An associate professor at the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz�’s (CTAHR) has been recognized with a 2025 Regional Excellence in College and University Teaching Award for Food and Agricultural Sciences.

Melissa Price, who teaches courses in wildlife ecology and environmental problem-solving, was one of six regional honorees recognized across the country. The national award from the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) honors faculty who demonstrate sustained excellence and innovative methods in teaching.

Price’s work supports CTAHR’s mission of fostering sustainable environmental management and preparing the next generation of conservation leaders in �鶹��ý. Her teaching prepares students for real-world impact through case studies and problem-solving. In her capstone course, students serve as a “think tank” for state decision-makers, analyzing social, cultural and ecological factors to address environmental challenges.

“As a land-grant institution, the university has longstanding ties to the USDA,” said Price, of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management. “The agency recognizes excellence in teaching across land-grant disciplines, including natural resources and wildlife management, and sponsors this award as part of that mission.”

In addition, the award includes a $2,000 stipend to support further teaching improvements at UH ����ԴDz�. The honorees will be formally recognized during the 2026 APLU Annual Meeting.

This article by Native Hawaiian Initiative Alakaʻi (Coordinator) at the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� Kamakanaokealoha Aquino was first published in .

As we begin this new year, let us take a moment to reflect on 2025. During the 2024-2025 academic year, the University of �鶹��ý awarded 2,086 degrees and certificates to Native Hawaiians. As of fall 2025, there are 12,618 Native Hawaiians enrolled.

There are so many accomplishments by students, faculty, staff, and administrators, to programs, community outreach, and engagement to highlight. Here are a few:

• Hear from Native Hawaiian community college students fulfilling their kuleana: Cathryn Krueger, �鶹��ý CC; Kamananui Anderson, Honolulu CC; Melanie Camat, Kapiʻolani CC; Hiʻilani Cremer, Kauaʻi CC; Stevie Puna, Leeward CC; ʻAleʻa Kimokeo, UH Maui College; Kauakaweli Haili-Nakamoto, Windward CC.
• UH Hilo honored Mary Kawena Pukui with a panel that coincided with Women’s History Month and her posthumous selection as a 2025 honoree for the U.S. Mint’s Native American $1 coin.
• The Hawaiian collection at the UH Hilo Edwin H. Moʻokini Library was named the Edith Kanakaʻole Hawaiian Collection.
• UH West Oʻahu hosted a two-day ʻAha Hoʻoponopono with 300 haku hoʻoponopono, social sector professionals, aloha ʻ�徱�Բ� practitioners, and community members.
• UH ����ԴDz�’s Hawaiian Theatre program celebrated its 10th anniversary with its latest Hawaiian language production Puana, and an invitation to perform at the Kia Mau international Indigenous-led performing arts festival in Aotearoa.
• Windward CC extended its Hawaiian studies program to paʻahao incarcerated at the Saguaro Correctional Center in Arizona, with 25 students enrolled in their first course.
• Haʻina Ko Wehi: Celebrating West Maui in Mele a project by students from UH Maui College’s Institute of Hawaiian Music was named Compilation Album of the Year at the 2025 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards.
• Honolulu Community College hosted a two-day Indigenous education symposium ʻAha Kūkalahale 2025, uplifting Hawaiian knowledge funded by the Kūkalahale Title III Grant and in partnership with Kanaeokana and Pacific Rim Concepts.
• UH ����ԴDz� Native Hawaiian Student Services’ Hawaiian Youths Abroad program Japan took a cohort of 13 students and 6 faculty/staff to explore Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, while retracing connections between the Hawaiian Kingdom and Japan.
• Kuiokalani L. Gapero succeeded Ernie Kaʻaumoana Wilson Jr. to the UH Board of Regents for a 5-year term.
• Winners of the Board of Regents Medal for Excellence in Teaching included: Mapuana Antonio (public health associate professor, UH ����ԴDz�); Ashlee Kalauli (math instructor, �鶹��ý CC); Tracie Kuʻuipo Losch (Hawaiian studies professor, Leeward CC); Mehana Kaʻiama Makaʻinaʻi (Hawaiian studies instructor, UH ����ԴDz�); Peter Kalawaiʻa Moore (Hawaiian studies professor, Windward CC); and Jamaica Heolimeleikalani Osorio (political science associate professor, UH ����ԴDz�).
• Kenny Kaʻaiakamanu-Quibilan received the UH ����ԴDz� Pākela Award for being an outstanding academic advisor.
• Shayla Spotkaeff, a business management major and undergraduate research assistant at the Center for Oral History received the UH ����ԴDz� Student Employee of the Year Award.
• Ka Huli Ao Center for Excellence in Native Hawaiian Law at UH ����ԴDz� William S. Richardson School of Law celebrated 20 years.

