A $500,000 investment in the newly established Stephen Nomura Endowed Professorship at the University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹â€™s (JABSOM) is helping sustain groundbreaking research into pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE), a rare genetic disease that affects the skin, eyes and blood vessels.

Approved by the UH Board of Regents in January 2026, the professorship honors the , remembered for his compassion and dedication to patient care. The endowed fund supports genetics research and graduate training in the .

The professorship currently supports Olivier Le Saux, endowed professor of genetics and chair of the department. Â鶹´«Ã½ is home to one of only two PXE research centers in the U.S., where Le Saux advances experimental therapies and supports clinical trials in Europe and the U.S.

Understanding PXE

PXE affects an estimated 1 in 25,000 to 50,000 people worldwide. The disorder causes abnormal calcification of elastic fibers, significantly increasing the risk of cardiovascular complications. Though it can have serious consequences, it remains understudied.

It allows us to train graduate students…to become the next generation of scientists.
—Oliver La Saux

Le Saux helped transform PXE from a century-old medical mystery into an active field of research. In 1999, he was part of an intense international race to identify the gene primarily responsible for the disorder.

“We were sprinting to the finish line, shoulder to shoulder,” he recalled. “We were competing furiously but still working together at the same time.”

The breakthrough changed the trajectory for families living with the disease.

“At the time, there was almost no shared knowledge about PXE,” recalled Sharon Terry, whose two children were diagnosed in the 1990s. “Without a genetic explanation, families were left navigating fear and uncertainty on their own.”

Investing in future scientists

For Le Saux, the endowment represents long-term investment in people and discovery.

“This kind of support gives us flexibility,” he said. “It allows us to train graduate students in the Cell and Molecular Biology graduate program at JABSOM to become the next generation of scientists.”

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For their research into therapeutic strategies aimed at combating Alzheimer’s disease, two University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ undergraduate students earned an award at an international biomedical meeting in October.

Christine Lau and Marie Ishida traveled to Daejeon, South Korea, to attend the 13th International Symposium on Selenium in Biology and Medicine. They delivered a poster presentation and an oral presentation describing their work. Lau and Ishida were recognized with an award for Top Poster Presentation from the publisher Springer–Nature.

Lau and Ishida conduct research under the mentorship of UH Researcher Daniel Torres at the , where they study the ability of the micronutrient selenium to counteract the production of tau and beta–amyloid, two proteins involved in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

Lau is double majoring in psychology and molecular and cell biology, and recently started her BAM (bachelor’s and master’s) combined degree program for educational psychology. She hopes to go to medical school and become a forensic psychiatrist.

Ishida is majoring in biology, and is working toward attending medical school and becoming a physician. She said, “the symposium was an unforgettable experience that allowed me to witness the various projects that researchers are conducting.”

University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at researcher Jesse Owens has received a $2 million NIH (National Institutes of Health) grant to advance his lab’s pioneering gene-editing technology at the (JABSOM).

Related UH News story: Next generation gene therapy tools built by UH scientist

“This is my dream grant,” said Owens, associate professor at JABSOM’s Department of Cell and Molecular Biology. “It’s the project I’ve always wanted to do. It funds exactly what our lab is passionate about, which is developing safer, more precise tools for gene therapy that can be used across many different diseases.”

The four-year, $2 million R01 award supports Owens’ effort to create a new generation of transposases, the specialized enzymes that insert genes into precise genome locations. Unlike other gene-editing tools such as CRISPR—which cut DNA and can sometimes lead to unwanted mutations during the repair process—Owens’ method replaces genes without cutting or exposing the DNA, allowing for safer and more precise gene delivery.

Refining precision in gene therapy

That precision is the result of years of meticulous research. Graduate student Chris Tran created and tested more than 200 mutated enzymes to find one that makes very few mistakes and changes only the intended genes without affecting others. The lab’s next goal is to improve the system’s “on-target” efficiency—the rate at which genes land exactly where intended.

“Our goal now is to find that perfect balance,” Owens said. “We’ve minimized the off-target effects; now we’re working on boosting the on-target performance so that the system is both incredibly safe and incredibly effective.”

Owens’ lab has already made remarkable progress. Early versions achieved less than 1% gene delivery efficiency. Through years of refinement, the latest system now reaches nearly 100% efficiency, a leap Owens once thought impossible.

“What we didn’t realize early on was just how fine-tuned this system needed to be,” he said. “If you move the target by just two base pairs, the efficiency can drop dramatically. We had to test hundreds of iterations to find the right combination.”

Building tools to fight many diseases

Owens describes his lab as “disease agnostic,” building tools that can be applied broadly, from hemophilia to cystic fibrosis to cancer.

Imagine something that started in your PhD eventually becoming part of a therapy that fights cancer.
—Jesse Owens

“It’s a special type of R01 (grant),” he explained. “It’s not tied to one disease area, which is perfect for us. We can focus on making the best tool possible, and then share it with researchers who specialize in different diseases.”

Ultimately, Owens hopes the technology will accelerate CAR T immunotherapy, which reprograms immune cells to destroy cancer. His team plans to test the system in human T-cells before collaborating with clinical researchers.

“The really exciting thing is that this could one day help treat actual patients,” Owens said. “Imagine something that started in your PhD eventually becoming part of a therapy that fights cancer. That’s what drives us.”

The grant also supports two JABSOM graduate students, providing hands-on experience at the forefront of gene therapy research.

“Dr. Owens and his team are not only advancing the science of gene editing, they’re inspiring the next generation of scientists who will continue our legacy of innovation and discovery,” said JABSOM Dean Sam Shomaker.

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The will launch a for students who did not follow a traditional premedical track or who want an additional step to demonstrate readiness for professional school. Coordinated by the (JABSOM) with partners across multiple units, the program, which begins in fall 2026, strengthens academic preparation and creates new pathways into medical and health professions.

