Dr. Marisol Quintanilla, who is also a former Michigan State University instructor, was appointed to the post of entomologist and nematologist of the NMC’s Cooperative Research Extension and Education Service.
She fills the position left vacant after former CREES entomologist Dr. Jack Tenorio retired earlier this year.
Quintanilla arrived on Saipan in June 2009 with husband Goran Jotanovic and daughter Valera Jotanovic. The family enjoys engaging in outdoor activities, such as gardening, swimming, and observing nature.
“The addition of Dr. Quintanilla to the college community is both timely and vital as NMC moves forward in enhancing the services and resources it provides to the CNMI community,” said NMC President Carmen Fernandez. “She brings a wealth of knowledge, talent, and experience to the CREES team.”
One of the key projects she is overseeing with CREES extension agent Arnold Route involves the distribution and promotion of an organic pesticide manufactured with extracts from the Neem plant, which was recently introduced to the CNMI.
Quintanilla graduated from Andrews University in Michigan in 2001 with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture.
She then went on to graduate from Michigan State University with her master’s degree in entomology (2004) and her doctorate degree in nematology and entomology (2009).
While pursuing her master’s and doctorate degrees, Quintanilla served in various academic positions in the entomology department at MSU, where she delivered lectures, conducted demonstrations, and prepared learning outcomes for undergraduate students. Most recently, she was employed as a graduate research assistant at MSU’s entomology’s department’s nematology program, which specializes in the study of nematodes, or roundworms.
“I look forward to working with local farmers in the protection and maintenance of their crops,” said Dr. Quintanilla. “Already, the Entomology Lab staff have been hard at work in maintaining contact with local farmers to ensure that any new information is communicated and any new resources distributed.”
Since 2007, Quintanilla has been active in various outreach presentations throughout the state of Michigan that focused on soil biology and nematode community structure. Some of her presentations featured topics, such as acoustical signatures in natural ecosystems, which was presented at the Entomological Society of America Annual Meeting in 2008 in Nevada, and soil biology, which was presented at Michigan State University.
Quintanilla, who holds memberships in many professional societies of entomologists and nematologists throughout America, also earned a number of awards for her extensive research and teaching abilities. The C.S. Mott Doctoral Fellowship, which promotes the establishment of sustainable food systems, recognized Quintanilla for her research on sustainability in agriculture. Quintanilla was also awarded the MSU Entomology Department’s Dr. Eugenia McDaniel Teaching Award, which is given to the most effective entomology instructor in each particular semester.
Local chefs face off in Rota tilapia cook-off
(NMC) — Northern Marianas College has announced the winners of its first-ever tilapia cook-off
competition, which was held recently at the Roundhouse on Rota.
Laura Manglona bagged the top prize of $100 in the youth division (ages 15-18), while Leonardo Calvo topped the adult division (over 18), winning $150.
Manglona triumphed in the youth division with her Tilapia Soup, which included fresh tomatoes, onions, beans, and coconut milk; and Calvo’s Spicy Buttered Tilapia, which wore a vinaigrette topping, proved to be the victor in the adult division.
Entries were judged on taste, texture, originality, creative presentation, and use of local ingredients. Each contender was given three pieces of tilapia to use in their entry.
Other winners included Abraham Mendiola (2nd place, youth), Nature Atalig (3rd place, youth), Maria Fujihira (2nd place, adult), and Coltilde San Nicolas (3rd place, adult).
A total of nine individuals submitted one recipe each to compete in the event, which was organized by the NMC Cooperative Research Extension and Education Service, a program under the Division of Community Programs & Services.
Judges were Margaret Tudela, Tomas Mendiola, and Trina Taisacan for the adult competitors and Tomas Atalig and Carmen Atalig for the youth.
“We are extremely pleased with the turnout and all the recipes submitted by the contestants,” said NMC President Dr. Carmen Fernandez. “CREES is also currently in the planning stages of compiling a tilapia cookbook that will showcase all the recipes submitted at the cook-off competition.”
The competition was aimed at establishing a widespread acceptance of tilapia consumption, which in turn can increase its supply and encourage youth into aquaculture as a means of life skills development and delinquency diversion.
“The event played a key role in our efforts to promote the local consumption of tilapia, which also happens to be great source of protein,” Fernandez said. “We are extremely grateful to all who supported this event by donating their time and resources.”
The competition, which was supported by the NMC-CREES Expanded Food & Nutrition Education Program and the 4-H Youth Development Program, was made possible by funds donated by the Western Sales & Trading Company, Saipan.
