Abstract
Project EAST: Fire Ants or No Fire Ants?
Track: Community Projects and Partnerships
Author(s): Shanoa Miller, Leslie Wilkins, Isla Young
The Project EAST program rises to the top as a best practices model. Currently serving 450 students on four Islands, the mission of EAST is to promote critical thinking and problem solving skills, by engaging students in an educational environment steeped in emerging technologies and community based learning.
Project EAST student, Shanoa Miller utilized GIS to answer the burning question -- "Fire Ants or no Fire Ants"? She conducted research in partnership with the University of Hawaii to research the existence of fire ants on the Island of Maui. The Fire Ant species, if found, would cause havoc on our fragile ecosystem.
GPS and GIS technologies were used to map the ant collection data and results. The ant identification process resulted in the collection and discovery of 16 different ant species. The Fire Ant was not discovered, but government involvement by increasing field surveys for invasive insects is ongoing.
Shanoa Miller
Maui Economic Development Board, Women In Technology
Women In Technology
1305 N. Holopono St.
Suite 1
Kihei , HI 96753
US
Phone: 808 875-2307
E-mail: isla@medb.org
Leslie Wilkins
Maui Economic Development Board
Women In Technology
1305 N. Holopono St.
Suite 1
Kihei , HI 96753
US
Phone: 808 875-2300
E-mail: isla@medb.org
Isla Young
Maui Economic Development Board
Women In Technology
1305 N. Holopono St.
Suite 1
Kihei , HI 96753
US
Phone: 808 875-2300
E-mail: isla@medb.org