Students will take courses in physiology, genetics, biomedical ethics, immunology and statistics, with electives such as neuroscience. A highlight is access to gross anatomy labs—hands-on training typically reserved for medical students—providing rare early exposure to medical-level anatomy.

Building Â鶹´«Ã½’s healthcare workforce

“This program reflects the strength of the UH System as a whole,” said Samuel “Sam” Shomaker, JABSOM dean. “It brings together expertise from across our campuses to create an integrated program rooted in biomedical sciences, life sciences and public health. Just as importantly, this is about building Â鶹´«Ã½’s workforce. By opening access to advanced scientific training and mentoring, we are broadening the pool of qualified applicants and strengthening the healthcare system that depends on them.”

…we aim to prepare students not only for professional schools but also for lifelong learning in biomedical science.
—Olivier LeSaux

Alex Stokes, program director and originator of the certificate, said the program fills a critical need. “Across Â鶹´«Ã½, and especially on the neighbor islands, communities live every day with the reality of too few doctors. Not every student prepares for medical school during their undergraduate years. This certificate provides the extra step some need—whether to strengthen their foundation, gain exposure to courses like gross anatomy, or test themselves against the workload to confirm medicine is the right path.”

Faculty also see the program as a chance to connect science with service.

“The is proud to play a leading role,” said Olivier LeSaux, professor and chair of the department at JABSOM. “By combining rigorous coursework with exposure to diverse disciplines, we aim to prepare students not only for professional schools but also for lifelong learning in biomedical science. This certificate represents an important new pathway for students who want to pursue careers that improve health in Â鶹´«Ã½ and beyond.”

The effort is coordinated by JABSOM and involves its Departments of Cell and Molecular Biology, and , with contributions from the and the at UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹.

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With Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander and Asian populations facing some of the highest diabetes rates in the nation, the University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹â€™s has received a $2.35 million renewal grant from the National Institutes of Health to expand research, strengthen infrastructure and train the next generation of scientists. In its seventh year of funding, the center is part of UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹â€™s Centers for Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) and continues to focus on tackling this critical public health challenge.

“Diabetes and prediabetes affect nearly half of the U.S. population, and even more so in underserved communities,” said Mariana Gerschenson, professor in the at the (JABSOM), who leads the initiative as principal investigator. “Our goal is to build a sustainable, collaborative center that addresses both the biological mechanisms and health differences associated with diabetes in Â鶹´«Ã½ and the Pacific.”

Related UH News story: $11.7M grant renewal advances diabetes research in Â鶹´«Ã½

Since its inception, the center has played a pivotal role in mentoring seven research leaders and seven pilot investigators. Phase 2 will significantly expand this mission through several key initiatives:

• Investigating diabetic complications: Focused research on complications that occur at higher rates in racial and ethnic minorities.
• Faculty recruitment: Bringing in four new tenure-track faculty members specializing in translational diabetes and insulin resistance research.
• Pipeline development: Supporting pilot projects to cultivate a robust pipeline of future research leaders.
• Community engagement: Strengthening community outreach through an annual symposium and enhanced digital resources.

The renewed award will support key research project leaders, including cell and molecular biology faculty Kathryn Schunke and Michael Ortega, as well as graduate students, postdocs, and the led by Chair Olivier Le Saux.

Innovative research projects

Current research projects at the Diabetic Research Center are exploring innovative solutions and deeper understandings of diabetes, including:

• Developing non-invasive sweat sensors for monitoring complications.
• Studying the genomic links between diabetes and stroke in Native Hawaiians.
• Understanding diabetic autonomic neuropathy using animal models.
• Investigating diabetic renal disease using animal models.

When retired U.S. Army Col. Jason Barnhill steps into the lab at the University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ (JABSOM), he brings more than 30 years of active duty experience and a mission to protect soldiers on the battlefield.

Barnhill, now an associate professor in JABSOM’s , is working to build human tissue models through bioprinting, a cutting-edge technique that uses “bio-inks” instead of plastic to produce organ-like structures. These models, created from human stem cells, could help improve treatments for burns, chemical exposure, antibiotic-resistant bacteria and more.

This work is part of a new collaboration between UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ and the Army’s Combat Capabilities Development Command Chemical Biological Center (DEVCOM CBC).

“We plan to use these models for biomedical testing, instead of using animal models,” said Barnhill. “Animal models have various drawbacks that we hope to avoid with our models.”

Barnhill explains that human-based models are more accurate than testing on animals. “Reactions in human genomes are very distinct to those in ‘little white lab mice,’” he said. “It’s really critical that we develop bioprinting and other advanced manufacturing techniques here in HawaiÊ»i because we’re so isolated. Ideally we can build up our capacity and then be in a position to assist others.“

A personal focus on eye health

While the partnership covers a range of threats, Barnhill is particularly drawn to eye research. “I’m especially interested in the cornea… and how we could make models of the cornea that could then be used to look at chemical exposure or infectious disease exposure,” he said.

Inspired by a family history of macular degeneration, he’s also exploring the idea of 3D-printed contact lenses that could protect against chemical burns.

“I’ve been tossing around the idea with some of my colleagues (at DEVCOM)…maybe being able to 3D print some type of contact lens or other thing that would be protective for the eye,” Barnhill said.

A return home to Â鶹´«Ã½

Barnhill’s ties to Â鶹´«Ã½ run deep. After arriving in 2000 for a master’s in biomedical sciences at UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹, he kept returning—earning his PhD, working at Tripler Hospital, and living in the islands for more than a decade.

Related UH News story: New UH manufacturing tech makes wearable health sensors more affordable, September 2024

“Really, Â鶹´«Ã½ has become home for me and my family,” he said.

