Summer Intern Develops Lesson about Papahānaumokuākea for Chaminade University

Sarah Webb, a recent Chaminade graduate, under the mentorship of Dr. Gail Grabowsky and Wesley Byers, delivers her lesson on Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. Credit: NOAA/W. Byers

A collaboration between a Chaminade University professor, a Monument staff member, and a recent Chaminade graduate resulted in a lesson plan on Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument for Marine Science/ Environmental Studies students at the University. Sarah Webb developed the lesson under the mentorship of Dr. Gail Grabowsky, Associate Professor and Director of Environmental Studies at Chaminade and the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve Advisory Council Education Representative, and Wesley Byers PMNM Outreach Specialist and Advisory Council Coordinator. The lesson focused mainly on introducing students to PMNM as well as providing a closer look at the three primary critical threats to the Hawaiian archipelago: climate change, marine debris, and alien/invasive species. Students will conduct further research on the individual islands and atolls in the Monument and present to their peers. Chaminade University faculty will be able to utilize this lesson for future courses.

For more information: wesley.byers@noaa.gov