Assistant Professor of Biology Jennifer Sims has been awarded a for the 2026–27 academic year. She will teach and conduct research at the .

Sims’ research focuses on microplastic pollution, plastic degradation and artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled environmental monitoring, drawing connections between the shared environmental challenges facing island communities in Malta and �鶹��ý. Beginning in October 2026, Sims will spend nine months co-teaching biological oceanography and contributing to AI-driven citizen science programs and curriculum to expand undergraduate research opportunities.

“I’m honored to represent �鶹��ý Community College through the Fulbright Program and to connect what we’re learning here in �鶹��ý with global efforts to protect our oceans,” said Sims. “Microplastic pollution and ocean health are global challenges, but island communities often experience them first and most deeply. Collaborating with researchers in Malta gives us a powerful opportunity to share knowledge, compare ecosystems and work toward solutions that will benefit island communities around the world.”

Continued Fulbright success

Sims is the fifth Fulbright Scholar selected from �鶹��ý CC since 2010, continuing the college’s success in the competitive academic exchange program. The college was also recognized as a Top Producing Fulbright Institution in 2023 and 2024.

“One of the reasons �鶹��ý CC has had such success with producing Fulbright Scholars is our kauhale (village)-wide commitment to supporting international collaboration,” said Professor Pamela Scheffler, a two-time awardee and �鶹��ý CC’s Fulbright liaison. “Having a Fulbright liaison on campus means that faculty and staff are supported from before they even make the decision to apply.”

Related stories:

• Turtle tagging: Hands-on research for �鶹��ý CC Marine Option Program students
• �鶹��ý CC recognized as top Fulbright producing institution
• Stingless bees focus of �鶹��ý CC Fulbright Scholar research

Fulbright Scholar awards for the 2027–28 academic year are until September 15, 2026, and the award cycle for the 2028–29 academic year will open in February 2027.

—By Katie Young Yamanaka

Kanesa Duncan Seraphin, host and producer of the University of �鶹��ý Sea Grant College Program’s television series and director of its , raced to a first place victory in the 2026 Molokaʻi 2 Oʻahu (M2O) Paddleboard World Championships on July 27, winning her ninth prone paddleboard race across the Kaʻiwi Channel—a decade after her last race in 2016.

In the fastest race of her career, with a personal best time of 5 hours, 40 minutes and 13 seconds, this year’s effort put her back in the women’s top 10 overall fastest times, 12th overall, and fourth among all competitors in the unlimited division.

‘Draw of the open ocean’

“This year I felt the draw of the open ocean and a need to cross the channel,” said Seraphin. “Enough years had gone by that just being able to paddle in the event was satisfying. So, getting a best time is really icing on the cake, especially as our overall speeds are largely determined by the conditions on the given race day! I am extremely grateful to have been out there this year and to have had real, challenging channel conditions with wind and swell! Mahalo to my family, friends, coworkers, and supporters who got me there. It’s a solo sport, but it really takes a whole community to make it happen!”

With strong northeast tradewinds, the remnants of Hurricane Fausta, and a high-surf advisory south swell, conditions across the Kaʻiwi Channel were extremely challenging. However, an afternoon incoming tide contributed to good downwind conditions for experienced paddlers, and the competitors finished with some of the fastest performances ever recorded at M2O.

Seraphin held the women’s stock board record for 15 years (2004–2019), was inducted into the 2024 �鶹��ý Waterman Hall of Fame, and has inspired countless athletes through her determination and excellence. She has dedicated her career to furthering the understanding of ocean and coastal ecosystems and the importance of marine conservation, and by successfully merging world-class ocean athleticism with her passion for ocean education and stewardship, she has become a beacon of education and environmental stewardship in �鶹��ý and beyond.

Premiere paddleboarding event

Over the years, M2O has grown from a grassroots challenge for the Oʻahu lifeguards to the premiere event in the sport of paddleboarding that it is today. This year, men and women from more than 25 countries raced across the Kaʻiwi Channel, the “Channel of Bones,” that connects the islands of Molokaʻi and Oʻahu and is considered one of the most challenging and powerful bodies of water in the world.

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Jennifer D. Small Griswold, professor in the at the University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa, was honored with the by the American Meteorological Society (AMS). The department is in the (SOEST). The award is given annually to an individual in recognition of sustained outstanding teaching and mentoring at the undergraduate and/or graduate or post-doctoral levels and the impact this individual has had on students.

