Fourteen University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa academic subjects were ranked among the world’s best in the 2026 , released on March 25.

Four subjects placed in the top 22 in the nation and top 100 in the world. Leading the way was geology (No. 19 in the U.S. and No. 51–100 in the world), geophysics (No. 19 in the U.S. and No. 51–100 in the world), Earth and marine sciences (No. 21 in the U.S. and No. 51–100 in the world) and linguistics (No. 22 in the U.S. and No. 61 in the world).

Ten additional subjects placed in the world’s top 2% (within top 500 in the world out of ):

• English language and literature: No. 28 U.S., No. 101–150 world
• Agriculture and forestry: No. 30 U.S., No. 151–200 world
• Anthropology: No. 31 U.S., No. 101–200 world
• Modern languages: No. 41 U.S., No. 251–300 world
• Environmental sciences: No. 66 U.S., No. 351–400 world
• Communication and media studies: No. 68 U.S., No. 251–275 world
• Physics and astronomy: No. 70 U.S., No. 401–450 world
• Education: No. 78 U.S., No. 351–400 world
• Medicine: No. 99 U.S., No. 451–500 world
• Biological sciences: No. 100 U.S., No. 451–500 world

“These rankings highlight the exceptional work and commitment of our faculty, students and staff,” UH Mānoa Interim Provost Vassilis L. Syrmos said. “They showcase the university’s global standing and reinforce that UH Mānoa offers outstanding educational opportunities and experiences for both our local community and those joining us from around the world.”

UH Mānoa was ranked in three broad subject areas and 14 narrow subject areas. The QS World University Rankings by Subject are calculated using five criteria: academic reputation (measures the reputation of institutions and their programs by asking academic experts to nominate universities based on their subject area of expertise), employer reputation (measures the reputation of institutions and their programs among employers), research citations per paper (measures the impact and quality of the scientific work done by institutions, on average per publication), H-index (measures both the productivity and impact of the published work of a scientist or scholar) and international research network (measure of an institution’s success in creating and sustaining research partnerships with institutions in other locations).

The 2026 edition of the rankings by global higher education analyst Quacquarelli Symonds analyzed the performance of more than 18,300 university programs, taken by students at more than 1,700 universities in 100 locations around the world.

Other rankings

UH Mānoa also received these notable rankings:

• 2025 U.S. News and World Report best online programs, January 27, 2026
• 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject, January 21, 2026
• 2025 Global Ranking of Academic Subjects, January 4, 2026

Five subject areas were placed in the world’s top 1%, and an additional four earned top 2% honors in the 2026 , released on January 21.

Education led the way, ranked in the No. 101–125 tier, followed by physical sciences at No. 126–150, arts and humanities at No. 151–175, and law and life sciences each at No. 201–250. To qualify in the world’s top 1%, rankings must be within the top 250 in the world () UH Mānoa was ranked in all 11 of the 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject lists.

“We are proud that UH Mānoa continues to be recognized globally, reflecting our commitment to academic excellence, research and the student experience,” UH Mānoa Interim Provost Vassilis L. Syrmos said. “These rankings underscore the hard work and dedication of our faculty, students and staff, who make UH Mānoa a truly exceptional place.”

All UH Mānoa rankings:

• Education studies: No. 101–125
• Physical sciences: No. 126–150
• Arts and humanities: No. 151–175
• Law: No. 201–250
• Life sciences: No. 201–250
• Social sciences: No. 251–300
• Medical and health: No. 301–400
• Psychology: No. 301–400
• Business and economics: No. 401–500
• Computer science: No. 501–600
• Engineering: No. 501–600

Times Higher Education considers the following factors for its rankings: teaching, research environment, research quality, industry income and international outlook. Regarded as one of the leading national and international university rankings focused on research and academic excellence, Times Higher Education considered between 425–1,555 of the top institutions for each of its subject rankings, out of more than 25,000 institutions worldwide, to be eligible for its World University Rankings by Subject.

Other rankings

UH Mānoa also received these notable rankings:

• 2025 Global Ranking of Academic Subjects, January 4, 2026
• 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, October 9, 2025
• Wall Street Journal/College Pulse 2026 Best Colleges in the U.S. rankings, October 2, 2025
• U.S. News and World Report 2026 Best Colleges rankings, September 23, 2025

For more information, .

