Hello! My name is Gianna Arcuri and I am from South Florida. I studied plant science at the University of Florida (UF). My introduction to fieldwork began with the Plant Community and Ecosystem Ecology Lab at UF, and I’ve continued pursuing seasonal fieldwork since graduation. Some of the projects I’ve been involved in include the Florida Keys Hawkwatch, Seabird Institute, Avian Research and Conservation Institute, and the Everglades Wading Bird Project with UF.
My time on Kuaihelani has been incredible! The most remarkable part so far has been the sheer numbers of birds. We arrived before the albatross and got to watch the atoll transform from mostly vegetation to fields full of albatross (and now chicks!) I have also enjoyed learning about the plants here, from propagating to outplanting, and appreciating the variety of work we do each day.
Thank you to our crew lead Molly, USFWS staff, and FOMA for your support in making this opportunity possible.
Article by Gianna Arcuri