Ka’ikuliumaikalani Kaholoa’a (Kaiku)

Kaiku is a PhD student in the Biology and Ocean Departments at Stanford University. His research focuses on coral genetics and genomics, aiming to identify genes that may help corals survive climate change. He currently works across the Pacific, identifying coral individuals with increased thermal tolerances. When many thermally tolerant individuals are found at specific reefs, Kaiku collaborates with local communities and organizations to protect these ‘Super Reefs’ through Marine Protected Areas.

Prior to his PhD, Kaiku earned a BS in Molecular Biology from CSU Monterey Bay. In the future, he aspires to become a professor of Marine Biology in Hawai’i. As a Native Hawaiian, Kaiku is committed to using his career to educate Western leaders on ethical collaboration with indigenous populations, increase Pacific Islander representation in STEM careers, and empower local communities by teaching them to lead and manage their natural resources.

As a RAISE and NSF-GRFP fellow, Kaiku will work closely with his native community on Moloka’i, Hawai’i, to evaluate coral reef thermal tolerances and mentor local high school students in becoming indigenous leaders in marine conservation.