The AMS announcement noted that with this award “for visionary, inclusive, innovative teaching that bridges atmospheric science with culture, place, and community, and for sustained mentorship that empowers students across disciplines and backgrounds.”

Griswold teaches undergraduate and graduate courses on weather, climate, Pacific climates, programming for meteorologists and satellite remote sensing, as well as seminar courses. She also mentors students through engaging research projects as they pursue bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees.

Teaching through place

“I believe students learn best when they can connect what they’re learning to the world around them,” Griswold said. “Living in �鶹��ý provides an incredible opportunity to teach through place, so I also incorporate local and Pacific perspectives into my courses, helping students understand how weather and climate influence communities, cultures, and the environment.”

Griswold works to ensure her students feel seen and supported, whether in an introductory undergraduate course or a graduate seminar in meteorology.

“I enjoy teaching students with a wide range of backgrounds—from those taking their very first science course to graduate students preparing for research careers,” Griswold said. “I want all students to feel that they belong in science, so I’m constantly looking for new ways to engage different learning styles and help students build confidence alongside technical skills. My goal is to help every student develop the skills and confidence to understand the atmosphere and apply that knowledge to real-world challenges.”

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A physician wellness program founded by University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa (JABSOM) emeritus professor of psychiatry William “Bill” Haning has earned national recognition for its work supporting �鶹��ý’s healthcare professionals.

Puʻulu Lapaʻau, �鶹��ý‘s physician health program, successfully completed the Federation of State Physician Health Programs’ (FSPHP) Performance Enhancement and Effectiveness Review (PEER™), becoming one of the first 10% of physician health programs nationwide—and only the fifth in the country—to achieve the distinction.

The recognition validates Puʻulu Lapaʻau‘s commitment to providing healthcare professionals, including UH faculty and students, with nationally recognized support for their health, wellness and resiliency. The PEER™ review evaluates physician health programs against national best practices for clinical care, policies and organizational effectiveness, helping ensure healthcare professionals receive high-quality, confidential support while protecting patient safety.

“This recognition reflects years of dedication to building a program that supports �鶹��ý’s healthcare professionals with compassion, confidentiality and accountability,” said Haning, who founded Puʻulu Lapaʻau in 2006. “There was no certainty whatsoever as to the potential for success—or for that matter, any longevity developing out of this. To see Puʻulu Lapaʻau recognized as one of the nation’s leading physician health programs is incredibly rewarding.”

Puʻulu Lapaʻau provides confidential support for physicians and other licensed healthcare professionals experiencing burnout, mental health challenges, substance use disorders and other concerns that may affect their well-being or ability to practice. The nonprofit also promotes wellness initiatives that help healthcare professionals remain healthy throughout their careers.

“If we have healthcare providers who are truly healthy themselves, that’s huge,” said Geri Young, assistant clinical professor of pediatrics at JABSOM and executive director of Puʻulu Lapaʻau. “Healthcare professionals are just as vulnerable to stress and burnout as anyone else—perhaps even more so. The PEER™ review will strengthen our ability to support �鶹��ý’s healthcare professionals and, ultimately, the patients they serve.”

Haning brings decades of experience in medicine, education and military service. He recently served on the UH Board of Regents from 2021–2026.

Puʻulu Lapaʻau stands ready to come alongside our local healthcare professionals experiencing burnout or struggling with work – life balance. If you or someone you know could benefit from Puʻulu Lapaʻau’s confidential services, visit the , or call (808) 593-7444.

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Two University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa research projects have been selected for the inaugural , placing UH’s flagship research campus among a select group of universities and research institutions nationwide using artificial intelligence (AI) to accelerate scientific breakthroughs.

In the , the DOE said the projects were selected to develop and demonstrate AI-enabled tools and workflows designed to accelerate breakthroughs in energy, science and national security. Each project is eligible for Phase I awards of $500,000–$750,000 over nine months, providing investigators with the opportunity to develop innovative AI-driven research while positioning them to compete for future Phase II awards of up to $15 million.

“The selection of not one, but two UH Mānoa projects for this highly competitive DOE mission reflects the strength of the UH research community and the creativity of our faculty in pursuing solutions to some of the most complex challenges facing society,” said UH Interim Vice President for Research and Innovation Chad B. Walton. “At UH, we are committed to fostering an environment where bold ideas, interdisciplinary collaboration and emerging technologies can come together to create meaningful impact not only in �鶹��ý, but across the nation, and around the world.”

The two UH Mānoa projects selected are led by researchers in the and the .

