Tafuna High School junior Fa’alolo’i Te’o has placed in the top two of the Pacific Symposium for Science and Sustainability (PS3), held in Honolulu Dec. 4-6, claiming a $1,500 scholarship and an all-expense paid trip to represent the Pacific.

She will be traveling to the 48th National Junior Science & Humanities Symposium (JSHS) that will be held in Bethesda, Maryland spring 2010.

It is a historic win for American Samoa as Fa’alolo’i is the first student from the territory to accomplish such a feat, according to a statement from the Hawaii Academy of Science, a private non-profit organization which hosts the PS3 and other fairs in the Aloha State.

“Although there have been representatives from American Samoa at the national competition in the past, [Fa’alolo’i] Te’o is the first student from American Samoa to place in the top two (regionally) and present her research nationally,” says the statement.

The PS3, which is open to all high school students in grades 9-12, is aimed at encouraging high school students to pursue research and study in science, engineering and mathematics. It provides a unique educational experience by bringing together students from the Pacific islands including Hawaii to explore their common interest in the sciences, says the HAS.

Fa’alolo’i will join Roya Sabri, the first place finisher at PS3, from Kealakehe High School on the big island of Hawai’i—at the Maryland symposium. Both Fa’alolo’i and Roya will be eligible for national awards and the opportunity to attend the London International Youth Science Forum in 2010.

According to the HAS, 49 papers were presented in experimental and library research categories at PS3—36 from Hawai’i, seven from American Samoa and six from Pohnpei, Micronesia.

Fa’alolo’i’s winning paper is titled: “The Preference in Predation of the Native Aquatic Bug Anisops nasutus on the Larvae of Four Mosquito Species Found in American Samoa.”

During an interview with Samoa News Fa’alolo’i explains: the main purpose of her project was to evaluate a natural predator of mosquitoes as many locals utilize insecticides to kill mosquitoes.

“Insecticides are harmful to the environment,” she told Samoa News. So Fa’alolo’i set out to use a locally available predator—the native aquatic bug Anisops nasutus—more commonly known as a ‘backswimmer’.

She said there are 12 types of mosquitoes found in American Samoa. She used four in her project.

Fa’alolo’i wanted to: 1) find how many mosquito larvae are eaten by a predator in one day, and 2) evaluate the predator’s preference, or which mosquito the predator liked best.

She found that the predator preferred the aedes polynesiensis above the others, a mosquito which is a carrier of filiarisasis and dengue in the Pacific region.

“It was an unexpected result. I just wanted to share my experiment. It was a surprise ending for me to be able to compete in the region,” Fa’alolo’i told Samoa News.

Her hope for Maryland is to get her message across that humans can use natural predators as opposed to insecticides because they are harmful to the environment and to human health.

“I hope that people will gain something ... I just want to convey my message,” said Fa’alolo’i.

Dr. Joserose Jyothibhavan, Teacher of the Year- 2007 and Fa’alolo’i’s mentor, who instructs a Specialized Science Class at Tafuna High School, said Tafuna has sent students to the symposium in Honolulu for several years.

In previous years, his THS students have placed fourth and fifth. Last year, Tafuna’s Samuel Meleisea placed third and this year, Faaloloi placed second.

“They’re getting better and better,” Dr. Jyothibhavan told Samoa News. “For a teacher, it’s a great feeling ... the hard work, the support of the parents, school administrators and the motivation and dedication of the students ... a mentor only gives support and directions. We’ve had some good students for all these years ... I’m happy about it.”

All students and semi-finalists presented their research at the Shidler School of Business at the University of Hawai’i on Dec. 5. Judges and moderators were volunteers in the academic community representing UH, Chaminade University, Hawai’i Pacific University, Hawai’i State Dept. of Health and the Hawaii Academy of Science.

Selected finalists then presented at a plenary session in the afternoon.

Also competing in in the plenary session was Motootua Samu of THS. Three other local students took first place in their concurrent sessions—Aerial Seto, and Lourdes David both of THS and Jennifer Kim of South Pacific Academy.

All eight science symposium presenters from American Samoa this year were invited to the PS3 and sponsored by the local Department of Education. Six students represented Tafuna High School: Moto’otua Samu, Faalolo’i Te’o, Samuel Thomas, Ariel Seto, Mary Cheung-fuk, and Lourdes David.

Two students represented SPA—Green Choi and Jennifer Kim.

The team was chaperoned by Tafuna High School Principal Lemoe Tinoisamoa, SPA teacher Cecilia Tuionoula, and OCIA Science Specialist Magdalene A. Leauanae.

The top six finalists were awarded at a ceremony and banquet held at the Pagoda Hotel, Dec. 5.

PS3 is sponsored by the HAS through a grant provided by the Academy of Applied Sciences. The HAS is a private, non-profit organization founded in 1925. Their mission is to promote scientific research and education in Hawai’i and the Pacific region. Aside from sponsoring the PS3, the Academy has sponsored the Hawai’i State Science and Engineering Fair for the past 53 years.

The JSHS is jointly sponsored by the United States Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, in cooperation with leading research universities throughout the nation. The Department of Defense provides funding for the National symposium, JSHS scholarships and travel awards.

It is expected that the 48th National JSHS will bring together over 350 participants from 48 regional symposia held throughout the U.S. this year. The event is scheduled for April 28- May 2, 2010 in Bethesda.

Dr. Jyothibhavan thanks DOE for supporting the science programs and the parents, teachers and students of THS “who always support us.”

“Without them, this cannot be possible,” Dr. Jyothibhavan says. “I’d also like to thank Mark Schmaedik, entomologist at ASCC Land Grant for lending his expertise for this project. Our school does not have the facilities and he was so generous in helping us on this project.”

To Fa’alolo’i, he says: “Congratulations and keep up the winning spirit at nationals ... it is my ambition and her ambition.”