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WRRC/Ike Wai Seminar

Ka Wai Ola: Microbial Ecology of Hawaiian Waters

Dr. Kiana L. Frank klfrank@hawaii.edu • 808-539-7300

Microbes—the most abundant and diverse organisms—shape ecosystems from ridge to reef and play crucial roles in mediating food web dynamics, biogeochemical cycling and water quality. Here, I will share some data on the diversity, density, distribution, and metabolic characteristics of microorganisms within our Hawaiian watersheds specifically highlighting the importance of microbes in groundwater aquifers and their influence on coastal ecosystems. This work is of critical importance to local stakeholders as we begin to develop a deeper understanding of how our watersheds—running from mauka to makai—are interconnected and influenced by processes occurring at microscopic level.

Born and raised in Kailua, O‘ahu, Kiana received her BS degree from the University of Rochester, New York and her PhD in molecular cell biology from Harvard University, Massachusetts. She currently holds a position as an Assistant Research Professor with the Pacific Biosciences Research Center, University of Hawai‘i at Manoa. -

Event Sponsor
Water Resources Research Center/Ike Wai, Mānoa Campus

More Information
Philip Moravcik, (808) 956-4847, morav@hawaii.edu