An innovative collection of planetary construction materials that were researched and developed in �鶹��ý for sustainable space exploration are being showcased in a new exhibit at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum (NASM) in Washington, D.C. in collaboration with the University of �鶹��ý at Hilo (PISCES) program.

“The Futures in Space exhibition features two launchpad pavers and an interlocking brick made of sintered Hawaiian basalt and developed by PISCES,” said Chris Yoakum, communication officer of the UH Hilo aerospace research program.

NASM is one of the world’s most visited museums dedicated to flight and space exploration. The exhibit featuring PISCES’ research opened on July 28, and presents multiple visions of the future of space exploration while introducing the people, companies, governments and technologies that are helping to shape it.

“This kind of recognition highlights the value of our continuing work here in �鶹��ý to help make sustainable living on Earth, and beyond, possible,” said Christian Andersen, research director at PISCES. “I’m excited to see local research from the Big Island contributing to global conversations about the future of space.”

Basalt for space

Materials for the exhibit were manufactured as part of a series of PISCES-led projects to create and deploy In-Situ Resource Utilization technology, a term coined by NASA to describe the process of transforming raw, locally sourced planetary material into usable resources. Among the featured materials is Hawaiian basalt, which shares chemical similarities with lunar and Martian surfaces.

“We wanted to show our visitors the type of work that’s being done now, here on Earth, to prepare for future crewed missions to the Moon and Mars,” said Matthew Shindell, space curator at NASM.

The Smithsonian exhibit also features PISCES outreach programs that encourage and support youth in pursuing STEM-related studies and careers.

Five outstanding students at the were honored with 2025 Ka Lama Kū awards, recognizing leadership grounded in Native Hawaiian values.

Hosted by the UH Hilo , the April 15 ceremony honored students who are reflective of exemplary values such as alakaʻi (leadership), ʻike pāpālua (vision), kuleana (responsibility), laulima (collaboration) and mālama (care for others). A student committee selected this year’s recipients for their impact on campus and beyond.

Awardees

major Shayne Victor received the Alakaʻi Award for his role in the Student Activities Council and multiple student clubs. “Shayne has consistently demonstrated the qualities of an exemplary leader who inspires and empowers those around him,” wrote nominator Kamalani Poepoe.

Hayden Niles, a major from South Dakota, was honored with the ʻIke Pāpālua Award for his vision and community service. “[Hayden] has given over 500 hours of time in our �鶹��ý Island community over his years here,” said Julie Mowrer, acting director of the Center for Community Engagement.

Tavan Nakamura, a sophomore major, received the Kuleana Award for his dependability and problem-solving skills in UH Hilo’s career services. “Tavan consistently seeks new ways for us to do things better, explores new processes and is able to share his vision effectively,” said Marcy Martinez, director of Career Services.

Gemmy Alegre, a student and student senator, earned the Laulima Award. “Her goal is to create a supportive academic environment that promotes collaboration, well-being,” said Lara Gomez, associate dean for Academic Affairs at UH Hilo Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy.

Kamalani Poepoe received the Mālama Award for her commitment to research, mentorship and cultural stewardship. A major minoring in , Poepoe’s work spans volcano research, Indigenous science, and even NASA’s Artemis mission. “Kamalani has consistently demonstrated the qualities of leading by example,” wrote nominator Shayne Victor.

The Ka Lama Kū Awards continue to celebrate UH Hilo leaders who walk with kuleana and light the path for others.

—By Susan Enright

Twenty two academic subjects at the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� earned high marks in the 2025 , released on March 12.

Leading the way was linguistics, which earned a No. 11 ranking in the U.S. and No. 40 ranking in the world. Library and information management (No. 17 U.S., No. 51–100 world) and Earth and marine sciences (No. 20 U.S., No. 51–100 world) also placed within the top 100 in the world.

