Intern Andres Jojoa honored for outstanding research presentation at SACNAS Conference

Lab Intern Andres Jojoa was awarded for his outstanding research presentation at the SACNAS National Diversity in STEM Conference in Phoenix, AZ. Jojoa's poster, titled “Protection of Hawaiian Urban Native Birds From Invasive Species,” stood out among numerous presentations, earning him recognition as one of the top presenters.

His project highlights a year-long study that used trail cameras and field surveys to investigate threats to seabirds such as the manu-o-Kū, or white tern (Gygis alba). The research focused on identifying predators and understanding feeding habits as climate change and human activities continue to reduce native bird populations. Andres' findings highlight the growing challenge posed by invasive species in Hawai’i, which are increasingly competing for the habitats of these vulnerable urban native birds.