.
 S T U D E N T P R O F I L E S CNS Spring 09 10

Alex Pawlowski
Focus: Marine Biology/Biochemistry

Alex Pawlowski is originally from Littleton, Colorado. A recent CNS graduate

(January 2009), Alex explains in his own words why he chose Hawai’i Pacific
University for his undergraduate studies.

“I came to HPU as a business major with hopes of getting a Marine Biology minor.
In my first semester though, my favorite class by far was Biology and I decided to
switch to a Marine Biology degree. I haven’t looked back since. In my junior year
I found that I had a real interest in Biochemistry as well, and as soon as the degree
was offered, I picked it up. The second degree forced a later graduation date on
me but was entirely worth it”.

“I came to HPU because I liked the small school atmosphere and the fact that I
would be living in Hawaii. Since being here however, I have discovered all the
other reasons that make HPU a great school. In the Natural Sciences program
there is so much opportunity to get field experience. Not only does the HPU
Marine Biology program have more boat labs than most schools, it is also very
easy to get involved in research that your teachers are doing”. As an
undergraduate, Alex’s efforts included assisting the Marine Mammal Stranding Team under the direction of Dr. Kristi West and in
the laboratory research of Dr’s. David Horgen and Yongli Chen. Alex truly values his decision to attend HPU and believes that his
involvement with faculty research projects have prepared him well for the working world beyond graduation.

When asked where his interests lay, Alex replies, “I have many fields of interest, most of which have been introduced to me
during my time spent at HPU. I am currently torn between pursuing careers in Marine Biology and Biochemistry because I find
both fascinating fields. Since beginning my education at HPU I have discovered deep interests in Ecology, Biology and Chemistry
and the interactions within”.

“The most rewarding experiences that I have had in the past two years have been working with the Marine Mammal Stranding
Team, with Dr. Horgen’s research group, and being involved in the Honors Thesis program. All of these experiences have taught
me so much about research in general and have contributed much to my respect for the natural sciences”.

“Immediately after graduation I plan on continuing to work at HPU in both the Marine Biology and Biochemistry programs with
hopes of furthering my education and finding the right field for me. A longer term goal that I have is to eventually go to graduate
school in whatever field I find suits me best”.

Alex shared these parting words with us, “I would like to thank the Faculty of HPU for my education. One of my favorite aspects
of HPU is the relationships that small class sizes allow you to develop with your teachers. At no point during my education at
HPU have I felt like I was just a face in a crowd to a teacher. I think that above all else, this has helped my education while at
HPU”.

The Natural Science Student Association (NSSA) is a Hawai’i Pacific University registered independent organization
that represents and supports the students enrolled as majors in the College of Natural Sciences. In its second year, the NSSA hopes
to continue on its path of encouraging all science majors to participate in activities which enhance their educational experience.
Already the NSSA has worked closely with the College of Natural Sciences to hold the annual Beach Bash, an event that allows
science students and faculty to meet and socialize with one another. NSSA Night is an evening affair planned for the Natural Science
student body as a chance to relax and meet other students in their majors. Not only does the NSSA organize social functions,
another important goal is to improve the environment for all students on the Hawaii Loa campus. Last year, the NSSA kept open
several study rooms at night. The organization also raises funds and promotes the association with NSSA shirt sales. Officers for the
2008-2009 school year are: Erin Aalseth (President), Tiwa Leveille (Vice President), Kristin Dominici (Secretary), Chih-Wei
Chang and Christopher Adams (Treasurers).
CNS Spring 09 11 S T U D E N T P R O F I L E S

Tiwaporn Leveille
Focus: Pre-Medical Studies

Tiwaporn Leveille considers Hawaii her home. However, prior to returning to Hawaii, she
and her family had been living in Okinawa, Japan since her father is in the military.
Leveille, says that she chose HPU’s College of Natural Sciences for her undergraduate
career because she was impressed by the vigorous science programs and liked what she
heard about HPU being harder to get into than most schools. Clearly, Leveille is a person
drawn to a challenge.

Leveille’s interests lie in pediatric medicine but she would also like to expand her level of
experience by working with trauma patients. After graduating from HPU, Leveille plans
to attend medical school after which she would like to practice as a civilian doctor
working for the military. For Leveille, one of her greatest accomplishments in recent
history was obtaining her black belt in Okinawan Shrin Ryu under an Okinawan
Grandmaster. She also gets her share of personal satisfaction from volunteering to help
others and from traveling.

Leveille works to support the CNS student community in her role as Vice President of the Natural Science Student
Association.

“I love the intimate classroom setting here at HPU as well as the hands-on
experience I am getting on the [RV] Kaholo and on field trips. I think my
Chih-Wei Chang education has been enhanced by learning with all five of my senses rather
than just one or two”. – CNS undergraduate Jennifer Canale
Focus: Biochemistry

Chih-Wei Chang arrived in Hawaii from Taiwan 6 years ago to finish high school. He joined the College of Natural Sciences at
HPU as a freshman during the Fall of 2007. His decision to attend HPU was based on the strong biology curricula offered and
essential for Chang as a premedical student.

Chang tells us, “After being exposed to the chemistry world by Dr. Brian Bozlee
during my first semester of college, my interest in chemistry grew. In the spring
of 2008 I chose Biochemistry as my major”. Along with chemistry, Chang has
also added the disciplines of finance and philosophy to his curricula. “Studying
finance provides me with the tools and different perspectives to look at the
core mechanism of everyday business. Philosophy is not only the root of
science, but is also present in daily life when one is thinking. The study of logic
is a sub-discipline of philosophy, and essential as a scientist” he says.

When asked about his most rewarding experience over the last couple of years,
Chang emphatically states that taking classes as a student in the College of
Natural Sciences has definitely been his most rewarding experience. The
acquisition of knowledge in a college environment compared to that of high school hammered home the meaning of
“professor” for Chang. He is continually impressed with the ability of his professors to skillfully communicate challenging
concepts with captivating, clear, and articulate delivery.

After graduating with a BS in biochemistry from HPU, Chang hopes to enter medical school and later practice as a general
surgeon in emergency medicine. His goal is to practice in the U.S. where he would be able take advantage of some of the
best medical facilities, technologies, and talent available worldwide. After a few years of doctoring Chang is already planning
to return to school to learn more about subjects he didn’t have time to fully study previously. Says Chang, “a strong desire to
learn is essential to becoming a successful doctor... I am really curious about almost every academic and non-academic
discipline”, which includes car repair, he adds.

Chang gives back to the college by serving as Treasurer for the Natural Sciences Student Association.
CNS Spring 09 12 F E A T U R E

The Kaholo Story:

CNS junior Gwen
Wedow portrays
HPU’s first-rate
teaching and
research vessel
Before I even set a bare foot
upon the research vessel R/V
Kaholo, I was looking at
pictures of her on Hawai’i
Pacific University’s website,
freezing in my northwestern
home, and wondering just
what it would be like when I
finally arrived at her dock. I
imagined getting my hands
dirty and participating in
launching very expensive
scientific equipment. I envisioned teamwork, the scenery of emerald Ko’olau cliffs, and pristine blue waters rippling in the
distance. Drawing closer to my arrival at HPU and to making my vision a reality, I realized that receiving an experiential
education is a crucial aspect of a science student’s career, as life is quite different outside of the laboratory. As I pondered
over the website photos of intimate class sizes, expectations of personalized instruction danced in my head. Since arriving, I
find that the R/V Kaholo fulfills and exceeds my imagination, as I now have the rare opportunity to routinely humble myself
aboard her, and to experience world-class maritime education from her crew.

