Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — This year, American Samoa Community College has been honored as the recipient of the Fulbright Scholar Program — meaning ASCC- Agriculture, Community and Natural Resources (ACNR) Division at Land Grant will host the Fulbright scholar — Dr. Mary-Nia M. Santos, University of Hawaii Sea Grant Extension Agent for American Samoa — who will be sharing her expertise with the academic community.

Dr. Santos, who is Head of Aquaculture Research and Development Division under the Republic of the Philippines Department of Agriculture, plans to deliver an academic presentation on the opportunities for aquaculture in American Samoa.

Specifically, she will discuss oyster cultivation in Pala Lagoon and explore various local species that hold promise for ranching purposes. Additionally, she will share her previous research endeavors and how they can be applied to benefit American Samoa's aquaculture industry. Dr. Santos also aims to provide valuable insights into funding opportunities available for both students and staff members affiliated with ACNR/ASCC.

Chief of Staff Loa expressed his appreciation to Dr. Santos and the Fulbright Program for considering American Samoa and he commended ASCC President Dr. Rosevonne Pato and the ACNR team for their foresight for the future scholars of American Samoa, also acknowledging ASCC-ACNR Department: Director Aufa’i, Sea Grant Agent Tagarino, Daniel Helsham, Daniel Ofagalilo, Mary Scanlan, and staff, and a special mention to Fuiavailiili Keniseli Lafaele, who is the cultural liaison and played a key role in Dr. Santos’s visit.

The Fulbright Scholars Program is an international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government. It aims to promote mutual understanding between people of the United States and other countries by facilitating academic and cultural exchange.