First Lady of Limu

Dr. Isabella Aiona Abbott inspires me as a trailblazer who broke barriers as the first Native Hawaiian woman to earn a Ph.D. in science, dedicating her life to marine algae research in a male-dominated field. As a woman of color in STEM, she demonstrated that perseverance and indigenous knowledge are powerful forces in science. I used oil paints to realistically capture her presence while rendering the algae ethereally to emphasize its importance in ocean conservation. When seaweed clings to my ankles at the beach, I'm reminded of her legacy and how she transformed overlooked plants into vital subjects of scientific study. Dr. Abbott's story inspires me to pursue my passion for environmental science and use my unique perspective to make a positive impact on our planet.