Mia Melamed Tierney, born and raised on Kauaʻi, works with the Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) in the Fish and Habitat Monitoring Program, supporting the management of Hawaiʻi’s marine ecosystems. Her research spans native forests, intertidal zones, and coral reefs, with a focus on using spectroscopy to detect and monitor coral diseases such as black band disease. Mia earned her M.S. in Biology from Arizona State University, where she applied advanced remote sensing tools to coral reef health, and a B.S. in Natural Resources and Environmental Management (Coastal Ecology) from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. She also holds a Marine Option Program certificate, is a certified Scientific Diver, and has an A.S. in Natural Sciences. Grounded in her lifelong connection to Kauaʻi, Mia combines research, technology, and management to promote resilient reef ecosystems across Hawaiʻi.