AI security for critical infrastructure

One project, led by Assistant Professor Liuwan Zhu from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, focuses on improving the security and reliability of AI systems used in critical infrastructure. The project, called STRATOS (Security and Trust Runtime Architecture for Time-critical Operational Science), will develop an AI security platform designed to detect and respond to cyber threats targeting AI systems used in real-time operations, such as electrical grid management and forecasting.

The research team will test the technology using a dual-site platform that includes the UH Mānoa campus microgrid and real-time computing systems at Argonne National Laboratory. The project includes collaborators from Old Dominion University and Argonne National Laboratory.

AI advances the search for extremely rare decay processes

The second project, led by Professor Zepeng Li from the Department of Physics and Astronomy, will develop an AI foundation model to support searches for neutrinoless double beta decay, one of the most important unanswered questions in nuclear and particle physics. Neutrinoless double beta decay is an extremely rare nuclear process that, if observed, could help scientists better understand the nature of neutrinos, the mysterious “ghost particles” that are abundant in the universe and are constantly passing through us without interacting. In particular, this rare decay process could tell us whether the neutrino is its own anti-particle.

Researchers around the world are searching for this phenomenon using different types of detectors, but each experiment typically relies on its own specialized software and analysis methods. Li’s project aims to create a shared AI framework that can learn from data across multiple detector technologies, helping researchers identify patterns, analyze results and improve collaboration among experiments studying this rare event. The project will develop a unified AI framework that streamlines data analysis across the diverse detector technologies used in neutrinoless double-beta decay experiments, accelerating the search for this rare process.

The Genesis Mission brings together DOE laboratories and universities to combine advanced AI, high-performance computing and scientific expertise. UH Mānoa was among 168 universities selected for the first round of Genesis Mission projects, which included a total of 278 research efforts involving more than 340 institutions across the country. Through these projects, UH researchers will contribute to emerging applications of AI in fundamental physics, energy systems and national security, while strengthening �鶹��ý’s role in cutting-edge scientific research.

Darsh Davé, Darren Lerner and the �鶹��ý Papa o ke Ao Native Hawaiian Place of Learning Advancement Office have been selected as the University of �鶹��ý‘s nominees for the Governor’s Awards for Distinguished State Service. The award honors the state’s executive branch employees and managers who exemplify the highest caliber of public service and dedication to serving the people of �鶹��ý. UH President Wendy Hensel made the announcement during the (BOR) meeting on July 16 at UH Mānoa.

“We never give enough appreciation for the hardworking faculty and staff around the university, and so it really is a pleasure for me to identify a few employees and a few groups whose dedication and achievements have earned well deserved recognition,” Hensel said at the BOR meeting.

Employee of the Year: Darsh Davé

Darsh Davé, human resources manager at , was named UH‘s 2026 Employee of the Year. He was recognized as a trusted resource who helps the campus navigate complex personnel matters while supporting effective operations. Davé has improved service delivery by addressing long-standing process challenges, streamlining faculty payment workflows and strengthening coordination across departments.

He was also recognized for his leadership during a high-risk campus incident, helping de-escalate the situation so a major campus event could continue safely. Through mentoring colleagues, supporting workforce initiatives and promoting professional development, Davé has made lasting contributions to the college community.

Manager of the Year: Darren Lerner

Darren Lerner, director of , consortium director of the and interim associate dean for research in UH Mānoa‘s , was named the university’s 2026 Manager of the Year. He was recognized for transformational leadership that has strengthened �鶹��ý Sea Grant and expanded its impact across the university and the state.

Lerner has overseen more than $100 million in extramurally funded projects focused on improving the resilience of �鶹��ý‘s and the Pacific’s coastal ecosystems and communities. His leadership through periods of uncertainty has allowed the program to continue growing while supporting research, education and community partnerships that address critical environmental challenges.

Team of the Year: �鶹��ý Papa o ke Ao Native Hawaiian Place of Learning Advancement Office

The �鶹��ý Papa o ke Ao Native Hawaiian Place of Learning Advancement Office Team was recognized as UH‘s 2026 Team of the Year. The team was honored for advancing the university’s goal of becoming a Native Hawaiian Place of Learning through strategic planning and the Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation framework. By building strong relationships across campuses and breaking down institutional silos, the team has helped strengthen Indigenous-centered practices throughout the university.

Its efforts have contributed to major accomplishments, including securing a $68.5-million National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration award and advancing the “Aloha Begins with Us” movement, helping foster a more connected, resilient and culturally grounded university community.

