The American Samoa Land Grant program recently welcomed a team of scientists from the American Museum of Natural History who shared key research findings from their field studies conducted across the islands of Tutuila and Taʻū. Their work highlighted a diverse range of biological research, including studies on coral species, sea anemones, sea slugs, aquatic insects, fishes, and reptiles, contributing valuable scientific knowledge about American Samoa’s unique ecosystems.

This collaborative effort was made possible through strong partnerships with the American Samoa Community College–Agriculture, Community and Natural Resources (ASCC-ACNR), the Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources, the National Park of American Samoa, and the NOAA. The visiting delegation was led by Dr. Jessica Ware, Curator and Chair of the Division of Invertebrate Zoology at the Museum, who delivered a presentation on Thursday, January 22, focusing particularly on the team’s findings related to aquatic insects in American Samoa.

Additional presentations featured contributions from Dr. Christopher Beatty, Dr. Laura Gonzalez, Museum Specialist Ruth Salas, and Ph.D. students Rin Krichilsky, Ellie Gammett, Violet Magama, and Kate Montana. Lead presenter Dr. Jessica Goodheart also provided in-depth insights into marine mollusk species identified around Tutuila, with research support from ASCC students, the Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources, and the National Park of American Samoa.

Community members from both public and private sectors, along with students and faculty, attended the series of presentations, reflecting strong local interest in scientific research and environmental stewardship. The three-day presentation series concluded with a gift-giving ceremony led by ACNR Director Aufa‘i Areta and Dr. Mark Schmaedick, during which ASCC students who assisted with the research were formally recognized with certificates of completion and received monetary compensation for their valuable contributions.

This collaboration underscores the importance of research partnerships in advancing scientific understanding of American Samoa’s natural resources while providing hands-on learning opportunities for local students and strengthening community engagement in conservation and environmental science.

The following students were awarded for completing the series of trainings: Andy Auva'a, Bahn Vaofanua, Tiara Sootaga, Karol Bengil, Fatu-Chanel Fatu.