Who We Are
The BIISC Staff
Franny Kinslow Brewer, Acting Program Manager
Philadelphia, PA. I began my career in the financial industry, but always had an interest in the environment and natural resources. After working for a sea turtle conservation program in Greece, I wanted to pursue a career in conservation. I moved to Hawai’i and worked in non-profit, and eventually earned my degree in biology from UH-Hilo. As a student, I developed a love for the forests of the Big Island and a passion for protecting and caring for the unique natural landscapes here. After assisting on several ecological research projects with the Forest Service, I moved into education, teaching science full-time at Big Island public and charter schools while earning my master’s degree. I still am very committed to the young people of our island and getting students out of the classroom and into the forest.
Kris Meehan, GIS Analyst/Operations Planner
Hendersonville, North Carolina. Growing up in the southern Appalachians gave me a love of the outdoors and showed me how invasive species can affect native landscapes. I am grateful to be able to combine my background in wildlife biology and GIS to help BIISC understand the trends and patterns in invasive species spread, to better target control efforts, and stay aware of emerging issues.
Judith Ferrera, Fiscal & Program Associate
Makati City, Philippines. I used to live in California before relocating to Hilo. I previously worked in research administration at the University of California. I moved to Hilo because of the warm climate, beaches, rainbows, and lush tropical setting. Natural resources are irreplaceable and conservation is the only way to prevent exploitation, destruction, or neglect of our environment for us and for future generations to enjoy this wondrous place. I acknowledge all the efforts of the BIISC staff in restoring the land and as the fiscal and program associate, I will play an active role in dutifully administering resources to support the program.
Jennifer Randall (Tamaariki), Field Supervisor
Honolulu, Hawai‛i. Born in Honolulu and raised in Eastern Canada on Lake Ontario, I graduated from a college in Quebec with a degree in Natural Sciences: Applied Ecology. I have worked in the field of conservation biology on the Big Island for over 20 years with agencies such as the United States Geological Survey-Biological Resource Division (USGS-BRD) in Hawai‛i Volcanoes National Park, Operation Miconia, DLNR – Natural Area Reserve Systems (NARS) working with our most invasive species and our most endangered. It is my belief that collectively we can make a difference when it comes to the environmental challenges faced by our native ecosystems here in Hawai‛i and throughout our amazing planet’s diverse ecosystems.
Dustin Swan, Forest Response Coordinator
Idaho. Raised in the forests of the Northwest, I grew up with an appreciation for the environment and biodiversity found in the world around us. Today, many of those forests are forever changed due to an invasive beetle killing entire stands of pine trees, and devastating wildfires fueled from the remaining dead timber. The threat of new invaders taking hold and destroying native forests and habitats is neverending. Working with BIISC in conservation allows me to lend a hand in the larger effort to keep invasive species from becoming established on Hawai‛i Island, and combat those that have already reached these shores.
Molly Murphy, Invasive Plant Prevention Technician
Victor, NY. I had a strong desire to work in the natural environment from an early age. My passion began when my father and I planted hundreds of trees in our backyard for an Earth Day celebration. Watching the seedlings grow into a forest was satisfying. I understood then that a career in conservation would keep me happy. At BIISC, I work with the horticulture industry halting the sales of invasive plants. Managing the content for plantpono.org is another way I help prevent invasive species’ cultivation. Prevention is best!
Jade Miyashiro, Invasive Arthropod Technician
Hilo, Hawai‛i. My first experience in conservation was during the summer of my junior year in high school. Going through KUPU’s Youth Conservation Corps really piqued my interest in this field. From there, I went to pursue a degree in tropical horticulture from UHH. The biggest influence that directed my career path was working as a volunteer for Dr. Hara the entomologist at CTAHR that specialized in pest treatments for tropical flowers and foliage. I went on to be a student help and then a temporary hire after I got my degree. While working at CTAHR I was able to help different nurseries around the island with their pest problems ranging from ants, slugs, beetles, and even coqui frogs. Now at BIISC, I can take what I learned and use it to help the community rid itself of the little fire ant that’s becoming a nuisance to everyone.
Kawehi Young, Community Engagement Liaison
Waimea, Hawai‛i. I was inspired to pursue a career in conservation after participating in Kupu’s Hawai‛i Youth Conservation Corps summer program in high school. After receiving my BA in Environmental Studies from UH-Hilo, I worked with BIISC as an outreach intern for the PIPES program and Kupu’s Conservation Leader Development Program. In 2019, I made the decision to go back to school for an M.S. in Tropical Conservation Biology and Environmental Science at UH-Hilo. Now that I’ve finished my graduate degree, I look forward to applying what I’ve learned to help our community in the fight against invasive species.
Nate Friday, Field Crew Leader
Hilo, Hawai‛i. I was raised in Hilo and brought out to field sites at a young age. My involvement in Hawaiian conservation took off with working in the HYCC (with Jade!) and various KUPU internships with the Forest Service and UH while at Hilo High and on through my time at Dartmouth College, where I got a B.A. majoring in ecological biology. I have worked in tropical ecology from Costa Rica to New Zealand, but love that fieldwork in Hawai‛i has neither venomous vipers nor ferocious possums. Preserving Hawai‛i is important to me because I have had the opportunity to visit so many of its pristine natural areas that are now threatened, and have seen the changes in the landscape by both invasive species and by reforestation efforts. Traveling the world has reinforced for me just how unique and special Hawai‛i’s ecosystems are.
Murphy Bierman, Invasive Species Field Associate II
Hilo, Hawai‛i. I grew up on the Big Island but know little about it. I aim to learn more about our ecological world and to understand what it means to protect native species. I work to build a healthier relationship with the island than I have today.
Charlie Tommy, Invasive Species Field Associate II
Chuuk, Micronesia. I always loved working and being outdoors. I graduated from the University of Hawai‛i at Hilo with my Bachelor’s in Environmental Studies. Currently residing in lovely Hilo town for 6 years now. Hawai‛i has taught me a lot and given me so much. I want to give back to the land and its people and what better way to do that than being out in the field interacting with the community and preserving Hawai‛i’s pristine ecosystem.
Kai‛anui Andaya, Invasive Species Field Associate I
Wai‛anae, O‛ahu. I currently live in ‛Ōla‛a, Puna. Growing up in Hawai‛i and being immersed in Hawaiian culture, there was no separation between people and the environment. My time at Hawai‛i Community College and UH Hilo has inspired me to pursue a career in conservation. My favorite part about working in conservation is learning from the environment. The way the flora & fauna of Hawai‛i communicate and interact with one another in the forest is truly inspiring. Hawai‛i’s ecology informs me on how to carry myself within different spaces. My passion for conservation stems from my Hawaiian heritage and is further strengthened by my hula rearing.
Austin Menke, Invasive Species Field Associate I
Hartford, Wisconsin. Raisied in Hakalau. I graduated with my Tropical Ecosystem & Agroforestry Management (Team) AS degree in 2019. I always loved immersing myself in outdoor activities.
It is a special gift to work in Hawaii’s native forests. The brisk breeze running through the air, and the abundance of life surrounding trickling streams creates a peace of serenity. I can not imagine a day where our forest disappears. I am always interested in learning new ways to help protect the forest and reciprocate my knowledge to help others.