University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa nursing faculty member Cynthia Taylor Greywolf has been honored by the Western Institute of Nursing (WIN) with the 2026 Ann M. Voda American Indian/Alaska Native/First Nation Conference Award for her significant contributions to Indigenous health research.

This award supports Indigenous nurses, students and researchers attending WIN‘s annual Communicating Nursing Research Conference, aiming to increase visibility and representation within academia.

“For me, the award is not only an individual honor,” said Greywolf, assistant professor at the . “It affirms the importance of Indigenous-led nursing research and scholarship that is grounded in community, sovereignty and cultural accountability.”

Indigenous health and healing

Greywolf, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, focuses her research on Indigenous health, historical and intergenerational trauma, alcohol use, mental health disparities and culturally grounded healing approaches. At the conference, she presented the poster, “Weaponized Spirits: Alcohol as a Colonial Legacy and Its Impact on Trauma and Relational, Structural, and Epistemic Harms in a Rural Native Hawaiian Community.”

At UH Manoa, Greywolf plans to continue strengthening Indigenous health research, mentoring students, and building partnerships that support Native Hawaiian and American Indian communities. Her work uses storytelling methods and historical trauma frameworks to inform early intervention efforts.

Indigenous nurse scientists remain underrepresented in research. Currently, there are only about 25 federally recognized tribal citizens with PhDs in nursing nationwide.

“For Cherokee people and other citizens of federally recognized tribes, citizenship is a political and legal relationship with a sovereign Tribal Nation,” Greywolf said. “My Cherokee citizenship is part of who I am, where I come from, and how I understand my responsibilities as a nurse scientist.”

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For decades, Professor Emerita Mary Tiles shaped the minds of students at University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa. Today, her philanthropic commitment to the university continues to impact the campus community. In recognition of her generosity and lifelong dedication to cross-disciplinary education, the (CSS) recently named its sustainability teaching honor the Mary Tiles Sustainability Teaching Award.

This year’s recipient is Felix Mantz, an assistant professor with the . His work closely aligns with Tiles’s vision of bridging the humanities and social sciences to solve modern global issues.

“This recognition means a great deal to me,” Mantz said. “My teaching and research are based on a commitment to challenge unjust systems of power. By looking at the myriad ways in which the global political economy, planetary environmental crises and colonial structures of power are entangled, I hope to inspire students to help recover, rebuild and defend a world in which many worlds fit.”

In her nomination of Mantz for the award, CSS senior sustainability advisor Aya H. Kimura said students have given positive reviews of his teaching and praised the impact he has had on them.

“Even outside of the classroom, Felix has been a huge support in mentoring me for my own research regarding food security,” said student India Buchanan. “Through teaching and mentoring, he has become my main resource for environmental justice related issues.”

More on Mary Tiles

A former chair of the UH Mānoa until her retirement in 2009, Tiles’s leadership in this role contributed to strengthening the department’s focus on interdisciplinary approaches, building on her own expertise in epistemology (the study and theory of knowledge) and the philosophy of science. Her academic work heavily explored the history and philosophy of science and technology. Tiles joined the department in 1989 after teaching at the universities of Oxford and Cambridge and at Swarthmore College.

CSS Dean Denise Konan noted her close personal relationship with the professor emerita and her impact as a benefactor and scholar.

“I have had the distinct privilege of calling Mary a dear friend and colleague for many years,” Konan said. “Her brilliant mind and unwavering commitment to cross-disciplinary education have left an indelible mark on UH Mānoa. It is incredibly moving to see her legacy honored through an award that celebrates the very kind of innovative teaching she has always championed.”

Read the entire story by Simplicio Paragas on the .

A University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa faculty member has received a $660,000 National Science Foundation (NSF) Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Award to study how fuel contamination can affect drinking water during the treatment process.

Emily Marron, an assistant specialist in the and cooperating graduate faculty and instructor in the , will lead the five-year project, which runs through June 2031.

The research focuses on what happens when chlorine—commonly used to disinfect drinking water—reacts with fuel that has entered water supplies after spills or leaks. While chlorine is regularly added to drinking water systems to help control bacterial growth and eliminate harmful pathogens, it can also react with fuel-related chemicals to create unintended byproducts that may pose health risks.

Marron and her research team will use advanced analytical chemistry techniques, such as high-resolution mass spectrometry, to identify the compounds formed during these reactions, measure how quickly they develop and better understand how fuel changes over time affect water treatment. The findings could improve how contaminated drinking water systems are evaluated and treated following fuel releases.

