Mengiau Sasao joins the Palau Aquarium as Junior Researcher

The Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) is excited to welcome Mengiau Sasao, Palauan, as Junior Researcher for the Palau Aquarium.

Mengiau is no stranger to PICRC: she previously worked as a Sales Associate at the Palau Aquarium’s Giant Clam gift shop, where she learned about the center’s operations and connected with visitors. But her journey with PICRC began much earlier. As a child, school field trips to the center sparked her fascination with the ocean and planted the seeds of her passion for marine conservation. That inspiration stayed with her through her studies, culminating in an Associate of Arts Degree in STEM Disciplines at Palau Community College.

“Working at the gift shop was a fun and insightful experience,” Mengiau shared, “but I’ve always been curious fascinated by the ocean – there is so much to learn and discover. I’m excited to take this next step and be part of the work that helps protect Palau’s reefs.”

As a Junior Researcher, Menigau will focus on coral reef restoration, particularly identifying and cultivating heat-resistant corals. By subjecting coral fragments to heat stress, she can find thermotolerant corals that can thrive in warmer waters. These corals are then nurtured in nurseries until they are ready to be outplanted onto reefs, contributing to efforts to build climate-smart reefs that can better adapt to changing conditions.

PICRC is thrilled to support Mengiau’s journey as she takes on this important role in helping to conserve and restore Palau’s precious marine ecosystems.