
Hobbies and interests
Animals
Anime
Badminton
Basketball
Beach
Biking And Cycling
Bible Study
Biology
Bodybuilding
Botany
Blogging
Board Games And Puzzles
Biotechnology
Canoeing
Camping
Cleaning
Comedy
Comics
Conservation
Dance
Combat Sports
Diving
DJing
Drawing And Illustration
Education
Ecology
Environmental Science and Sustainability
Exploring Nature And Being Outside
Fishing
Flute
Foreign Languages
Food And Eating
Genetics
Guitar
Karaoke
Health Sciences
Hiking And Backpacking
Learning
Manga
Marine Biology
Mental Health
Movies And Film
Music
Paddleboarding
Paintball
Reading
Research
Science
Scuba Diving
Self Care
Singing
Snorkeling
Social Media
Spending Time With Friends and Family
Spirituality
Sports
STEM
Studying
Sustainability
Swimming
Table Tennis
Tagalog
Teaching
Ukulele
Tutoring
Upcycling and Recycling
Volunteering
Weightlifting
Travel And Tourism
Volleyball
Writing
YouTube
Zoology
Zumba
Reading
Environment
I read books multiple times per week
Zaphnath-Paaneah Villanueva
995
Bold Points3x
Nominee1x
Finalist
Zaphnath-Paaneah Villanueva
995
Bold Points3x
Nominee1x
FinalistBio
A climate change advocate from the Philippines with a passion for Biology - both in marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Able to effectively
perform tasks that involve native habitat restoration and education. A dedicated and goal-driven biologist with more than four years of diverse experience and a solid commitment to the conservation of endangered species and removal of invasive species.
Education
Brigham Young University-Hawaii
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Zoology/Animal Biology
- Education, Other
- Biology, General
- Marine Sciences
Minors:
- Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis
Miscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)
Graduate schools of interest:
Transfer schools of interest:
Majors of interest:
- Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy
- Natural Resources and Conservation, Other
Career
Dream career field:
Research
Dream career goals:
To be in the administrative level of conservation biology, work for NOAA/UN. University professor, teaching biology/environmental science
Research Assistant - mole crab eDNA, microplastics
Brigham Young University - Hawaii2021 – Present4 years
Sports
Table Tennis
Intramural2015 – Present10 years
Research
Biological and Physical Sciences
Brigham Young University — Researcher, genetic encoder for Mole Crab eDNA2021 – Present
Arts
Polynesian Cultural Center
DanceSchool Recital2020 – 2021
Public services
Volunteering
Brigham Young University - Hawaii — Collecting ocean/beach plastics2019 – PresentVolunteering
Brigham Young University - Hawaii — Collects corals of opportunity, performs micro fragmenting and outplanting in the ocean2021 – 2022Advocacy
Asia Pacific Coral Reef Symposium — Non-coral species presenter and participant2023 – 2023Advocacy
Humanitarian Affairs Asia — United Nations green summit advocate/participant, pursuer of environmental science2022 – 2022Volunteering
Brigham Young University - Hawaii — Mangrove planter, nursery worker for native Hawaiian trees2022 – 2023
Future Interests
Advocacy
Volunteering
Philanthropy
Area 51 Miners Sustainability and Geoscience Scholarship
The challenges of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss demand action grounded in both traditional knowledge and innovative strategies. My experiences and aspirations have shaped two ultimate career goals that I believe can make meaningful contributions to addressing these pressing environmental issues: first, preserving and stewarding fishponds to promote their ability as carbon sequesters, and second, honing my skills as a biological science educator to develop a "climate justice curriculum" that empowers the next generation to tackle climate change and steward their environment responsibly.
My connection to fishponds began during my year with a nonprofit organization in Hawaiʻi—the Mālama Loko Ea Foundation. There, I gained practical expertise in fisheries management and aquaculture, alongside skills in native plant propagation and pest control. These experiences deepened my appreciation for traditional Hawaiian fishponds as vital ecological systems that preserve endemic and native plant, fish, and bird species. Beyond their cultural and historical significance, fishponds offer immense potential as carbon sinks, playing a crucial role in mitigating climate change. Additionally, earning my Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology and Biological Science Education at Brigham Young University–Hawaiʻi expanded my knowledge of conservation and provided opportunities to connect with professionals and participate in various environment-focused projects. I am committed to advancing research and conservation efforts that highlight and enhance fishponds' ability to sequester carbon while fostering sustainable aquaculture practices. By working with local communities, integrating indigenous knowledge with scientific innovation, and pursuing a Master’s degree in Natural Resource and Environmental Management, I aim to ensure that these ecosystems continue to thrive and contribute to global climate solutions.
Equally important to me is education. My goal as a biological science educator is to develop and implement a "climate justice curriculum" that not only teaches students about the science of climate change but also empowers them to take proactive steps and set realistic plans for environmental stewardship. Having traveled across Hawaiʻi and participated in conservation workshops, I have witnessed the transformative impact of education rooted in both scientific rigor and cultural understanding. My curriculum will emphasize the interconnectedness of ecological systems, the importance of community-driven conservation, and the role of individual actions in shaping a sustainable future. I believe that equipping students with knowledge and actionable strategies can inspire them to become advocates for the planet and leaders in their communities.
Both of these goals—preserving fishponds and educating future generations—are deeply tied to my experiences and aspirations. Graduate studies at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa will allow me to build on my expertise in fishpond management, teaching, and researching nature-based climate solutions. My education will provide the tools to develop innovative approaches to carbon sequestration and conservation and craft a curriculum that resonates with students from diverse backgrounds.
I envision a career that harmonizes research, education, and community engagement. Whether collaborating with conservation organizations or shaping the minds of young learners, my efforts will be guided by the principles of sustainability and environmental justice. These efforts, rooted in both personal experience and academic pursuit, will contribute to addressing the environmental challenges we face and help pave the way for a sustainable future.