Renowned chef, restaurateur and educator Roy Yamaguchi, executive director of the Culinary Institute of the Pacific (CIP) at , has been inducted into the Culinary Institute of America’s (CIA) Alumni Walk of Fame, joining a distinguished cadre of alumni whose careers have shaped the global culinary landscape.

The Walk of Fame honors CIA alumni who embody the college’s “Food is Life®” philosophy and whose work expresses excellence, innovation and influence. As a 1976 CIA graduate, Yamaguchi was recognized for his leadership in �鶹��ý’s culinary community, his pioneering approach to regional cuisine, and his steadfast commitment to culinary education.

Born in Tokyo, Yamaguchi’s �鶹��ý roots trace to his grandfather, who ran a tavern and general store on Maui. He launched his first restaurant, 385 North, in Hollywood in 1984, and opened the first Roy’s Restaurant in Honolulu in 1988, helping define �鶹��ý Regional Cuisine.

“It’s an incredible honor to be recognized by the school that shaped so much of my life and career,” Yamaguchi said. “The CIA instilled in me a deep respect for the craft and for the people who make food meaningful. To now share that legacy with the students and future chefs of �鶹��ý is a full-circle moment I’ll always treasure.”

A James Beard Award recipient (Best Pacific Northwest Chef) and co-founder of the �鶹��ý Food & Wine Festival, Yamaguchi continues to elevate culinary education at CIP by blending sustainability, culture and innovation into hands-on training for �鶹��ý’s next generation of chefs.

Other 2025 CIA Alumni Walk of Fame inductees included Michelin-starred chef Grant Achatz, Anthony Bourdain (in memoriam) and Susan Feniger, a chef, restaurateur and TV personality.

CIP and CIA are collaborating on a workforce professional development program for �鶹��ý-based culinary professionals. Since launching in 2024, the program has graduated more than 150 culinary professionals. The program graduated 29 participants in September, who trained under CIA instructors.

A research partnership with the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� has propelled ʻIolani School senior Deborah Park to a major win on the global stage. Park earned in the Plant Sciences category at the International Science and Engineering Fair in Columbus, Ohio, earlier this spring after a year–long gene–editing project to fight coral bleaching.

With mentorship from Zhiyan “Rock” Du, an associate professor in the (CTAHR), and UH graduate student Pansa Cecchini, Park’s success is a testament to pathways created by partnerships between UH and local high schools. For future students interested in research, Park advises them “to grasp every opportunity you come across. It’s intimidating to step into a world you know absolutely nothing about, but be proud to be someone willing to explore this new world.”

“Ask all the questions you have, actively participate in those lab–sessions, take in every piece of knowledge thrown at you,” said Park.

Combat coral bleaching

Park began by working with Cecchini on a project developing a strain of algae that can thrive in higher temperatures to help combat coral bleaching—a major issue in �鶹��ý and globally that occurs when algae living in coral reefs die off as ocean temperatures rise.

Park mutated the algal cells by delivering electric pulses that opened pores in their cell membranes to insert promoter sequences. Her project advanced through the school and state science fairs before reaching the international competition.