Eleven additional subjects placed in the world’s top 1% (within top 250 in the world out of ):

• Geophysics: No. 30 U.S., No. 101–150 world
• Geology: No. 31 U.S., No. 101–150 world
• Anthropology: No. 35 U.S., No. 101–170 world
• Agriculture and forestry: No. 34 U.S., No. 151–200 world
• English language and literature: No. 40 U.S., No. 151–200 world
• Philosophy: No. 42 U.S., No. 201–225 world
• Geography: No. 34 U.S., No. 201–250 world
• History: No. 42 U.S., No. 201–250 world
• Politics: No. 43 U.S., No. 201–250 world
• Physics and astronomy: No. 45 U.S., No. 201–250 world
• Communication and media studies: No. 57 U.S., No. 201–250 world

“These rankings reflect the outstanding scholarship and dedication of our faculty, staff and students,” UH ����ԴDz� Provost Michael Bruno said. “They reaffirm our university’s reputation for excellence and innovation, not just in �鶹��ý, but on a global scale. For the communities we serve and the students considering UH ����ԴDz�, these rankings are a powerful endorsement of the exceptional education and opportunities we provide.”

UH ����ԴDz� was ranked in four broad subject areas and 22 narrow subject areas. The QS World University Rankings by Subject are calculated using five criteria: academic reputation (survey responses from academics), employer reputation (survey responses from graduate employers worldwide), research citations per paper (citations data sourced from Elsevier Scopus), H-index (measures most cited papers and the number of citations) and international research network (reflects ability to diversify the geography of their international research network).

The 2025 edition of the rankings by global higher education analyst Quacquarelli Symonds analyzed the performance of more than 18,300 university programs, taken by students at more than 1,700 universities in 100 locations around the world.

Other rankings

UH ����ԴDz� also received these notable rankings:

• UH ����ԴDz� earns highest national research designation, February 20, 2025
• 2025 Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject, January 23, 2025
• U.S. News and World Report 2025 Best Colleges rankings, September 24, 2024

Emily Costello, a planetary scientist at the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz�, was as one of eight participating scientists to join its to the Jupiter Trojan asteroids. These asteroids are remnants of the early solar system trapped on stable orbits associated with, but not close to, the planet Jupiter.

On the Lucy mission, Costello will contribute to the goal of understanding the nature and history of Trojan asteroids by providing insights into the role of meteoritic impacts in shaping the surfaces of the Trojans.

“Impacts are a pervasive geological process on small bodies, so it is critical that we accurately decipher how these impacts shape the formation and evolution of the asteroids,” said Costello, who is a researcher at the in the UH ����ԴDz� (SOEST).

The impact of impacts

Launched in 2021, the spacecraft is the first space mission to explore the diverse group of small bodies known as the Jupiter Trojan asteroids. Trojan asteroids orbit in two “swarms” that lead and follow Jupiter in its orbit around the Sun.

Impacts from meteors mix the surface of these bodies and muddle geologic layers, called strata. Impacts play a crucial role in erasing and homogenizing certain surface features, such as crater rays, and in the evolution of chemical and physical characteristics. Costello will provide the Lucy team with a key piece of the surface geology puzzle, leveraging her impact modeling expertise and targeted observations of craters and the material they propel outward.

“The history written and rewritten by impacts will influence the interpretation of all observations by the Lucy mission’s scientific instruments that view Trojan surfaces,” Costello said. “So, it’s thrilling to be able to help interpret the first ever close-up look at these likely ancient asteroids.”

More about the Lucy mission

Over its 12-year mission, Lucy will explore a record-breaking number of asteroids, flying by three asteroids in the solar system’s main asteroid belt, and by eight Trojan asteroids that share an orbit around the Sun with Jupiter. Lucy also will fly by Earth three times to get a push from its gravity, making it the first spacecraft to return to the vicinity of Earth from the outer solar system.

and .

Related UH News stories on Costello:

• Linking planetary science, art, Indigenous culture focus of early career award, June 5, 2024
• Building pathways for Indigenous lunar science at UH ����ԴDz�, June 17, 2022
• Mission to find lunar ice gets $3M NASA boost, February 1, 2022
• Surface of Jupiter’s moon Europa may have conditions for life, July 12, 2021

The University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� continues to solidify its status as a leading research institution, ranking No. 92 among the top 660 research universities in the U.S. and No. 68 among the top 420 public universities. This is according to the latest , which measures research and development (R&D) expenditures across various disciplines and serves as the primary source for R&D data in U.S. higher education.

