as the palila’s genome is comprised of 1.1 billion base pairs, Lee noted that while the palila has a stout, thick beak that can crack māmane seeds, other birds have beaks to suck nectar or beaks that can dig into bark. Which genes, he wondered, may have contributed to adaptive radiation and the diversification of these beaks? The question led to a close examination of the palila’s beak morphology (opposite bottom), which was the project Lee presented at this year’s Hawai‘i State Science and Engineering Fair in April. “It was really awesome to be able to use breakthrough technology to look at these pieces of microscopic DNA you can’t even see,” said Lee, touting the capabilities of the portable MinION sequencer, which analyzes samples in real-time. As part of the research implications, he also took a hard look at the bioethics involved. “We had a lot of discussions about the different ways the data could be distributed or used. You’re looking at not just the scientific aspect but also the cultural aspect. You’re doing this holistic review of the research where it’s not only what can we do with the research, but what should we do with the research.” In March, Lee placed 4th in the Regeneron Science Talent Search, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious
science and mathematics competition for high school seniors — think of it as an “American Idol” for budding scientists. The contest puts him on the same path as 13 Nobel Prize recipients and awarded him a generous cash prize. “Research is more than just following methodology. It’s also the application of it to things you’re passionate about,” said Lee, summing up how the ‘Iolani Commu- nity Science program positioned him for a promising future. “I was this small kid just starting off in the lab. The Community Science Department has helped me grow, not only as a student, but as a scientist, to become the adult I am now.” LOGAN'S RESEARCH IMPROVED TWO OF THE MOST ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY, COMMONLY USED, AND EFFECTIVE INSECT POPULATION CONTROL METHODS, STERILE INSECT TECHNIQUE (SIT) AND WOLBACHIA INCOMPATIBLE INSECT TECHNIQUE (IIT), APPLICABLE TO PROTECT ENDEMIC SPECIES IN HAWAI‘I AND WORLDWIDE TO PROTECT FROM MOSQUITO-BORNE DISEASES AND AGRICULTURAL LOSS.
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