U.S. Senator Mazie Keiko Hirono tours our research in aquaponics and aquaculture for sustainable agrciulture in Hawai‘i

The Khanal Lab was honored to host U.S. Senator Mazie Keiko Hirono for a special visit to the Pope Greenhouse Facility at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. This visit provided a meaningful opportunity to showcase the lab’s cutting-edge research in aquaponics and aquaculture for sustainable agriculture. Senator Hirono was welcomed by Dr. Samir K. Khanal and his research group, including Dr. Surendra KC (Researcher), Kyle Marcelino and Ty Shitanaka (PhD students), and Shreeja Lopchan Lama and Branndon Evans (MS students). The group was joined by Dr. Parwinder Grewal, Dean of the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience (CTAHR), and Dr. Pratibha Nerurkar, Department Chair of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering (MBBE), who accompanied the Senator throughout the tour.

The team showcased their lab-scale experimental setup and innovative initiatives involving the application of nanobubble aeration and biochar in aquaponic systems, aimed at improving water quality, enhancing nutrient recovery, and supporting plant and fish health. They also presented ongoing research in sustainable aquaculture, focusing on the integration of native Hawaiian algae and nanobubble technology.

Senator Hirono expressed appreciation for the lab’s contributions and emphasized the importance of research-driven innovation—and the role of outreach platforms like YouTube—in building resilient and eco-friendly food systems for Hawai‘i and beyond.