Now, he’s mentoring undergraduates at JABSOM and hopes to spark collaborations across UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹, including with Associate Professor Tyler Ray from the , whose lab houses several bioprinting devices.

“Â鶹´«Ã½‘s home for me now, so I want to help my home as much as I can,” said Barnhill. “I’m excited to have the chance to do this work that I think will be beneficial to both our service members and to the people of Â鶹´«Ã½.”

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University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ medical student, Ryan Hiroshi “Keliʻi” Shontell, is highlighting the significance of breaking down Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (NHPI) data to address health disparities, particularly cancer, more effectively.

Shontell, who earned his PhD in in 2023 and is currently pursuing his MD at the , is driven by his personal experience of witnessing his family members suffer from cancer.

“My father, my grandmother, great grandfather, grandfather—there’s tons, tons of cancer on my Hawaiian side,” said Shontell, who noticed a stark contrast in his family’s health compared to his Japanese side. “There’s just so little data available to improve outcomes. It’s one of my biggest goals—to fill these gaps so others don’t have to go through these family hardships with cancer.”

NHPI health data bundled with Asians

Shontell points out that, while NHPI has been a federally recognized racial category since 1997, health data for this group often remains bundled with Asians, masking significant disparities.

“It assumes Native Hawaiians are doing fine, but if you look at data from the and the Â鶹´«Ã½ Tumor Registry—that’s not the case. Native Hawaiians across the board have dismal outcomes for cancer,” he explained, referencing the disconnect between the local research focused on NHPI health outcomes when other groups used NHPI-Asian aggregated data.

Combating Indigenous community invisibility

Under the mentorship of Kekoa Taparra, Shontell joined a collaborative team of researchers from across the country that make up the . The lab’s mission is to combat the invisibility of Indigenous communities by emphasizing the existence of NHPI populations in scientific research and health data collection.

It’s one of my biggest goals—to fill these gaps so others don’t have to go through these family hardships with cancer.
—Ryan Shontell

Taparra Lab researchers, including Shontell, published a study in the that is the first to disaggregate cancer data for NHPI adolescents and young adults (15–39 years old). The study found that NHPI patients face higher risks of late-stage cancer diagnosis and poorer survival rates from cancer overall, particularly for cancers like cervical, colorectal, lymphoma and melanoma, compared to other racial groups.

He highlights a study from the Taparra Lab that found melanoma mortality rates in NHPI are nearly 40% higher than in Caucasians. This disparity was hidden when NHPI data was lumped with Asian-Americans, who generally have better health outcomes.

“These patients aren’t being diagnosed at later stages, but they still have really dismal survival rates, so that needs to be investigated, whether it’s advocating for more directed intervention, more funding to public health programs or more funding for screening programs to be able to decrease that gap in survival between Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander patients and white patients,” Shontell said.

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A University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ graduate student has uncovered new perspectives on heart health and energy metabolism. A study by Katie Lee, a PhD candidate in the (JABSOM), explores the role of the Pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) enzyme in the heart’s energy production and stress management. While previous studies have focused on PKM2 in disease contexts, Lee’s work explores its function in healthy hearts.

“People have explored PKM2 in the context of disease,” said Lee. “The disease has already happened, and they’re looking at what can be done with PKM2 to solve it. We wanted to see what PKM2 actually does in healthy hearts, and we discovered that your heart can’t really be healthy without PKM2.”

Energy production, stress management

The study examined mice lacking PKM2 and found a significant depletion of Adenosine triphosphate, the primary energy source at the cellular level. Lee’s research highlights that, without PKM2, glucose intended for energy production is diverted to manage oxidative stress—a harmful condition driven by reactive oxygen species.

“The heart needs a lot of energy to contract and to move blood around your body, so it gets that energy by using a lot of sugars, mostly fats and amino acids,” Lee explained. “We wanted to see if PKM2 made processing glucose more efficient and if it helps maintain energy when resources are limited, like oxygen.”

Unexpectedly, Lee and the team found that, in the absence of PKM2, glucose was redirected from energy production to managing oxidative stress, which is often triggered by dysfunctional mitochondria.

“This has been a paper that we’ve been waiting for years to be published, and it’s been a journey to get all the right pieces together,” Lee said. “If anyone’s interested in reading it, they’ll find years worth of data. I’m happy to push it out and move on to the next part!”

Lee’s journey began as an undergraduate biochemistry student at UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ and continued through her involvement with JABSOM and the program. She now studies cardiovascular disease as part of the Cell and Molecular Biology program.

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Researchers at the University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹â€™s (JABSOM) have achieved a breakthrough in gene editing that could revolutionize the treatment of genetic diseases such as hemophilia. The new technique enables a faster, safer and more efficient delivery of healthy genes into the body, potentially addressing hundreds of genetic conditions.

This research was published in . The research team is led by Jesse Owens, along with Brian Hew, Ryuei Sato and Sabranth Gupta, from JABSOM‘s and Cell and Molecular Biology Department.

Traditional gene-editing methods, while promising, often struggle with unintended DNA damage because of difficulties in inserting large genetic material, such as whole genes. However, the research team’s method overcomes these challenges by utilizing a specially engineered “super-active integrase” (nucleic acid processing enzyme) that can insert therapeutic genes into the genome with precision and efficiency—achieving success rates of up to 96%.

“It’s like having a ‘paste’ function for the human genome,” said Owens. This advancement allows for the careful insertion of healthy genes without causing DNA breaks, offering hope for more effective and affordable treatments for genetic disorders.

“This could lead to faster and more affordable treatments for a wide range of diseases, potentially impacting hundreds of conditions with a single faulty gene,” added Owens.

Accelerating advanced medical treatment

Beyond gene therapy, this new technique has broader implications for medicine. It can significantly speed up the development of cell lines used in producing therapeutic proteins, which traditionally involves a time-consuming process of randomly inserting genes and then searching for cells that produce the desired proteins.

