A Kaiser High School senior has earned statewide recognition after discovering that naturally occurring fungi in coconut husks possess the ability to decompose plastic and sunscreen pollutants threatening ocean ecosystems.
Vera Wang, an East Honolulu student, captured first place in the Microbiology category at the 2026 Hawaiʻi State Science & Engineering Fair and secured a scholarship award from the McInerny Foundation. Her achievements have earned her a spot at the International Science & Engineering Fair scheduled for May in Arizona.
Wang conducted her experiments at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa under the guidance of Anthony Amend, whose laboratory provided the facilities for her research. The project represents a multi-year effort that began during her sophomore year.
The research originated with Wang's design of an ocean filtration system that drew inspiration from traditional Polynesian weaving techniques while applying contemporary environmental science principles. Her filter successfully removed sunscreen chemicals and microplastics from surface water, constructed entirely from coconut byproduct waste materials.
However, Wang recognized that extraction alone failed to address the complete environmental challenge. The question of responsible disposal for captured pollutants led her to investigate the biological properties of coconut materials themselves.
Wang explained in a statement that the pore structure of coconut fiber facilitates air and water movement, potentially creating favorable conditions for microbial activity. This observation prompted her to examine whether coconut husks could perform functions beyond physical pollutant capture. Her current-year research in the Amend Lab focused on identifying fungal communities inhabiting coconut husks and analyzing their capacity to grow on and degrade sunscreen and plastic materials.
The investigation yielded significant findings. Fungi naturally present on coconut husks demonstrated the ability to biodegrade both sunscreen and plastic. Additionally, researchers identified that a tannin compound can serve as an indicator for locating sunscreen- and plastic-degrading fungi, with the tannins in coconut fibers potentially promoting the growth of these specialized decomposers.
Genetic analysis revealed an unexpected discovery: some fungal species examined in the study produced no matches in existing genetic databases, suggesting these organisms may represent previously uncharacterized species unknown to science.
Wang collaborated extensively with Kaylee Christensen, who is pursuing graduate studies in Marine Biology at the university. In her statement, Wang expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work in the Amend Lab, crediting both Anthony and Kaylee as essential to making her research possible. She described the recognition as both surreal and deeply rewarding, noting the project represents part of a longer personal journey.
Amend, whose work is based at the Pacific Biosciences Research Center within the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, praised Wang's vision in a statement. He expressed optimism about the future of science in Hawaiʻi and commended the public school system for effectively supporting and training the next generation of students. Amend added that he anticipates Wang's future discoveries during her college career.
The research addresses growing concerns about marine pollution, particularly the accumulation of microplastics and chemical sunscreen ingredients that threaten ocean health. Wang's approach offers a potential pathway for not only removing these contaminants but also breaking them down through natural biological processes, utilizing waste materials from coconut production.
As Wang prepares for international competition next May, her work demonstrates how student-led research can contribute meaningful solutions to environmental challenges while advancing scientific understanding of microbial ecosystems.