University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at Hilo graduate Pascale Pinner has been inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame (NTHF) in recognition of her extraordinary dedication to education. Now in her 38th year teaching science at Hilo Intermediate School, Pinner’s journey reflects a lifelong commitment to learning and community—one deeply influenced by UH Hilo’s supportive environment.

“I developed a good handful of friends, and we stuck together and supported each other through everything,” said Pinner. “I keep in touch with many of them to this day. That’s what makes UH Hilo so special . . . small class size, small university feel, rigorous curriculum, but culturally this integration of everybody together, supporting each other to be one big ʻohana (family).”

Her induction into the NTHF was a surprise orchestrated by her school community. Sixty students arrived with lei and honored her one by one, until the stack reached her eyes. It was a celebration of the appreciation and respect earned over the years.

Full circle mentorship

Pinner earned a bachelorÊ»s degree in from UH Hilo in 1987 and a professional diploma in education in 1991. She credits several UH Hilo faculty members as being influential in her development as an educator—naming Bob Fox, Marlene Hapai, Nina Buchanan and Don Hemmes as mentors who encouraged her to consider teaching.

In addition to teaching at Hilo Intermediate, Pinner also taught in the UH Hilo for four years. She holds a doctorate in educational leadership, and her community ties run deep. Her principal is a former student, and she has also taught four current colleagues.

Joy of teaching

Today, Pinner continues to teach because of the impact science education has on her students.

“The number one thing that makes my day, makes my week, makes my year is when students experience something during a science lesson and you can just see the awe and wonder pop out in their face,” said Pinner. “That kind of energy has allowed me to continue in this position for those 38 years.”

This column by Chancellor Lui Hokoana was published by on August 28, 2025.

Derek Snyder is a very familiar face around our campus. He’s been teaching here for 20 years, most of those in the English Department. He’s taught a full gamut of courses ranging from Introductory Composition to Research Writing. And he is as skilled at all modalities of distance learning as he is at teaching “in person.” As a matter of fact, he is recognized as a thought leader in distance education.

Besides being a faculty member—most recently a full professor—Snyder has served our college as a Student Services Specialist, a short-term Program Coordinator for the Maui Language Institute, a non-credit instructor in the Office of Continuing Education and Training (OCET), and a lecturer for both UH Maui College and the University of Â鶹´«Ã½ Center, Maui.

“This variety of work experience within our campus community provides me with a deep appreciation and understanding of the important work that our entire campus team performs every day to assist us in achieving our mission to our students and communities,” Snyder says.

Believe it or not, that’s not all. Go below the surface and you will find an academic leader—he has held many different leadership positions at UHMC and the wider UH community—and a community volunteer. “I coached youth sports for years, served on the Board of Directors of Hui Malama Learning Center, and now serve on the Board of Directors of Manaʻo Radio,” says Snyder.

Look deeper still and you will find a lifelong learner who credits his 97-year-old grandmother with teaching him two of life’s most important lessons. “She told me, 1. ‘Everyone knows something you do not.’ and 2. ‘True happiness in life comes through helping others,’” says Snyder.

All of the above made Snyder the perfect candidate to fill the position of our new Dean of Arts and Sciences. There’s also his passion for a field of study that is often maligned these days—Liberal Arts which include all the Arts & Sciences.

“The disciplines in the Arts & Sciences are wonderfully varied at UH Maui College, in the areas of Humanities, STEM, Language Arts, and Social Science,” says Snyder. “The true superpowers of Arts and Sciences programs are that they prepare students to enter the workforce while also preparing them to help positively transform the workforce in creative and innovative ways. Arts and Sciences graduates are equipped to become curious, thoughtful, reflective, empathic, and empirical leaders in their fields and, by extension, in their communities.”

“At the heart of the mission of higher education is to help students become change agents in their communities—high-level problem solvers and critical thinkers. At UH Maui College, it can be said that we are preparing students for jobs that may not even exist yet. In a rapidly and ever-changing world, graduates in the Arts and Sciences possess skills and strategies to process complex information that can allow them to best adapt to constantly changing work environments and technological innovations,” Snyder explains.

