The television series, produced by the (�鶹��ý Sea Grant), took home 10 Telly Awards, the world’s largest honor for video and television across all screens, including a gold Telly for (PMDP). This year, the Telly Awards received more than 13,000 entries from across the globe.

The 47th annual Telly Awards Judging Council, who select the winning entries, features more than 250 expert judges from Google, Home Box Office (HBO), British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Netflix and more.

“Papahānaumokuākea is more than a protected area, it is a living ancestral and ecological system, connecting people, species, and place across the paeʻāina,” said James Morioka, executive director of PMDP. “Partnering with the Voice of the Sea team on this special episode, sharing our work with the viewers, and being recognized with a Gold Telly helps us continue supporting vulnerable wildlife, restoring sensitive habitats, and perpetuating Hawaiian culture.”

“The level of competition is so high, I’m incredibly excited to win a Gold Telly Awards with our partners and show off the amazing footage PMDP collected,” said Kanesa Duncan Seraphin, Voice of the Sea host and co-producer. “Winning nine more awards is just spectacular!”

Gold and silver winner

shares what it is like to remove massive amounts of plastic pollution from Papahānaumokuākea, the 582,570 square miles of coral reefs, atolls, and aquatic habitat of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. The episode was awarded a gold Telly in the not-for-profit category, and a silver Telly in nature & wildlife.

“Working as a storyteller in Papahānaumokuākea means being trusted to share places and stories that most people will never experience firsthand,” said Andrew Sullivan-Haskins, Emmy-award winning conservation expedition photographer with PMDP. “It’s not just about doing the work, it’s about helping people understand why these environments matter.”

Silver and bronze winner

musically celebrates �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ��’s seas that combines science, art, culture and the �鶹��ý Symphony Orchestra. It was awarded a Silver Telly in the Culture & Lifestyle category, and a bronze Telly in music, dance & performance.

Multiple bronze winner

visits the north shore of Oʻahu, where oral histories inform the revitalization of this rich community resource; the episode also visits the Center for Oral History at UH Mānoa to learn about cataloging �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ��’s past. The episode took home bronze Tellys in the educational institution and history categories.

Silver winners

shares information about ciguatera poisoning, the seafood illness that comes from toxins produced by microscopic algae in warm, nearshore waters, and the research that aims to help people eat safe seafood. It was awarded a silver Telly in public interest & awareness.

looks at the future of aquaculture at the �鶹��ý Ocean Science and Technology Park at Keāhole Point, on �鶹��ý Island—where unique seawater facilities support more than 50 cutting-edge tenants, including Blue Ocean Mariculture, Symbrosia and Cyanotech. The episode was awarded a silver Telly in sustainability.

Bronze winners

reviews aquaculture jobs and internships, from innovative fish mariculture and traditional fishponds in �鶹��ý, to village-level aquaponics in American Samoa. The episode was awarded a bronze Telly in education & training.

shares information on the different types of estuary systems in �鶹��ý, how the Division of Aquatic Resources Estuary Team monitors estuaries, the importance of estuaries for protecting critical fisheries habitat, and why Waimea River on the west side of Kauaʻi is such a special place. The episode was awarded a bronze Telly in sustainability.

–By Cindy Knapman

The University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� held its 2026 UH ����ԴDz� Awards ceremony on May 5, 2026.

UH President Wendy Hensel, UH ����ԴDz� Interim Provost Vassilis Syrmos and Board of Regents Chair Gabe Lee recognized this year’s honorees for their outstanding accomplishments.

A recording of the event will be available on the at a later date. from the event.

Congratulations to all our winners!

2026 UH ����ԴDz� Awards winners

• Cheehyung Harrison Kim, associate professor, history
• Miyoko Teddy Pettit-Toledo, assistant professor, law
• Subhashni Raj, assistant professor, urban and regional planning
• Eirik J. Saethre, professor, anthropology
• Tamara Ticktin, professor, botany
• Kara Noelani Wong Ramsey, associate professor, pediatrics

• Nicolas Gaillard, associate researcher, �鶹��ý Natural Energy Institute
• Joseph Keaweʻaimoku Kaholokula, professor, Native Hawaiian health
• Victor M. Lubecke, professor, electrical and computer engineering

• Lisa M. Vallin, instructor, women, gender, and sexuality studies
• Lolita Perez-Ayala, graduate assistant, communication and information sciences