Owens’ method streamlines the process, delivering genes directly to the desired location in the genome, making the development of biologics and advanced therapies, such as antibodies, more efficient.

“JABSOM takes pride in nurturing talented researchers like Jesse Owens, whose work has the power to create a global impact,” said Sam Shomaker, JABSOM dean. “This research, conducted in our lab in the middle of the Pacific, has the potential to significantly improve the way we treat genetic diseases.”

The JABSOM team continues to explore how this technique can accelerate the development and manufacture of life-saving therapeutics. Owens founded , a 501c3 nonprofit aimed at supporting local research in genetic engineering in Â鶹´«Ã½.

A wearable ring that detects date rape drugs and desalination technology that uses solar thermal conversion to convert seawater into fresh water are just two of the innovative projects that are being developed through an inaugural University of Â鶹´«Ã½ fellowship program.

Launched and managed by the (OIC), is a new and unique program to develop the next generation of technology innovators from within UH’s ranks of PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers. The systemwide program is part of a $2.4-million grant from the Office of Naval Research.

Through the one-year program, Patents2Products Fellows will receive intellectual property training, technology transfer guidance and industry mentorship to translate innovative ideas into meaningful commercialization opportunities. This program takes what students have learned and researched during their time at UH to make meaningful impacts on the lives of people in many everyday situations.

Utilizing the regional training program, fellows will assess the commercial landscape and leverage the Lean Startup methodology as a development tool for technology maturation, participate in professional development workshops, and engage in networking opportunities to seek future funding and cross-functional collaborations for continued venture development. Each fellow will receive salary compensation, a stipend for research supplies, and have access to state-of-the art facilities and specialized equipment.

“The Patents2Products program is the first-of-its-kind in the State of Â鶹´«Ã½ and is designed to mature the readiness level of UH-developed, impact-driven technologies in the blue economy and healthcare sectors,” said Steven Auerbach, interim director of OIC. “The program provides in-depth innovation and entrepreneurship training and experience to help develop the next generation of scientists and technologists to translate their world-class research into impactful, commercial products or services that can improve our everyday lives.”

The inaugural cohort of Patents2Products Fellows and their projects include:

• Project: A Wearable Sensor for Detecting Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault Drugs
  Fellow: Kaylee Clark, UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ postdoctoral researcher
  Details: The wearable sensor will be a stylish and functional ring equipped with integrated sensors for personal detection of flunitrazepam (also known as Rohypnol) in beverages to mitigate drug-facilitated assaults.
  Faculty sponsor: Tyler Ray, , , College of Engineering and , John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM), UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹
• Project: Body Composition Assessment Technology
  Fellow: Jonathan Bennett, UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ postdoctoral researcher
  Details: The technology leverages highly effective obesity models to improve access and use particularly in low-middle-income and rural environments to increase awareness and early detection and intervention of body composition risk factors for obesity.
  Faculty sponsor: John Shepherd, , UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹
• Project: eDNA Filtration System
  Fellow: Danielle Bartz, UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ PhD candidate
  Details: The eDNA Filtration System allows for the simultaneous filtration of seawater in preparation for environmental DNA (eDNA) analyses to better address ecological questions in aquatic communities.
  Faculty sponsor: Timothy Grabowski, , UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹; , UH Hilo; and Â鶹´«Ã½ Cooperative Fishery Research Unit
• Project: Desalination Technology
  Fellow: Suman Chhetri, UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ postdoctoral researcher
  Details: Desalination Technology uses solar thermal conversion to help solve freshwater shortage issues and replace existing energy-intensive processes with sustainable, green technologies for water purification.
  Faculty sponsor: Woochul Lee, Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹
• Project: Novel Metagenomic Sequencing Technology
  Fellow: Min Ki (Carl) Jeon, UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ PhD candidate
  Details: This new technology will help rapidly characterize influenza diversity and dynamics in wastewater to better inform flu vaccine development.
  Faculty sponsor: Tao Yan, , , College of Engineering, UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹
• Project: Expression Vector System
  Fellow: Ludwig Mayerlen, UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ PhD candidate
  Details: The system uses an improved insect cell line to develop a fully customizable product that can be used for the expression of almost any protein and provide high-yield production of vaccine antigens.
  Faculty sponsor: Axel Lehrer, , JABSOM, UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹
• Project: Programmable Genome Insertion Tool
  Fellow: Christopher Tran, UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ PhD candidate
  Details:This tool is designed to actively and accurately incorporate DNA into the genome of somatic cells at specific locations to develop clinical therapies that use insertional vectors to treat genetic disease.
  Faculty sponsor: Jesse Owens, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, JABSOM, UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹

“Our mission for Patents2Products is to educate and empower young talent to develop the necessary skills to ripen and shepherd groundbreaking technologies to the marketplace, and explore new pathways to become STEM leaders of emerging industries of our future,” said Rebecca H. Chung, Patents2Products program lead and OIC associate director, innovation programs. “This exciting opportunity will provide fellows with transdisciplinary training to engage in cross-functional research that will build greater innovation capacity and opportunities.”

OIC will begin recruiting for next year’s cohort in fall 2023. An information session for interested faculty sponsors and applicants will be hosted on November 15, 2023. For updates and more information about the Patents2Products program, visit research.hawaii.edu/patents2products or email patents2products@hawaii.edu.

The University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ (JABSOM) was awarded a $430,375 grant from the National Institutes of Health to embark on the exploration of selenoprotein I, a little-known protein that could have a major impact on our health. Genes make proteins. Rare mutations of the gene in humans lead to a form of hereditary spastic paraplegia (a group of inherited disorders) with symptoms including severe motor deficits, impaired myelination (the process that establishes connectivity in the brain) and epilepsy.