“What students learn in the Arts and Sciences builds a well-versed foundation for navigating any work environment and prepares students to be leaders in an incredible variety of careers. To name only a few career pathways, students in the Arts and Sciences become the doctors who care for us, the teachers who inspire us, the social workers and first responders who save us, and the scientists who help us best understand the world around us. In every possible way, the Arts and Sciences serves students powerfully in their career endeavors,” says Snyder.

With his strong teaching expertise, deep understanding of pedagogy, proven leadership skills, and deep passion for higher education, I am confident that Dean Snyder will be a tremendous asset to our leadership team and will help us further strengthen the quality of education and support we provide to Maui Nui.

For complete information about UH Maui College, please visit

Dr. Lui K. Hokoana is Chancellor of the University of Â鶹´«Ã½ Maui College. Kaʻana Manaʻo, which means “sharing thoughts,” is scheduled to appear on the fourth Thursday of each month. It is prepared with assistance from UH Maui College staff and is intended to provide the community of Maui County with information about opportunities available through the college at its Kahului campus and its education centers.

A new partnership between the University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at Hilo and the Â鶹´«Ã½ Police Department (HPD) is giving law enforcement officers across the state a clear path to earning a bachelor’s degree while continuing to serve their communities.

Launching this fall, the cohort offers online classes through UH Hilo’s College of . Officers can work full-time and study alongside a dedicated group of peers.

“It’s the first of what I hope will be many workforce partnerships here on Â鶹´«Ã½ Island,” said UH Hilo Chancellor Bonnie D. Irwin while meeting with law enforcement officers who attended the program’s orientation. “We know that you’re ready, and we’re going to give you at UH Hilo all the support you need to be successful students and then soon graduates of this program.”

The inaugural class includes 10 officers from Â鶹´«Ã½ County Police, Honolulu Police and the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement or DOCARE division. The program is open to officers statewide. Applications for the fall cohort are due on August 15, while the deadline to join for the spring 2026 program is December 1.

Sharpening skills to serve

HPD officer Ryan Barrett said joining the fall cohort is a step toward answering some of the tough questions that come with his job.

“As a patrol officer right now, sometimes there are questions of, ‘What’s the best way to do this? Or, you know, what does case law say? How can I go about this in the best approach?’ And I think using these next couple of years to get a degree in Administration of Justice will help me better equip myself to better help the community,” Barrett said.

The new degree pathway drew praise from Â鶹´«Ã½ County Mayor Kimo Alameda, who expressed how the program’s impact stretches far beyond the classroom.

“For every police officer who gets a degree in higher education—that improves their quality of life, their self esteem, and that has ripple effects to their family and ultimately, the community,” said Alameda.

UH Hilo’s Administration of Justice program is the only standalone bachelor’s degree of its kind in the UH system.

“We really want to be there for our law enforcement partners to develop workforce readiness, and we see that as beneficial, not just to our law enforcement partners, but to our administration of justice students and our communities. That educational enrichment is beneficial to everyone involved,” said Professor Katherine Young, department chair for administration of justice.

Application information

To apply or learn more, contact Professor Young at youngkat@hawaii.edu.

The , a year-long professional development initiative, is fostering innovation and entrepreneurship across the University of Â鶹´«Ã½ system. After a successful inaugural cohort in 2024, the program is now recruiting faculty for its 2025 cohort.

Developed in collaboration with the , (PACE) and , the program assists faculty with integrating experiential learning, entrepreneurial frameworks and engineering design thinking into their course curricula.

“The EL3vate Program is equipping UH faculty with the tools, industry connections, and hands-on learning strategies needed to inspire the next generation of innovators,” said PACE Executive Director Sandra Fujiyama. “We’re not only transforming education at UH but also driving real-world impact across Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s communities and industries.”

Apply for the 2025 cohort

. UH faculty looking to enhance their teaching and provide students with hands-on learning experiences are encouraged to learn more and apply by March 28.

