In September 2025, an exceptional all-women team of six-month volunteers arrived on Kuaihelani (Midway Atoll), ready to step into some of the most demanding and meaningful conservation work in the Pacific. They embody skill, resilience, and passion, qualities that make Friends of Midway Atoll’s volunteers such a vital part of ongoing stewardship efforts.
This year, Molly Henling stepped into the role of Volunteer Crew Lead, guiding the team as they quickly took on vital responsibilities supporting wildlife monitoring, habitat protection, and daily operations on Midway.
Their work is made possible by support of donors and members like you.
Volunteer teams continue to come to Kuaihelani thanks to the generosity of FOMA members and donors. As costs rise—especially contracted airfare to and from Midway—your support has never been more important. The programs staffed by volunteers are essential to protecting some of the most important seabird nesting sites on Earth. We hope you enjoy learning more about the volunteers behind the conservation work on Kuaihelani!
“My name is Ayla Liss, I am from Maine, and this is my 7th field season. Growing up on the Gulf of Maine I volunteered & worked for the Seabird Institute. The last couple summers I’ve worked for Alaska Maritime. I love the physical and mental challenges of working in remote places and have a soft spot for Procellariids.” Read more about Ayla.
“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.” Learn more about Gianna.
“Aloha everyone! My name is Katie Hearther. I am from Ewa, O‘ahu, and live in ʻAiea. I have loved and been fascinated by the ocean since I was born, and volunteering on Kuaihelani is a dream over ten years in the making- sparked when I hiked O‘ahu’s Kaena Point and encountered my first mōlī (Laysan Albatross).” Continue reading about Katie's experiences.
“My name is Sophie Elliott and I hail from the UK which feels quite literally on the other side of the world from Midway Atoll!
I have an MSc in Conservation Science from Imperial College London, and I have been working with seabirds around the world for 10 years, conducting research, monitoring, hand-rearing and translocations. Continue learning about Sophie.
Article by Krystal Winn