Kiana Frank Kiana Laieikawai Frank Kiana Frank Kiana Laieikawai Frank Kiana Frank Kiana Laieikawai
Frank Laboratory
Pacific Biosciences Research Center
Observers of the microbial realm
Indigenous Cropping Systems
Dryland, or rainfed, agricultural systems were the dominant source of food on the Island of Hawai'i at the time of European contact and a central part of the pre-historic economy. Dryland agricultural systems in Hawaii were unique in that they were highly intensified tropical systems that existed on a continental scale and, in many cases, was sustained for hundreds of years. Because agricultural practices and agricultural cropping systems were highly adapted to local environments to maximize productivity, Hawaiians intensified cultivations on virtually every area with adequate soil fertility.
These systems were cited as being highly productive, not reliant on external inputs, and incorporating little or no fallow periods. The Hawaiian agricultural systems, while in some ways unique, provide a an opportunity to understand the plant-biotic interactions across as range of nutrient availabilities and limitations due to the biogeochemical matrix that can be found in the state.
This work is done in collaboration with Dr. Noa Lincoln (CTAHR, UH Mānoa). We extremely grateful to our collaborations and interactions with Kamehameha Schools, Ulu Mau Puanui, Limahuli Gardens, and the Kohala Center.
Kiana Frank Kiana Laieikawai Frank Kiana Frank Kiana Laieikawai Frank Kiana Frank Kiana Laieikawai Frank Kiana Frank Kiana Laieikawai Frank Kiana Frank Kiana Laieikawai Frank Kiana Frank Kiana Laieikawai Frank Kiana Frank Kiana Frank Kiana Frank Kiana Frank Kiana Frank Kiana Frank Kiana Frank Kiana Frank Kiana Frank Kiana Frank Kiana Frank Kiana Frank Kiana Frank Kiana Frank Kiana FrankHawaii Microbes Microbiology Labhuiofrank PBRC PBRC PBRC PBRC PBRC PBRC PBRC
Research Interests:
Environmental drivers of microbial dynamics
Microbial impact on biogeochemical cycles
Relationships between thermodynamic and kinetic metabolic processes
Study Sites:
Groundwater Aquifers