Park’s success in the science fair sparked her interest in the entire field of synthetic biology, and she attended a CRISPR gene editing workshop at CTAHR over summer 2025 to continue her research and expand her skills. The workshop was a positive experience for Park, who had no experience with CRISPR (a family of DNA sequences) and its mechanisms beforehand.

“As you are taking on these opportunities, don’t place a limit on your own abilities and the impact you can make!” she said.

The University of �鶹��ý named Ivan Hartison as the 2025 recipient of the President’s Award for Excellence in Building and Grounds Maintenance.

Hartison was honored for his vital work at the Isabella Aiona Abbott Life Sciences Building at UH ����ԴDz�. He plays an important role in high-level research spaces, including BSL-2 labs and endangered species insectaries, where he helps ensure safety, sanitation and the protection of �鶹��ý’s natural resources.

Beyond his daily duties, Hartison is known for going above and beyond, whether helping students recover endangered Hawaiian flies, lending a hand with heavy lifting or stepping in to support colleagues.

Through his commitment to his job at UH ����ԴDz�, Hartison earned the respect from both peers and students, embodying the spirit of teamwork and service at the University of �鶹��ý.

Established in 1986, the President’s Award for Excellence in Building and Grounds Maintenance recognizes a UH system employee who exemplifies dedication and excellence in supporting campus facilities.

Monique Chyba, a professor in the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz�’s , has been named a 2025 recipient of the Deborah and Franklin Tepper Haimo Award for Distinguished College or University Teaching of Mathematics, presented by the (MAA).

The award recognizes professors whose teaching excellence has had a broad impact beyond their home institutions. Chyba was selected for her innovative, community-centered approach to mathematics education and her efforts to make the subject more accessible and culturally relevant. She will be presented the award at the MAA MathFest in Sacramento in August, an annual event that gathers thousands of mathematicians and educators.

Place-based curriculum

At UH ����ԴDz�, Chyba led the redesign of Math 100 into a place-based curriculum developed in partnership with community leaders and faculty members. The course weaves local knowledge and culture into foundational math concepts, helping students connect mathematical thinking to their identities and communities.

“A primary goal of mine as an educator is to show students that mathematics isn’t just abstract theory, it’s deeply connected to their daily lives and surroundings,” Chyba said. “Math isn’t only about numbers or equations on a page; it’s a powerful tool for action, reflection and connection. Both mathematics and real life can be messy, but they’re also beautiful, and absolutely worth the effort.”

One of Chyba’s former students said, “Overall, I have gotten to experience Monique Chyba’s joy and success of teaching math both first and second-hand. She is able to inspire students and help them unlock their potential like very few teachers I’ve met, and I will always credit her as the start of my journey into mathematics and teaching.”

For mathematicians to build a message that will resonate with the community and be approachable isn’t always easy, but Chyba has been able to bridge the barrier by spending time with K–12 teachers and students, as well as by giving public lectures and learning from community feedback.

“This award truly belongs to the students, they shape me every day as an educator. It’s both an honor and a privilege to be part of their educational journey,” Chyba said.

Over more than two decades, Chyba has involved hundreds of students from UH in community-based service. For example, she helped lead “808 Math Island Style: Computational Modeling and Simulation of Epidemic Infectious Diseases,” where middle school students worked with real-world data on disease spread under the guidance of college mentors. The program fostered interest in STEM while introducing the practical uses of mathematics in public health.

• Related UH News story: UH math department translates pandemic knowledge into K–12 curriculum, June 28, 2023

University of �鶹��ý faculty received top awards for their excellence in teaching and engagement and groundbreaking research.

Fifteen UH faculty members from across the state have been awarded the Regents’ Medal for Excellence in Teaching, and three received the Regents’ Medal for Excellence in Research.

In addition, five UH teachers have been recognized with the Frances Davis Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching, and a �鶹��ý Community College student has won the Masaki and Momoe Kunimoto Memorial Award for Outstanding Contributions to Vocational Education.