Inaugural cohort success

The first cohort has sparked exciting results:

• PACE competitions: EL3vate participants Associate Professor Kacie Ho (UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ ), Assistant Professor Yasushi Ishida (UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ ) and Assistant Professor Xiaodan Mao-Clark (UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ in the ) introduced their students to PACE business and innovation competitions encouraging entrepreneurial thinking and real-world problem-solving. Ho and Ishida’s students were among the awardees in the Innovate 808 competition with their kimchee and marinara flavor chip seasonings and an architectural storefront makeover, respectively.
• Cross-disciplinary collaborations and community engagement: Ishida partnered with Gary Albitz ( business and hospitality) on a Lahaina-focused course initiative, blending design and business perspectives. As part of the project, Ishida utilized the maker spaces at the Walter Dods, Jr. RISE Center to 3D print first terrain models of Lahaina, with support from student PACE Leaders in the Maker program. In a separate collaboration, Kimberly Russell (UH Hilo ) and Mao-Clark worked together on an initiative where their students engaged with the community, strengthening their learning experience through real-world connections.
• Business and esports: UH Esports students are gaining invaluable entrepreneurial skills and industry connections through a dynamic collaboration between Nyle Sky Kauweloa (UH Esports director and UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ specialist faculty for interdisciplinary studies) and PACE. This ongoing partnership, known as PACE X UH Esports, has recently provided students with two impactful LevelUp workshops and an engaging panel discussion co-hosted with the UH . Industry leaders from top gaming companies shared their expertise, illuminating exciting career opportunities in esports and gaming management. As a testament to the program’s success, three of Kauweloa’s students are now participating in the PACE Entrepreneurs program, where they are developing an innovative pop-up PC cafe concept.
• Course redesign: With guidance and support from the EL3vate program, faculty were able to integrate the 4Cs: Creativity, Critical Thinking, Collaboration, and Communication in addition to the other into their course learning objectives.

Researchers at the University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at Hilo collaborated to illuminate the forgotten history of Koreans on Â鶹´«Ã½ Island. Faculty from the , , and departments contributed to the new exhibition, “One Heart: Korean Art and History Across the Pacific,” which brings together art and new historical research at Wailoa Center in Hilo.

At the helm of UH Hilo’s partnership is Seri Luangphinith, an English professor who has done extensive research into the history of Korean immigrants to Â鶹´«Ã½ Island. Among the displays, visitors will find gravestone rubbings she collected from field work on Â鶹´«Ã½ Island. Through Luangphinith’s exemplary research, Korean families on island have been able to reconnect with long-lost generations of their ancestors.

“We need to better understand and appreciate the Asian presence on this island,” said Luangphinith. “Koreans are a forgotten people here, and that’s unfortunate given their contributions to the local community and to Korea.”

Finding history

Luangphinith’s research spans from the arrival of the first Koreans to Â鶹´«Ã½ Island to the exploration of Korean cemeteries.

• Related UH News story: UH Hilo professor publishes book exploring the history of Korean immigrants, May 1, 2018

The first wave of Korean immigrants arrived from 1905 through the 1920s. The second wave came during the Japanese occupation, followed by another arrival during the Korean War.

“On a hunch, I started looking at Korean cemeteries because I knew that Japanese and Chinese immigrants recorded hometowns and families on their graves and sure enough the Koreans also did the same thing,” Luangphinith said.

Creative showcase

Art fills the second floor of the exhibition, which showcases the diverse voices and visions of Korean artists. From paintings and mixed-media artworks to artifacts and ceramics, the gallery show takes the viewer on a creative, emotional and historical journey. Michael Marshal, an art professor at UH Hilo, curated the exhibit, and artworks were juried or extensively assessed by Mizin Shin, an assistant professor at the University of Rochester. Faculty and students from UH Hilo’s art department helped prepare the works for display.

“Collaboration is a journey, within which everyone who is engaged with the process comes away with a broader understanding of the subjects,” said Marshall.

The exhibition opened on May 3 and will run through June 20. It is supported by the UH Hilo and the UH Mānoa . Major funding comes from the Â鶹´«Ã½ Council for the Humanities through support from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Free online event

Talk Story with digital media artist Gary Chong, June 1, 10:30 a.m. Chong, who is Korean and Native Hawaiian, will share thoughts on how his art captures the dark side of Â鶹´«Ã½ plantation life for Koreans that is far from the local glorified “melting pot.”

To register for Zoom, email: seri@hawaii.edu

—By Susan Enright

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

Carina Chernisky

Carina Chernisky is a UH West Oʻahu public services librarian who uses a variety of different methods and formats to foster a collaborative learning environment that ensures student success. She considers the library her “classroom,” which is more dynamic and adaptable than a traditional classroom environment. She cultivates it to be a safe in-person and virtual haven where individuals can go to seek help for research issues, participate in engaging events and learn critical-thinking skills.

