On February 15 the world lost an amazing person all too soon. The passing of Kalena DeBrum has left us shocked and heartbroken. Kalena, a PhD student in our lab, was an internationally recognized scientist in the field of marine conservation. Her fervent commitment towards preserving the health of coral reefs was matched only by her dedication to educating and empowering community members to be stewards of their waters, ensuring a legacy of sustainability for generations.
Through her influential role with the Marshall Islands Marine Resource Authority, and her dissertation research on reef fishes from the region, Kalena ascended to prominence as one of the world’s authorities on the coral reefs of the Marshall Islands. Her careful dedication to working hand-in-hand with local community members, fishers and scientists represents the ethical benchmark for how environmental research should be conducted not only in Oceania, but globally. At UW, she was an inspiration for the next generation of scientists, especially young Pacific Islander women.
But Kalena was more than just a rising star in the world of marine conservation, and an exemplar for how community-based research should look, she was a force. Kalena was powerful. She took up space. She spoke truth to power. She was sharp as hell. Radiant. Hysterical. Goofy. Tenacious. Deeply inspiring. I promise we will not lose the momentum that you embodied, young lady. We will harness that inertia and carry your energy forward so that others can follow in the huge footsteps you leave behind.
We miss you, kiddo.