“Our faculty are the heart of the University of �鶹��ý, and their excellence in teaching and research embodies the values that define our institution—including a deep commitment to serving our communities,” said UH President Wendy Hensel. “These awardees represent the very best of UH: world-class scholars and educators whose work has local impact and global reach. I am proud to recognize their achievements and deeply grateful for the ways they continue to elevate our university and our state.”

Each campus selects awardees for the Board of Regent’s Medal for Excellence in Teaching and the Frances Davis Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching. For example, at UH ����ԴDz�, the awardees are selected by prior award winners.

The Regents’ Medal for Excellence in Teaching recognizes faculty who exhibit an extraordinary level of subject mastery and scholarship, teaching effectiveness and creativity, and personal values beneficial to students. The 2025 winners.

The Regents’ Medal for Excellence in Research recognizes a faculty member’s scholarly contributions that expand the boundaries of knowledge and enrich the lives of all in the community, nation and the world. The 2025 winners.

The Frances Davis Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching recognizes dedication and demonstrated excellence as teachers of undergraduate students. It was established as a memorial to the late Frances Davis, who taught mathematics at Leeward Community College and UH ����ԴDz� for 19 years. The 2025 winners.

The Masaki and Momoe Kunimoto Memorial Award for Outstanding Contributions to Vocational Education rewards outstanding achievement and significant contribution to vocational and technical education by a community college faculty member or student. The award was established by family members to honor the namesakes’ role in development of the food industry in �鶹��ý. The 2025 winner.

In addition, UH ����ԴDz� recognized faculty, staff and students for their exceptional achievements in teaching, research, community service, advising, mentoring and more at the ����ԴDz� Awards ceremony held April 28.

The Regents’ Medal for Excellence in Teaching is awarded by the Board of Regents as a tribute to faculty members who exhibit an extraordinary level of subject mastery and scholarship, teaching effectiveness and creativity and personal values that benefit students.

Mapuana Antonio

Mapuana Antonio is an associate professor of public health at the UH ����ԴDz� Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health. A Kanaka ʻŌiwi (Native Hawaiian) professor, Antonio is committed to “helping students become responsible and contributing members of society by embracing their own kuleana (responsibility) to their beloved communities.”

As the head of the Native Hawaiian and Indigenous Health program in the Department of Public Health Sciences, she integrates the six major dimensions of Native Hawaiian wellbeing into her teaching: Ea (self-determination), ʻĀina Momona (healthy lands and people), Pilina (mutually sustaining relationships), ʻŌiwi (cultural identity and native intelligence), Waiwai (shared and collective wealth; ancestral abundance) and Ke Akua Mana (spirituality and the sacredness of mana).

These principles guide her course activities and assignments, which emphasize cultural knowledge and community. One student described Antonio as “an amazing resource and an extremely organized professor,” and her teaching creates “an inclusive classroom environment that allows for students to thrive.”

Matthew Cain

Matthew Cain is an associate professor of chemistry in the UH ����ԴDz� College of Natural Sciences. He believes that “successful teaching hinges on effort and patience” and emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and student feedback “to assess how to make the class better.”

Cain’s dedication to helping students grasp advanced chemistry content has made an impact, as reflected in a student’s comment: “Kudos to Dr. Cain for making such advanced topics into digestible content.” Whether it’s recording Zoom answer keys or creating a YouTube channel to cover challenging topics, Cain’s efforts inspire his students to invest more into their learning.

With years of teaching experience, Cain understands that patience is key and knows how to help students stay calm and focused, encouraging them to work as hard as possible to fully grasp the material. Ultimately, Cain views his role as a teacher through the lens of helping students achieve their personal and professional goals, which he believes is “the ultimate job of a teacher.”

William Dressler

William Dressler is a student success coordinator at Kauaʻi Community College. His work inside and outside the classroom reflects a strong commitment to student success, community engagement and creating opportunities for real-world learning.