“The main objective of the grant is to investigate the role of selenoprotein I in neurodevelopment and neurodegenerative diseases,” said Principal Investigator Matthew Pitts, a researcher at JABSOM.

To put Pitts’s work into context, there are 25 selenoproteins encoded by the human genome, which are characterized by the presence of selenocysteine in their amino acid sequence. As a whole, selenoproteins play an essential role protecting against oxidative stress.

“What we found so far is that mice with selenoprotein I specifically knocked out in their central nervous system recapitulated key features of human patients including poor motor coordination, impaired growth and disrupted myelination,” Pitts said. “Their brains also seem shrunken and smaller, which has been reported in human patients.”

Possible impact on other neurodegenerative diseases

Since decreased levels of plasmalogen have also been linked to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, what Pitts learns can profoundly impact the kÅ«puna population in Â鶹´«Ã½ and beyond.

“It could have that influence down the road,” he said. “I would say that what we’re looking at is more of a basic science question that’s not specific to any population, but more of an understanding of how the brain develops, how selenoprotein I influences things like myelination, neurodegeneration and so forth.”

The R21 grant allows Pitts to investigate selenoprotein I for the next two years and possibly longer. His most immediate goal is to publish his most recent findings, which show that JABSOM is on the cutting edge of neuroscience research.

In 2011, Jonathan Yap entered the lab of researcher William Boisvert at the University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ (JABSOM), as a volunteer. Twelve years later, thanks to a coveted National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant, Yap will become a principal investigator (PI), the highest level of the research tiers.

This achievement is rare for many researchers but even more impressive, considering Yap has never been able to do hands-on lab work; a spinal cord injury during a body surfing accident rendered him quadriplegic. For many, the setback could have put their life on a different path, but Yap persisted.

Related UH News story: Quadriplegic scientist flourishes at UH med school with helping hands

After more than a decade of diligent and novel work and earning his PhD in in 2019, the Native Hawaiian scientist is receiving a grant from the NIH as he studies ways to make heart attack victims heal quicker.

The Maximizing Opportunities for Scientific and Academic Independent Careers program award is part of NIH’s efforts to enhance diversity within the academic biomedical research workforce for outstanding postdoctoral researchers from diverse backgrounds and help them complete needed mentored training and transition to independent, tenure-track faculty positions.

Yap is examining a specific protein within macrophages (white blood cells that surround and kill microorganisms, remove dead cells and stimulate the action of other immune system cells) called Tristetraprolin and its possible contribution to heart healing after a heart attack.

“For able-bodied people, going from volunteer to PI is unusual,” Boisvert said. “Jon climbed the ladder as fast as anyone really could.”

Interest in cardiovascular science

Yap always had an interest in cardiovascular science, and his journey at JABSOM started after he got his master’s in physiology. He found cardiovascular pathology to be one of the more exciting parts of the curriculum.

“I wanted to get my PhD, but I didn’t know if it was possible, so I wanted to see what it was like in a laboratory environment,” he said. “I looked at JABSOM and saw who was taking on new students. There was a list of 10 people. I would apply in increments of three, and Bill was one of the first three.”

Boisvert said, “His interest level was so high, and his desire to be involved in the world of research was so apparent. I wanted to have him join. His mind was a great asset.”

A voracious reader of scientific work, Yap was accepted as a volunteer. He would sit in on meetings and learn about the cardiovascular research done in Boisvert’s lab. About three months in, Boisvert realized he had a gifted scientist on his hands.

“He was so up on the literature and was contributing novel ideas and different ways of doing things that it became very apparent that he could be a valuable, contributing member to the lab and to the world of research in general,” Boisvert said.

Seeing the potential

Boisvert wanted Yap to play a more prominent role in his lab, but because Yap is paralyzed in his arms and legs, Boisvert had to get creative.

“It was going to be a challenge at all times. Frankly, that’s probably the major reason why other researchers did not look favorably upon Jon,” Boisvert said. “It’s not something anyone wants to deal with, but I saw the potential, and I liked Jon enormously as a person. I really wanted things to work out for him, so we found ways.”

Those ways would consist of a technician in the lab—a pair of hands to do the work that Yap physically couldn’t do.

“I work with amazing people, and I design the experiments on paper, understanding the principles of what needs to be done in terms of science, designing the experiments, having discussions with Bill and the technicians on the best way to get these things done. Then the technicians go to work on it,” Yap explained. “They carry out the technical and mechanical aspects of the experimentation. I provide conceptual guidance and experimental design.”

After more than a decade of benevolent guidance from Boisvert, Yap is looking to follow in his mentor’s footsteps and pass on the knowledge he received to younger scientists and those interested in health, particularly Native Hawaiians.

“Mentoring the next generation of scientists, especially in Â鶹´«Ã½, in this climate, is absolutely my goal. It’s not just science, but life. I’ve learned life lessons from Bill, too,” Yap said.

, and are popular majors students who desire a career in health care choose at the University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹. They can also add a double major to better understand and help dispel prejudices experienced by women, LGBTQ+ and marginalized groups in society.

In the , the (WGSS), formerly known as Women’s Studies, offers an interdisciplinary approach to studying women and gender issues, featuring a , and certificates, and a .

“We all deserve full health potential, but disparities exist among specific population groups in the attainment of that,” said Lani Teves, WGSS chair and associate professor. “This is why students have many opportunities across our curriculum to think critically and creatively about solutions to health inequities, and to see themselves as key actors in making health care more accessible and equitable across many communities.”

A WGSS student and two alumni explain why seeking a double major in WGSS made sense to them in pursuit of health care careers.

‘Topics touch so many strands of my identity’

Cassidy Silva came to UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ in 2019 as a Regents Scholar. With the intent of applying to medical school after earning her bachelor’s degree in cell biology, the Mililani High School graduate plunged headlong into WGSS and found the subject matter fascinating.

