Dr. Alex Messina
Dr. Alex Messina has been doing research in American Samoa since 2011 when he began his PhD research. Working with advisor Dr. Trent Biggs, he earned an MS at San Diego State University in Watershed Science before pursuing a PhD through the UC Santa Barbara/SDSU Joint-Doctoral Program (completed in 2016).
His research in American Samoa focused on measuring sediment and nutrient yields from natural and human-impacted watersheds, near-coastal oceanography using small GPS-tracking drifters, and sedimentation rates on coral reefs. Dr. Messina currently works as a scientist and engineering consultant for WSP USA, in San Diego, working for municipal clients on water quality monitoring in coastal watersheds, wetlands, and storm drains.
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Alex-Messina
Jameson Ka’eo Newtson, MS (1985-2021 )
Jameson was a professor of Marine Science at American Samoa Community College from 2013-2016. He was a founding member of the Malosi Foundation to promote science education in American Samoa and Oceanside (where he lived) but due to Covid no further projects could be done while the borders were closed 2020-2022.
It is with heavy hearts we mourn the loss of Jameson Ka’eo Newtson. On September 13, after a weekend of surfing with family and friends at the Annual Surf for the Sea Contest, Jameson passed away from complications of a lifelong heart condition. Jameson was a friend to all he met, a devoted husband to his wife Carolyn and loving father to his two boys, Kainoa and Zane. He was a proud son and dependable brother, uncle, nephew, and cousin of the Newtson ohana. He was a passionate teacher and mentor to his students; a committed and enthusiastic scientist and lover of nature.
Jameson was born in Newport Beach, CA, youngest of three brothers. He earned a Bachelor of Science in 2009 and Masters of Science in Watershed Science in 2013 from San Diego State University. Jameson and his wife Carolyn then moved to American Samoa where he served as a Professor of Marine Science at American Samoa Community College from 2013-2016. He pioneered unsurfed reefs, caught some big fish, made tons of friends, changed the lives of his students, and had the adventure of a lifetime. When their son Kainoa joined the family they returned to their home in Oceanside, CA, resuming his place in the lineup at his favorite spots: North Jetty, the Pier, and Cassidy St. From 2016-2021 Jameson worked as a scientist and consultant in San Diego where he conducted numerous scientific studies focused on coastal water quality and protecting the beaches for safe swimming and surfing. He was deeply loved and respected by all his coworkers. Everyone’s best day of work was working with Jameson.
Jameson was one of those guys who was just good at everything he did: skating, snowboarding, fishing, golf, and of course, surfing. He was a professional caricature artist and published in scientific journals. He was a talented musician and loved to jam on guitar and drums. He had every reason to have an ego as large as his talent and yet he never had an unkind word for anyone, and he was always stoked for you to do your best.
We were all so lucky to have him in our lives for the time he burned so brightly in this world. He made everything fun, made everything better, and made everyone feel loved and special. I could go on and on with stories of his kindness, toughness, and absolute zeal for living. The guy was incapable of giving anything less than his best effort in every situation. No excuses, played like a champion at all times. We’re just unspeakably sad to lose him so soon and exceedingly grateful for the impact he had on us. Life is such sweet sorrow sometimes. Jameson, we’ll always love you, remember you, and miss you.
-Alex Messina
Dr. Matt Pierce, MD
Matt is a pediatrician at Rady’s Hospital and he is a goofyfoot.