KYLEIGH FERTITTA
Master's student
My research interests include the behavior and ecology of cetacean species. Using a combination of passive acoustic monitoring devices and line transect boat surveys, I hope to better understand the marine mammal populations occupying the windward side of Oʻahu’s coast. My research outcomes will help advise agencies on conservation strategies regarding these populations.
email: fertitta@hawaii.edu
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Biography
Kyleigh is a master’s student in the Marine Biology Graduate Program at the University of Hawaiʻi, Mānoa. Originally from San Jose, California, she cultivated a love for marine conservation through family trips to Santa Cruz. Kyleigh then went on to obtain a B.S. in Biology with a minor in Sustainability from California State University, Chico in 2021. During her undergraduate years, she participated in the National Student Exchange program, where she was able to study at the University of Hawaiʻi, Mānoa in 2021 for her senior year. Shortly after relocation, she started an internship with the Marine Mammal Research Program, confirming her passion for ecology and marine life. She assisted with numerous projects involving Hawaiian monk seal acoustics, spinner dolphin abundance, bottlenose dolphin age demographics, and more. The skills and experience acquired during this time period assisted in furthering her career in science. Kyleigh is excited to continue her studies in marine ecology using various acoustic and surveying techniques.
Publications
McPherson, L., Badger, J., Fertitta, K., Gordanier, M., Nemeth, C., & Bejder, L. (2024). Quantifying the abundance and survival rates of island-associated spinner dolphins using a multi-state open robust design model. Scientific Reports, 14(1), 14764.
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