The Kaholo is beautiful for many reasons. Most would say that her charisma is brought to life through her loyal crew, but
several other striking characteristics can be found within the walls of her construction. The Kaholo possesses a classic style
that reflects multicultural histories of past civilizations - although with unique twists - as her designer, Hisao Murakami,
incorporated a modern blueprint that spans Japanese, Pacific Islander, and American traditions.

R/V Kaholo’s design was loosely based upon the old style Japanese sampan fishing boats, whose distinctive form was a
common site in Hawaiian harbors from the early to mid nineteen hundreds. Hawaiian sampans ranged in size from 20 feet to
more than 90 feet in length depending on whether they fished for aku tuna or skipjack tuna. These boats were generally a
sturdy, single-hulled vessel. The Douglas fir skeleton of the Kaholo drastically departs from sampan style in that she is a
double-hulled catamaran. Her design required adherence to Coast Guard standards for passenger service while remaining a
stable and efficient craft; the catamaran style offered both qualities with the added bonuses of light construction and speed.
She is 42 feet in length, with a beam of 20 feet and a displacement designed at around 15,000 lbs. The Kaholo is powered by
two 130 hp diesel engines. Her 2 x 6 feet transverse frames have been sown to shape, and along with her longitudinal
stringers, support the wooden exterior that has been coated with a sleek skin of epoxy and fiberglass.

Kaholo was launched in 1983, initially destined for the Big Island. Her projected service tours along the sheltered waters of
the Kona coast have turned out to occupy only a fraction of her vocational potential. The Kaholo migrated to O’ahu in 1992
where she became a part of the HPU ‘ohana. Since that time, she has worked the waters around Kāne’ohe and windward
O’ahu as a teaching and research vessel, logging over two thousand trips in support of HPU’s Marine Science programs. She
became equipped over the years with an articulating A-frame and hydraulic winch, GPS chart-plotter and two depth-
sounders, Niskin sample bottles, a CTD (measuring conductivity, temperature, and depth of the ocean), an Acoustic Doppler
Current Profiler (ADCP), plankton nets, Multi-corer, and a myriad of other equipment. The Kaholo serves classes in both
Oceanography and Marine Biology.
 F E A T U R E CNS Spring 09 13

The insightful environmentalist Rachel Carson once wrote, “Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the Earth
are never alone or weary of life”. I’d like to think she had seafarers in mind when penning that remark, as the people who
crew boats tend to have unbelievable passion for their ever-changing environment and also exhibit extreme dedication and
solidarity towards maintaining the vessel that places them within their favorite atmosphere. R/V Kaholo’s crew embodies
what a hard working team aboard a boat should be, and is comprised of Suzanne Linda, Dan Brinkman, Kevin Baptiste, and
Captain Brian Quinn.

The Kaholo crew’s experiences and personalities are exceptional to say the least, and so in divulging their maritime past, I
forewarn that any information shared, barely scratches the surface and hardly does their diversity justice. Suzanne Linda is a
whimsical spirit originally from Arizona, although her fluid demeanor may still deny that. Linda received her B.S. degree in
zoology from Arizona State University. Her various skills in scuba diving, lifeguarding, sailing, teaching, and boat maintenance
have landed her several opportunities, from working with dolphins in Florida to being assistant harbormaster at Catalina
Island Marine Institute in Toyon Bay, California. Linda moved to O’ahu and became an educator for community programs at
the Waikiki Aquarium. She came to work for HPU aboard the Kaholo in 2005. Dan Brinkman joined the Kaholo’s crew by way
of Missouri. Brinkman has the down-home personality that gives away his background of running John boats on the muddy
waters of the great Mississippi. Brinkman received his B.S. degree in marine biology from HPU and has been a part of the
Kaholo’s crew for fifteen years. Kevin Baptiste adds local style from his hometown of Honolulu. Kevin received his marine
science degree from UH-Hilo and after college, returned to O’ahu to work his way up the ladder at a submarine tour company
where he obtained valuable experience as a deck supervisor. Kevin joined HPU in August of 2001, and has since been able to
obtain his captain’s license while serving as a deckhand aboard R/V Kaholo. As for the Captain…It’s been rumored that Brian
Quinn has so much experience, that he could build you a capable sailing rig out of a coconut and some duct tape. Quinn grew
up on O’ahu and began his love of boats at an early age - if not a previous life. As he grew up, so did his toys. Quinn evolved
from rowboats to sailboats and eventually obtained his captain’s license in 1979. He is proficient in sailboard manufacture
and design and is familiar with building and rebuilding small boat structures, as well as their hydraulic, electrical, and
navigational systems. “Captain Brian” has been able to share his substantial knowledge of sailing, boating, and all things
ocean or otherwise with college students since the early nineties as an HPU marine science instructor.

In general, the people who crew the Kaholo make you feel at ease aboard her, not so much for each of their distinct styles of
humor and unique backgrounds, but because there is a sense of collaboration and ultimate responsibility that emanates from
them. Many odd occurrences can happen at sea that put the crew and passengers in harm’s way. Yet aboard the Kaholo,
safety is the primary concern, and it shows. The crew is always where they need to be, when they need to be there, and
most importantly, they are able to impart that safety-wisdom to others.

I have yet to complete my journey at HPU, or to move on from the teachings of the Kaholo and her crew, but I can imagine
that with more hard work, and quite possibly more challenges, the education received will only continue to surpass my
expectations.

Each summer the RV Kaholo becomes a teaching lab for about 200 gifted
12 to 16 year-olds participating in the Johns Hopkins University Center for
Talented Youth Program at HPU. This residential program for students
from Hawai’i, the mainland, and abroad focuses on the study of marine
science and provides hands-on opportunities to learn laboratory and
oceanographic techniques.
Gwen Wedow
Marine Biology 2010
G R A D U A T E S T U D I E S CNS Spring 09 14

CNS Masters in Marine Science Program

Hawaii Pacific University’s new Masters in Marine Science (MSMS) program is growing rapidly and
provides new opportunities for graduate education in Hawaii and in the Pacific Basin. The College of
Natural Sciences MSMS program officially began in fall 2007 with 8 students. There are currently 20
students enrolled in the program. The number of new applications already
exceeds the number of students that we can accommodate, making admission to
the program increasingly competitive.

The MSMS program is housed at the Oceanic Institute (OI) in Waimanalo at

Makapu’u, where offices and research laboratories are available for graduate
students. However, the MSMS students utilize both the Hawaii Loa campus and the Oceanic
Institute for research and coursework. One of the many advantages of this new program is that
graduate student research activities are providing increased interaction and collaboration between HPU
faculty and OI staff researchers. In addition, the presence of young, hard-working and enthusiastic
graduate students at the Oceanic Institute is providing a new energy for OI’s research activities.
Furthermore, interactions between graduate and undergraduate students within the College of Natural
Sciences are enhancing the undergraduate educational experience. Some of our undergraduate students
contribute to graduate student research projects by providing valuable research assistance to our MSMS
students while receiving a unique research experience in return.