• Related UH News story: UH ����ԴDz� among nation’s best in latest research rankings, February 5, 2024

Top-performing disciplines

UH ����ԴDz� demonstrated research excellence across a range of critical fields, with several disciplines maintaining their place in the top 10% nationally for fiscal year (FY) 2023:

• Ocean sciences and marine sciences: No. 7 out of 414 (top 2%)
• Astronomy and astrophysics: No. 15 out of 517 (top 3%)
• Geological and earth sciences: No. 13 out of 414 (top 3%)
• Computer and information sciences: No. 39 out of 500 (top 8%)
• Communication and communications technologies: No. 37 out of 474 (top 8%, ranked in top 10% for the first time)
• Atmospheric science and meteorology: No. 41 out of 414 (top 10%)

UH ����ԴDz� also excelled in agricultural sciences (No. 40 out of 343, top 12%) and electrical, electronic, and communications engineering (No. 49 out of 403, top 12%).

“Our continued presence among the nation’s top research universities reaffirms the strength and consistency of our research programs at UH ����ԴDz�,” said Interim Vice Provost for Research and Scholarship Christopher Sabine. “These rankings are a testament to our faculty and researchers and proof of our commitment to innovative research and scholarship to address challenges here in �鶹��ý and beyond.”

Examples of UH ����ԴDz� projects that attracted significant funding, include:

• The �鶹��ý Ocean Time-series (HOT) established in 1988 that studies climate and environmental changes in the North Pacific. After nearly 350 expeditions to the exact same location north of �鶹��ý dubbed station ALOHA, the 35-year time-series record is still going strong. Read more on UH News.
• A UH telescope on Maunakea that will support NASA’s $19.5 million Landolt Space Mission by helping calibrate telescopes with an artificial “star” satellite and creating new star brightness catalogs. Read more on UH News.
• Earth scientists studying the chemical evolution of the Hawaiian hotspot and Kīlauea’s volcanic cycles, revealing the submarine Hawaiian volcano Kamaʻehuakanaloa has erupted at least five times in the last 150 years. Read more on UH News.

Record-breaking extramural funding

UH ����ԴDz� received a record $464.9 million in extramural awards in fiscal year 2023-2024, leading the way in the UH 10-campus system’s record-breaking $615.7 million that fiscal year, surpassing the previous year’s record by $99.8 million.

Extramural funding, which comes from external sources, mainly the federal government, supports research and training initiatives by university faculty and staff. This marks the third consecutive year UH has exceeded half a billion dollars in funding.

National research trends

The HERD survey revealed an 11.2% increase in national academic R&D spending in FY 2023, the largest growth rate in two decades. Total U.S. academic R&D expenditures reached $108.8 billion, a $11.0 billion increase from FY 2022.

“UH ����ԴDz�’s performance aligns with this upward trend, further emphasizing its role as a key contributor to the national research landscape,” said UH ����ԴDz� Provost Michael Bruno.

Throughout her academic career, Natalia Gauer Pasqualon has had a passion for understanding the dynamics of volcanic systems and their implications for hazard assessment and mitigation. As a graduate student at the University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa (SOEST), she studies volcanic deposits and active eruptions, and develops methodologies that improve prediction and response to volcanic hazards.

“Science exists to solve problems within society, so it is a priority for me that our community is aware of what’s happening at the university,” said Pasqualon, who is pursuing her doctoral degree in the SOEST . “Engaging with community members demystifies the research process and makes science accessible to everyone.”

Pasqualon was selected for the semester-long SOEST outreach and communications trainee program, through which she shared her knowledge, curiosity and passion for volcanoes and Hawaiian geology with hundreds of students and community members. During the traineeship, she offered workshops, hands-on activities, and presentations at Oʻahu elementary and high schools, and the Waikīkī Aquarium’s Mauka to Makai community event.