Clean drinking water, complex contamination

“Clean drinking water is something every community depends on,” Marron said. “I hope this research gives scientists and water professionals better tools to understand complex contamination events and make informed decisions that help protect public health.”

The project could also provide new insight into the types of chemical compounds people might have been exposed to in drinking water following the Red Hill fuel contamination in 2021. Rather than recreating the specific conditions of the Red Hill incident, the research will use controlled laboratory experiments to build a scientific framework for studying fuel-contaminated water. The research could also help inform public health decisions and improve response strategies during contamination events.

In addition to the research, the project includes education and community outreach. Marron will develop an undergraduate teaching module in partnership with local water professionals, including the Honolulu Board of Water Supply, to give students hands-on learning opportunities in environmental chemistry and drinking water treatment.

The project will also establish a community-centered laboratory that expands access to low-cost drinking water testing. The effort is designed to help residents better understand water quality, environmental chemistry and the science behind keeping drinking water safe.

The NSF CAREER program is among the foundation’s most notable awards for early-career faculty, recognizing researchers who integrate innovative research with education and community engagement.

University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa Assistant Professor Shiwen “Sherlock” Li of the was appointed the next recipient of the , effective September 1, 2026. He succeeds Tetine Sentell, professor of public health and interim assistant vice provost for research and scholarship, who served as the inaugural chair.

An environmental epidemiologist in the , Li investigates the impact of environmental contaminants on human health. His research centers on chemical pollutants, such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as “forever chemicals.”

Li’s research on PFAS has garnered international attention and widespread media coverage. Currently, he is applying advanced data analysis, including geographic information systems to advance precision environmental health and exposome research.

“I plan on working with our faculty and students to build stronger interdisciplinary collaborations to enhance environmental health research and education,” said Li. “I also plan on hosting seminar series to bring internationally renowned environmental health experts to strengthen collaborations with other universities and inspire new research directions.”

Related UH News story: ‘Forever chemicals’ may triple risk of fatty liver disease in adolescents

The selection committee cited Li’s leadership in his field and his dedication to student mentorship as key reasons for his appointment.

“Environmental health is one of the Thompson School’s strategic areas of growth and investment,” said Alex Ortega, dean of the Thompson School. “We are proud to have a scholar of Li’s caliber on our faculty helping to advance this important work. His leadership and scholarship strengthen our mission to improve health and well-being in �鶹��ý, the Pacific and beyond.”

More about the endowed chair

The endowed chair was established through the generosity of Chin Sik and Hyun Sook Chung to support the recruitment and retention of outstanding public health faculty, with an emphasis on environmental health research. The position provides resources that enable innovative research, student mentorship, program development and collaboration across disciplines.

A cohort from the University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa’s (CTAHR) was recognized out of 16 schools by the Western Extension Directors Association (WEDA) and agInnovation-West for leadership in education, research, and Cooperative extension.

“At CTAHR, we are building a movement rooted in collaborative innovation,” said CTAHR Dean Parwinder Grewal. “These honors reflect our commitment to bringing out the best in our students and faculty as they lead the way in creating solutions that support families and communities, food producers, and the natural environment.”

WEDA presented its Award of Excellence in Programming for a Team to the Organic Sweetpotato Integrated Pest Management and Soil Health Management Team. Led by Koon-Hui Wang of the Department of Plant & Environmental Protection Sciences, the �鶹��ý team includes Amjad Ahmad, Thao Le and Brent Sipes, along with collaborators from Auburn University’s College of Agriculture.

The combined team has secured more than $1 million in competitive funding and developed tools for pest management and soil health, on-farm research trials, and educational resources that strengthen organic farming systems.

The 2026 Excellence in Agricultural Research Innovation Award – Lifetime was presented to Professor Rachel Novotny of CTAHR’s Department of Human Nutrition, Food & Animal Science.

Novotny has dedicated her career to building scientific evidence and policies to improve the nutrition of underserved communities throughout �鶹��ý and the Pacific. Her signature achievement is establishing the college’s in 2011. This initiative has played a major role in helping thousands of children and families lead healthier, more active lives.

The Western region’s land-grant network awarded the 2026 Western Region New Teaching Award to Professor Andy Reilly.

Reilly is a professor in CTAHR‘s Fashion Design and Merchandising program whose academic research explores the historic and cultural aspects of the fashion industry in �鶹��ý. He has authored seven books and 40 academic papers, and is now writing a comprehensive book on fashion in �鶹��ý.

The awards were presented at the 2026 Western Region Joint Summer Meeting, hosted by CTAHR in Hilo, from June 22 to 25.

