The nutritional health of all Americans is informed by a federal Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee—which now includes CTAHR’s own Rachel Novotny (HNFAS). Appointed by Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue and Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar, Rachel will be joining 19 other nationally recognized scientists on this independent advisory committee.

Rajesh Jha (HNFAS) was recently appointed as a section editor in the area of Nutrition and Metabolism of the journal Poultry Science. This journal, published by the Poultry Science Association, is considered the best journal in the field globally. Rajesh also serves as associate editor for other two prestigious journals in the field, Frontiers in Veterinary Science and Animal Science Journal. 

With their omnivorous appetites and modest housing needs, pigs are an important part of food security in the Islands, and CTAHR Extension is getting swine producers the help they need to keep local pork production safe and sustainable. Livestock Extension agent Savannah Katulski hosted a Kaua‘i Swine Day this month at the Kaua‘i Agricultural Research Station.

HNFAS alumna Phyllis Shimabukuro-Geiser has been appointed acting chair of the Hawaii State Board of Agriculture. Phyllis graduated with a BS in Animal Sciences from CTAHR and earned an MS in Poultry Science from UC-Davis. She has been the deputy chair of Board of Agriculture since 2015. Previously, Phyllis was the vice-president and CEO of Mikilua Poultry Farm. 

MS alumna Melelani Oshiro will be the new assistant Livestock agent on the Big Island, based at the Kona CES office. Mele has a wide range of experience, having worked for Mark Thorne (HNFAS) as a research assistant on pasture and cattle production; at a horse stud farm in New Zealand; and as a veterinarian technician. Please welcome Mele when she starts on March 1!