(GCC)-- Incoming sophomore Teresa Lizama will represent Guam Community College at the third annual Islands of Opportunity Alliance – Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Partnerships Student Conference in Honolulu from Aug. 2 to 4.
Lizama will participate in a poster session and present her research on Guam’s efforts to eradicate the destructive rhinoceros beetle.
According to Theresa Datuin, Lizama’s environmental biology instructor, Lizama became interested in the rhino beetle project as a result of a service learning project she did with Roland Quitugua, logistics chief of the Guam Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Eradication Program.
“The service learning project was to assist with eradication efforts by locating and disposing of rhino beetle grubs. The objective of the project was to increase awareness of pests and their effects on the island's resources, to learn about the importance of community involvement and participation, and to gain field experience,” said Datuin.
Lizama’s research, which she also discussed with Dr. Aubrey Moore, extension entomologist at the University of Guam, also explored the infestation effects of the rhino beetle in other areas of the Pacific as well as on Guam’s culture and lifestyle. The poster created by Lizama for the LSAMP conference will assist in future presentations of the rhino beetle project, according to Datuin.
GCC is a Pacific Partner in the Islands of Opportunity Alliance, which is funded through the National Science Foundation. The conference allows students within the IOA-LSAMP to meet other student scholars, present research, share internship experiences, visit partner schools, and learn more about LSAMP programs offered at different institutions within the alliance.
##
GCC student to present beetle research
