Fred has a broad academic background in environmental science and policy, with a specialization in agroecosystem science. Most of his professional work has been in ‘āina-based education, where he has developed programs that integrate learning about environmental, cultural, and natural resource issues tied to a place. Currently Fred coordinates the education and outreach programs for the He‘eia National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR), including an in-depth teacher professional development program in ‘āina-based education that has trained 89 participants from 2020-2025. He co-manages the He‘eia NERR undergraduate internships and graduate fellowships with Research Coordinator Dr. Shimi Rii, and co-instructs a place-based research methodologies course for the Marine Biology Graduate Program. Fred also works with the 29 other reserves across the country in the NERR System to promote effective education for stewardship of estuaries. In addition to education, his interests and previous work include soil and water resource management. He also serves as HIMB’s representative on the Kāne‘ohe Bay Regional Council, which advises State and County agencies on planning and policy related to the bay.