University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa’s Chelsea Miller has received national recognition for expanding access to hands-on genomics education.

Miller, a PhD student in the Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering in the (CTAHR), earned the Outstanding Poster Award at the (NISBRE), held June 17 in North Bethesda, Maryland.

Breaking barriers in science education

Her award-winning poster, “Genome on the Go: Decentralizing Molecular Biology Education through Portable Genomics Tools and Near-Peer Mentorship,” highlights a training model designed to reduce barriers to advanced laboratory instruction for students in �鶹��ý and other geographically isolated regions.

Developed through the (�鶹��ý INBRE) program with support from U.S. Department of Agriculture workforce development initiatives, the project brings portable DNA sequencing tools and graduate student mentors directly to learners, enabling a full “sample-to-sequence” workflow in classroom and field settings.

Over the past year, Miller and her team conducted 11 workshops across �鶹��ý, the Pacific and the continental U.S., training 72 participants using Bento Lab and Oxford Nanopore technologies.

Strengthening biomedical workforce development

The approach helps prepare the next generation of biomedical workforce while giving students access to modern molecular biology techniques typically limited to well-equipped research laboratories.

“This award reflects the incredible efforts of our graduate student instructors and the vision of making genomics accessible to every student, regardless of location,” said Jon-Paul Bingham, �鶹��ý INBRE PATHways director and co-author of the project.

Miller was one of three �鶹��ý INBRE-affiliated researchers recognized at the biennial NISBRE meeting, which highlights national research and training supported through the IDeA program. Also honored were Li Tao, professor at the , who received the Outstanding Mentorship and Teaching Award, and Natalie Graham, assistant professor at UH Hilo, who earned the Scientific Merit Award.

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World-leading tropical meteorologist Yuqing Wang, a professor in the and researcher with the in the University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST), was as a Fellow by the Asia Oceania Geosciences Society (AOGS).

Wang’s pioneering research has profoundly advanced understanding of tropical cyclone dynamics, prediction and climate impacts. His work has focused on two main areas of research: understanding the physics of extreme storms including hurricanes and typhoons and building computer models used to predict them and study climate change.

Fellows of the AOGS are selected in recognition of their sustained and distinguished contributions to geosciences in the Asia Oceania region and beyond. Wang will receive the award at the later this summer in Japan.

Wang’s landmark contributions

Wang’s contributions include the discovery of dynamics in the development and breakdown of tropical cyclone eyewalls, the ring of destructive winds surrounding the calm eye of a storm. He has also made fundamental advances in understanding the controls of tropical storm structure and intensity. His theories and models have been used to interpret environmental influences on tropical cyclones, explain long-term variability, and improve physical understanding relevant to tropical cyclone intensity forecasting.

Further, Wang has made major contributions to numerical atmospheric modeling. These models accurately simulated complex dynamics near the ocean surface and of clouds in the atmosphere. Some were so successful that they are incorporated into the community Weather Research and Forecasting model and have been widely adopted by the research and forecasting communities.

Beyond storm-scale research, Wang’s group has advanced regional and global climate modeling, cloud–radiation interaction studies, and created accurate models to assess Pacific Island climates. This research helps to produce influential assessments of the impacts of global warming on tropical cyclone activity in the western North Pacific.

Wang joined SOEST in 2000 and has published more than 300 publications during his 26 years of teaching and research at �鶹��ýMānoa.

A lifetime of service to �鶹��ý agriculture earned retired University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa professor and former Maui County administrator Harold Keyser the 2026 Maui Legacy Farmer award. The retired soil microbiologist with the (CTAHR) was recognized for his contributions to agricultural education and community partnerships.

The honor was presented on May 30, 2026, during the 17th annual Maui AgFest & 4-H Livestock Fair. Held at the War Memorial Special Events Field, the celebration kicked off at the beloved Maui Legacy Farmers Pancake Breakfast.

“I appreciate the diversity of the agriculture industry,” Keyser said. “I’m grateful to have played a part in strengthening and perpetuating it during my career.”

Lifetime of service to Maui agriculture

After joining CTAHR in 2002 and serving as Maui County administrator, Keyser became a champion for the local farming community. He provided essential, science-based perspectives on complex community issues, ranging from water rights to agricultural biotechnology.

During a challenging period of declining institutional funding, Keyser led a county government funding partnership. This collaborative milestone brought together the Maui County Farm Bureau, CTAHR, and the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development, securing long-term funding for cooperative extension programs and experiment stations.