“Making science enjoyable and relatable helps break down barriers and encourages learning,” Pasqualon said. “This transparency builds trust and allows the community to see the real-world applications of our work. And, by offering interesting activities and engaging with kids we spark their curiosity and enthusiasm for science, inspiring the next generation.”

Making science enjoyable and relatable helps break down barriers and encourages learning

Reciprocal learning

Pasqualon appreciates that learning and sharing goes two ways when interacting with students and community members.

“Building strong relationships with the community starts with these types of interactions,” she said. “Local knowledge and perspectives can provide valuable insights and incorporating community input into our research ensures that our work is relevant and beneficial to society.”

Another significant benefit, she said, is that she was invited to become more immersed in the local community.

“While waiting for other students to arrive at Nānākuli High School, I had a wonderful cultural exchange with one student,” Pasqualon shared. “They were preparing an ʻahu ʻula, a feathered cape traditionally worn by aliʻi royals and high chiefs, to welcome a teacher returning after a period away. I was amazed to learn from this local student about the ʻahu ʻula and how they put it together. It was definitely a highlight of my trainee experience.”

Funding for the SOEST Outreach and Communications Trainee program was provided by the National Science Foundation (NSF/GEO #2304691) through a Catalyst Award for Science Advancement.

–By Marcie Grabowski

The placed in the nation’s top 20 in eight subjects, the best performance by UH’s flagship institution in the .

Released April 10, QS’s 2024 version of the rankings listed UH ����ԴDz� among the nation’s best in the following categories:

• Linguistics: No. 10 U.S., No. 22 world
• Hospitality and leisure management: No. 15 U.S., No. 46 world
• Anthropology: No. 19 U.S., No. 51–100 world
• Modern languages: No. 19 U.S., No. 101–150 world
• Geophysics: No. 20 U.S., No. 47 world
• Geology: No. 20 U.S., No. 49 world
• Earth and marine sciences: No. 20 U.S., No. 51–100 world
• Geography: No. 20 U.S., No. 101–150 world

“These rankings are a testament to the excellence of our faculty and the dedication of our entire staff,” UH ����ԴDz� Provost Michael Bruno said. “To the communities that we serve, they affirm that this university represents the very best in scholarship and education. And to our prospective students and their families, the rankings are a strong endorsement of the quality and value of an education from UH ����ԴDz�.”

UH ����ԴDz� also placed in the nation’s top 50 in nine additional subjects:

• English language and literature: No. 30 U.S., No. 101–150 world
• Archaeology: No. 30 U.S., No. 151–200 world
• Agriculture and forestry: No. 34 U.S., No. 151–200 world
• Physics and astronomy: No. 39 U.S., No. 151–200 world
• Sociology: No. 42 U.S., No. 201–250 world
• Politics: No. 44 U.S., No. 201–250 world
• Communication and media studies: No. 46 U.S., No. 151–200 world
• Arts and humanities: No. 47 U.S., No. 210 world
• Environmental sciences: No. 49 U.S., No. 251–300 world

UH ����ԴDz� was ranked in four broad subject areas and 24 narrow subject areas. The QS World University Rankings by Subject are calculated using five criteria: academic reputation (survey responses from academics), employer reputation (survey responses from graduate employers worldwide), research citations per paper (citations data sourced from Elsevier Scopus), H-index (measures most cited papers and the number of citations) and international research network (reflects ability to diversify the geography of their international research network).

The 2024 edition of the rankings by global higher education analyst Quacquarelli Symonds analyzed the performance of more than 16,400 university programs, taken by students at more than 1,500 universities in 96 locations around the world.

Recent rankings

UH ����ԴDz� also received these notable rankings:

• 2024 U.S. News and World Report’s Best Graduate Schools rankings, April 9, 2024
• QS World University Rankings: Sustainability, December 11, 2023
• 2023 Global Ranking of Academic Subjects released by the Shanghai Ranking Consultancy, October 29, 2023

For more information on rankings, see the .

—By Marc Arakaki

The is No. 91 out of the top 633 research institutions in the U.S. and No. 59 out of the top 410 public universities, according to the latest , which measures research and development federal expenditures across a variety of disciplines.

