Aloha everyone! My name is Nicolea (Niki) Dwight, and I am a student at the University of North Carolina Wilmington studying marine biology with minors in chemistry and musical theatre. I had the chance of a lifetime to intern with the He‘eia National Estuarine Research Reserve offsite link (NERR) during the summer of 2025 as a part of the Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship Program!
Me collecting water samples and water quality data using a YSI-DSS at the He'eia fishpond. I later analyzed data collected by the instrument to determine temporal changes in water quality as a method of measuring ecosystem health. (Image credit: Nicolea Dwight)
My research plan was formulated and conducted in collaboration with He‘eia community partners, based on the production needs of the He‘eia fishpond, and the invasive species management personnel on Moku o Lo‘e (Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology). I had the opportunity to collect water samples from these sites and process them to determine phytoplankton biomass as a proxy for estuarine ecosystem health.
Monitoring water quality is imperative during the process of biocultural restoration to determine the success of these efforts. I determined that the creation of ‘pua ponds’, historically utilized fish nurseries offset from a fishpond, have increased phytoplankton biomass levels when compared to surrounding water, thus promoting fish growth and harvest in the He‘eia fishpond. Additionally, I witnessed the return of native reef fishes to invasive red mangrove removal sites around Moku o Lo‘e. These incredible findings indicate that biocultural restoration is an effective way to mutually support the land and coastal communities.
Working alongside the He‘eia NERR Team, my fellow Hollings interns, and the He‘eia community opened my mind and heart to a unique and powerful way of conducting research. I learned that respect for the land which provides so much to us fosters successful research endeavors, which in turn sustain our earth as we know it. I am thrilled to share Hawaiian ways of pursuing scientific and economic development through a cultural lens with my scientific community at home.
Nicolea Dwight, 2024 Hollings scholar
Nicolea is a class of 2024 Hollings scholar and a student at the University of North Carolina Wilmington studying marine biology with minors in chemistry and musical theatre.