Over 50 pounds of red and silver tilapia used in the competition was also donated by Rota tilapia farmers Nicolas Songsong and Joshua Calvo.
Puppies, kittens for adoption
(PAWS) — PAWS has numerous puppies that are up for adoption right now.
Two females are up for adoption. The gals are thought to be about 10-12 weeks old. They have been well-cared for by their foster family, and are anxious to find a new home together or separate.
If you are interested in adopting one or more of these beautiful female pups, please contact PAWS at 285-PAWS or contact the foster family directly at 235 2508.
PAWS also has a female pup that is being boarded at Paradise Island Animal Hospital. This female pup is black and white, and thought to be about 10 weeks old. She has been de-wormed, vaccinated, and treated for skin disease. If you are interested in adopting this beautiful and friendly little lady, please contact Paradise Island Animal Hospital at 234-9669 or PAWS at 285-PAWS.
Rosie
PAWS is still seeking that perfect home for Rosie. Rosie is a female dog that is about 2-3 years old. She is white with unique red and brown spots. She is a boonie that looks like a pointer-mix. Rosie has been vaccinated, dewormed, and as of Tuesday of next week, she will be spayed. Rosie is currently is an outside dog, but she can easily be trained to be an inside dog too. She is good with other animals and children.
Due to Rosie’s rough past life, PAWS would like to place her in a great new permanent home. If you can offer Rosie a loving and responsible home, please contact PAWS at 285-PAWS. Rosie is currently being boarded at Paradise Island Animal Hospital. If you are interested in meeting Rosie and/or adopting Rosie, please call 234-9669.
Kittens
PAWS also has numerous kittens that are up for adoption right now. Currently, Paradise Island Animal Hospital is boarding 5-7 kittens for PAWS. All the kittens have been de-wormed and treated for fleas and ticks.
If you are interested in adopting or fostering one or more of these delightfully playful and cute little kittens, please contact Paradise Island Animal Hospital at 234-9669 or PAWS at 285-PAWS.
Please remember that responsible pet ownership is a choice, and that making the choice to be a responsible pet owner benefits your family, your neighbors, your community, and the entire island.
For more information on how to become a responsible pet owner, please contact PAWS at 285-PAWS or visit its Web site at www.paws-saipan.org.
New group fitness classes at Gold’s Gym
(Gold’s Gym) — In an effort to continually upgrade Gold’s Gym’s facilities and services, it has introduced two new group fitness classes starting Nov. 1.
Gold’s added a second yoga class on Monday evenings from 6:15-7:15 p.m. under Ashtanga yoga instructor Susan Book.
The spin class starts today, Monday, with Vicki Daniel, a guest spin instructor from Hilo, teaching extra classes on Nov 3-5.
Regular spin classes will be held on Monday and Wednesday from 6 to 7 p.m., and on Saturday, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.
Spin and yoga classes are an additional $2 per class for members. For non-members, the $10/day pass allows for a full day’s use of facilities and classes.
For more information, call Gold’s Gym at 233-4000.
WELCOME TO SAIPAN. Members of the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges visited Northern Marianas College recently. From left: Dr. Carmen Fernandez, NMC president; Dr. Worku Negash, ACCJC; and Dr. Sherrill Amador, ACCJC/team chairwoman. Contributed photo
Sharpen your customer service skills
(NMC) — Northern Marianas College, through the Division of Community Programs and Services’ Community Development Institute, is offering short-term classes to interested individuals who wish to improve their customer service and administrative skills.
The courses are offered as part of the college’s mission to provide customized, continuing educational and professional development opportunities in response to community needs.
Additionally, the classes, which are designed to improve individual knowledge and specific skills, are geared around actual workforce needs and experiences based on course surveys, community needs assessments, and interviews with employers.
For a more detailed description of each course, contact CDI at 234-5498 ext. 1010 or log on to www.nmcnet.edu.
Yard sale on Nov. 7
WHISPERING Palms School and Brilliant Star School will have a joint yard sale on Navy Hill at both school campuses, Saturday, Nov. 7, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Shop for clothes, shoes, toys, books, baby gear, furniture, electronics and much more.
Enjoy your shopping — and breakfast. Coffee and pastries will also be available for purchase.
CONGRATULATIONS! Graduates of the Active Parenting Class cycle conducted by the Division of Youth Services pose after the ceremony. Contributed photo