As is typical of HPU’s educational programs, the MSMS graduate students are coming
to HPU from Hawaii, across the continental United States and foreign countries.
Graduate students who have participated, or are now participating in MSMS graduate
courses, have come from as far away as France and China. In addition, some of our
students are returning to Hawaii for graduate education after obtaining an
undergraduate education on the mainland. Others are coming to Hawaii for the first time to pursue a
graduate education in marine science in Hawaii’s unique oceanic setting.

HPU MSMS students are either developing or are already involved in some
intriguing research projects. One student is contributing to fisheries science by
studying Bonefish feeding in Hawaiian coastal waters. Another is working closely
with OI scientists to improve aquaculture technology (see next article about
graduate student Melissa Carr and the yellow tang). Other projects address marine
mammal diseases, population size, and distribution in Hawaiian waters. Still others are working on the
endangered green sea turtle feeding in coastal waters or ocean acidification influences on Hawaii’s
coastal coral reef environments. These activities are improving the scope and quality of science
education at HPU, providing talented and capable young people with a graduate education in
marine science and providing new insight to help preserve and manage the world’s
marine environment.
CNS Spring 09 15 G R A D U A T E S T U D I E S

Full-time employee takes advantage of MSMS degree

program at Oceanic Institute
If you’ve ever visited the oceans surrounding Hawai’i, or for that matter, if you’ve
ever had the chance to visit a tropical aquarium, then you have probably seen a
yellow tang. One of the most common and easiest to keep of the tang family, the
yellow tang (Zebrasoma flavescens) is considered a benchmark in the marine
ornamentals fish aquarium trade. The tang is a popular herbivorous species, brilliant
OI employee and MSMS graduate student Melissa Carr in color, and can improve an aquarium’s cleanliness by munching away at the algae
that accumulates within tanks. Historically, the aquarium trade has met demand for large numbers of fish by harvesting wild reef
environments around the world. A more sustainable and modern approach to reef harvesting can be found within the multi-faceted
aquaculture industry. Hawai’i Pacific University graduate student and Oceanic Institute researcher, Melissa Carr is part of a team in
Hawai’i that is aiding the industry’s expansion.

Carr is originally from the Bay Area of California. This ocean side state is known for its picturesque beach scenes as well as the laid
back lifestyles that seem to accompany them, and in first meeting Carr, these qualities are definitely visible. As a woman in the
pursuit of science however, not even her casual and seemingly care free demeanor could hide the sparkle, wit, and determination
that she utilizes to accomplish the overall goals for her future. Although an exact vision of where she may actually wind up in ten
years currently eludes her, she has a pretty good idea of where she would like to be.

Carr spent her undergraduate degree studying biology at the University of Southern California. Soon after graduating, she involved
herself in the biotechnology field producing research antibodies. Although many newly graduated students who pursue science love
the regimented atmosphere that a laboratory brings, it was not the right fit for her, and she knew it.

On somewhat of an adventurous whim, Carr placed herself within sight of an opportunity to attend a six month internship at Sea Life
Park, Hawai’i. The chance to be outside and to work in a marine atmosphere was almost too good to be true. She achieved this
transitional goal, and was placed within the Reef Life Department, where she gained experience working with fish, stingrays, and
turtles.

The allure of an atmosphere that most consider paradise proved to be too great, as it was not long after finishing her internship at
Sea Life Park that Carr secured a job with the Oceanic Institute (OI). OI is a nonprofit research and development organization
dedicated to marine aquaculture, biotechnology, and coastal resource management, and is conveniently located next door to Sea
Life Park. In the beginning of her career at OI, Carr helped in raising and maintaining ornamental broodstock, primarily the flame
angelfish (Centropyge loriculus), in the Finfish Department. Subsequently she has moved into the Hatchery section of the Finfish
Department, where she has helped research and rear numerous foodfish species such as moi (Polydactylus sexfilis), kahala (Seriola
rivoliana) and omilu (Caranx melampygus).

Hawai’i Pacific University launched a brand new Master’s of Science in Marine Science (MSMS) program in 2007. Carr is considered
one of the student pioneers for being in the MSMS program’s first graduating class and is training in marine science and aquaculture.
This graduate education opportunity was made possible under the recent affiliation between OI and HPU, which provides tuition
assistance and opportunities to participate in active research programs at OI, such as Dr. Charles Laidley’s CTSA-funded Yellow Tang
Aquaculture Development Project, under which Carr is conducting her research.

While not a walk in the park, being a student and working full time does have its perks. For one thing Carr is able to have a great
deal of daily interaction with the yellow tang. Her research is focusing on finding a “first feed” for the yellow tang larvae. A first
feed is the very first food that larval fish are able to eat after exhausting their hatchling yolk sac. Yellow tang and many other
ornamental reef fish have particularly small mouths and therefore require additional research to overcome early feeding bottlenecks
to be raised in captivity. Once a first feed is found for a species, researchers can focus on other aspects of a species life cycle, to
make raising them profitable, and encouraging captive propagation as an alternative to current reliance on
wild harvests. Aquaculture can be an environmentally friendly, efficient, and sustainable method of
satisfying the consumer demand of the aquarium trade. Carr’s thesis project is an important step in
resolving constraints in the development of aquaculture methods for these highly sought after aquarium
fish, and is expected to make an important scientific contribution toward protecting coral reef ecosystems.
–Student reporter Gwen Wedow Yellow Tang Zebrasoma flavescens
by Luc Viatour
A L U M N I P R O F I L E CNS Spring 09 16

High seas adventure with 2005 CNS alumnus Tim Zepplin

Hawaii Pacific University students with degrees in the natural
sciences do interesting things following graduation. The
variety of endeavors that our graduates take on once they
leave the halls of our college is diverse. CNS alumni work for
consulting companies, government organizations and
research institutes. Many of our students pursue graduate
education in the sciences or go to professional schools in
medicine or law. Other graduates help to satisfy the demand
for teachers in primary and secondary education with
expertise in math and science. CNS graduates may look
forward to exciting opportunities, that’s for sure.

Case in point… Alumnus Tim Zepplin’s post-graduate

employment could not be more exciting. Zepplin’s work has involved travel to exotic places, weathering stormy
seas in the middle of the vast Pacific Ocean, and participating in the making of documentaries seen by millions of
Americans.

Zepplin graduated from HPU with a BS in Marine Biology in May of 2005. Immediately following graduation, he
took a job working with the National Marine Fisheries Service Pacific Islands Regional Observer Program. His job is
to ride on commercial vessels to observe fishing practices within the US fishing industry. These observer positions
were created to help the government track and maintain the health of commercial fisheries by enforcing fishing
regulations and by examining commercial fish catch on the fishing fleets at sea.

Zepplin’s first “at-sea” experiences were on commercial tuna longline vessels based in Honolulu. After working in
Hawaii for about a year, Zepplin transferred to American Samoa where he worked the Albacore longline tuna
fishing fleet based in Pago Pago. In between these excursions with the fishing fleets, where he interacted with
fishermen whose livelihoods depend upon the health of the oceans ecosystems, Zepplin spent time SCUBA diving
throughout the South Western Tropical Pacific.

