Adam Knox, Mesm Email & Phone Number

Maui

As the Project Manager for Aerial Deployment of Mosquitoes my focus is to evaluate and implement aviation solutions, both UAS (drones) and full-scale aircraft, to insert incompatible mosquitoes into endangered forest bird conservation areas within Hawai'i. This is done to disrupt mosquito populations and the avian malaria parasite they transmit to birds through bites. I work with a diverse group of scientists, land managers, engineers, and field staff in a multi-agency collaboration called Birds, Not Mosquitoes. The project is based on a methodology called the incompatible insect technique (IIT) which aims to suppress mosquito reproduction as their populations continue to move toward higher elevations corresponding to climate change. This continued mosquito invasion of the habitat that endemic forest birds like the Maui Parrotbill, Kaua'i Honeycreeper, and Crested Honeycreeper call home is proving to be dire, with bird mortality caused by as little as one bite from a mosquito carrying avian malaria. Forest birds of Hawai'i did not evolve along side introduced mosquitoes and have little to no defenses against them. The ultimate goal is to prevent forest bird extinctions using this strategy. I have over 10 years experience in aerial control of invasive species in Hawai'i and joined the project to focus my related knowledge and skillset toward protecting these amazing birds while advancing cutting-edge conservation methodology. I currently have experience with Arcsky X55, Harris Aerial H6, and Freefly Alta-X UAS systems.

Maui

I assist with planning and implementation of invasive species projects and methodology requiring crewed and uncrewed aircraft. I am a DOI certified Helicopter Manager and also the pilot in command for MISC drone operations and also hold an FAA Part 137 Agricultural Aircraft Operating Certificate to perform UAS-based invasive species control. My experience includes the rapid response to the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle detection on Maui using the DJI Agras T10 system, aerial control of little fire ants (electric ants) with the MD 500 helicopter, and aerial weed control using herbicide ballistic technology (HBT) and long line precision spray systems. I work cooperatively with many organizations in Hawaii to aid in aerial control efforts related to invasive species.

Maui

The Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC) is a project of the University of Hawaii- Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit. The committee is a voluntary partnership of government, private and non-profit organizations, and concerned individuals working to prevent, control, or eliminate the most threatening invasive plant and animal species to protect Maui’s watersheds, ecological resources, agriculture, and community. I managed staff and operational components of intra-project invasive species detection and control programs spanning a range of taxa which include insects, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, plants, and zoonotic parasites. I hold multiple professional certifications including Wilderness First Responder, PADI SCUBA instructor, and State of Hawaii Pesticide Applicator License. I served as the program helicopter manager (DOI-rated) to oversee projects requiring aerial support, and also as the project FAA-rated sUAS (drone) pilot. I developed and fostered relationships with partners, vendors, community members, academia, media outlets, and government figures to expand reach and raise awareness on invasive species issues.

Northern Mariana Islands

Coordinated a team tasked with responding to invasive Brown Tree Snake reports on historically snake-free islands throughout Micronesia and the Asia Pacific Region. Provided training and outreach to various organizations and governments to facilitate proper reporting and handling of Brown Tree Snake sightings to authorities. Trained Brown Treesnake Rapid Response Team (RRT) members from various locations throughout the world in technical management of invasive snake introductions, which includes venomous snake capture and handling techniques, snake recovery, response planning and logistics, and public outreach. Initiated and coordinated multiple large-scale multi-agency RRT deployments to the islands of Rota and Saipan in response to snake detections and credible reports. Developed and integrated the Airsoft Electric Gun (AEG), a useful tool for snakes found in dangerous or hard-to-reach locations, into the RRT toolkit.

Greater Chicago Area

Created and managed a waste reduction project to demonstrate workplace sustainability and increase awareness for employees with limited background in environmental concepts related to business.Assessed Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, & Threats (SWOT analysis) of the organization's implementation of a new collaboration initiative linking sustainability to nutrition.Recommended courses of action for successful interdepartmental collaboration focused on initiatives aiming to promote sustainability.Conducted in-depth interviews throughout the organization to establish a baseline capabilities of integrating sustainability into current and future initiatives.Advanced Bren School project concept proposed by the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy.

Santa Barbara, California Area

Protected habitat of endemic biota (including the endangered Snowy Plover bird species) by controlling invasive species and restoring the ecological landscape. Propagated and out-planted native coastal California plants within the reserve.Educated and trained volunteers in restoration methodology and species dynamics of the native coastal California ecosystem.

Maui, Hawaii

Organized and led week-long crew expeditions into the remote Honomanu cloud forest and Lana’i backcountry to conduct research, data collection, and invasive plant eradication. Served as an aerial spotter and data technician on helicopter reconnaissance and control missions in an effort to eradicate the highly invasive plants Miconia and Pampas Grass, which threaten the Hawaiian watershed.Provided assistance to the State of Hawaii DLNR to restore the summit section of the island of Kaho’olawe in an effort to reverse the damage done by ordinance testing that took place from 1941-1991.

Oahu, Hawaii

Coordinated and carried out logistics of the daily charter service operation which included balancing daily financials, customer transportation, boat safety briefings, and diving equipment maintenance.Planned and guided customized dives through various shipwrecks and coral reef dive sites on the west coast of O’ahu for customers of all skill levels.Taught and certified new scuba divers through the PADI Open Water and Advanced Diver curriculum.Assisted Sea Engineering Inc. with creation of an artificial reef by rigging a decommissioned Da Havillund Heron airplane to the sea bed.

Master Of Environmental Science And Management, Eco-Entrepreneurship/Cem

Activities and Societies: Bren School Sustainability Committee, Association of Environmental Professionals (AEP)Studied environmental.

Bachelor Of Science

Activities and Societies: Ohio State Men’s Club Soccer team, Vice President- Beta Theta PiEngaged in multi-disciplinary studies involving.