Chernisky offers a variety of synchronous and asynchronous information literacy workshops that help students become self-directed learners who can access information, evaluate sources, and engage in lifelong learning in and beyond the confines of the classroom.

“Carina is always so informative and relates the topic of the workshop to relevant news of the week. It’s always a pleasure to attend her workshops,” said a student.In addition to her primary reference and instructional duties, Chernisky has served as the on-site library project manager/co-manager for traveling exhibitions, and is a champion of open educational resources at UH West Oʻahu and throughout the UH System.”

Sothy Eng

Sothy Eng is an associate professor of human development and family studies in the UH Mānoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources. Eng observed from his required office visits with students how their education fits into their complex lives. From that, he enhanced his course requirements, and gained a heightened sense of empathy toward students and the families and communities from which they came.

The insights of educator Paulo Freire resonate with Eng: “The teacher is no longer merely the one-who-teaches but who is himself taught in dialogue with the students, who in turn while being taught, also teach…jointly responsible for a process in which we all grow.”

A student said, “Professor Eng and the students made it such an amazing class, a welcoming space” and “Little did I know his class would spark my future career goals of increasing the community’s access to food security and sovereignty.”

Colleagues praise him for inspiring students to be collaborative, creative and respectful, and consider him “a role model among his peers, ceaselessly energetic, professionally dynamic, and abundant in his aloha.”

Kerri Inglis

Kerri Inglis is a professor of history in UH Hilo’s College of Arts and Sciences and specializes in research and teaching in the history of health, disease and medicine, especially as it pertains to Â鶹´«Ã½ and the Pacific, within a global context.

Inglis has devoted her career to studying the history of leprosy in Â鶹´«Ã½ and has done extensive research on patients’ experiences on the Kalaupapa peninsula. Her award-winning 2013 publication, “Maʻi Lepera: Disease and Displacement in 19th Century Â鶹´«Ã½,” stands as a seminal work on the subject.

Affectionately known as “Kumu Kai” to her students, Inglis is celebrated not only for her scholarly contributions but also for her profound impact on education. According to graduate student David Freund, her endeavors have not only advanced her own professional growth but have also enriched the educational journey of her students, who have actively participated in her projects.

Freund said Inglis “goes beyond the rote delivery of information, striving to instill a deep understanding of concepts and principles, enabling students not only to acquire information and skills but also to think critically and apply their knowledge effectively.”

Kristiana Kahakauwila

Kristiana Kahakauwila is an associate professor of English in the UH Mānoa College of Arts, Languages & Letters. For Kahakauwila, a teaching philosophy rooted in choice is one rooted in kuleana—in responsibility, privilege and a sense of ownership.

Her teaching leans into analysis of how a work is shaped, and from where it takes its inspiration in the context of race, gender, sexuality, ability, Indigeneity and other lived experiences. Her students express an experience of being treated not “only as students but as writers and readers. She gives us a chance to grow and progress, first and foremost, as artists.”

Kahakauwila’s innovative pedagogical technique includes asking students to take up the mantle of instructor at least once each term. A former graduate student describes Kahakauwila as a “devoted, kind and brilliant teacher who challenged students in a way that was joyful and meaningful.”

Martina Kamaka

Martina Kamaka is a UH Mānoa associate professor in the John A. Burns School of Medicine’s Native Hawaiian Center of Excellence.

Colleagues credit her with being at the forefront of training medical students in patient-centered care and cultural competency well before these were goals of health care. A colleague speaks of her “dreaming, developing and delivering culturally relevant and sensitive education” for 23 years.

Kamaka recognizes learning as experiential and occurring in diverse settings and unexpected contexts. In her experience, learning is balanced between mind, body and spirit at the micro level, and between communities/families, environment and spiritual sources of strength at the macro level. She said that the “most important point is for students who are future physicians to be able to communicate with patients with our hearts and our naʻau (intuition).”

A student called Kamaka “a big part of my journey in influencing the way I see myself, my relationship to the community and to my profession.”

Jenny Kelly

Jenny Kelly is an associate professor of animal science, and veterinary technician program director at Windward Community College, where she helps students navigate ±á²¹·É²¹¾±ʻ¾±â€™s only veterinary technology program. She is also a doctor of veterinary medicine.

