OUR TEAM
Andrea Kealoha
PI
Joelle Mattos
Graduate Student
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Jessie Peterman
Research Technician
I am a RCUH Research Assistant working with a diverse group of PIs at University of Hawai’i an Manoa. We are working to analyze the effects on water quality in Lahaina, Maui following the fires in August of 2023. My current focus is analyzing the nutrient concentrations and carbonate speciation in the coastal waters of Maui. I have been interested in understanding how anthropogenic activities affect the coasts that we love so much since I was a little girl. My goal is to continue learning and contributing to the understanding of our changing oceans. Outside of work, I like to hike with my sister, do sudoku on the beach, play any and every Zelda game, and facetime my family on the East Coast.
Maya Singh
Undergraduate Student
I am an undergraduate assistant in the Kealoha lab. I am in my fourth year of the Global Environmental Science program. I am interested in oceanography and I have done some research on Lānaʻi that I will use for my GES thesis project. I love surfing, running, and anything that has to do with being outside or in the ocean!
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Raffi Isah
Graduate Student
I graduated with an MS in Marine Science and a BS in Chemistry at the University of the Philippines. My MS thesis focused on carbonate chemistry dynamics in coral reefs along a eutrophication gradient. Through the Hawai’i Sea Grant, I will continue working on the impacts coastal acidification and eutrophication on the persistence of coral reef framework in Kahekili and Keʻanae, Hawai’i. Outside lab, I enjoy diving, climbing, cooking, and thrift shopping. I also have three cats!
Trey Summers
Research Technician
My role as a field technician gives me many opportunities to do my favorite part of science, the fieldwork! While in the field I collect water samples, deploy scientific instruments, and retrieve data collected from sensors. While I am not in the field, my primary role is to help process and analyze data, using computer programming languages such as Python. Working as a field technician has allowed me to apply my education in ways that further scientific understanding and benefit the local community in Hawai'i. I recently graduated from UH Manoa in May 2024 with a physics degree, as well as a certificate in the Marine Option Program. My research interests are in Physical Oceanography, Geophysics, and Climate change. Currently, I am finishing up my research paper on lingering effects of tsunamis along the south shore of Oahu. My favorite place to be when I'm not working is the ocean! While in college, I competed for the UH sailing team in regattas across the country. Since graduation, I have been spending my free time surfing, sailing, diving, and foiling!
Sam Kekuewa
Postdoctoral Researcher