American Samoa

The Stage Development Preference of Bactrocera xanthodes (Pacific Fruit Fly) on Artocarpus altilis (Breadfruit) and the Effect of Bacteria Found in B. xanthodes on A. altilis

Microbiology

This project was conducted to find more information on the relationship between Bactrocera xanthodes (Pacific Fruit fly) and Artocarpus altilis (Breadfruit). The project is divided into two…

A Method to Control Microwave Radiation Impact on Solanum lycopersicum (Tomato), Using Zingiber officinale (Ginger) Extract

Plant Sciences

There are many plants around the world that are exposed to some kind of radiation, regardless of the radiation’s intensity. Plants inhabited close to nuclear power plants or power lines will…

Effect of Stream Nutrients on Benthic Algal Overgrowth in Vatia Bay

Earth and Environmental Sciences

According to a NOAA study on “Nutrient Dynamics and Changes to Benthic Communities in Vatia, American Samoa”, Vatia Bay is experiencing an unusual overgrowth of benthic algae, threatening to…

Testing the Effect of Derris malaccensis (Ava Niukini) Plant Extract on Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Brown Dog Tick)

Plant Sciences

This experiment was conducted to determine which of the two solutions, Ava Niukini or a commercial product pesticide, will be more efficient in the extermination of one or more Rhipicephalus…

A Scientific Attempt to Decrease the Mortality Rate of Solanum lycopersicum Plants in Tropical and Subtropical Areas

The purpose of this project is to determine whether garlic and rooting hormone, along with water, can be used to help Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) plants resist Ralstonia solonacearum bacte…

Microbial Fuel Cell: From Your Toilet to Your Outlet

For years, the United States has been dependent on fossil fuels as their energy source; but because of its negative effect on the ecosystem, the pursuit for renewable energy began. The proce…

Plant Vaccination: Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) Induced Self-Defense Priming in Chinese Cabbage (Brassica rapa L.)

Plant vaccines to reduce the disease by induced self-defense priming by phytochemicals are at its infancy. This study explores the chances of self-defense priming in Chinese cabbage, Brassic…

An Experimental Evaluation of Coliform and E. coli Bacteria in School Lunch Produce

There has been public concern in American Samoa that vegetables grown locally may be unsafe to eat. As the majority of elementary and high school students consume locally-grown produce from…

Testing Plant Extracts Barringtonia asiatica and Derris malaccensis as Alternative Population Control Methods for the Crown-of-Thorns Seastar (Acanthaster planci)

Biochemistry

This experiment was conducted to determine whether Barringtonia asiatica or Derris malaccensis plant extracts were able to kill the crown-of-thorns seastar (Acanthaster planci). The experime…

An Experimental Study to Determine the Food Preferences of Coconut Crabs (Birgus latro) in Captivity

Plant Sciences

The Birgus latro, commonly known as the coconut crab, is the largest terrestrial arthropod found in the Indo-Pacific region. Few research studies have been conducted on these crabs, as they…

Escherichia coli Disinfection: Comparing the Effects of Ultraviolet Light and Sodium Hypochlorite

Materials Science

The purpose of this project was to compare the effects these two water purification methods had on E. coli. It was hypothesized that Ultraviolet light sterilization would disinfect and kill…

The Role of Homalanthus nutans (G. Forst.) Guill., a Samoan Medicinal Plant, as an Insect Growth Regulator

Cellular and Molecular Biology

The extract from the bark of Samoan medicinal plant ‘mamala’ (Homalanthus nutans, Family: Euphorbiaceae), is used to treat hepatitis in Samoa and other South Pacific islands. Its active comp…