Dressler values learning that extends beyond the classroom. He has brought students to volunteer with Mālama Hulēʻia— an organization that manages the Alakoko fishpond—to connect their studies with real-world environmental efforts. He also started the Banned Book Club, providing a space for students to explore literature that tackles important social issues. Through these initiatives, he encourages students to think critically and engage with their communities in meaningful ways.

“Prof. Dressler is very compassionate and understanding. He has allowed me to express myself in my assignments and not pass judgment,” said one of his students. “A great trait of his is that he can relate to college students at their level. He understands that outside of post-secondary schooling is a life that you have to balance also. Prof. Dressler is a very encouraging man who wants to see you succeed and not fail. He makes me want to learn more, and I have improved my writing skills as well as my comprehension.”

Guy K. Fo

Guy K. Fo is an associate professor of Architecture, Engineering & Construction (AEC) Technologies at Honolulu Community College. After more than a decade in the construction industry, he earned his associate of science degree in AEC Technologies from Honolulu CC in 2007—and became a teacher in that same program.

Fo now inspires the next generation—bringing full circle a journey marked by hard work, heart and excellence. In his 18th year of teaching, Fo is known for his thoughtful, differentiated instruction, guided by the belief that “fair is not equal.”

His approach supports diverse learning styles and connects course content to practical applications, preparing students for both academic and professional success. His innovative use of technologies and Hi-Flex learning environments (combining online and in-person learning) ensures access and flexibility for all students.

One student wrote, “He possesses a unique ability to break down complex concepts into understandable and relatable terms. His commitment to excellence and his innovative approach make him an invaluable asset to the AEC program.”

Charmaine Higa-McMillan

Charmaine Higa-McMillan is a professor of psychology at UH Hilo and director of the MA Counseling Psychology Program. As a licensed psychologist and accomplished researcher, she blends academic excellence with genuine mentorship to prepare students for impactful careers in mental health.

Higa-McMillan is known for fostering inclusive, high-engagement classrooms and providing deeply personalized advising.

“Her support has been invaluable, and I can honestly say that without it, I’m not sure I would be where I am today—not just academically, but in terms of my passion for this work and its importance,” said a second-year graduate student, who is a single mother.

Her leadership has helped build strong community ties and increased access to quality mental health care across �鶹��ý. Whether through practicum placements, curriculum innovation, or thesis mentoring, Higa-McMillan’s influence reflects the highest standards of teaching, service and care.

Ashlee Kalauli

Ashlee Keolalaulani Kalauli is a math instructor at �鶹��ý Community College who is known for her dynamic, student-centered teaching and unwavering commitment to equity in mathematics education. A proud Native Hawaiian, she brings a culturally responsive approach to every classroom, inspiring students through inclusive practices and community connection.

As co-founder of IndigenousMathematicians.com, she works to uplift underrepresented voices in STEM and create learning spaces where all students feel seen and supported. Kalauli’s impact extends beyond the classroom through her contributions to curriculum development, national assessment consulting—including Pre-AP and AP math content—and educational policy reform with the �鶹��ý Department of Education.

“As an instructor, Dr. Kalauli has an outstanding reputation among students of being an informative and dynamic lecturer who delivers high quality education,” said Math and Natural Science Department Chair Orlo Steele.

Her work has been recognized with multiple teaching awards, and she has presented nationally on both mathematical research and inclusive pedagogy. Kalauli’s academic interests include geometric group theory and semigroup theory, and she actively mentors students while bridging secondary and higher education.

Tracie Kuʻuipo Losch

Tracie Kuʻuipo Losch is a professor of Hawaiian studies at Leeward Community College, where she has devoted more than 20 years to fostering an inclusive and engaging learning environment that respects and honors Native Hawaiian knowledge and culture.

As an educator, Losch prioritizes critical thinking, accommodates diverse learning styles, and instills a sense of kuleana (responsibility) in her students. She teaches online and in-person courses, employing innovative methods to link significant historical events with real-world applications.