The following disciplines at UH ����ԴDz� placed in the nation’s top 10%, according to the latest available data from FY 2022:

• Ocean sciences and marine sciences: No. 7 out of 396 (top 2%)
• Astronomy and astrophysics: No. 13 out of 493 (top 3%)
• Geological and earth sciences: No. 15 out of 396 (top 4%)
• Computer and information sciences: No. 27 out of 484 (top 6%)
• Atmospheric science and meteorology: No. 41 out of 396 (top 10%)
• Social Work: No. 47 out of 460 (top 10%)

UH ����ԴDz� is also in the top 11% in agricultural sciences (No. 38 out of 332) and electrical, electronic, and communications engineering (No. 43 out of 388).

“The data shows that in a highly competitive environment, the federal government recognizes the expertise here at UH ����ԴDz� by funding our research across multiple disciplines,” UH ����ԴDz� Provost Michael Bruno said. “It underscores our continued success in fostering a dynamic research environment, attracting top-tier faculty and students, and further establishing ourselves as a hub for cutting-edge research to serve the people of �鶹��ý and the world.”

UH ����ԴDz� is a global leader in a wide range of disciplines, including earth and environmental sciences, sustainability, climate, food systems and the health sciences. Several examples of UH ����ԴDz� projects that attracted the attention of funders:

• In 1988, the �鶹��ý Ocean Time-series (HOT) was established with support from the National Science Foundation to study changes in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre. After nearly 350 expeditions to station ALOHA, the 35-year time-series record is still going strong. Read more about the HOT program on UH News.
• A UH ����ԴDz� student-led team was selected to develop a small research satellite for the NASA CubeSat Launch Initiative planned to launch between 2024–27. Read more about the project.
• Kamaʻehuakanaloa (formerly ��ōʻ���� Seamount), a submarine Hawaiian volcano located about 20 miles off the south coast of �鶹��ý Island, has erupted at least five times in the last 150 years, according to new research led by Earth scientists at UH ����ԴDz�. Read more about this research.

“This achievement is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our faculty, staff and students who continue to elevate UH ����ԴDz� as a beacon of excellence, propelling �鶹��ý to the forefront of cutting-edge research and innovation,” UH ����ԴDz� Interim Vice Provost for Research and Scholarship Christopher Sabine said. “The entire state should take pride in our collective commitment to advancing knowledge and contributing to the broader scientific community.”

Record extramural funding

UH brought in a record high of $515.9 million for FY 2023 in extramural funding, $10.9 million more than the previous record of $505 million set in FY 2022. UH ����ԴDz�, the flagship campus of UH’s 10 campus system, led the extramural funding amount with $342.7 million.

Extramural funding is external investments from entities such as the federal government, industry and non-profit organizations that support research and training activities conducted by university faculty and staff. Extramural projects support research and innovation that help to increase knowledge and provide solutions to improve quality of life.

UH ����ԴDz�, the flagship campus of the UH 10-campus system is classified as one of only 146 R1 research universities in the nation by the Carnegie Foundation, indicating “very high research activity.”

Oʻahu high school and community college students explored �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ��’s volcanoes and their hazards through a combination of field experiences and hands-on classroom activities. The week-long experience was offered by University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa and �鶹��ý Pacific University Earth scientists in summer 2023.

“The goal of the program was to connect the local students with Hawaiian geology and hopefully inspire them to pursue a path in the geosciences,” said Aaron Pietruszka, program co-instructor and associate professor in the at UH ��ā�ԴDz�’s (SOEST).

“We hoped to spark an interest in local geology by sharing information about the origins of the Hawaiian Islands and the volcanic and sedimentary processes that created the topography we see on Oʻahu,” said Reed Mershon, an Earth sciences graduate student who was an assistant instructor.

The students, 15 from Oʻahu high schools and one from , participated in field trips and interactive classroom activities that brought to life the science and hazards of volcanoes.

One student, upon walking around the Lānaʻi lookout on Oʻahu, said, “I’ve passed by this place a million times and never thought about how it got there. It’s so cool to finally learn how and why Oʻahu looks the way it does.”

