NSF CBIKS Indigenous Sciences Speaker Series: Dr. Kiana Frank "Microbes to Meaʻai (food): Lessons from proven models of sustainability in ancient Hawaii"

Please join MIT Anthropology Professor Sonya Atalay (CBIKS founder & director) for the first Indigenous Sciences Speaker Series speaker of 2025.

The U.S. National Science Foundation Center for Braiding Indigenous Knowledges and Science (NSF CBIKS) invites you to the fourth speaker in the Indigenous Sciences Speaker Series: Dr. Kiana Frank. Kiana Frank - born and raised in Kailua Oʻahu – studies how microorganisms shape ʻāina (land) for productivity and health by weaving contemporary western techniques with Native Hawaiian Science. Her work evaluates overall ecosystem health and informs current monitoring, restoration, cultivation, and management of Hawaiian resources to sustainably support the people of Hawaii. She has strong relationships working within communities using scientific hands-on experiences in the ʻāina, our natural laboratories, to inspire the younger Hawaiian generations to cultivate a connection to science through their culture. She is currently employed as an Associate Professor in the Pacific Biosciences Research Center at the University of Hawaii, Mānoa, and also sits on the boards of Native Hawaiian non-profit organizations Kauluakalana, INPEACE, and Purple Maiʻa. Join us in welcoming Dr. Frank to our community and enjoy an engaging presentation and Q&A.