MCT and Partners welcome Dr. Blas, Micronesia Regional Research Coordinator

Dr. Andrea Blas - Micronesia regional Research Coordinator on Invasive Species and Climate Change

Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia – The Micronesia Conservation Trust, in partnership with the Pacific Research on Island Solutions for Adaptation (Pacific RISA) program, is excited to extend a warm welcome to our new Regional Research Coordinator on invasive species and climate change, Dr. Andrea Blas! Dr. Blas will jointly support MCT, the Micronesia Challenge and the Pacific Regional Invasive Species and Climate Change (Pacific RISCC) Management Network by providing needed research and coordination support to natural resource managers in the Pacific Islands. Her work will also strengthen regional partnerships and awareness around the interactions/synergistic effects of climate change and invasive species in the region including support of the Regional Invasive Species Council (RISC). This role comes at an opportune time given the many invasive species threats in the region including the recent introductions of the little fire ant (LFA) in Yap, Federated States of Micronesia and the recent discovery of coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB) in the Majuro, Marshall Islands.

Dr. Blas holds a PhD from the University of Hawaiʻi in molecular biosciences and bioengineering, and has two decades of research experience in agriculture. Based in Guam, she has transitioned to science and management of the coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB), particularly testing pesticide tree injection and biocontrol fungus, and is leading workshops in Micronesia with the Guam CRB team while remaining involved in other projects within the Guam Department of Agriculture biosecurity division. She is passionate about professional development and has led graduate and undergraduate courses at the University of Guam, along with community workshops and training workshops for biosecurity personnel.

Dr. Blas will apply her extensive skill set and leadership to the important nexus of invasive species and climate change in the Pacific. MCT and the Pacific RISCC are excited for this opportunity to advance research and outreach in Micronesia!

To get in touch with Dr. Blas or for inquiries about the role and collaboration, please email: andrea.lg.blas@gmail.com and Tamara Greenstone-Alefaio at tgreenstone-alefaio@ourmicronesia.org