Newsmaker
Monday, August 31, 1998
Name: Cynthia Hunter
Age: 44
Position: Waikiki Aquarium curator
Education: UH, doctorate in zoology
Interests: Work
First job: Orange Julius cook
Nicknamed the "Dr. Ruth of Coral," Cynthia Hunter has expertise on coral reefs that could have landed her work anywhere in the world. Coral captivates curator
She chose Hawaii the moment she saw thousands of tiny creatures in Kaneohe Bay. "The first time I saw that coral reef, I was hooked," she said. "The diversity of sea life in the reefs here and the association among them amazes me."
Hunter was recently appointed curator of the Waikiki Aquarium and will continue efforts to cultivate coral in its coral farm.
"It's been (more than) three months since I started this job, and I still learn 10 new things every day," she said.
She'll be in charge of the aquarium's collection of more than 2,300 reef fishes and 60-plus exhibits.
"She is a world authority joining several others on staff at the aquarium," said Dr. Bruce Carlson, aquarium director. "She really adds another level of professionalism to the aquarium's work."
Her job includes caring for some new residents in the Jet Set Gallery, which features cuttlefish, chambered nautilus and the "ultimate squishy creature," the octopus.
They are in good hands with Hunter, who holds a doctorate in zoology and has been teaching marine biology for over 20 years.
"She has been thoroughly immersed in research and has become a world renowned expert in the field," Carlson said. "Cindy brings both extremely impressive credentials and a deep passion for her work."
Research at her level requires endless hours exploring the oceans' depths. She has combed the coastal waters of Florida, California and Hawaii, and worked for the Smithsonian Institution.
"It takes a great deal of time below the water's surface, enduring a cold and harsh environment, just to get a few pieces of data points," Carlson said.
One of only a handful of coral farms in the world, the Waikiki lab grows coral-like plants in a greenhouse.
It starts with coral pieces the size of a baby finger, which then grow about a centimeter a year and end up the size of a bushel of apples.
They are used to repair damaged reefs around the world and to conduct research on the effects of oil spills in tropical waters.
"I hope her expertise on regenerating coral reefs will never be necessary in Hawaii," Carlson said.
"Her vast knowledge of Hawaiian marine life and her interest in expanding the public's knowledge of our island's unique underwater world are a good fit with the aquarium's education and environmental conservation mission."
Michelle Cournoyer, Star-Bulletin
