Officers

Officers 2017-2018

Rachael Wade, President
Solange Saxby, Vice President
Georgia Hart, Secretary and Webmaster
Daniela Bottjer-Wilson, Treasurer
Danita Dahl, Outreach Coordinator

Rachael Wade, President

I grew up in Denver, CO, but consider myself a Washingtonian after completing my Bachelors in Biology at Western Washington University . My research interests have always been focused on algae, particularly their relationships with herbivores and other members of the marine community. My doctoral dissertation research focuses on the development and utilization of a photosynthetic sea slug as a novel sampling tool to explore algal biodiversity. In addition to its host utilization, the sea slug is instrumental in exploring the distribution and ecology of the invasive alga Avrainvillea in Hawai‘i.

Since joining the GWIS Hawai'i Chapter as both a member and Vice President in 2012, I have enjoyed the community and opportunities that the chapter affords its members. Now as President, I strive to empower the women who have taken on positions on the Executive Council and continuing to uphold the values and missions of the Chapter by continuing to foster and promote previously established relationships and commitments, as well as embrace and nurture new opportunities.

Solange Saxby, Vice President

I am currently pursuing my PhD in Nutritional Science in the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources at UH Mānoa. Prior to moving to Hawai‘i, I earned her Bachelors of Science in Microbiology, Human Nutrition, and Food Science/Safety at Colorado State University. With my interdisciplinary background, I hope to bring my research interests together in my dissertation studies. Under the guidance of Dr. Yong Li, I will focus on connecting the effects of pre- and probiotics with mitigating colorectal cancers. As the VP and Chair of the PR Commitee, I hope to create a supportive environment for women scientists to come together in unity.

Georgia Hart, Secretary

I received my B.A. in Biology and Spanish from Grinnell College in Iowa in 2004. Subsequently, I worked as an ethnobotanist in South America, an entomologist on Hawai‘i Island, and then as a middle school science teacher in New York City. My M.S. research at the Univ. of Hawai‘i focused on intergenerational trends in the gathering of wild edible seaweeds on O‘ahu and the antioxidant benefits these seaweeds confer. My PhD work focuses on bear grass, a perennial forest understory herb in the Pacific Northwest. I study the use of this plant in weaving traditions of Native peoples of the PNW and the influence of fire and other environmental factors on its persistence. As GWIS Secretary, I hope to contribute to our goals through my organizational skills and my passion for increasing access to science education among under-represented groups.

Daniela Bottjer-Wilson, Treasurer

I received my PhD in biological oceanography from the University of Bremen, Germany and my main research interests lie in the structure and functioning of planktonic marine microorganisms and their role in the ocean’s carbon and nitrogen cycle. Through my involvement with the Center for Microbial Oceanography: Research and Education at the University of Hawaii since 2009, I have contributed to numerous outreach events with the goal of broadening the participation of underrepresented groups in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math fields. I had the opportunity to teach middle and high school students about ocean microbes and careers in marine sciences and visited various elementary schools on Oahu and Maui to educate children and their parents about current ocean threats and how they are relevant to their local communities. I joined GWIS Hawaii in June 2014 and have since then served as the Public Relations Committee Chair. As the chapters’ new treasurer, I have the goal to continue to contribute to the chapter’s mission and help build our membership. I envision that our chapter provides a supportive and collaborative environment for women scientists in Hawaii and is inspiring to girls and women interested in pursuing a science career.

Danita Dahl

I left my home town, Flower Mound, Texas to join the U.S. Army in 2000. I served for eight years, and worked in the private sector for a while before starting my collegiate career in Animal Science. I received my B.S. in 2016 with a major in pre veterinary Animal Science, but also minoring in both Chemistry and Fish & Wildlife. I have a passion for the ocean, and while I was attending undergrad in Oregon State University did a short stint in Antarctica in a study abroad program to explore the biodiversity of seabirds along latitudes toward the south pole. I am currently a Masters candidate with a focus on increasing local food production. My thesis work is in regards to culturing local copepods for use as first-feed for shrimp larvae.
I am new to the GWIS organisation, but as outreach coordinator I am driven to increase awareness of opportunities for girls and women in graduate level STEM fields. By working together, we can achieve a great many things!