• Yoshimi (Shimi) M. Rii, assistant specialist, �鶹��ý Institute for Marine Biology

• Ethan Caldwell, associate professor, ethnic studies
• Jane Chung-Do, professor, public health
• Jeffrey Drazen, professor, oceanography
• J. Lorenzo Perillo, associate professor, theatre and dance
• Cathi Ho Schar, associate professor, architecture
• N. Haʻalilio Solomon, assistant professor, Kawaihuelani Center for Hawaiian Language

• Michelle Myrie, deputy chief, Department of Public Safety
• Earl Matsushita, work coordination center manager, Campus Operations and Facilities
• Evelyn Mangadlao, janitor, Campus Operations and Facilities
• Dina Shek, director, Medical-Legal Partnership for Children in �鶹��ý

• Karen Harper, fiscal officer, �鶹��ý Institute of Marine Biology
• Paula MacCutcheon, operations coordinator, Native Hawaiian Place of Learning Advancement Office
• Roy Suda, IT specialist, Enrollment Management

• Merle R. Kataoka-Yahiro, professor, nursing

• Lauren Prepose-Forsen, director, ����ԴDz� Transfer Coordination Center

• John G. Souza, assistant professor, family and consumer sciences
• Tianlu Wang, assistant professor, mechanical engineering

• Dhvanil Desai, PhD candidate, astronomy
• Sophia Rahnke, PhD candidate, marine biology
• Jannatun Noor Sameera, PhD candidate, electrical and computer engineering

• Kate Sapigao, lead student mentor, GEAR UP ����ԴDz�

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

Jean Takamura dedicated 42 years to the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz�, serving with professionalism, grace and a deep commitment to helping others succeed. Starting as a stenographer in 1960, she worked her way through increasingly trusted business support roles—serving deans, vice presidents and chancellors—before retiring in 2002 as secretary to the interim Chancellor Deane Neubauer.

On April 28, Takamura returned to campus to celebrate a new chapter in her legacy. She and her sons—Blake, Guy and Clete, all UH ����ԴDz� alumni, son-in-law Joe Whittinghill and daughter-in-law Teri Takamura—attended the annual UH ����ԴDz� Awards Ceremony, where the first recipients of the were honored. The endowment, established by her family in tribute to Jean and their father, Yukio, is the university’s first to recognize excellence among business support staff.

“The university holds a special place in my heart from my 42 years working there and that all three of my sons are alumni,” said Takamura. “I am thankful to my sons and family for establishing this important award that recognizes staff as key parts of the university. I met both award recipients. They are wonderful people and I am so happy for them to be recognized.”

Celebrating the inaugural honorees

The Jean Takamura Staff Excellence Award highlights the vital role of business support staff in the success of the University. Takamura was known not only for her attention to detail, but for her diplomacy, empathy and ability to build trusted relationships across campus.

The inaugural recipients are Michele Inouchi and Roy Tom, who both reflect the values that guided Takamura’s own career.

Inouchi, administrative officer in the , began her career at UH ����ԴDz� in 2001. Known for her “quiet but effective” approach, she plays a key role in fiscal operations, campus coordination and accessibility advocacy.

Tom, machinist in the , has served the university since 1967. His expert craftsmanship supports groundbreaking research, and his mentorship of student robotics teams has inspired generations.

• Related UH News story: From Moon dust to Antarctica: UH machinist approaches 60 years of service, July 30, 2024

“It’s unexpected,” said Tom. “Honestly, I don’t even have the words but it’s an honor.”

“It’s shocking—but I feel really appreciated,” said Inouchi. “I’ve been here for a couple of decades now, and this really touches me.”

Each honoree received a $1,000 staff grant in recognition of their contributions. Nominated by department leaders, the recipients were selected by ����ԴDz� Staff Senate Chair Andrew Sensano and the UH ����ԴDz� Provost Michael Bruno.

Through this endowment, Takamura’s legacy continues, recognizing and uplifting those whose work often happens behind the scenes, and is essential to UH ����ԴDz�’s mission.

As director of the at the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz�, Camaron Miyamoto has spent more than two decades uplifting and empowering LGBTQIA+ students—work that was recently recognized at the ’s Vision Without Limits gala on April 3.