After six months in the South Pacific, Zepplin transferred to the cold, blustery, and dangerous Bering Sea to
monitor the King, Baridi, and Opilo crab fisheries. In between cruises in support of the observation program in the
North Pacific, he travelled throughout the Aleutian Islands and Alaska. Zepplin made several voyages with the
captain and crew of the Northwestern, the crab catcher featured prominently on the Discovery Channel Program
Deadliest Catch. Although Zepplin was onboard for filming most of the footage used in the program, he was
required to remain off-camera because of his status as a government employee. However, Zepplin tells us that he
is visible in several scenes working in the background or
walking around the deck of the vessel. He was also
prominently involved in a harrowing situation in which an
unsecured pot slid out of the pot launcher and pinned a
crew member to the table from behind. Zepplin is seen
rushing around the sorting table and with the other crew
members, pushing the pot off the helpless crew member
and pulling him to safety. Once finished with the crab
season Tim switched gears and worked aboard the
Alaska Groundfish fleet for six months. Currently he has
returned to HI to work on large transshipment vessels
crisscrossing the Pacific and eventually the Indian Ocean.

“Observer Tim” has had some truly exciting experiences

following graduation.
Tim Zepplin as ADF&G observer in the North Pacific
 CNS Spring 09 17
 The ‘Ohana …news from our CNS family
2000
Marina Christofidou (B.S. Marine
Biology) completed a Master’s
degree in the UK in Coastal and
Marine Resource Management in
2001. She returned to Cyprus
where she works for the
Department of Fisheries and
Marine Research, specializing in the
construction of fishing shelters,
fishlanding facilities etc. Marina is
married to HPU alumnus Pavlos
Pavlos, (they met at HPU) and
recently gave birth to their first
child.
Stefanie Schmidt (B.S. Marine
Biology) Stefanie is currently
working as a marine science
educator in Las Vegas at the Mirage
Dolphin Habitat. Her work involves
educating visitors about marine life
and caring for the resident Atlantic
bottlenose dolphins. “It is an
amazing job and I love it… I am
really happy living in Las Vegas with
A L U M N I
my marine science career “. In her
spare time Stefanie volunteers at
the Las Vegas Natural History
Museum.
2001
Daniel Poland (B.S. Marine Biology)
moved to Buffalo, New York to
study the symbiosis between corals
and algae. “It was slightly odd
moving from Hawai’i to Buffalo, but
despite its snowy reputation it has
proven to be a great place to live
and study!” says Daniel, who is
pursuing a doctoral degree. His
field research occurs in the Florida
Keys where he is grateful for the
opportunity to SCUBA dive for a
few months every year. After he
receives his Ph.D., Daniel hopes to
continue studying coral reefs.
Fernanda Pegas (B.A.
Environmental Studies) received a
Master’s degree from Oregon State
University and is currently finishing
her Ph.D. at Texas A&M University
in Recreation, Park and Tourism
Sciences. Her thesis involves
N E W S
analyzing the effectiveness of
different conservation strategies in
protecting sea turtles in the fishing
village of Praia do Forte, Bahia,
Brazil. Once Fernanda has
completed her doctoral program
she will “continue working on
projects that focus on the
protection of endangered species
through the use of ecotourism as a
conservation tool.”
2002
John Schlosser (B.S. Marine
Biology) is living in Portland,
Oregon with partner Jaimie, a
massage therapist. John is a law
student at Lewis & Clark Law
School. Says John, “Things here a
pretty crazy, but if anyone is
interested in putting their science
degree to work in the legal field I
would be more than happy to talk.
There are a lot of opportunities for
scientists in the legal
profession…people should keep it
in mind as an alternative to grad
school.”

2003
Mark Ditter (B.A. Environmental
Studies) received his M.S. degree in
Geosciences in 2005 from
Mississippi State University. Says
Mark, “I am the lead weather
forecaster supporting Air Force
Military Operations at March Air
Reserve Base in California. This has
allowed me to continue using my
weather forecasting skills after
retiring from the U.S. Air Force in
2006.” He also teaches part-time at
area colleges. Teaching provides
Mark the satisfaction of passing
along knowledge in Environmental
Science and Meteorology. Mark’s
hobbies include golf, baseball,
college football, and home
improvement.
Pierre De Wit (B.S. Marine Biology)
reports that “after vagabonding
around for a while [in Europe]”; he
began a Ph.D. program in 2005 in
Biological Systematics at the
University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
“I am particularly interested in
studying the processes that have
created the diversity we see in the
ocean benthos” says Pierre. Upon
the completion of his Ph.D. in 2010,
Pierre may return to Hawai’i to
start a postdoctoral project. “The
world becomes a much smaller
place with a Ph.D.!”
2004
Danielle Dolan (Yadisernia) (B.A.
Environmental Studies) lives in
Jacksonville, Florida and is married
to HPU alumnus Jared Dolan (B.A.
Public Relations 2004). Danielle is
the Education Director for St. Johns
Riverkeeper (a local grass-roots
environmental organization); a
position that allows her to remain
active with environmental issues
and spend time at home with
daughter Victoria. Husband Jared
currently serves as a clerk for the
U.S. Federal Court, Middle District
of Florida. They are both youth
leaders at their church, Calvary
Chapel in Jacksonville. The family
will be packing up and moving to
California in August where Jared
has accepted a position as Assistant
U.S. Attorney in Sacramento.
Danielle plans to seek a Master’s
degree in Ecology from the
University of California-Davis.
2005
Deborah Khider (B.S.
Oceanography) began her Ph.D.
program in Ocean Sciences at the
University of Southern California
2006. Deborah’s thesis will
address the role of thermohaline
circulation in relation to climate
CNS Spring 09 18
change over the past 1000 years.
“Basically , I’m trying to confirm A
L U M N I
Brooecker's bipolar seesaw in deep
N E W S
water production between the
Northern and Southern hemisphere
during the Little Ice Age, Medieval
Warm Period”, she says. Deborah
has a second project which may
bring her back to Hawai’i. This
project will attempt to reconstruct
changes in the El Niño-Southern
Oscillation over the past 600 years.
“According to model simulations,
there is a large isotopic excursion in
precipitation in Hawai’i during el
Niños which should be recorded in
trees” she says. Deborah is
planning a trip to Catalina Island
this summer to get some SCUBA
diving in.
2006
Blade Shepherd-Jones (B.S. Marine
Biology) received his M.S. in
Education in 2008. He is a science
teacher at his alma mater, Kalaheo
High School on the windward side
of O’ahu. Blade is a member of the
Coast Guard Reserve in the capacity
of search and rescue, and law
enforcement. He is also working
for local dive shops as a Dive
Master.
Colleen Hyde (B.S. Biology)
returned home to the suburbs of
Chicago after leaving HPU to begin
a career as an veterinary assistant.
She also received the “chance of a
lifetime for recent graduate!” when
she a marine mammal Internship at
the John G. Shedd Aquarium in
2007. Most recently she has begun
an exciting journey to Ecuador as a
Peace Corp volunteer. Colleen’s
mission will involve natural
resource conservation and

environmental education. Colleen
“counts HPU as a major contributor
to [her] diverse and ever-exciting
life.”
Ramon Go (B.S. Pre-medical
Studies) is a medical student at
Jefferson Medical College at
Thomas Jefferson University in
Philadelphia, PA. Since leaving
HPU, he has co-authored three
 
