Natalie Graham, an assistant professor of biology at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo is part of a groundbreaking research effort to combat invasive species in the Indo-Pacific. Backed by a nearly $2 million award by the Department of Defense (DoD)’s Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program, the project’s goal is to develop methods for early detection using DNA and predictive modeling.
“This project aims to address the urgent need for early warning capabilities for invasive terrestrial arthropod species that threaten biodiversity and Department of Defense operations in the Indo-Pacific,” said Graham who runs the ʻElala Biodiversity Lab at UH Hilo.
Terrestrial arthropod species are invertebrates that live on land such as insects like ants and beetles as well as arachnids like spiders and myriapods such as centipedes.
DNA sequencing
Graham, a molecular ecologist, focuses her research on the arthropods of the Hawaiian archipelago, leveraging their unique age-structured terrains—ranging from 44 years to 5.5 million years old—to study how species interactions evolve under human impact. Through DNA sequencing, she looks at those interactions across spatial and temporal gradients, advancing efforts to protect vulnerable ecosystems.
The research team aims to create a comprehensive DNA barcode reference library for Indo-Pacific arthropods, a critical resource for identifying invasive species. The project which will begin in January, is a collaborative effort with researchers from institutions including UH Mānoa, UC Berkeley, Virginia Tech, Northern Arizona University and the U.S. Geological Survey.
Arthropod library
Graham is also building a DNA reference library for Hawaiian arthropods, which will support studies on bird and bat diets and other species interactions.
“We are using environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling to rapidly assess species interactions, such as spider gut content analysis or pollination studies,” Graham explained.
In addition, the team will use arthropod traits and distribution records for horizon scanning, identifying invasion threats and biosecurity priorities. Predictive models will assess the risks and potential impacts of invasive species colonizing Indo-Pacific islands with DoD installations.
