A deep-rooted passion for Earth science, ʻōlelo Â鶹´«Ã½ (Hawaiian language) and education is guiding one University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at Mānoa undergraduate student toward a meaningful career that bridges culture and science. Born and raised in Hauʻula, Koʻolauloa on the north shore of Oʻahu, Cheyanne Kapulelehua Greene has found ways to connect her interests throughout her educational journey.
“I have a strong interest in learning more about the environment and the geological processes that created the Earth we know today,” said Greene, who is a student in both the UH Mānoa (SOEST) and . “I¡¯m also truly passionate about teaching and integrating ʻike Â鶹´«Ã½ (Hawaiian knowledge) and ʻōlelo Â鶹´«Ã½ into what I share with others.”
Supporting education in Â鶹´«Ã½
Greene has pursued a variety of opportunities to educate youth and promote education in Â鶹´«Ã½. For the past two years, she worked as an assistant for the Earth Planets ʻIke Kuleana summer program, a one-week experience for high school students and teachers that provides exposure to the geosciences, careers pathways and the importance of geoscience within the community. Additionally, Greene works as an educational assistant at in Mānoa Valley, where she teaches K–12 students through environmental science-based lessons.
“Our mission is to promote sustainability, conservation, and Hawaiian culture through indoor and outdoor activities,” Greene shared regarding her work at Lyon Arboretum. “I also lead students on hikes and garden work around the arboretum. It¡¯s incredibly fulfilling to watch students discover new perspectives on the environment.”
On the UH Mānoa campus, Greene also serves as a Teach for America Â鶹´«Ã½ campus ambassador. She promotes the organization¡¯s mission of addressing educational inequity and expanding educational opportunities for all students.
ʻŌlelo Â鶹´«Ã½, Earth science
As a graduate of Kamehameha Schools Kapālama campus, Greene gained a solid foundation in ʻōlelo Â鶹´«Ã½. In the SOEST , she is putting those skills to use. As a research assistant with faculty member Alyssa Kamanu, Greene helps develop geology resources in ʻōlelo Â鶹´«Ã½. This past summer, she was also a teaching assistant for an undergraduate Earth sciences course Moʻolelo Honua, which was the first Earth science course at Â鶹´«Ã½Mānoa taught entirely in ʻōlelo Â鶹´«Ã½.
“Kapulelehua’s excellent work on this project helped provide opportunities for local students to engage in geoscience education grounded in Hawaiian language, knowledge, and culture,” said Kamanu.
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—By Marcie Grabowski