COLLEGE OF NATURAL SCIENCES
45-045 Kamehameha Highway
Kāne’ohe, Hawaii 96744-5297
scientific publications, one
published in the Proceedings of the
National Academy of Sciences.
Ramon plays the piano, likes tennis,
and enjoys meeting new people.
2007
Amanda Foldi (BS in Biology and
Environmental Science) completed
a Master’s degree in Climate and
Society at Columbia University in
2008. She has interned at the
International Research Institute,
examining climate change and its
present and long-term effects on
agriculture in developing countries,
and with the Mid-Atlantic Coastal
Ocean Observing Regional
Association where she researched
         
CNS Spring 09 19
monitoring efforts in Long Island A L
Sound. Amanda U M N works
currently I asN E
W S
a project scientist with Weston
Solutions in San Antonio, Texas.
Brittany Kilpatrick (Thornton) (B.S.
Pre-medical Studies) lives in
Amarillo, Texas and married last
year. Brittany has recently begun
pharmacy school to pursue her
doctorate at Texas Tech Health and
Sciences Center.
Keep us up to date on what’s
going on in your life. Send your
emails to: conatsci@hpu.edu
  
FACULTY PUBLICATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, & GRANTS PAST 3 YEARS CNS Spring 09 20
Stephen Allen
Nunoura, T., Dowaki, K., Fushimi, C., Allen, S., Mészáros, E. and M. J. Antal, Jr. (2007) Performance of a First-Generation,
Aqueous-Alkaline Biocarbon Fuel Cell. Industrial Engineering & Chemistry Research 46 (3), pp 734–744.

Brian Bozlee
Bozlee, B., M. Janebo, and G. Jahn (2008) A simplified model to predict the effect of increasing atmospheric CO2 on
carbonate chemistry in the Ocean. Journal of Chemical Education 85(2) 213-217.
Bozlee, B. (2007) Re-formulation of the Michaelis-Menten equation: how enzyme-catalyzed reactions depend on free
energy. Journal of Chemical Education 84(1) 106-107.
Grants Pending:
NSF-MRI: Gas Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometer for Marine Chemistry and Lipid Biogeochemistry Research at Hawaii Pacific
University, J. Fang and B. Bozlee.

Susan M. Carstenn
Miao, S.L., Carstenn, S.M., and M. Nungesser (Eds) 2009, Real World Ecology: Large-Scale and Long-Term Case Studies and
Methods. Springer Publishing, New York. 312 pp.

Presentations
Carstenn, S.M. and S.L. Miao. Addressing BACIPS analytical challenges using a large-scale fire project in the Everglades. Accepted for
EcoSummit 2007, Beijing, China, May 2007.

Carstenn, S.M. Real World Environmental Science: Examples from Hawaii and Florida. University of Florida Department of
Environmental Engineering Sciences Graduate Seminar, March 2007.

Carstenn, S.M. and S.L. Miao. Addressing BACIPS design and analytical challenges using a large-scale fire project in the Everglades.
Ecological Society of America Memphis, Tennessee, August 2006.

Grants Funded
Hawaii Pacific University Technology Grant, Fall 2006
Hawaii Pacific University Faculty Development Grant Fall 2006
Hawaii Pacific University Technology Grant, Spring 2006
Hawaii Pacific University Faculty Development Grant, Spring 2006

Yongli Chen
Shembekar, V.R., Chen, Y., Carpenter, B.K., and G.P. Hess (2007) Coumarin-caged glycine that can be be photolyzed within
3 s by visible light. Biochemistry 46: 5479-84.

John Culliney
Culliney, J. 2006, Islands in a Far Sea: The Fate of Nature in Hawai`i (Revised Edition). University of Hawai`i Press, Honolulu.
420 p.

Presentations
Losing Ground: Life and Times of Nihoa and Necker Islands, Northwestern Hawaiian Islands National Monument. Point Reyes Bird
Observatory, Bolinas, CA, February 2007.

Hawai`i in the Balance (invited public lecture). Hawai`i Conservation Conference, Honolulu, July, 2006.

Losing Ground: Life and Times of Nihoa and Necker Islands, Northwestern Hawaiian Islands National Monument. “After Dark at the
Park” lecture series (invited public lecture). Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, Volcano, Hawai`i, June, 2006.

Stephen T. Dye
Dye, S.T., W.F. McDonough, and J.M. Mahoney (2008) Geoneutrino measurements and models investigate deep earth. Eos
89: 433-434.
Dye, S.T. and E. H. Guillian (2008) Estimating terrestrial uranium and thorium by antineutrino flux measurements.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 105: 44-47.
FACULTY PUBLICATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, & GRANTS PAST 3 YEARS CNS Spring 09 21

Learned, J.G., S.T. Dye, S. Pakvasa, and R.C. Svoboda (2008) Determination of neutrino mass hierarchy and θ 13 with a
remote detector of reactor antineutrinos. Physical Review D (Rapid Communications) 78 071302.
J.G. Learned, S.T. Dye, and S. Pakvasa (2007) Hanohano: A deep ocean anti-neutrino detector for unique neutrino physics
and geophysics studies. In Proceedings of the XII International Workshop on Neutrino Telescopes, Venice, March 6-9, Milla Baldo
Ceolin [Ed.], pp. 235-269.
Dye, S.T. [Ed.] (2007) Neutrino Geophysics: Proceedings of Neutrino Sciences 2005 (Springer, Netherlands).
Dye, S.T. (2007) Science potential of a deep ocean antineutrino observatory. Nuclear Physics B (Proceedings Supplements)
168: 144-146.
J.G. Learned, S.T. Dye, and S. Pakvasa (2006) Neutrino geophysics conference introduction. Earth, Moon, and Planets 99: 1-
15.
Dye, S.T., E. Guillian, J. G. Learned, J. Maricic, S. Matsuno, S. Pakvasa, G. Varner, and M. Wilcox (2006) Earth radioactivity
measurements with a deep ocean anti-neutrino observatory. Earth, Moon, and Planets 99: 241-252.
Dye, S.T. and S. Stein (2006) Exploring earth’s energetics and composition with geoneutrinos. Eos 87: 253.

Presentations
Neutrino Geosciences 2008, Sudbury, Canada, September 2008, ``Hanohano”.

Neutrino Oscillation Workshop 2008, Lecce, Italy, September 2008, ``Geo-neutrinos: An overview”.

Hawaii Pacific University, Kaneohe, HI, August 2008, ``When will we see geo-neutrinos?” Fall Faculty Scholarship Day.

Neutrino 2008, Christchurch, New Zealand, May 2008, ``Hanohano- A Deep Ocean Antineutrino Observatory”.

Neutrino Detection and Nuclear Monitoring Workshop, College Park, MD, January 2008. ``An Introduction to the Science Potential of
a Portable, Deep-Ocean, Electron Anti-Neutrino Observatory”.

Joint Meeting of Pacific Region Particle Physics Communities, Honolulu, HI, October 2006. ``The Science Potential of a Deep Ocean
Antineutrino Observatory”.

Neutrino Oscillation Workshop 2006, Lecce, Italy, September 2006 ``A Deep Ocean Antineutrino Observatory: An Introduction to the
Science Potential of Hanohano”.

Hawaii Pacific University, Kaneohe, HI, August 2006 ``Geo-neutrino Detection from the Oceanic Crust” at Fall Faculty Scholarship
Day.

American Geophysical Union’s Spring Meeting, Baltimore, MD, May 2006 ``Geo-neutrino Detection from the Oceanic Crust”.