Losch’s leadership extends beyond the classroom. She serves on several councils, including the Pūkoʻa no na ʻEwa Council and the Oral Communications Board. Losch also chairs the Native Hawaiian Place of Learning Pillar Committee and represents the college on the �鶹��ý Papa o ke Ao UH system working committee. Through her dedication to academic excellence, she passionately advocates for a perspective that reflects Native Hawaiian values.

The Leeward CC’s selection committee wrote, “Leeward is lucky to have been transformed by the high-impact contributions of Kuʻuipo, whose dedication and expertise have made a profound difference at our college.”

Joy Mahiko

Joy Mahiko is an assistant professor in the Division of Education-Special Education at UH West Oʻahu. She teaches courses in special education and oversees the program for education majors to add a field in special education.

One nominator commended Mahiko’s “exceptional ability to inspire, engage, and empower UH West Oʻahu students, fostering both academic success and personal growth.”

Her scholarship focuses on inclusivity, quality teacher preparation, and rural special education. She advocates for inclusion and fair wages, especially for people with disabilities. Her other interests include serving minority at-risk youth who are at the greatest risk for substance abuse, teen pregnancy and criminal activity.

Advocating on behalf of, and with, children and adults with disabilities to achieve greater personal dignity, choice, independence and inclusivity has been a very humbling and rewarding experience for Mahiko, who values their insights and experiences.

Mehana Kaʻiama Makaʻinaʻi

Mehana Kaʻiama Makaʻinaʻi is an instructor at the UH ����ԴDz� Kamakakūokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies in the �鶹��ýnuiākea School of Hawaiian Knowledge. Having taught Hawaiian Studies 107 for nearly two decades, she views it as an opportunity to raise awareness about Hawaiian culture, history and modern political issues.

The course, a popular general education elective, attracts students from diverse backgrounds, from freshmen to seniors. Makaʻinaʻi embraces the challenge of teaching such a broad range of students and aims to inspire them to critically analyze topics while exploring ways to protect and respect the islands and their host culture.

With a strong emphasis on ʻike �鶹��ý (Hawaiian knowledge and history), she encourages students to develop cultural awareness and sensitivity to treat all cultures with respect.

One student reflected, “The class was an incredibly enriching experience. The content was presented in an engaging way that promoted deep understanding and involvement.”

Hannah Manshel

Hannah Manshel is an assistant professor of English in the UH ����ԴDz� College of Arts, Languages & Letters. She encourages students to approach learning as a project of inquiry.

Drawing inspiration from author and Professor Kyla Wazana Tompkins’s motto, “We aren’t here to learn what we already know,” she fosters curiosity through community and connection in her classes. Manshel sustains student interest with a variety of teaching and assessment strategies, including whole-class discussions, student presentations, Slack message boards and portfolios with meta-cognitive reflections.

She emphasizes deep engagement with course content while also addressing contemporary events. As she notes, “the connections students make between historical material, current events and their everyday lives create an opportunity for them to cultivate community both within the classroom and beyond.”

Her students describe feeling “intellectually challenged,” “allowed… so much creative freedom,” and fully supported in all her classes, reflecting her kindness and teaching expertise.

Masaru Mito

Masaru Mito is a Japanese language instructor in the UH ����ԴDz� Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures at the College of Arts, Languages & Letters. He believes that “language learning goes beyond acquiring vocabulary—it is a journey of personal growth, empathy and meaningful communication.”

Mito emphasizes “real-world interactions” and utilizes “authentic materials from diverse sources” to provide students with ample opportunities to practice their skills with cultural accuracy and purpose. He integrates critical thinking and digital literacy to enhance students’ competencies.

His students attest to his success in accomplishing his mission “to help students find happiness within themselves and bring joy to others by fostering cross-cultural language learning and developing interpersonal relationships.”

One student noted that “the most valuable aspect of the course was Mito sensei.” Another student praised him as “the best Japanese teacher,” adding, “You deserve the best to come, I see nothing but your genuine love to teach people Japanese, and hope your next set of students treat you right.”