Kelly creates meaningful hands-on curricula that encourages student engagement with an innovative teaching method for her anesthesia and surgical assisting classes. One student said, “I loved how she was always frank and honest and very clear about her expectations. She isn’t afraid to ask questions to help you rearrange your thought process or lead you in the right direction….it was my favorite aspect of her teaching style. It has definitely helped me become more confident and efficient.”

Overcoming obstacles is one of her fortes. Kelly has extended support to students affected by the devastating fires on Maui, and has offered veterinary services in Lahaina to injured and burned animals.

A former student who is now an animal science lecturer said, “Dr. Kelly encourages me towards my goals, moving me forward to reach my full potential. Through her support she has equipped me with the strength to overcome any obstacle.”

Emily Moody

Emily G.A. Moody is an assistant professor of graphic design in the new media arts program at Kapiʻolani Community College. She teaches six courses including graphic design, typography, graphic symbolism, corporate identity, interface design studio and design portfolio.

Moody’s deeply rooted passion for design is shared with unabashed enthusiasm. She hopes that expressing her love for design and its applications will inspire the students to see the wonder of design and pave their pathway within the discipline. Each course is designed to provide students with a structured framework for experimentation and the cultivation of their unique approach to visual communication.

“You can tell Emily truly cares about her students and holds them to very high standards,” shared a nominator. “This in turn pushes students to reach their highest potential. She is passionate about design, teaching, and the success of her students. She creates an environment where we feel comfortable to share, fail, learn, and grow. Plus, she’s just a great person with a great sense of humor, which always makes it fun to learn!”

Steven Nakata

Chef Steven Nakata is an assistant professor and chair of the culinary department of Kauaʻi Community College

Nakata puts his students first, and always tries to connect with each of them. He provides his personal cell number so they can reach him when needed, demonstrating a great level of dedication and commitment.

He brings a vast wealth of knowledge and experience from his past appointments as an executive chef and general manager. Service and cuisine are “in his blood.”

He has traveled internationally to parts of Europe, South America and the Caribbean and shares many learnings and adventures with his students. He is solid and accomplished with cooking methods, baking, sanitation and front-of-the-house training. He teaches with an openness and caring, a sense of humor and a strict, strong hand.

Nakata was overwhelmingly nominated by his students and colleagues. There are many successful students who have come out of the culinary program and Nakata was a big part of their growth, skill and confidence.

Michael T. Oishi

Michael T. Oishi is an associate professor of English literature at Leeward Community College. Students respect Oishi for his clear and thoughtful instruction and his ability to make them feel heard and appreciated. Perhaps most notable is Oishi’s ability to get his students to appreciate and excel at what can be complex themes and material, whether it be tackling difficult moral dilemmas such as what it means to be human or an “outsider,” to exploring ±á²¹·É²¹¾±ʻ¾±â€™s painful political past.

One student expressed, “He has left a truly remarkable impression on me… through his course I was able to deeply strengthen my connection to Hawaiian roots, cultivate pride where there once was shame, understand the world around me with a greatly altered state of awareness. There are incredible professors here at Leeward CC… Professor Oishi stands apart in distinction.”

Susan Lum, professor of English literature and Arts and Humanities Division chair, at Leeward CC, states, “Michael embodies many of the qualities one hopes to see in a leader: diligence, humility, hard work, attention to detail and an eagerness to embrace challenges for the betterment of others.”

Over the years, Michael’s willingness to take on difficult tasks and his commitment to improving the work of the college and its employees has earned him not only a reputation as someone who is dependable, creative and efficient but also someone who cares deeply about people.

Mitchell Okamura

Mitchell Okamura is an assistant professor of speech at Honolulu Community College.

Through encouraging an active, experiential approach to classroom learning, Okamura embodies the principle of Ma ka hana ka ʻike (in doing, one learns). He penned a quote that he often shares with his students, “To be something you have never been, you have to do things you have never done.” He focuses on getting students to do different things via activity-based learning everyday and building pilina (relationships) with each other, the course content and the instructor.

“After the pandemic, I had no motivation to attend any in-person classes that weren’t specifically related to my major,” said a student. “On my first day of speech class, I was so nervous. However, after experiencing Speech 151 with Mr. Okamura, my outlook changed. I felt motivated for the first time in a long time and actually had faith that I would pass the class and have fun while doing it.”