Lānaʻi Lookout is a volcaniclastic (rock that contains volcanic material) deposit consisting of several ash layers deposited by nearby vents—the students were able to observe the variations in the ash layers, indicating the dynamic eruptive conditions.

The instructors shared potential educational pathways and careers in geosciences. In an effort to include and welcome students who are from underrepresented groups in STEM fields. This program looked at volcanology with an Indigenous viewpoint.

“We connected the storytelling and history of the Hawaiian Islands with the local geology,” said Mershon.

Current activity, ancient processes

Through the National Science Foundation-funded project, the research team recently assembled what is likely the most complete collection of samples from the Emperor Seamounts, those to the north of the Northwestern Hawaiian Ridge seamounts. Some of the lava samples from the Hawaiian-Emperor Chain are extremely old—as old as 80 million years.

Mershon brought in a few samples for the students to observe and touch. After seeing a 45-million-year-old lava from Koko Seamount, one student said, “But wait, this looks just like the rocks near my house!”

“The rocks near their house and the rocks from these seamounts are extremely similar,” said Mershon. “It was really satisfying to see the student make this connection and realize that the current volcanic processes we see on �鶹��ý Island are the same processes that created the ancient lava.”

The program will be offered again in summer 2024. To be notified when the application period for the program opens, email apietrus@hawaii.edu.

.

On the surface of many of the icy moons in our solar system, scientists have documented strike-slip faults, those that occur when fault walls in the ground’s crust move past one another sideways, as is the case at the San Andreas fault in California. Two recently published studies led by University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� earth and space scientists document and reveal the mechanisms behind these geologic features on the largest moon of Saturn, Titan, and Jupiter’s largest moon, Ganymede.

Conducting these types of geologic investigations prior to launch and arrival of space exploration missions, helps identify interesting locations for lander exploration and maximizes what can be learned from extraterrestrial icy moons.

“We are interested in studying these features on icy moons because that type of faulting can facilitate the exchange of surface and subsurface materials through heating processes, potentially creating environments conducive for the emergence of life,” said Liliane Burkhard, lead author of the studies and research affiliate at the in the UH ����ԴDz� .

When an icy moon moves around its parent planet, the gravity of the planet can exert tidal forces. Rather than creating high and low tides as in Earth’s ocean, on an icy moon, the tidal pull puts stress on the icy surface and can drive geologic activity such as strike-slip faulting.

Titan, a frozen ocean world

The extremely cold temperatures on the surface of Titan mean that water ice acts as rock that can crack, fault, and deform. Evidence from the Cassini spacecraft suggests that tens of miles below the frozen surface, there is a liquid water ocean. Further, Titan is the only moon in our solar system with a dense atmosphere, which, uniquely, supports an Earth-like hydrological cycle of methane clouds, rain, and liquid flowing across the surface to fill lakes and seas, placing it among a handful of worlds that could potentially contain habitable environments.

The NASA Dragonfly mission will launch in 2027, with a planned arrival on Titan in 2034. The novel rotorcraft lander will conduct several flights on the surface, exploring a variety of locations to search for the building blocks and signs of life.

In their of the Selk crater area on Titan, the designated initial landing site for the Dragonfly mission, Burkhard and her co-author explored the potential for strike-slip faulting. To do this, they calculated the stress that would be exerted on Titan’s surface due to tidal forces as the moon orbits Saturn and tested the possibility of faulting by examining various characteristics of the frozen ground.

“Our prior research indicated that certain areas on Titan might currently undergo deformation due to tidal stresses. However, the conditions we’ve determined to be necessary for strike-slip fault displacement appear to be unlikely in the Selk crater region,” said Burkhard. “Consequently, it’s safe to infer that Dragonfly won’t be landing in a strike-slip ditch!”

In a second recently , Burkhard and her colleagues also examined the geology of Ganymede, the largest moon of Jupiter and larger than planet Mercury, to investigate its history with tidal stress. In particular, the team looked at a region called Nippur Philus Sulci, where new terrain overlays older terrain. During the investigation of intermediate aged and younger parts of this area, the team found the direction of their slip features to have different alignments. This suggests that features in the youngest terrains may have formed through processes other than high tidal stress.

