Dr. Ashley McGuigan is an Assistant Extension Specialist and the Hawaiʻi and U.S.-Affiliated Pacific Islands Coordinator for the USDA Southwest Climate Hub, based in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Her work focuses on building climate capacity for resilience in Hawaiʻi and the U.S.-Affiliated Pacific Islands, with an emphasis on land-use practices that support linked human and environmental health. In collaboration with CHL, Ashley serves as the Managing Director for the collaborative “CARES FOOD” project, funded by CTAHR CARES, leading efforts to profile the nutritional information of culturally important Pacific crops.
What is the “CARES FOOD” project?
This project aims to assess the nutritional and agricultural quality of Pacific crops and the impact of climate on them, with the ultimate goal of developing accessible resources and guidelines for producers and communities to make informed decisions on resilient, nutrient-dense growing systems. By connecting nutrient profile data with agricultural yield and nutrient density, we hope to equip the community with tools and workshops that support sustainable food practices, improve food security, and enhance the nutritional value and resilience of Pacific foods.
What has it been like collaborating with CHL?
While not a CHL graduate, my work with CHL began during my PhD, working with Rachel Novotny to examine the connections between ecology and nutrition in Fiji’s agroforests following climate disasters like cyclones. Collaborating with CHL has been an amazing experience, providing a supportive environment for interdisciplinary collaboration and fostering critical connections between food production, community health, and ecological resilience. Being in such a collaborative space has been invaluable, allowing me to contribute to initiatives that advance both climate resilience and community wellness across the Pacific.
How did you get into your field of work?
As an undergraduate at the University of the South Pacific in Fiji, I had the opportunity to study alongside students from across the Pacific. During a course in island biogeography, I joined a field trip to a village where we interviewed an elder about his use of natural resources. When we asked him about a beam supporting his house, he not only identified the type of tree it came from and where it was harvested, but also shared that he had gathered it with his grandfather, who had planted it. Reflecting on this, I realized I couldn’t answer similar questions about my own life. That moment catalyzed what would eventually become my PhD, focusing on the role of agroforestry across multiple dimensions of natural resource use. It set me on a journey to learn more about the resources that sustain us and how we can sustain them.
What are your interests outside of work?
Outside of work, I’m a songwriter and musician, inspired by some of life’s most meaningful moments—weddings, funerals, welcoming my first niece into the world—and reflecting on how we navigate these events. I love finding ways to capture these experiences in music. Recently, I’ve also been creating a small agroforest in my backyard. This has deepened my connection to the place and brought a new perspective to my work. Caring for the soil, creating space for native plants, and nurturing healthy growth reminds me of the dedication it takes to grow and create, whether it’s with music or food.
What are your interests outside of work?
Outside of work, I’m a songwriter and musician. I’m inspired by some of life’s most meaningful moments—weddings, funerals, welcoming my first niece into the world—and reflecting on how we navigate these events. I love finding ways to capture those experiences in music. Recently, I’ve also been creating a small agroforest in my backyard, which has connected me more deeply to the place and brought a new perspective to my work. Caring for the soil, creating space for native plants, and nurturing healthy growth reminds me of the dedication it takes to grow and create, be it with music or food.