“There’s a synergy that exists between all that I learn in the classroom, my past experiences, and my personal and professional goals,” said Silva. “Like that of no other field of study, WGSS topics touch so many strands of my identity.”

As a research intern at Kapiʻolani Medical Center for Women and Children, Silva helped recruit participants for a study on the diet and eating practices of Native Hawaiian mothers and their babies. Silva also ran the social media account of the Â鶹´«Ã½-based organization SafeSex808, which focuses on expanding teen knowledge of safe and consensual sex.

She used her WGSS education while interning at the John A. Burns School of Medicine’s (JABSOM) Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, which fits into her dream of becoming a doctor specializing in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. Silva is currently a junior hoping to graduate in spring 2023.

‘Working to create a more equitable society’

Cameron Woods, who graduated in spring 2022 with their bachelor’s in public health and WGSS, hopes to be a nurse practitioner. A Kalani High School graduate, Woods enrolled at UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ in 2018 and was eager to take all the public health classes that were offered. Yet, as a sophomore, Woods felt something was missing.

“It became clear that my public health education would not be complete without studying and understanding the historical, social and structural issues that have created and perpetuated health disparities,” said the 2018 Regents Scholar.

That’s when WGSS became Woods’ second major. Woods also found fulfilling part-time work at a local health center, where two aspects of the job were making organizational changes to ensure LGBTQ+ patients and employees feel safe and comfortable in the clinic, and meeting with patients seeking guidance on gender-affirming health care.

“Our insurance system makes it very difficult for people to receive gender-affirming care, and it can be quite challenging and even traumatizing to navigate the health system on their own. I tried to take as much of that burden off the patient,” they said. “My advice to students, if you want to challenge yourself to deconstruct and reframe your ideas about society, and have a career working to create a more equitable society, WGSS is a great major to consider.”

‘I am a better person today because of WGSS’

Austin Ajimura, who graduated in 2019 with his bachelor’s in biology and WGSS, is pursuing a master’s in public health in social and behavioral health sciences, with the hopes of becoming a public health professional.

From early childhood to serving as Mililani High’s student body president, Ajimura wanted to pursue a career in medicine. “But what I failed to consider were the forces that affect my patients’ lives external to medicine”, said Ajimura. “When someone leaves the clinic, no matter how much you try to help them, they will continue to face their challenges.”

Ajimura is still haunted by the memory of a client while volunteering at JABSOM’s HOME (Houseless Outreach and Medical Education) Project.

“The client was in the final stages of cancer, a chronically houseless veteran and not receiving needed medical care or social support. We were able to assist to the best of our abilities but I never saw this individual again. I think about that person a lot. The experience further fueled my passion for change, because it was the first time I really saw the direct and devastating impacts of health disparities and poor access to health care.”

Ajimura’s main duties at Â鶹´«Ã½ HOME are assisting patients to obtain health insurance, establish primary care, and identify/overcome insurance and treatment barriers. He also works with city first-responders who have contracted or been exposed to COVID-19 by doing data collection and case investigation, determining appropriate quarantine/isolation timelines, and providing follow-up.

“I am a better person today because of WGSS. It has transformed me in the way that I view the world and society,” he said.

For more, visit the .

This work is an example of UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹â€™s goals of (PDF) and (PDF), two of four goals identified in the (PDF), updated in December 2020.

Sometimes we have had a class where the subject material seems a bit tough to interpret. And sometimes a teaching assistant who has been in our place helps make the connections we could not initially see.

University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ graduate students who have studied any life sciences field as an undergraduate or graduate student are invited to apply to become a teaching assistant (TA) in the .

According to School of Life Sciences Associate Director of Instruction Stephanie Kraft-Terry, the school is looking for approximately 64 TAs to assist in teaching undergraduate labs in the areas of biology, botany, marine biology, microbiology and molecular cell biology.

“We hire TAs with background in both undergraduate and graduate studies in the life sciences and encourage anyone with that background who is interested in providing excellent instruction to undergraduate students, regardless of their graduate program, to apply,” Kraft-Terry said.

The application review deadline is April 29. Applications will continue to be accepted but priority will be given to those students who submit an application by April 29. Visit the for more information and to apply.

Creating an impact for students

Breena Gaskov is working as a life sciences TA, while finishing up her first year as a student in the program. Gaskov holds an undergraduate degree in biology with a focus in microbiology.

“Being a TA for the School of Life Sciences allows me to make that impact on students who are looking for their passion in science, and guide them along the way,” Gaskov said. “For me, becoming a School of Life Sciences TA was a no brainer. I now get to come full circle and teach others in the same way that made me fall in love with science!”

Along with receiving a nine-month salary and tuition waiver, Gaskov said one of the major benefits is to be able to personalize your instruction to your skill set.

“I purposely teach in the same way that worked best for me when I was in my students’ place,” Gaskov said. “I have the ability to make even difficult subjects fun, for both me and the students! The biggest one though, for me, is the ability to see the impact being made on students. I have had multiple students walk into class and tell me ‘I was having a bad day today and this class made it better,’ and ‘I actually look forward to coming to this lab.’ I always leave the lab feeling full of happiness, every single time.”

Gaining self-confidence

Chris Nakano became a life sciences TA after hearing about the position from fellow peers in his classes. He earned his graduate degree in in fall 2021.

“Aside from the tuition exemption and stipends, the office staff, lab coordinators and principal investigators are incredibly supportive in both the sense of helping you excel as a budding educator and understanding of your busy schedule as a student,” Nakano said. “It’s a great introduction to scientific pedagogy, and you’ll nurture the self-confidence to troubleshoot the basic lab techniques prevalent in any scientific laboratory. You’ll also be surrounded by experts in the field that are generous in experience and wisdom, who are incredibly eager to share their counsel.”