…the true honor is to work for the success of LGBTQ+ students…
—Cameron Miyamoto

Miyamoto was one of three honorees recognized for their visionary leadership and commitment to creating a safer, more inclusive �鶹��ý. The other honorees were Gregory Dunn and Laurie Mizuno, both celebrated for their significant contributions to the LGBTQIA+ community.

“Words can’t express how meaningful this honor is to me,“ Miyamoto said. “It’s humbling to have my contributions to our students at UH and our larger LGBTQ+ community recognized. But for me, the true honor is to work for the success of LGBTQ+ students at UH ����ԴDz� on a daily basis.”

Lifelong commitment to inclusion

Miyamoto launched UH ����ԴDz�’s LGBTQ+ Center in 2002 and has led the center ever since. At the center, Miyamoto has created a supportive space for LGBTQIA+ students, offering programs, counseling and advocacy to promote inclusion and success on campus.

He began his advocacy as a graduate student at UH, drawn to the movement for marriage equality. The rise in harassment and lack of protections in schools at the time fueled his passion for making education safer for LGBTQ+ youth.

As a founding board member of the �鶹��ý LGBT Legacy Foundation, Miyamoto helped establish the LGBT Center Waikīkī and revitalize the Honolulu Pride Parade and Festival. Today, he supports the foundation’s expansion of programs that serve traditionally underserved groups, especially kūpuna and māhū.

Miyamoto’s efforts extend beyond campus. He has served on national and local boards, including the Japanese American Citizens League, and has shared his scholarship on queer people of color through publications and national conferences. He earned his MA in American studies from UH ����ԴDz� and his doctorate in educational and professional practice from Antioch University.

The Vision Without Limits gala supports the foundation’s PRIDE365 initiative, which promotes year-round programs like Rainbow Support Circle and Queer Women’s Initiative.

The University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� celebrated the exceptional achievements of its faculty, staff and students at the 2025 , on April 28 at Kennedy Theatre.

UH President Wendy Hensel, UH ����ԴDz� Vice Provost for Academic Excellence Laura Lyons and Board of Regents Vice Chair Laurie Tochiki recognized this year’s honorees for their outstanding accomplishments.

A video recording of the event will be available on the UH Manoa Awards page at a later date.

Congratulations to all our winners!

2025 UH ����ԴDz� Awards winners

• Mapuana C.K. Antonio, associate professor, public health
• Matthew F. Cain, associate professor, chemistry
• Elisabeth Mehana Makaʻinaʻi, instructor, Hawaiian studies
• Hannah Manshel, assistant professor, English
• Masaru Mito, instructor, Japanese language
• Jamaica Heolimeleikalani Osorio, associate professor, political science

• Sloan Coats, assistant professor, Earth sciences
• Matthieu Dubarry, associate researcher, �鶹��ý Natural Energy Institute
• Rick Kazman, professor, information technology management

• Margaret Colleen Rost-Banik, instructor, sociology
• Sara Maaria Saastamoinen, PhD student, political science

• Maya Soetoro-Ng, associate specialist, Matsunaga Institute for Peace

• Dean Domingo, instructor, Ilokano language
• Chad Edward Miller, specialist, teacher education
• You-il (Chris) Park, associate professor, accounting
• Melissa Renae Price, associate professor, wildlife management
• Jennifer D.S. Griswold, professor, atmospheric sciences
• Kaori Tamura, associate professor, kinesiology and rehabilitation science

• Seung Yang, assistant director, Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program
• John Gestrich, carpentry shops manager, Campus Operations and Facilities
• Marla Fergerstrom, farm manager, College of Tropical Agriculture & Human Resilience
• Jennifer Frank, physician, University Health Services ����ԴDz�

• Michele Inouchi, administrative officer, Office of the Vice Provost for Student Success
• Roy Tom, machinist, Department of Physics and Astronomy

• Michael Liu, astronomer, Institute for Astronomy

• Kenny Kaʻaiakamanu-Quibilan, assistant faculty specialist, Department of Information & Computer Sciences

• Academic & Student Affairs Office, College of Tropical Agriculture & Human Resilience
  (Kayden Iwasaki, Irene Morrow, Maile Sing and Jessica Strenstrom)

• Sladjana Prišić, associate professor, microbiology
• Pei-Ling Kao, associate professor, dance

• Aláine Fiona Lee, undergraduate student, astrophysics
• Kazuumi Fujioka, PhD candidate, chemistry
• Nick Saunders, PhD candidate, astronomy

• Shayla Spotkaeff, undergraduate research assistant, Center for Oral History

Awardees were selected following careful review by the various awards committees, based on nominations and supporting materials across teaching, research, mentoring and service. Mahalo to all who participated in the selection process.

