Using field observations, satellite tracking, and genetic analysis, Muñoz followed green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) from nesting and mating sites in the Mariana Archipelago to feeding grounds up to 2,500 km away across the Pacific Ocean. Her dissertation provides some of the first detailed information about the little-studied population of green sea turtles that nest in the Mariana Archipelago.
Filling Knowledge Gaps
Muñoz’s studies are the first to document the mating patterns, movements, and migrations of the estimated 100 green turtles that nest in the Mariana Archipelago. Her work fills knowledge gaps for the endangered Central West Pacific green turtle population, which has been classified as “data deficient” for over a decade.
“Sefa identified a major gap in the scientific understanding of green sea turtles that inhabit the Central-West Pacific,” said Brian Bowen, Muñoz’s advisor and researcher at the Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology. “She used a combination of fieldwork, advanced genetics, and satellite telemetry to resolve the nesting biology and migratory habits of Guam’s turtle population. She met the turtles on the beach, and then went from their inner cells to outer space in a quest to resolve the scientific facts about these sea turtles.”
Critical Conservation Framework
This research provides the framework needed for conservation efforts to protect vulnerable sea turtles from climate impacts and local threats.
“Receiving the Mirikitani Outstanding Dissertation Award is a profound honor that represents stewardship for my home islands in the Marianas and a tribute to the many mentors who guided and supported me along the way,” Muñoz said. “Overcoming a pandemic, typhoons, and remote fieldwork to build this dataset was a monumental challenge, but the effort was entirely worth it to help learn more about and better protect this small population of sea turtles.”
The Dr. Clifford K. Mirikitani, MD, JD & John M. Mirikitani, JD, Ph.D. Outstanding Dissertation Award is given annually to one UH Mānoa Ph.D. student whose dissertation demonstrates exceptional originality, significance, and scholarly achievement. Nominations for the 2026–27 award will open in early fall with a deadline of October 15. More information can be obtained on the Graduate Division website.
