Alumni News

Mark Wright is lead author of a recent study that describes how elephants can be safely deterred from entering areas where they might do damage: with honeybee pheromones! Another research project Mark is involved in with more local applications is the use of pheromones as control agents for agricultural pests in Hawai‘i.

This past weekend, associate Extension agent Andrea Kawabata dove in a spearfishing event to gather roi, ta‘ape, and to‘au for research into fish disease, age, and reproductive status, as well as the impact of these species on the reef. Over 210 pounds of fish was then donated to Big Island farmers for compost and compost-tea fertilizers. 

The college’s Extension agents recently got some well-deserved props in a laudatory article in Hawai‘i Magazine. The article focuses on Andrea Kawabata, Glen Fukumoto, and Jari Sugano, painting a picture of skilled, dedicated, and enthusiastic Extension workers making a huge difference in Island agriculture—one farm visit, variety trial, or workshop at a time.

CTAHR faculty and Master Gardeners helped Jefferson Elementary students with Project Lemon Tree, which established CO₂-reducing trees, an arbor, and student gardens on a campus site vandalized in 2016.

The Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is looking to fill the position of deputy director of the Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition. The position is currently posted at USA Jobs and on the NIFA website under Careers. All applications must be received by August 9.