In retirement, he continues to volunteer with community programs, offering pesticide safety training and helping establish the Kula School Agricultural Science Program at Kēōkea.

Today, Keyser’s deep agricultural legacy is carried forward by his son, Jonathan, who co-founded Native Nursery LLC in Kula, a business focused on native plant restoration.

University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa (JABSOM) faculty member Paris Stowers has been honored for her efforts in helping medical students find their voice in obstetrics and gynecology.

Stowers, an assistant professor of , received the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Medical Student Recruitment Award. She was recognized for developing a student leadership and mentorship model within the organization’s District VIII, which includes �鶹��ý and several western states.

The initiative was designed to engage medical students in the OBGYN field early by giving them a real seat at the table.

“There was an interest in developing a medical student advisory council so medical students could have a leadership role in the organization,” Stowers said.

As the council’s first faculty advisor, Stowers helped build a program that connected students across �鶹��ý and several western states through virtual meetings, mentorship, advocacy work and national conferences.

Strengthening student advocacy, recruitment

“We ask them what kinds of things they want to work on,” Stowers said. “It’s more successful if it’s student-driven.”

Students engaged in various health education and advocacy projects and attended national advocacy meetings in Washington, D.C., where they met with lawmakers alongside practicing OBGYN physicians. The program emphasized professional development skills, such as networking at conferences and maximizing mentorship opportunities.

The model has also helped strengthen recruitment in regions historically struggling to retain OBGYN physicians, including rural states facing physician shortages. JABSOM students Brandi Mikami and Paige Harakuni served on the council this year.

“I cannot think of someone more deserving of this award than Dr. Stowers,” said Harakuni. “She has a remarkable ability to bring students into the conversation and make us feel like valued members of the organization.”

Stowers hopes the experience shows future physicians they can help shape healthcare systems and policy. “You can make a change in your medical school, but also at the national level,” she said.

Chiara Logli, assistant professor and institutional assessment specialist at Honolulu Community College, has won a Fulbright U.S. Scholar award in higher education for the 2026–27 academic year. Granted by the U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board, the Fulbright award underscores Logli’s standing as a world-class educator.

As part of the award, she will teach courses on research design and conduct a study examining how universities in India balance local traditions with global perspectives in higher education. Hosted by JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research in Mysuru, India, the project will culminate in a comparative study of higher education systems in India, the U.S. and Indonesia.

This research stems from her deeper passion for exploring how universities are shaped by the communities and cultures around them. In particular, she is drawn to India’s dynamic higher education system, which reflects both deep traditions and rapid innovation.

“We are incredibly proud of Dr. Logli,” Chancellor Karen C. Lee said. “It is an immense honor to join the legacy of the Fulbright Program in promoting collaboration across borders. She will be able to share the unique strengths of higher education in �鶹��ý with colleagues abroad and bring back her learnings about India to enrich our campus community.”

Logli holds an MA in political science and a PhD in education with a specialization in international cultural studies. In addition to the Fulbright award, Logli has received recognition and previous awards from the East-West Center, Rotary International, USAID, United States Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowships, United States-Indonesia Society and the European Union Leonardo da Vinci Program.

Established in 1946, the Fulbright Program is one of the world’s most respected international exchange programs, operating in more than 160 countries. Fulbright alumni include 46 heads of state or government, 63 Nobel Laureates, 93 Pulitzer Prize winners, 83 MacArthur Fellows, and countless leaders across sectors and industries worldwide.

University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa Associate Professor Mapuana Antonio of the received two national awards from the (APHA) for her impact on Native Hawaiian health and climate justice.

Antonio’s leadership reflects her commitment to integrating Indigenous knowledge into public health education, research and practice. She mentors students in ethical Indigenous research and ensures her work connects ʻ�徱�Բ� (land) and culture to Native Hawaiian health, fully integrating Indigenous perspectives into the field.

“Receiving these awards from APHA is truly an honor and reflects the collective work of our students and communities,” said Antonio, who serves as associate chair in the . “Indigenous knowledge continues to guide solutions for health, wellbeing, and climate justice, and I’m inspired by our students who carry this work forward intentionally with cultural grounding and with a deep sense of responsibility to our communities.”

Honoring ancestral knowledge, health equity

As the Queen Liliʻuokalani Endowed Professor in Native Hawaiian Culture, Antonio earned the APHA’s Emerging Leaders Award from the (ICTHP) section for her dedication to health equity.