Peter (Kalawaiʻa) Moore

Peter (Kalawaiʻa) Moore is a professor of Hawaiian studies at Windward Community College, who is widely recognized for his deep knowledge of Hawaiian history and culture, and his unwavering dedication to student success. Teaching both online and in-person courses, Moore is a passionate educator who brings the richness of Hawaiian traditions into every classroom interaction.

Kanani Furugen, a 2024 graduate, said, “Kumu Kalawaiʻa’s humility shines through when he answers questions or comments on the work of his students. He shares his ʻike (knowledge) in a way that is positive and encouraging.”

Moore fosters critical thinking and broader perspectives by connecting students with other leading Hawaiian scholars. His teaching philosophy centers on exposing students to diverse viewpoints and encouraging lifelong learning.

Beyond campus, Moore engages in cultural preservation by building traditional Hawaiian hale. Humble and generous with his ʻike, he inspires students to continue their learning journeys beyond the classroom, always encouraging them to grow, explore and succeed.

Jamaica Heolimeleikalani Osorio

Jamaica Heolimeleikalani Osorio is an associate professor in political science at the College of Social Sciences. As a Kanaka Maoli wahine (Native Hawaiian woman) scholar educator born and raised in Pālolo Valley, her teaching is grounded in “an aloha ʻāina pedagogy,” with a strong ethic of care and trust.

She inspires students to engage passionately and morally with Indigenous politics, while also dedicating herself to mentorship. Osorio has mentored dozens of undergraduate and graduate students across multiple disciplines, including American studies, women, gender, and sexuality studies, English, Pacific Island studies, Hawaiian studies, Hawaiian language, law, business and planning.

Osorio’s influence extends beyond her department. Her mentorship and contributions as a Native Hawaiian scholar and educator make her an exemplary member of the campus community. As one colleague notes, “Our students and our university are incredibly fortunate to have her as a tenured associate professor, a Kanaka who represents an incomparable voice of her generation.”

Carl A. Polley

Carl A. Polley is an assistant professor of linguistics and Chinese at Kapiʻolani Community College, who is recognized for his commitment to accessible, student-centered learning. He teaches a range of courses in linguistics, Mandarin Chinese language, and Chinese literature in English translation.

Polley has authored zero-cost open educational resource textbooks for Chinese language courses and teaches both asynchronous online and hybrid classes. His courses emphasize flexible learning through mastery-based assessment, allowing unlimited retakes and revisions, open-book quizzes with detailed feedback, and scaffolded peer review—offering students multiple pathways to success without the pressure of rigid deadlines.

“Prof. Polley was a wonderful instructor,” said a student. “He was always thoughtful with his lesson plans and went beyond just reading and remembering things from the textbook. He created an environment and a challenge for us to expand and create something with the material we learned about. He was also very understanding and provided multiple teaching methods to reach each student he taught.”

Julie Powers

Julie Powers is professor of Early Childhood Education (ECED) at UH Maui College, where she also serves as ECED program coordinator and Social Science Department chair. She brings passion and wisdom to her work as she weaves stories of her real-world experiences into her teaching.

Students describe her as an excellent teacher who is “very well respected, knowledgeable and caring.” Powers values hands-on, experiential learning, and provides students with ample opportunity to practice, design and implement developmentally appropriate activities, often setting up elaborate learning stations in the ECED classroom that she designed. She works individually with students to develop a plan that is achievable and unique.

One student said, “ [Power’s] engaging teaching style, passion for the subject, and dedication to student success make her stand out as the best in her field.”

As department chair, Powers is kind and compassionate while getting the job done. In addition, she is a respected author in her field, having written Parent Engagement in Early Learning, and Nature-Based Learning for Young Children: Anytime, Anywhere, on Any Budget.

She inspires her colleagues through her dedication and strong work ethic.