Susan Yamada, chair of the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz�’s (PACE) Board of Directors and alumna, has been named the (PBN).

PBN cited Yamada’s work to diversify �鶹��ý’s economy through new businesses and higher education. She will be honored alongside the Women Who Mean Business honorees at an event on March 13 at The Royal Hawaiian.

As director of UH Ventures, Yamada championed a groundbreaking effort to create the —a student entrepreneurship and innovation facility with housing for 374 students that opened in August 2023. From 2008 to 2017, Yamada was the executive director of PACE, during which she quadrupled the number of programs, fundraised and opened a coworking space at the Shidler College of Business.

Read more about the Walter Dods, Jr. RISE Center

“Special thanks to Dean Vance Roley and the PACE team for allowing me the opportunity to pursue my passion and to serve the students at UH,” Yamada said. “I have been so fortunate to have the support of many in the business community who see the value of an entrepreneurial mindset in our future workforce.”

Prior to assuming her positions at PACE and UH, Yamada spent 17 years working, transforming and investing in startup companies in the high tech, health care and travel industries. Since moving back to �鶹��ý from California in 2001, Yamada has dedicated her life to building a robust startup ecosystem in �鶹��ý and providing young talent the opportunities to build, develop and thrive as entrepreneurs. In 2024, Yamada received the Startup Paradise Champion award at the �鶹��ý Entrepreneur Awards.

For her contributions in advancing leadership, professional responsibility, pro-bono service and gender equality in law, University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa Dean Camille A. Nelson was selected as a recipient of the presented by the . Nelson will receive the award at the AALS annual meeting in San Francisco, California on January 9.

The award is a joint recognition by AALS sections on leadership, pro bono and service opportunities, professional responsibility and women in legal education. It honors the contributions, service and leadership of Rhode by recognizing a current trailblazer in legal education and the legal profession.

“I am truly humbled by this recognition,” Nelson said. “It means so much to me—more than I can adequately convey. It is incredible and fills me with joy and appreciation to have my name uttered in the same breath as the legendary Deborah Rhode. I consider myself blessed to be included among the other recipients of this prestigious Award. You made my year—thank you!”

Nelson will share the honor with Jessica Steinberg, John Marshall Harlan Dean’s Research Professor of Law at George Washington University Law School.

“All of this year’s nominees for the Deborah L. Rhode Award were incredibly inspiring,” said Janine Dunlap-Kiah and Deborah Schlosberg, co-chairs of the award selection committee. “The committee is thrilled to recognize Dean Nelson and Professor Steinberg for their impactful work. They both are shining examples of Professor Rhode’s commitment to access to justice and gender law and policy. We are confident that they will continue to blaze the trail for their colleagues in the legal academy and leave a lasting legacy just as Professor Rhode did.”

In addition to Nelson’s leadership impact and teaching excellence, her research and writing are far-reaching in their focus. Her appreciation of legal scholarship in its historical, international and interdisciplinary contexts has implications for areas as vast as criminal law defenses, policing, cultural studies in legal theory and musicology, mental health implications for tort law, as well as critiques of historical applications of property law during American and West Indian slavery.

Nelson’s research has recently also highlighted topics in higher education, such as explorations of technological transformation, diversity, inclusion and equity, and organizational behavior in the legal academy.

For their case study of Native Hawaiian fashion designer a University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa research team earned top honors at the 2024 International Textile and Apparel Association (ITAA) conference. Their work explored the intersection of cultural values, sustainability and authenticity in fashion design.

Representing the ’s Fashion Design and Merchandising program, Professor Andy Reilly and graduate student Jordan Antonio received the Paper of Distinction award for the culture track at the 2024 conference of ITAA, held in Long Beach, California, in November.

Kamohoaliʻi started his fashion company in 2005. He has garnered attention in the fashion industry for years and has even shown his works on New York runways. Reilly and Antonio’s paper assessed how Kamohoaliʻi utilizes cultural values to guide his designing and manufacturing processes. The paper will be published in early 2025.

