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University of Hawai`i at Manoa
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Dept. Chair:
Dr. Tom Ranker
Graduate Program Chair:
Dr. Tom Ranker
Home > People > Graduate Students > Marian Chau
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Marian Chau PhD Student Ecology Track Contact Information University of Hawai‘i at Manoa |
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Affiliations Botany, Graduate Student Organization (GSO) Dissertation Title: Conservation genetics, restoration ecology, and management implications for the endangered Hawaiian fern Marsilea villosa Abstract: Marsilea villosa (‘ihi‘ihi) is an endangered, endemic Hawaiian fern with excellent restoration potential. Among its unique traits are long-lived sporocarps (i.e., highly modified leaves containing sporangia and spores), a requirement of flood and drought to complete its sexual life cycle, and extended vegetative growth in the absence of flood. My research will use genetic analyses of DNA fragment variation to quantify genetic diversity within and among all populations and estimate clone size within one subpopulation. Vegetation surveys and soil survey analyses will provide detailed ecological and environmental baseline data at three subpopulations in Lualualei Valley, O‘ahu. A restoration field experiment will test the effects of flooding, weeding, and light treatments on outplanted plots over two seasons. Results from this study will expand our limited knowledge of Marsilea villosa and will lead to restoration and management recommendations with the ultimate long-term goal of de-listing this endangered species and restoring the degraded ecosystems in which it occurs. Research Interests:
Outside my academic research, I co-lead the ‘Ihi‘ihi Protection Team, a community group that volunteers monthly to restore degraded habitat of M. villosa at Koko Head on O‘ahu. The group includes folks from various conservation organizations and other local volunteers. We collaborate with OISC, University of Hawai‘i, and Sierra Club on larger organized workdays. Please email me if you'd like to get involved! Awards:
 ‘Ihi‘ihi population at Koko Head, O‘ahu |
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