“She exemplifies the heart of Native Hawaiian Indigenous health,” nominators said. “Her commitment to health equity has made a lasting impact with, for, and by Native Hawaiian communities and Indigenous peoples worldwide, and her work embodies the holistic approach that is at the core of ICTHP, by honoring ancestral knowledge with contemporary scientific research to restore health, resilience and wellbeing.”

Antonio also received the Student Champions for Climate Justice Award for guiding a multidisciplinary student team, including Melissa Kahili-Heede, Caleb Rivera, Camille McComas, Kiʻilaweau Aweau and Mākoa Miura, in organizing the Climate Justice Through Indigenous Knowledge Symposium in October 2025. The event served as a platform for scholars to address environmental sustainability through traditional practices.

University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa (JABSOM) physician-scientist Dominic Chow has been selected for the 2026 Emerging Leaders in Health and Medicine Forum at the National Academy of Medicine.

The invitation-only program brings together emerging leaders in health care, research and policy from across the country.

“It’s a real honor,” Chow said. “To be able to interact with members of the National Academy of Medicine and contribute to discussions that help guide health policy is something I don’t take lightly.”

Chow’s career spans global public health, including training at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and work in Guyana, where he helped lead a yellow fever outbreak investigation.

At JABSOM, he has advanced HIV research through the �鶹��ý Center for AIDS and serves as program director of Ola HAWAII, an NIH-funded initiative expanding clinical research access in underserved communities and supporting studies including Long COVID.

“I think bringing clinical trials to various populations across �鶹��ý helps create more equity,” Chow said.

The forum connects participants to address major health challenges and inform national policy. Chow said he hopes to ensure �鶹��ý’s health needs are represented.

“We have a responsibility to address health disparities here in �鶹��ý and beyond,” he said.

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University of �鶹��ý Cancer Center researcher Michele Carbone has been named the recipient of the 2026 Szent-Györgyi Prize for Progress in Cancer Research by the (NFCR). The prestigious award recognizes his discovery that inherited mutations in the BAP1 gene can dramatically increase susceptibility to mesothelioma and several other cancers.

The foundation said Carbone’s work changed how mesothelioma—a rare cancer of the membranes that cover the lungs and abdomen—is understood, diagnosed, treated and prevented worldwide, while also driving major public health actions in the U.S. and Turkey that have saved lives.

“There is nothing as rewarding as saving lives, telling someone, actually you, your daughter, your son, do not have to die of cancer, you probably will live till old age, and then to see them again, year after year, happy,” Carbone said. “I am incredibly fortunate that my research allowed me to do exactly that. Our research even inspired government action to protect public health in the U.S. and in Turkey. I had the fortune to work with a truly fantastic team of students, technicians, post-doctoral fellows and collaborators: Drs. Harvey Pass and Haining Yang, with whom I shared all failures and successes for almost 30 years.”

Naoto T. Ueno said the recognition reflects the global impact of Carbone’s decades of work.

“Dr. Michele Carbone’s recognition with the Szent-Györgyi Prize is a proud and historic moment for the University of �鶹��ý Cancer Center,” said Ueno. “His work represents the highest standard of cancer research: rigorous science that leads to landmark discovery and ultimately saves lives. By identifying inherited BAP1 mutations as a driver of mesothelioma risk, Dr. Carbone changed how we understand cancer susceptibility, prevention, and early intervention. His discoveries have protected families and communities in �鶹��ý, the U.S., Turkey, and around the world, and they reflect the kind of global impact we strive to advance from �鶹��ý.”

Carbone will receive the award at the NFCR Global Summit and Award Ceremonies for Cancer Research & Entrepreneurship on October 9 in Washington, D.C.

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At the University of �鶹��ý at Hilo, excellence in teaching, service and innovation were recognized during the 2026 End of the Year Awards Celebration on May 13.

The annual event honored faculty and staff members whose work has made a lasting impact on students, the campus and the broader community. Retirees and employees celebrating years of service were also recognized.

Award recipients

• Kekoa Harman, associate professor of Hawaiian studies and Hawaiian language, UH System Board of Regents Excellence in Teaching Award and UH Hilo Pūlama ʻIke Award
• Elisabeth Gallant, assistant professor of geology, UH System Frances Davis Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching
• Adriane Lewandowski, instructor of nursing, UH Hilo Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching
• Luzviminda Miguel, associate professor of nursing, UH Hilo Koichi and Taniyo Taniguchi Award for Excellence and Innovation
• Hollind Paiva, UH Hilo Excellence in Building and Grounds Maintenance Award
• Kathleen Hughes, UH Hilo Excellence in Service Award