Okamura earned hisBA in speech and MA in communicology from UH Mānoa. He started his career in education in 2004, and has taught in the UH system as a graduate assistant, lecturer, instructor and assistant professor.

Nicole Reyes

Nicole Reyes is an associate professor of educational administration in the UH Mānoa College of Education. She shares the vision of UH Mānoa’s strategic plan: “the education of students is the core mission of the University; it is the reason we exist.”

To be a faculty at home on Oʻahu means she is serving those who represent the potential and future of what our institutions of higher education could be. Her students respect that her teaching is grounded in social justice, saying that “her deep passion for education has shaped my future research.”

A graduate student said Reyes was not only an “expert on qualitative research, but genuinely invested in fostering a collective and communal learning environment.”

Students said Reyes’ mentoring practices of inviting them into co-presenting and co-authoring with her, provide an experience of “what it means to be a serious faculty mentor and researcher,” inspiring students “to emulate the radical care with their own future students.”

A student said, “She turned my PhD experience from black and white into color.”

Stephanie Teves

Stephanie Teves is an associate professor in the department of women, gender and sexuality studies in the UH Mānoa College of Social Sciences. Teves connects with local students through a shared sense of place and welcomes students new to Â鶹´«Ã½ by applauding their sense of adventure.

“Under her guidance, I became a haumāna (student) who did not simply complete coursework but became enthralled with researching and received a scholarship for a project with Dr. Teves as my project mentor,” said a student.

Teves encourages students to learn from one another and explore who they are in a global sense. Her teaching has included the development of an undergraduate certificate in queer studies.

Another student said, “All of her students were treated with utmost respect and given the space to learn enthusiastically, while being sensitive to the differences that exist among us.”

A colleague said, “A beloved teacher, mentor and kumu, a visionary thinker, Lani has pursued undertakings that have transformed the educational landscape of the university.”

Richard Wallsgrove

Richard Wallsgrove is an associate professor in the William S. Richardson School of Law. An alumnus of the school, he attributes his approaches to teaching to those from whom he learned.

He is described by colleagues as being on the cutting edge of clean energy law. He believes in and aligns his teaching with the mission of UH Mānoa as a Native Hawaiian Place of Learning, with respect for ʻāina (land) and engaging students in understanding how atmospheric dynamics is explained and rationalized in Hawaiian and other Indigenous cultures.

Students describe him as embodying principles of empathy, rigor, passion and respect, saying “he makes us better.” Colleagues speak to how “In these polarized times where schools, colleges, and law school campuses alike are struggling with polarization, Rich’s thoughtful brilliance stands out.” As a teacher, mentor and colleague, he is, “a teacher’s teacher in every sense,” and respectful and sensitive to the needs of students from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Aubrey Weston

Aubrey Weston is an instructor and coordinator for UH Maui College’s accounting program. Her commitment to teaching is evident in the numerous nominations she received for the award for teaching excellence.

Students praise Weston for her willingness to go above and beyond to support their learning journey. A student said, “Her enthusiasm for teaching shines through as she acts not only as a professor but also as a mentor, guiding students through complex concepts with clarity and patience.”

Weston’s organizational skills and professionalism create a conducive learning environment, where students can easily navigate course materials and assignments. Her creativity makes learning enjoyable and engaging for her students.

A student said, “I can say that I love taking accounting, and this is 100% thanks to Aubrey.”

The Frances Davis Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching for a faculty member and a graduate assistant 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 the University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at Mānoa for 19 years.

Bonnie Bittman

Bonnie Bittman is an assistant professor of secondary social studies education at UH West Oʻahu. She also taught secondary social studies at the high school level for 10 years, including economics, civics, advanced placement U.S. government and politics, world history, ethics and more.

She focuses on civic education and the achievement of marginalized populations in social studies education. Her research utilizes quantitative methods, consisting mostly of regression analysis.

A peer commented that “the teaching method of Dr. Bittman models what we want the teacher education students to model in their own classrooms: specifically—collaboration, intentional pairing and explaining why it is intentional, sequencing resources and activities to build on each other, etc.”