Nakano recommends interested applicants to apply early, have enthusiasm and be committed.

This work is an example of UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹â€™s goals of (PDF) and (PDF), two of four goals identified in the (PDF), updated in December 2020.

—By Marc Arakaki

Teaching critical data science skills to a broad group of students is the focus of a University of Â鶹´«Ã½ project that just received a $300,000 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF). The (JABSOM) and the (HI–DSI) announced the award for the two-year project entitled “JADE-Justice-oriented Approaches to Data Science Education.”

“Data science skills are going to be critical for the jobs of the future. Whether that job is in healthcare, in finance or fighting climate change, data science will be a component of day-to-day employment, in the same way that word processing and spreadsheets became essential 30 years ago,” said Principal Investigator Alexander Stokes, JABSOM assistant professor of cell and molecular biology and affiliated faculty with HI–DSI. “This award focuses on developing these skills in the widest possible group of students, especially those who are not in traditional computer science undergraduate or graduate programs. This NSF-funded research will look at new teaching methods to engage a wide cross-section of students in data science training and research. We want to enrich their undergraduate or graduate experience, and arm them with skills and experiences that give them a competitive edge in tomorrow’s job market.”

HI–DSI Co-Director Gwen Jacobs said, “We are celebrating this award to Dr. Stokes, who is an excellent example of our ‘virtual institute’ model at HI–DSI, where we invite faculty from a broad range of scientific domains across UH to enrich their research and teaching with data science approaches. As a HI–DSI member, Alex started using advanced data science approaches to identify new or understudied therapeutic targets for heart and other diseases and then started exploring the integration of data science and analytics into teaching. This is a highly competitive award that reflects NSF investment both in a research program and an individual who is a future leader in STEM education and research.”

The JADE award will support research on data science pedagogy and directly links to Gov. David Ige’s Digital Economy vision and the focus area of “” to strengthen science, technology and the economy.

“A digital economy recognizes that data are everywhere,” Stokes said. “As a university, and a state, we need to make sure that the analysts, engineers, physicians, nurses, entrepreneurs, climate scientists, journalists, etc., that we are training, have the skills to enhance their field through data-driven decision making.”

Camaron Miyamoto, director of the , who supported the grant’s design and submission, said the award is also fundamentally about equity.

“Alex is looking at inclusive pedagogy in data science, not only for students outside traditional computer sciences, but importantly asking how we reach and include groups who have been historically excluded and marginalized in STEM.” Miyamoto said. “Alex believes that focusing students on social justice issues in their research projects and involving them in wrangling data that can be used to effect social change, will resonate with under-represented students including BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) and LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning one’s sexual or gender identity, intersex and asexual/aromantic/agender) participants.”

For many years, lung cancer has been the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. and in Â鶹´«Ã½. In 2019, the National Cancer Institute reported 139,603 people died of lung cancer, while from 2012 to 2016, approximately 541 people died annually from the disease in the state.

University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ PhD candidate Zitong Gao received an inaugural three-year fellowship to study conduct public impact research on lung cancer at the . The fellowship, sponsored by the Friends of the UH Cancer Center and , was established in 2021 to support a doctoral student with a focus on cancer research.

Applicants were students from various UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ programs including molecular biosciences and bioengineering, and . The top candidate was chosen using the following criteria: topic relevance to cancer prevention or control, stated interest in cancer research, research skills and mentor evaluation.

“As a nonprofit whose purpose is to support and promote the UH Cancer Center, the Friends is so very pleased to partially underwrite this program, which will lead to impactful research and also foster researcher talent and growth,” said Monica McLaren, board president of the Friends of UH Cancer Center. “We are excited to support Zitong Gao’s journey and to see how it will lead to better health for us all.”

Gao’s record of having 12 peer-reviewed publications, five of which she was the first author, set her apart from other applicants and confirmed her potential as a future researcher. She has shown high productivity in terms of publications, and great success in converting data into quality research conclusions.

“It is such a big surprise and honor for me to be the first recipient of this fellowship,” said Gao. “Most lung cancer cases are diagnosed at later stages when treatment options are less likely to be curative. I hope my research results can be used to work towards earlier detection of the disease to increase its overall survival rate.”

Throughout her fellowship, Gao’s research will focus on biomarkers with the aim of revealing possible mechanisms in lung cancer development. She hopes to advance strategies for early detection and the prediction of distant metastases.

“Clinical Labs of Â鶹´«Ã½ is very proud to partner with the UH Cancer Center to support scientific research in HawaiÊ»i,” said Clinical Labs of Â鶹´«Ã½ President Ally Park. “It is important for us all to invest in ourselves, keep our talent in Â鶹´«Ã½, and promote healthcare and research amongst our unique and diverse population.”

Findings from Gao’s research may help in finding ways to decrease lung cancer incidence and mortality throughout Â鶹´«Ã½ and beyond.

This fellowship is an example of UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹â€™s goal of (PDF), one of four goals identified in the (PDF), updated in December 2020.

Making waves in the fight against disease at the University of Â鶹´«Ã½ is the ’s (IBR) youngest full-time faculty member, 36-year-old Jesse Owens. Owens, who also earned his PhD in cell and molecular biology from UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹, was awarded $2.3 million from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) over the next five years to develop a new, safer and more efficient approach to gene therapy. He leads a team of collaborators from UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹â€™s (JABSOM), MIT and UC Davis.

The $2.3 million grant is significant because it was a first-time submission and received a score in the 1st percentile, higher than 99% of grants submitted from institutions across all 50 states in the U.S.