Hawaii Pacific University, Kaneohe, HI, January 2006 ``Neutrino Geophysics in Hawaii” at Spring Faculty Scholarship Day.

Grants pending
Submitted to the National Science Foundation. "Cooperative Studies of the Earth's Deep Interior: Collaborative Research Between
Geology and Particle Physics".

Jiasong Fang
Fang, J. and D. A. Bazylinski (2008) Deep-sea geomicrobiology. In: High-Pressure Microbiology, C. Michiels and D. H. Bartlett
[eds.], American Society for Microbiology, Washington, D.C. pp. 237-264.
Fang, J. and C. Kato (In Press) Deep-sea piezophilic bacteria: geomicrobiology and biotechnology. In: Geomicrobiology:
Biodiversity and Biotechnology, S. K. Jain [ed.], Blackwell Publishing.
Fang, J. and C. Kato (2007) FAS or PKS, lipid biosynthesis and stable carbon isotope fractionation in deep-sea piezophilic
bacteria. In: Communicating Current Research and Educational Topics and Trends in Applied Microbiology (2007), The Formatex
Microbiology Book Series, A. Méndez-Vilas [ed.], Formatex Center, Spain, pp. 190-200.
FACULTY PUBLICATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, & GRANTS PAST 3 YEARS CNS Spring 09 22

Fang, J., S. D. Gupta, S. T. Hasiotis, S. S. Brake, and D. A. Bazylinski (2007) Microbial community structure of a stromatolite
from an acid mine drainage system, implications for the role of microeukaryotes in the formation of ancient Fe-rich stromatolites.
Chemical Geology 243: 191-204.
Fang, J., D. Y. Lyon, P. J. J. Alvarez, M. Wiesner, and J. Dong (2007) Effect of a fullerene water suspension on bacterial
phospholipids and membrane phase behavior. Environmental Science and Technology 41: 2636-2642.
Fang, J., S. Arakawa, C. Kato, and S. Schouten (2006) Microbial diversity of cold-seep sediments in Sagami Bay, Japan
determined by 16S rDNA and lipid analyses. FEMS Microbiology Ecology 57: 429-441.
Fang, J., M. Uhle, K. Billmark, D.H. Bartlett, and C. Kato (2006) Fractionation of carbon isotopes in biosynthesis of fatty acids
by a piezophilic bacterium Moritella japonica DSK1. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 70: 1753-1760.
Fang, J., C. Chan, R.M. Joeckel, Y. Huang, Y. Wang, D.A. Bazylinski, and T.B. Moorman (2006) Biomarker analysis of microbial
diversity in sediments of a saline groundwater seep of Salt Basin, Nebraska. Organic Geochemistry 37: 912-931.

Book Reviews
Fang, J., (2006) Book review (invited). Energy, Waste and the Environment: a Geochemical Perspective, by R. Gieré and P.
Stille. Geoderma 131: 251-253.

Co-Convener, Session B16: Current Applications of Phospholipid Analyses Across the Biogeosciences, American Geophysical Union
Fall Meeting, December 14-19, 2008, San Francisco, California.

Abstracts
Gupta, S., and Fang, J., 2008. Microbial Communities in Biofilms of an Acid Mine Drainage Site Determined by Phospholipid
Analysis. American Geophysical Union Annual Fall Meeting, December 14-19, 2006, San Francisco, CA.
Fang, J., Gupta, S., Hasiotis, S. T., Brake, S. S., McLean, M.A., and Bazylinski, D. A., 2008. Wax esters synthesized by
acidophilic eukaryote Euglena mutabilis: biochemical relics of the anaerobic past of the Earth? The 2008 Goldschmidt Conference,
Vancouver, Canada, July 13-18, 2008.
Fang, J., Gupta, S., Hasiotis, S. T., Brake, S. S., McLean, M.A., and Bazylinski, D. A., 2007. Wax esters synthesized by
acidophilic eukaryote Euglena mutabilis: biochemical relics of the anaerobic past of the Earth. Geological Society of America Annual
Meeting, October 28-31, 2007, Denver, CO.
McLean, M.A., Fang, J., Gupta, S., Brake, S. S., Hasiotis, S. T., and Bazylinski, D. A., 2007. Cyanobacteria, An Unexpected
Microbe in Acid Mine Drainage. Geological Society of America Annual Meeting, October 28-31, 2007, Denver, CO.
Fang, J., Hasiotis, S. T., Gupta, S., Brake, S. S., and Bazylinski, D. A., 2007. Microbial biomass and community structure of a
stromatolite from an acid mine drainage system as determined by lipid analysis. GSA NC-SC Joint Section Meeting, April 11-13, 2007,
Lawrence, KS.
Fang, J., Lyon, D. Y., Alvarez, P. J. J., Wiesner, M., and Dong, J., 2007. Effect of a fullerene water suspension on bacterial
phospholipids and membrane phase behavior. International Congress of Toxicology 2007, July 15-19, 2007, Montreal, Canada.
Fang, J., Lyon, D. Y., Alvarez, P. J. J., Wiesner, M., and Dong, J., 2007. Modifications in phospholipids and membrane phase
behavior of bacteria exposed to fullerene. The 3rd International Conference on Environmental Science and Technology (EST2007),
August 6-9, Houston, TX.
Fang, J., Shizuka, A., Kato, C., and Schouten, S., 2006. Microbial diversity of cold-seep sediments in Sagami Bay, Japan as
determined by 16S rDNA and lipid analyses. American Geophysical Union Annual Fall Meeting, December 11-15, 2006, San Francisco,
CA.
Fang, J., Simpkins, W. W., Das Gupta, S., and Werne, J., 2006. Lipid characterization of microbial communities in
groundwater adjacent to a freshwater lake in north-central Iowa. The Geological Society of America Annual Meeting, October 22-25,
2006, Philadelphia, PA.

Meetings and Symposia Presentations

Fang, J., Hasiotis, S. T., Gupta, S., Brake, S. S., and Bazylinski, D. A., 2007. Microbial biomass and community structure of a
stromatolite from an acid mine drainage system as determined by lipid analysis. GSA NC-SC Joint Section Meeting, April 11-13, 2007,
Lawrence, KS.

Fang, J., Simpkins, W. W., Das Gupta, S., and Werne, J., 2006. Lipid characterization of microbial communities in
groundwater adjacent to a freshwater lake in north-central Iowa. The Geological Society of America Annual Meeting, October 22-25,
2006, Philadelphia, PA.

Invited Lectures
Piezophilic bacteria and marine biogeochemistry. Yangtze University, Jinzhou, China, July 16, 2008.
FACULTY PUBLICATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, & GRANTS PAST 3 YEARS CNS Spring 09 23

Piezophilic bacteria and marine biogeochemistry. Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou,
China, March 20, 2008.

Microbial responses in membrane composition and phase behavior to fullerenes. China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China,
March 18, 2008.
th
Alterations in phospholipids and membrane phase behavior of bacteria exposed to fullerene. The 4 International Symposium on
Persistent Toxic Substances in the Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China, Nov. 18-21, 2007.

Modifications in phospholipids and membrane phase behavior of bacteria exposed to fullerene. Department of Chemistry, Western
Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, November 2007.

Biogeochemistry of a shallow sand aquifer contaminated with JP-4 fuel hydrocarbons. Department of Earth and Environmental
Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, March, 2007.