Imelda Gasmen

Imelda Gasmen is an instructor in the Department of Indo-Pacific Languages & Literatures in the UH Mānoa College of Arts, Languages & Letters. Known to her students as Tita (Aunt) Imé, Gasmen introduced the concept of a Filipino tradition called bayanihan—the spirit of helping—and transformed that tradition to cooperative learning as a teaching methodology.

She has inspired students to major in Filipino and Philippine literature because of her unique and passionate teaching. They describe her as a “pure soul that is perfect for teaching.”

An outstanding characteristic is her ability to build pride and enjoyment of Filipino culture among students, many of whom have a connection through family ties, but have not learned the language. “I could connect with my family in ways I never imagined, calling my mom to practice my Tagalog with so much excitement. Those calls continue to this day and contribute to my parents feeling more connected to their home country.” Tita Imé is considered by students to be a living legend with exemplary knowledge, wisdom and expertise.

Maximillian Soares Miehlstein

Maximillian Soares Miehlstein is a graduate student in the UH Mānoa Department of Psychology. His research focuses on the influence of having a minoritized identity on social cognition.

As a graduate assistant for Human Development and Family Studies 380L: Research Methodology Lab, Soares Miehlstein has guided students through semester-long research projects, advising them on topic conceptualization, survey development, data analysis and interpretation of their results. Additionally, he has served as a teaching assistant for PSY 225: Statistical Techniques for the past five semesters, where he is dedicated to helping students grasp foundational statistical concepts.

Inspired by seeing students succeed, Soares Miehlstein prioritizes creating engaging and student-centered learning materials. He is committed to incorporating diversity and inclusion into course curriculum whenever possible, ensuring that various perspectives and experiences are represented in the teaching materials and discussions. As he prepares to teach his own courses, Soares Miehlstein is eager to further develop his skills to maximize students’ learning potential while fostering an inclusive learning environment.

Mitchell Okamura

Mitchell Okamura is an assistant professor of speech at Honolulu Community College. He has been teaching speech courses since 2012.

A self-professed introvert by nature, Okamura was able to turn what he calls his greatest weakness—shyness—into an asset in the classroom, and leverage this to help even the most introverted students overcome their fear of public speaking. He often relies on the Lōkahi triangle (balance or harmony of the spiritual, mental and physical) as a core foundation to keep him balanced.

Participation in several programs, such as Hoʻāla Hou (substance use prevention), and Kūkalahale E Hoʻi Nā Wai (Indigenous education frameworks training), has equipped him to use Indigenous place-based learning techniques in the classroom.

“On my first day of class Professor Okamura told a story about how he had a disability as a child and how he overcame it,” said one student. “It made me feel really good to see an adult talk about how he overcame his disabilities and he is inspiring me that I can overcome my disabilities as well.”

Stephen Taylor

Stephen Taylor is a professor of physical sciences at Kauaʻi Community College and teaches climate science, oceanography, astronomy and physics. Students appreciate his genuine interest in their success and how he challenges them to think critically and understand rather than memorize or perform simple tasks.

He involves students in engaging activities; He clearly loves teaching and makes learning fun. His students see purpose and value in lessons. They discover how to learn, how to find credible information, and how to apply knowledge to understand complicated concepts, evaluate ideas and solve problems. Taylor stresses experimental design and physics principles that can be used to credibly explain, understand and predict a variety of natural phenomena.

Colleagues and students also appreciate Taylor’s effective leadership. He is constantly innovating, collaborating with peers, facilitating systemwide change, and advocating on students’ behalf, serving as coordinator of the natural science degree program, leader of National Science Foundation awards, proponent of effective general education curriculum, and technical advisor on climate change and coastal policy.

He has authored or co-authored multiple national conference presentations focused on interactive teaching and assessment. Taylor was awarded the Regents’ Medal for Excellence in Teaching in 2011.

Jennifer Turner

Jennifer Turner is an assistant professor of psychology in UH Hilo’s College of Arts and Sciences. Turner’s primary research interests focus on social and emotional factors that influence lifespan health and well-being, such as age differences in nostalgia and potential mechanisms to reduce negative perceptions of aging.

She serves on multiple college and departmental committees and sits on the editorial board for the scientific journal Innovation in Aging. However, it’s the connection she’s made with students that rises above it all.

