Meet Our Staff

Ersel was born and raised here in Hawaiʻi, and has a degree from UH Hilo in Tropical Agriculture and a certificate in plant tissue culture. Before joining the Hawaiʻi Ant Lab, he was a navy veteran and has also worked in the construction industry. His main interests lie in Hawaiian entomology, biology, and sustainability of agricultural and natural landscapes.

Email me: ersel.hensley@littlefireants.com

Alison was born and raised in Miami, Florida and has two degrees from California State University, Sacramento.  Prior to working at HAL, she was with the US Forest Service in Hilo and is also currently a member of the US Air Force Reserves. Her interests include comic books, roller derby, and traveling.

Email me: alison.wagner@littlefireants.com

Melody is from New York City and graduated with an Entomology Degree from University of Delaware. Since 2003, she has worked on various research conservation projects on Hawaiʻi Island and Oʻahu.

Email me: info@littlefireants.com

Donny was born in Grants, New Mexico and raised all across the mainland US. He moved to Hawai’i from New Orleans in 2018. Prior to working for the Hawai’i Ant Lab, he worked in pest control specifically with termite treatment. His main interests include orchids, gardening, working with his bee hives and anything outdoors.

Email me: dmarez@hawaii.edu

Allison received her Agriculture degree from UH Hilo in Crop Protection, and applied that knowledge as a C-27 design-build contractor and Qualified Applicator (QAL) with a focus on plant and soil health.

Email me: sanford@hawaii.edu

Kalena was born and raised here in Hawai’i. She received a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, and most recently a Master of Science in the Tropical Conservation Biology and Environmental Science (TCBES) Program at UH Hilo. She has worked on a number of diverse conservation research projects in Hawai’i over the past 10 years. Her interests include forestry, botany, entomology, geography, and ecology. 

Email me: kalenaes@hawaii.edu

Joshua was born and raised in Estes Park, Colorado. He received his undergraduate degree in Ecology and Biodiversity from the University of Denver. Before working for HAL, Joshua was a field technician collecting environmental data for NEON (Battelle) at the Pu’u Maka Ala Natural Area Reserve. In his free time, Joshua enjoys snorkeling, birding, reading, and pickleball.

Email me: jl91@hawaii.edu

Raised in Akaka Falls on the Hamakua coast of Hawaiʻi island, Kiyoshi graduated from Laupahoehoe High school.  He has a background in chemical applications and enjoys spending time with family, hunting, and surfing.

Email me: kiyoshi.adachi@littlefireants.com

Emma is originally from Southern Illinois and attended the University of Hawai’i at Hilo to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology. Throughout her conservation career, she has worked a variety of field jobs with wildlife, plants, and invasive species. In her free time, she enjoys camping, hiking, and hanging out at the beach. 

Email me: efiles@hawaii.edu

Laura was born on Maui and raised on the south side of Kaua’i. She earned her undergraduate degree in Ecosystem Sciences & Sustainability at Colorado State University. Since moving to O’ahu, she has continued to purse her passion in conservation through invasive species management. When she’s not at work she loves to craft (sewing and crocheting), go to the beach with friends, and love on her fur babies.

Email me: oahu@littlefireants.com

Email me: stinley@hawaii.edu