Effect of a fullerene water suspension on bacterial phospholipids and membrane phase behavior. Department of Civil, Construction,
and Environmental Engineering, ISU, December, 2006.

Grants Funded
2008 MRI: Gas Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometer for Marine Chemistry and Lipid Biogeochemistry Research at Hawaii Pacific
University, by National Science Foundation ($91,767; PI: Horgen).

2007 Colloid-Mediated Transport of Hormones with Land-Applied Manure, by U.S. Department of Agriculture ($300K; PI: Horton).

2006 Assessing the ecotoxicity of nanomaterials and identifying biomarkers in bacteria exposed to nanomaterials, by University of
Iowa Center for Global and Regional Environmental Research ($27,959).

Warren S.T. Hays

Hays, W. S. T; S. Conant. 2007. Impact of the small Indian mongoose (Herpestes javanicus) (Carnivora: Herpestidae) on
native vertebrate populations in areas of introduction. Pacific Science, 61: 3-16.
Hays, W. S. T.; D. Simberloff. 2006. A morphometric trend linked to male sociality in the small Indian mongoose, Herpestes
javanicus, in Hawaii. Acta Theriologica, 51: 303-310.

F. David Horgen
Adams, B., Pörzgen, P., Yoshida, W. Y., Westenburg, H. E., Horgen, F. D. (2008) Isolation and Structure determination of
malevamide E, a new dolastatin 14 analogue, from the marine cyanobacterium Symploca laete-viridis. Journal of Natural Products
71:750-754.
Ju, Z.Y., Forster, I., Conquest, L., Dominy, W., Kuo, W.C., Horgen, F.D. (2008) Microbial community structures of shrimp floc
cultures determined by biomarkers and their amino acid profiles. Aquaculture Nutrition 39:118-133.

Presentations
Poerzgen, P., Starkus, J., Pittman, E., Layugan, K., Fleig, A., Penner, R., Horgen, F.D. Modulation of transient receptor potential (TRP)
ion channels by sponge metabolites. Gordon Research Conference on Marine Natural Products, Ventura, California, February 24-29,
2008.

Jiménez, J.I., Sakamoto, B., Redwine, J., Vansach, T., Horgen, F.D. New chlorinated lipopeptides and a depsipeptide from the eastern
Caribbean cyanobacterium Lyngbya majuscula. The 48th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Pharmacognosy, Portland,
Oregon, July 12-18, 2007.

Poerzgen, P., Bryan, C., Horgen, F.D., Turner, H., Penner, R. Screening of marine microbe, algae, and invertebrate extracts for
agonism and antagonism of human TRPM2 cation channels. Gordon Research Conference on Marine Natural Products, Ventura,
California, February 26-March 3, 2006.
FACULTY PUBLICATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, & GRANTS PAST 3 YEARS CNS Spring 09 24

Grants Funded
2008 Gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer for marine chemistry and lipid biogeochemistry research at Hawaii Pacific University
($91,767), National Science Foundation (CHE 0821867, PI: F.D. Horgen)

2008 Isolation and Characterization of Cardioactive Compounds from Hawaii Box Jellyfish Venom ($17,850), Hawaii Community
Foundation (PI: A. Yanagihara)

2008 TRPV pharmacophores from cnidarian venom ($50,000), National Institutes of Health (NIDA R21 DA024444-01A1, PI: A.
Yanagihara)

K. David Hyrenbach

Hyrenbach, D., H. Nevins, M. Hester, C. Keiper, S. Webb, and J. Harvey (2009) Seabirds indicate plastic pollution in the
marine environment: quantifying spatial patterns and trends in Alaska. In: Proceedings of the Marine Debris in Alaska-Coordinating
our Efforts Symposium 2008, pp. 44-46. Alaska Sea Grant, Anchorage, AK.
Hyrenbach, K.D. (2008) Around our necks. (Letter to the editor). Natural History 115 (5): 6.
Hyrenbach, K.D. (2008) Applying spatially-explicit measures for albatross conservation. In: De Roi, T., Jones, M., and Fitter,
J. [Eds]. Albatross: Their World, Their Ways, pp. 118-120. Firefly Books, Buffalo, NY.
Hebshi AJ, D.C. Duffy, and K.D. Hyrenbach (2008) Associations between seabirds and subsurface predators around Oahu,
Hawaii. Aquatic Biology 4:89-98.
McClatchie, S., R. Goericke, J. A. Koslow, F. B. Schwing, S. J. Bograd, R. Charter, W.Watson, N. Lo, K. Hill, J. Gottschalk, M.
L’Heureux, Y. Xue, W. T. Peterson, R. Emmett, C. Collins, G. Gaxiola-Castro, R. Durazo, M. Kahru, B. G. Mitchell, K. D. Hyrenbach, W.J.
Sydeman, R.W. Bradley, P. Warzybok, and E. Bjorkstedt (2008) The state of the California Current, 2007-2008: La Nina conditions and
their effects on the ecosystem. California Cooperative of Oceanic Fisheries Investigations Reports 49: 39-76.

Presentations
Oral Communications:

2009 First International Conference on Marine Mammal Protected Areas, March 29-April 3, Maui, Hawaii, “Criteria for marine
mammal critical habitat to make MPA networks more effective”.

2008 North Pacific Marine Science Organization Meeting, October 23 - November 2, Dalian, China, “Ship-based observations of
mesoscale eddies in the Gulf of Alaska”.

2008 Marine Debris Awareness Month - October 9, Hanauma Bay, HI, “Seabirds as indicators of plastic pollution in the marine
environment”.

2008 Hawaii Conservation Conference, July 28-31, Oahu, HI, “Seabirds indicate plastic pollution in the marine environment:
quantifying spatial patterns and trends”.

2008 AAAS - Pacific Region, June 15-20, Big Island, HI, “Wings without borders: tracking albatross across the North Pacific”.

2008 NOAA Marine Debris Conference. April 2-3, Bethesda, MD, “Plastic ingestion by seabirds used to quantify and evaluate trends
in marine pollution”.

2008 Marine Debris in Alaska Conference. February 14-16, Anchorage, AK, “Seabirds indicate plastic pollution in the marine
environment: quantifying spatial patterns and trends in Alaska”.

Poster Communications
Lavender, K., Morét, S., Hyrenbach, D., Titmus, A. 2009. Marine Debris in the Pacific Ocean: Quantifying the "Eastern Garbage
Patch". American Society of Limnology and Oceanography - Nice, (France). 25 – 30 January 2009.

NOAA Marine Debris Conference, April 2-3, 2008, Bethesda, MD. Tracking albatross and trash across borders: a tool for integrated
ocean, coastal, and watershed conservation. C. A. Keiper, H. Nevins, K. D. Hyrenbach, M. M. Hester, C. Baduini, J. Adams, C. Moore,
J. Stock, and S.Webb.
FACULTY PUBLICATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, & GRANTS PAST 3 YEARS CNS Spring 09 25

Pacific Seabird Group Conference, February 27 – March 2, 2008, Blaine, WA. Macroecological patterns in North Pacific ecosystem
dynamics: spatio-temporal co-variation in upper and lower trophic level diversity and productivity from Canada to Japan. M. F.
Henry, S. D. Batten, K. D. Hyrenbach, K. H. Morgan, and W. J. Sydeman.