Professor and Psychology Chair Adam Pack said, “At a time when students often gravitate towards online course offerings, they flock to Dr. Turner’s face-to-face course because her teaching is scholarly, dynamic, engaging and creative.”

Turner is dedicated to providing students with applied learning experiences to advance post-graduate program admission and career opportunities. In the four semesters she has been at UH Hilo, she has redesigned coursework and re-imagined the developmental lab to provide deeper engagement and understanding of content and practices.

Student Mia McGrath said, “It’s rare to find a professor who cares the way she does. She’s brilliant, passionate, kind and an incredible mentor.

Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Kris Roney announced the selection of Michael Bitter as the new permanent dean of the (CAS) following the UH Board of Regents meeting on January 19. Bitter previously served as interim dean of CAS.

“I am grateful to him for his long and continuing service to UH Hilo, and extend my thanks to the committee for their deep engagement in making this selection,” Roney said.

In 1999, Bitter came to UH Hilo as an assistant professor and also taught in the history department for more than 17 years. During that time, he served as department chair for seven years, University of Â鶹´«Ã½ Professional Assembly faculty union representative for social sciences, CAS Faculty Senate Chair and UH Hilo Faculty Congress General Education Committee Chair.

As interim dean, he encouraged a variety of initiatives designed to improve the UH Hilo student experience by supporting student, faculty and staff success. Bitter is actively engaged in promoting the expansion of the programs making up the college and collaborating with the Center for Global Education and Exchange to increase opportunities for UH Hilo students to study at partner universities, both nationally and internationally.

“Dean Bitter’s commitment to the people and mission of UH Hilo are evident in the work he has done over the years in both his faculty and administrative roles,” Roney noted. “His continued leadership of the College and encouragement of their vision for the future will serve our students and community well.”

Bitter began his official duties on January 20.

The University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at Hilo is applauding one of its alumni for his contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic that helped the United Nations (WFP) secure the . UH Hilo graduate Colin Hourihan worked with WFP, the world’s largest humanitarian organization that combats hunger and food security to move critical medical supplies around the world during the early days of the pandemic.

“A team of about 100 of us worked tirelessly to make sure that those most vulnerable didn’t succumb to the virus or the knock on effects the pandemic caused,” Hourihan said. “We are now scaling up our work to feed more people than ever before in what is likely the largest humanitarian crisis since [World War II].”

Hourihan joined the UN in 2008 and heads the WFP’s Humanitarian Military Interaction Unit for the Emergency Operations Division in Rome.

During his time at UH Hilo, he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science with a focus on international relations and affairs. .

“We are extremely honored to share in the applause of Colin’s Nobel Prize winning work with the United Nations World Food Programme,” said UH Hilo Public Law Professor Sarah Marusek.

The awarded WFP the Nobel Prize in October 2020.

In fall 2020, the , a research and technology organization under UH, joined forces with WFP to advance disaster preparedness and emergency response in the Asia and the Pacific region.

• Related UH News story:
  • Hilo native wins coveted Nobel Prize for gene editing tool, October 7, 2020
  • Keck astronomer awarded Nobel Prize for trailblazing black hole research, October 8, 2020

Chancellor Bonnie D. Irwin announced the appointment of Karen Kopera-Frye as the new permanent dean of the College of Arts and Sciences following the UH Board of Regents meeting held virtually on September 17. Kopera-Frye will replace Interim Dean Michael Bitter, effective December 28.

“I am delighted to welcome Karen Kopera-Frye to the UH Hilo team!” said Irwin. “As an experienced professional with interests in campus-community partnerships, she will make great contributions to our university and provide renewed energy to the arts, humanities and social sciences.”

Kopera-Frye is currently a professor in public health sciences at New Mexico State University, a position she has held since fall 2016. For more than 18 years, she has served in a variety of academic leadership positions, including tenured professor, internship and assessment coordinator, numerous director roles and more.

Kopera-Frye has an extensive list of refereed publications, newsletter articles, presentations and published abstracts from 1985 through 2019 with more in progress. She is skilled in community-based participatory research, grant writing and in obtaining external fiscal resources for programs serving those who are rural and/or economically disadvantaged, especially among Indigenous groups.

She has received awards from the Gerontological Society of America and the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education for outstanding research and teaching. Just this year, Kopera-Frye earned the Friedsam Mentoring Award for her mentoring of faculty and students.