Marisol Quintanilla, who was hired three weeks ago, is working with agriculture extension agent Arnold Route to continue the activities that stopped when entomologist Joaquin A. Tenorio retired last January.
With a doctorate and a master’s degree in entomology and nematology obtained from the U.S., Quintanilla wants to spread environmental consciousness, revive ancient knowledge in developing agricultural skills and work with the youth sector.
Born in Santiago, Chile, Quintanilla learned about the job in the CNMI when the islands’ former entomologist, Aubrey Moore, approached her during the annual conference of the Entomological Society of America several months ago.
Quintanilla said she was “a little bit scared” of what she had read about Saipan so it took her two months to decide whether to accept the job.
Quintanilla wants to solve problems caused by invasive species.
The challenges on island are tremendous, but she will continue the biological controls against the invasive ivy or scarlet gourd on Saipan.
Before Tenorio retired, NMC-CREES was monitoring the effectiveness of Melettia oedipus, or the clear wing moth, in controlling the scarlet gourd.
Many trees, particularly flame trees, blanketed by these vines have died, prompting NMC-CREES to come up with a biological means to combat the invasive plant.
