People
Graduate Program
Undergraduate Program
Courses
Research
Seminars & Events
Student Resources & Facilities
Galleries & References
Links
Employment Opportunities
(including Wilder Chair)
UH Botany Home
Contact Information
Phone:(808) 956-8369
Email:botany@hawaii.edu
Fax:(808) 956-3923
Botany Department
University of Hawai`i at Manoa
3190 Maile Way, Room 101
Honolulu, HI 96822
Dept. Chair:
Dr. Tom Ranker
Graduate Program Chair:
Dr. Kim Bridges
Home > People > Graduate Students > Marian Chau
|
Marian Chau MS Student Ecology Track Contact Information University of Hawai`i at Manoa Affiliations |
|
|
Thesis Title: Population genetics, conservation ecology, and management implications for the endangered Hawaiian fern Marsilea villosa Research Interests: ‘Ihi‘ihi (Marsilea villosa) is an endangered, endemic Hawaiian fern that can currently be found in only four populations on O‘ahu and two on Moloka‘i. It is unusual among ferns in being heterosporous, producing a sporocarp (which is a highly modified leaflet with a thick drought-resistant wall and that contains sporangia and spores), and requiring both flood and drought to complete its sexual life cycle. ‘Ihi‘ihi produces regular photosynthetic leaves when rain is abundant and produces sporocarps when soil dries out, but requires standing water for sporocarp maturation and sexual reproduction. During the dry season, the leaves die back and the rhizomes are dormant, and sporocarps in the soil may be dormant and viable for up to a century. When conditions are wet enough for leaf production but not for sexual reproduction, which may last several years, ‘ihi‘ihi grows vegetatively. The overall goals for my Master’s thesis research project are to provide a clearer understanding of the ecology and reproduction of ‘ihi‘ihi, to determine how the extant populations can be augmented, and to make management recommendations with the ultimate long-term goal of de-listing the species. Some of the research questions I will address include:
Personal Statement: In addition to conservation of Hawai‘i's rare and unique flora, I have strong personal interest in cultural education and culturally-based ecological restoration. I facilitate student collaboration and involvement in the community through service-learning opportunities across the Hawaiian Islands. I also currently serve as a Grad Rep for the Botany Department, working with both students and faculty to promote positive change within the department and across the campus community. If you'd like to be more involved, feel free to get in touch with me. Awards:
 |
|