Kailey is a scientist, diver, and lifelong ocean enthusiast from Kāne’ohe, O’ahu. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Geography at Arizona State University while based in Hilo, Hawai’i. As a Native Hawaiian scientist, she can seamlessly stitch together her specializations of coral reef ecology, 3D photogrammetry, and scientific diving with a perspective that creates space for traditional knowledge in a heavily western science-driven world. Native Hawaiians consider coral to be their first ancestor that brings both life and death to people and the islands. She aims to honor her heritage by using science and innovative technologies to understand how coral reefs respond to climate change, and how we can incorporate science into management to stem this rapid decline.

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