Outreach Presentations
January 17, February 14, March 4, April 25, May 2, October 23, 2008, “Wings without borders: tracking albatross across the North
Pacific”. Web-based presentations to teachers involved in the ACES program.
http://www.signalsofspring.net/aces/visitor_partners.cfm?section=partners

Grants Funded
2008 National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Marine Debris Program: North Pacific Plastic Debris and Seabird Research Cruise,
Hyrenbach, Lavender, $39,863.

2008 HPU TSEP: Do illegal fisheries in the high seas threaten Hawaiian albatross? Hyrenbach, Hester, $5,000.

2009 Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR): Foraging ecology of two Hawaiian seabird guilds: Tuna birds
(Wedge-tailed Shearwaters and Red-footed Boobies) versus solitary foragers (Brown Boobies and Red-tailed Tropicbirds), Young,
Hyrenbach, Shaffer, and Suryan, $33,000.

2009 National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Marine Debris Program: Non-lethal assessment of plastic ingestion in live seabirds,
Hyrenbach, Titmus, $33,867.

Samuel E. Kahng
Wagner, D., Kahng, S.E., and R.J. Toonen (in press) Observations on the life history and feeding ecology of a specialized
nudibranch predator (Phyllodesmium poindimiei), and implications for biocontrol of an invasive octocoral (Carijoa riisei) in Hawaii.
Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology.
Kahng, S.E., D. Wagner, N. Rothe, and Y. Benayahu (2008) Sexual reproduction in Carijoa riisei (Octocorallia: Clavulariidae)
in Hawaii. Bulletin of Marine Science 82(1):1-17.
Concepcion, G., M. Crepeau, D. Wagner, S.E. Kahng, and R.J. Toonen (2008) An alternative to ITS – a hypervariable, single
copy nuclear intron in corals, and its use in detecting cryptic species within the octocoral genus Carijoa. Coral Reefs 27(2):323-336.
Kahng, S.E. and C. Kelley (2007) Vertical zonation of habitat forming benthic species on the deep reef (60-150m) in the
Au’au Channel, Hawaii. Coral Reefs 26(3):679-687.
Wagner, D., S.E. Kahng, and R.J. Toonen (2007) New report of predators (order Nudibranchia) of the alien Octocoral Carijoa
riisei in the main Hawaiian Islands. Coral Reefs 26(2):411.
Kahng, S.E. and J.E. Maragos (2006) The deepest zooxanthellate, scleractinian corals in the world? Coral Reefs 25(2):254.
Seminars, Conference Presentations & Abstracts
2007 Louisiana State University, School of the Coast and Environment (invited speaker)
2006 Bishop Museum, Honolulu, Hawaii (invited speaker)
2006 Hawaii Conservation Conference, Honolulu, Hawaii
2006 ALSO/TOC Ocean Sciences Meeting, Honolulu, Hawaii
Grants Funded
2006 Impact of Carijoa riisei on the deep reef, Sea Grant College Program, R.W. Grigg, S.E. Kahng, $9,356.
2006 Ecological Impacts of Carijoa riisei on black coral habitat, Western Pacific Fisheries Management Council, R.W. Grigg, S.E.
Kahng, $61,000.
Science Expeditions
May-Nov., 2007: Scientific Diver, Aquatic Farms under contract for NOAA NMFS Coral Reef Ecosystems Division NWHI Marine Debris
Project – Kure, Pearl & Hermes, French Frigate Shoals, Laysan.
Oct. 21-27, 2006: Chief Scientist, Hawaii Undersea Research Laboratory (R/V KOK) Deep water coral survey of the Au’au Channel,
Maui.
FACULTY PUBLICATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, & GRANTS PAST 3 YEARS CNS Spring 09 26

Keith Korsmeyer
McKenzie, D. J., J. F. Steffensen, K. Korsmeyer, N. M. Whiteley, P. Bronzi, and E. W. Taylor (2007) Swimming alters
responses to hypoxia in the Adriatic sturgeon Acipenser naccarii. Journal of Fish Biology 70:2 651-658.

Non Peer-Reviewed publication by HPU undergraduate Laurie Sorenson, B.S. Environmental Science 2007
Sorenson, L. and K. Korsmeyer (2007) Examining morphological characteristics of triggerfish: a three-dimensional
reconstruction of skeletal and muscular features of Rhinecanthus rectangulus. Journal of Young Investigators, February, 2007
[Electronic Version] http://www.jyi.org/research/re.php?id=930.

Presentations
2008 “How much energy do reef fish use to swim?” Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve Outreach Program, July 17, 2008, Hanauma Bay,
HI.
2006 “Integrating computer data-acquisition and active learning in a science laboratory course: results of a new curriculum for
comparative animal physiology”. Hawaii Pacific University Faculty Scholarship Day, August 31, 2006, Kaneohe, HI.
2006 “From physics to physiology, a spread of curricular reform”. Physics Education Research Conference: Discipline-based
Education Research in Other STEM Disciplines. July 26-27, 2006, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY.

Kristi L. West
West, K.L, Walker, W.A., Baird, R.W., White, .W., Levine, G., Brown, E. and T. Schofield (In Press) Diet of pygmy sperm
whales (Kogia breviceps) in the Hawaiian Archipelago. Marine Mammal Science.

West, K.L, Mead, J.M. and W. White (In Press) Steno bredanensis, Rough-toothed dolphin. Mammalian Species.

West, K.L., Oftedal, O.T., Carpenter, J., Krames, B.J., Campbell, M. and J.C. Sweeney. 2007. Effect of stage of lactation and
concurrent pregnancy on milk composition in bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus. Journal of Zoology 273(2):148-160.

Conference Presentations:
Christensen, C.L., Blanchard, T.W. and K.L. West. 2008. Peripheral nerve sheath tumor in a pygmy killer whale (Feresa attenuata).
The annual meeting of the American College of Veterinary Pathology. San Antonio, TX November 2008.
rd
West, K.L. 2008. What do pygmy sperm whales eat? Insights from cetacean strandings. 3 Annual Pacific Islands Region Marine
Mammal Response Network Meeting, Honolulu, HI. June 2008.

West, K.L., Oftedal, O.T. and C.W. Potter. 2007. The nutritional content of bottlenose dolphin prey from the shallow waters of Belize.
Smithsonian Marine Science Symposium, Washington, DC, November 2007.

West, K.L. 2006. The value of collecting Pieces and Parts: Reproduction in the rough-toothed dolphin. Pacific Islands Regional
Stranding Conference, Honolulu, HI. July 2006.

Student Presentation:
rd
White, A.W. 2008. Stranding Program Update. 2008. 3 Annual Pacific Islands Region Marine Mammal Response Network Meeting,
Honolulu, HI. June 2008.

Currently Funded and Submitted Grants:

NOAA, Prescott Grant Program. 2007 ($100,000 funded)
NOAA, Prescott Grant Program, 2008 ($100,000 funded)
NOAA, Prescott Grant Program, 2009 ($100,000 funded)

Christopher D. Winn
Winn, C.D., A.J. Shelton, L.N. Kearns and D.A. Ziemann. 2006. High Precision Time-Series Measurements of pH in Kaneohe
Bay, Eos Trans. AGU 87(36) Ocean Science Meet. Suppl. Abstract OS35E-13