MNA’s summer inter this year, Jaden De Souza, helped with coral surveys and the data-crunching that comes afterwards. She was a great addition to our team. Her own mini-CV (below) eloquently describes her background and goals. Mahalo Jaden and we all hope to work with you again!
Aloha, my name is Jaden De Souza, I was born and raised on Kaua‘i and am currently earning my Masters Degree in Communication from Saint Mary’s College after completing Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Science (2025). I eventually want to work in coral restoration and help regrow our damaged reefs. My goal is to make a positive impact on our reefs and to help my own community protect and nurture the ocean life around our home. I will continue to work with nonprofits like Limahuli Garden and Preserve, Nāpali Coast ‘Ohana whom I’ve volunteered with multiple times in the past years, and Mālama Nā ‘Apapa to broaden my horizons and understanding of the marine sciences in action within a community. There are so many brilliant people in Hawaii and I have so much to learn from them about protecting our environment. While I plan to continue my exploration of the world beyond our islands, I want to give back to the community and place that has given me so much.