Armed with a drone, robot and vision for the future of farming, a team of University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� undergraduate students developed an AI-powered system to count and size pineapples in the field—earning them the international 2025’s Excellence in Productivity (Air) award and a $10,000 prize.

“At first it was a bit scary going up against all those schools, but I believe we had an advantage,” said junior Rona Lei Duldulao, the lead student organizer of “Team ʻĀ���Բ�,” made of and students. “�鶹��ý agriculture is very unique, and the climate here makes it convenient to do agriculture projects.”

The team competed against 34 student teams from the U.S., Asia and Europe to find solutions for problems faced by farmers worldwide. The students chose to use to help farmers in �鶹��ý who are facing a worker shortage.

“We went to Dole Plantation and we learned how much work goes into growing these pineapples,” said Duldulao. “We were very interested in helping the farmers with this labor intensive process and making their work easier for them, because it’s very hard standing out in the sun and doing everything with their hands.”

A team from also competed with a project focused on utilizing drones and robotics for sustainable farming in �鶹��ý.

By land and air

The UH ����ԴDz� students decided to attack the problem by land and air, with support from faculty advisors led by Huaijin Chen, assistant professor of . They developed software and hardware for a drone and robot duo to survey Dole’s pineapple fields. The drone uses cameras and AI to count the number of pineapples and track changes over time. The robot’s vision algorithm creates 3D images of individual fruit to measure the size and shape of each pineapple.

“By predicting the size of the fruit and its flowering, a farm can better manage their harvesting, planning, marketing and sales of pineapples,” said Robert Paull, a team advisor and professor at the .

The commercial uses of this system are promising.

“I believe this AI-powered duo can be scaled up to help manage other crops in many different farm settings,” said Chen.

Team members include Duldulao, Lucas Horsman, Wilson Huynh, Erik Bendickson, Christian Komo, Zadon Padello, Mikhail Shkaralevich and Tyler Mak.

Chen and College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience faculty members Paull, Ryan Kurasaki and Daniel Jenkins advised the team. Dole Plantation provided in-kind support and help with the project’s video. The College of Engineering, the College of Natural Sciences and the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience provided seed funding for the project.

The international competition was organized by the University of California and the AI Institute for Next Generation Food Systems, part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and National Science Foundation’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture program.

Leeward Community College is earning accolades for leadership in career and technical education (CTE). Three faculty and staff members recently received awards—two at the state level and one at a national conference—underscoring the college’s commitment to excellence in preparing �鶹��ý’s workforce.

At the 2025 �鶹��ý Association for Career & Technical Education (�鶹��ý ACTE) State Conference on April 11, at Windward CC, Nolan Miyahara and Blake Hunrick were recognized for their outstanding contributions. Miyahara, program coordinator for Leeward CC’s Automotive Technology program, was named Postsecondary Teacher of the Year. Under his guidance, the program has thrived and is home to the state’s only Ford Automotive Student Service Educational Training program, which offers students manufacturer-specific instruction, access to advanced diagnostic tools, and paid internships with Ford dealerships.

Hunrick, who has served as a counselor at Leeward CC for more than 30 years, received the Counseling and Career Development Professional of the Year award. Hunrick is known for his deep dedication to student success, helping thousands of learners navigate educational and career pathways through personalized support and CTE guidance.

National award

National recognition followed just days later when Matthew Egami, a culinary arts instructor, received the Dale P. Parnell Faculty Distinction Recognition Award from the American Association of Community Colleges at its annual conference in Nashville, Tennessee, on April 16. The award honors faculty who go above and beyond to support students inside and outside the classroom. Egami is a key contributor to Leeward CC’s acclaimed Culinary Arts Program, which trains students in both foundational and advanced culinary techniques and provides hands-on experience through the college’s fine dining restaurant, The Pearl.

“These awards reflect the strength and depth of our CTE programs, which are designed to equip students with the real-world skills they need to succeed in today’s economy,” said Ron Umehira, dean of Career and Technical Education at Leeward CC.

—By Tad Saiki