Nikki is from Mililani, O'ahu and is a six-month volunteer who arrived on Kuaihelani (Midway Atoll) September 2024. Get to know her and the diversity of knowledge she brings to Kuaihelani from working on other islands in the Hawaiian Archipelago and beyond across the Pacific!
I was born and raised in Mililani, Oahu, where I developed a deep fascination with animals, particularly birds. This passion led me to pursue a B.S. in Biology, followed by a Master’s degree in Environmental Science at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, where I focused my research on the nesting success of the Oahu ‘elepaio (Oahu monarch flycatcher). I have worked across the Pacific with various wildlife conservation programs, including projects with the Mariana Crow in Rota, Mariana Islands; tracking Orange-fronted Parakeets in New Zealand; monitoring and assisting with wildlife-human conflict mitigation involving Asiatic Black Bears in Japan; and coordinating the logistics for the ʻalalā (Hawaiian Crow) release on Maui.
In my free time, I enjoy backpacking, rock climbing, and practicing aerial silks. During my volunteer application (to work on Midway), I was quite vocal about bringing my aerial silks and initially received permission to set them up for practice. However, recent storm damage to the roof raised concerns about the building's integrity.. Unfortunately, that means I won’t be able to put on the circus performance I had planned for the Midway community!
Throughout my conservation career, I’ve primarily focused on montane forest ecosystems. Since arriving on Kuaihelani, I’ve been deeply grateful for the opportunity to expand my experience into coastal environments. Working closely with an incredibly talented and passionate team has been inspiring, and I’ve particularly cherished the chance to monitor the health and survival of coastal species like sea turtles and monk seals. Being in such proximity to these charismatic megafauna is a rare and rewarding experience that has broadened my perspective and deepened my commitment to wildlife conservation.
Article written by Nikki Preston and Krystal Winn