“Jordan and I are grateful to be recognized for this work,” said Reilly. “As this award is determined by my peers, it is high praise. We are in debt to Micah Kamohoaliʻi for lending his time and perspective on how to address some of the ills of the fashion industry, like waste and sustainability.”

ITAA is the premier organization for textile and fashion scholars and presents awards based on a rigorous selection process. This research was made possible through a Hatch Act grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service.

University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� fall 2024 graduate Sapphira Akins has been named a recipient of the 2024 .

Akins, who specializes in aerospace engineering, was selected for the John R. Sevier Memorial Scholarship, which comes with a $5,000 award. The scholarship honors Sevier’s contributions to aerospace engineering.

“This scholarship provided me with the support I needed in order to complete my bachelor’s degree this semester,” Akins said. “Receiving this award reinforces my goal to continue studying what I’m passionate about and to pursue my dream of becoming a pilot and astronaut.”

Akins was the Outstanding Graduating Senior for mechanical engineering at the fall 2024 convocation and is in the BAM (bachelor’s and master’s) program working on her master’s degree.

“Sapphira’s award is really a strong recognition of the importance of the University of �鶹��ý’s role in the whole space science and engineering initiative, and engineering’s role in building a stronger economic sector in �鶹��ý and the workforce necessary to support that ecosystem, whether it is in ground-based astronomy, sending satellites into space, or helping to lead space missions far beyond our current reaches,” UH ����ԴDz� College of Engineering Dean Brennon Morioka said. “UH has a lot to offer in this area and students like Sapphira are sure to be leaders going forward.”

In June 2024, Akins was part of a student group that was selected to launch their satellite into space as early as 2025 through NASA’s CubeSat Launch Initiative. And in 2023, Akins earned an opportunity to travel to Switzerland to learn more about advanced scientific detectors that helped her team build their satellite.

“My takeaway is never underestimate the importance of persistence and collaboration,” Akins said. “All of the research projects I’ve worked on have a strong team that is willing to work together to solve problems and generate solutions. Also, take opportunities that are new, exciting and outside your comfort zone. You’ll either gain an unforgettable story or create cherished memories that will inspire new passions and perspectives on your future.”

USRA awards recognize undergraduate juniors and seniors who demonstrate exceptional potential in space science and engineering. This year, the organization received 89 applications from 54 universities nationwide. Akins was one of five students chosen through a competitive selection process that evaluated candidates on academic achievements, leadership qualities, community outreach and innovative problem-solving abilities.

The University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� Seed Conservation Laboratory has been internationally recognized for its critical work in preserving �鶹��ý’s most endangered plant species.

The lab, represented by manager Nate Kingsley, received top honors at the 8th Global Botanic Garden Congress in Singapore for conserving the greatest proportion of threatened species. Working with partners including the �鶹��ý Plant Extinction Prevention Program and the Division of Forestry and Wildlife, the laboratory has banked more than 33 million seeds representing more than 300 threatened and endangered plant taxa across 55 families.

Back from extinction

Of particular significance recognized by the award was the lab’s work with Cyanea pinnatifida, an endemic plant species declared extinct in the wild in 2001. The wild population had been reduced to a single individual in the Waiʻanae Mountains before seeds were brought into the lab. Through meticulous seed collection and preservation efforts, researchers have banked more than 40,000 seeds between 2007 and 2022. These efforts have enabled collaborative restoration projects that have reintroduced and established plants in multiple protected sites on Oʻahu. Despite ongoing challenges from invasive species and climate change, some sites are showing signs of natural regeneration.

“This international recognition underscores the critical importance of preserving �鶹��ý’s extraordinary and fragile native plant biodiversity, which represents some of the most unique and endangered flora on Earth,” said Lyon Arboretum Interim Director Donald Drake. “By banking seeds of species like Cyanea pinnatifida and working closely with conservation partners, we are not just protecting plants, but safeguarding the ecological heritage that defines our islands and sustains the delicate environmental balance that makes �鶹��ý home.”

The Seed Conservation Lab is one of three storage and propagation facilities that are part of Lyon’s (HRPP). Since 1992, HRPP has focused on the rescue and recovery of �鶹��ý’s most critically endangered native plants.

The Seed Conservation Lab is currently undergoing a complete renovation, which will significantly increase its capacity to conserve native Hawaiian plants. For more information, .