“Directed evolution of a sequence-specific targeting technology for therapeutic gene delivery to the human genome,” Owens’ grant addresses drawbacks to current genome editing technologies that randomly insert a therapeutic gene, which can disrupt important host genes and potentially cause cancer. Methods like CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats), a family of DNA sequences in genomes of organisms, are inefficient in non-dividing cells and delivering large DNA cargos. However, the technology that Owens is developing can direct large pieces of DNA to a safe location in the genome that can be used in all body tissues, both dividing and non-dividing, “which will allow us to cure more types of diseases.”

State-of-the-art technology, new gene therapy

“This is an R01, which is the coveted personal grant that people get to do research…it’s bringing absolutely state-of-the-art technology that he’s inventing to do new gene therapy in Â鶹´«Ã½ and this is why we’re very proud of him,” said IBR Director Steven Ward.

I think the schools here in Â鶹´«Ã½ are underestimated
—Owens

“Not only is he faculty here, he got his PhD here, he was trained here, he was raised on the Big Island,” added Ward. “He’s the product of that and it just shows you that Â鶹´«Ã½ can do some of the world’s greatest biomedical research.”

In addition to the NIH funding, Owens recently signed a sponsored-research agreement with a private company specializing in non-viral gene therapies called SalioGen Therapeutics. The goal of this collaboration is to advance the tools he is developing in the lab into clinical-stage gene therapy candidates.

Born on Â鶹´«Ã½ Island, Owens shares his Hilo High School alma mater with renowned Nobel Prize winner Jennifer Doudna, who developed CRISPR gene therapy. He hopes to inspire other children from Â鶹´«Ã½ to pursue a career in science.

“I think the schools here in Â鶹´«Ã½ are underestimated really, but you can succeed coming out of Â鶹´«Ã½, for sure,” Owens said.

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This research is an example of UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹â€™s goal of (PDF), one of four goals identified in the (PDF), updated in December 2020.

Research conducted by a University of Â鶹´«Ã½ student currently pursuing a dual MD and PhD degree is highlighted in a national journal.

As a graduate research assistant at the , Jiaming Xue earned his PhD in cell and molecular biology (CMB) in August. He is currently a second-year student at UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹â€™s (JABSOM). Xue’s research, published in , revealed important mechanisms regarding how asbestos fibers cause cancer.

Xue conducted his research over the past five years in the laboratory of his PhD mentor, Haining Yang, at the UH Cancer Center. Under Yang’s mentorship, Xue’s work revealed that upon asbestos exposure, human cells activate a process called autophagy that allows some cells to survive. These cells continue to live but carry the mutations caused by asbestos and later become malignant.

The study further demonstrated that commonly used antidepressant drugs having a secondary effect of inhibiting autophagy could reduce asbestos carcinogenesis. In the future, the scientific community will test whether such anti-depressive therapy may reduce cancer risks among individuals exposed to asbestos.

“Jiaming has worked very hard for the past few years. He often stayed late in the lab outside of office hours in the evenings and on the weekends to conduct his experiments, while at the same time attending school and studying medicine during the day,” said Yang. “Jiaming represents the high standard of students at UH with dedication and perseverance. I hope his success will inspire the future students to pursue a career of MD/PhD.”

Xue said, “It’s teamwork. I am grateful for all the support I have received from my colleagues in the lab, from the core facilities at the Kakaʻako campus, from my CMB program and from JABSOM. Most importantly, I would like to thank Dr. Haining Yang, who taught me the science and the love for science, and Dr. Michele Carbone, who pushed me to pursue an MD/PhD degree, and for his advice along the way.“

Xue plans to continue his medical studies at JABSOM and work to become a physician/scientist. “I want to be an oncologist. Hopefully, after my training, I can come back and practice in Â鶹´«Ã½,” he said.

The research was directed by Yang and Carbone at the UH Cancer Center in collaboration with Tak W. Mak at the University of Toronto, as well as scientists at New York University, University of Iowa, University of Hiroshima (Japan) and University of Ferrara (Italy). The study was supported by a $2.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Defense.

University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ (JABSOM) researchers who study the micronutrient selenium were encouraged by a recent study out of China that looked at the positive association between selenium and reported cure rates of COVID-19 cases.

Lucia Seale, Daniel Torres, Marla Berry and Matthew Pitts with JABSOM’s sent commentary published in the that endorsed the study conducted by J. Zhang and collaborators on “.” The study analyzed data gathered from 17 cities in China, known to have populations with both the lowest and the highest selenium status in the world.

Selenium is a trace element that is naturally present in many foods (fish, meat and cereals), and is available as a dietary supplement. It is nutritionally essential for humans, and is a constituent of more than two dozen selenoproteins that play critical roles in reproduction, thyroid hormone metabolism, DNA synthesis, and protection from oxidative damage and infection.

“This may provide novel insights into mechanisms leading to the severity of COVID-19 and gauge the demographic most likely to benefit from selenium supplementation and/or treatment in the fight against COVID-19,” said Associate Researcher Seale.

When she is not busy at the lab or studying as a graduate student at the , Ruth Taketa enjoys learning about and participating in cultural events.

She joined the Honolulu Japanese Junior Chamber of Commerce Cherry Blossom Festival in Â鶹´«Ã½—the longest running ethnic festival in the state that perpetuates Japanese culture while enriching the lives of young women in Â鶹´«Ã½.

Taketa is a graduate research assistant with Robert Nichols, professor of , and was involved in his recent discovery of a potential new approach to treating Alzheimer’s disease.

“What we hope for is to provide a better understanding of the disease in order to prevent and treat the neurodegenerative disorder,” she said.

Taketa, a Roosevelt High School and UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ graduate, was named a 65th Cherry Blossom Festival Â鶹´«Ã½ Princess in 2017. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree in cell and molecular biology at UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ and is one of the many examples of the various talents and faces that make up UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ and its medical school.

—By Deborah Manog Dimaya