Born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, Skyler is studying Environmental Science with a focus on Conservation Science and Policy. In general, he takes a more intersectional approach to conservation, recognizing the diversity of work required to heal our world and our communities. More specifically, he is interested in shifting the narrative of STEM research to a point where it is conducted by and for the communities it serves.

Project: 

Along the coasts of Hawaii, fresh groundwater mixes with seawater, creating the brackish habitat found in Native Hawaiian fishponds, an aquaculture practice that has been in the process of revitalization since the 1970’s. While fishpond practitioners have come far in their understanding of the restoration and management of these ponds, more research is needed to create a sustainable source of food. One of these areas of need is the study of water quality in fishponds. My project will measure groundwater recharge elevation, which will allow us to identify the land use practices located higher in the watershed that might be affecting the water quality and health of fish within the ponds.

Advisor: Cherie Kauahi