“We can conclude that Ganymede has had a tidal ‘midlife crisis,’ but it’s youngest ‘crisis’ remains enigmatic,” Burkhard added.

More than 25 subject areas earned international honors, including a top 10 national performance by the , according to the .

UH ����ԴDz� placed in the nation’s top 20 and the world’s top 100 in five narrow subject areas:

• Linguistics: No. 10 U.S., No. 19 worldwide
• Anthropology: No. 18 U.S., No. 51–100 worldwide
• Geophysics: No. 19 U.S., No. 44 worldwide
• Geology: No. 19 U.S., No. 44 worldwide
• Earth and marine sciences: No. 20 U.S., No. 51–100 worldwide

In addition, UH’s flagship campus ranked in 17 other narrow subject areas, all in the nation’s top 100.

UH ����ԴDz� also received the following broad subject area rankings: arts and humanities (No. 33 U.S., No. 125 worldwide), (No. 50 U.S., No. 225 worldwide), and (No. 71 U.S., No. 393 worldwide), and and (No. 100 U.S., No. 400 worldwide).

UK-based QS is considered one of the most highly regarded ranking entities in higher education. QS selected 1,594 institutions to evaluate out of for its 2023 World University Rankings by Subject using the following factors: academic and employer reputation, research citations per paper, international research network and the h-index, which measures the productivity and impact of an academic researcher or department.

International recognition

These rankings are the latest in a series of high marks from QS. In QS’s latest World University Rankings released in June 2023, UH ����ԴDz� placed No. 66 nationally and No. 386 out of more than 25,000 colleges and universities worldwide (or the top 2%).

Recent rankings

UH ����ԴDz� also received these notable rankings:

• World’s top 2.5% in the Global 2000 list by the Center for World University Rankings, May 15, 2023
• Sixteen graduate programs recognized in the 2023–24 U.S. News and World Report’s Best Graduate Schools rankings, April 24, 2023

For more information on rankings, see the .

—By Marc Arakaki

Geology students from the took a two-week hands-on field trip in May to some of California’s most amazing geological formations as part of the Field Education Program.

“From Rainbow Basin to Death Valley, we dived into advanced field methods during our unforgettable two weeks at Geology Field Camp. Mapping techniques, road trips and epic hikes were just the beginning! Our adventure reached its peak at the White Mountain Research Center, where we delved deep into mapping the magnificent Poleta Folds. This was no ordinary camp; it was our Field Boot Camp,” explained the UH Hilo Geology Club on its .

Professor Steve Lundblad and Associate Professor Jim Anderson co-led the trip. The students had already taken a field methods class that included extensive field training on �鶹��ý Island. Students on the trip were Celia Chmielowski, Caiti Fix, Paige Johnson, Teagan Maher, Baylee McDade, Ski Mecham, Edward Miller, Hannah Steiner, Natsumi Takeda and Hunter Valencia.

The group spent a few days in the Mojave Desert, an area near Barstow, California, in a place called Rainbow Basin. “Students got a lot of practice orienteering with map and compass, and created a map of a feature called the Skyline Tuff,” said Lundblad.

The geology students also took a day-long field trip to see some of the features in Death Valley National Park, including Badwater Basin, which is below sea level and the lowest spot in North America.

The group also spent time at the University of California’s , California.

In addition to the mapping projects, the group explored some of the spectacular geology near Mammoth Mountain and Mono Lake in the Sierra Nevada mountain range.

“The students gained valuable experience working in the field and applying the skills they learned in the classroom to real world situations,” said Lundblad. “This year was a special one with the heavy rain and snow over the winter. Many great flowers in bloom in the desert!”

For the full story check out .

—By Susan Enright

On June 3, for the first time since 2019, the hosted by the (CSAV) at the , welcomed a class of 12 participants from around the world.

The eight-week summer course is designed to assist volcanologists and technicians from developing nations in attaining self-sufficiency in monitoring volcanoes. The field training on �鶹��ý Island and in Vancouver, Washington, emphasizes volcano monitoring methods, both data collection and interpretation, in use by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The participants also learn proper use and maintenance of volcano monitoring instruments.

The program was initiated in 1991 as a collaborative effort among the UH Hilo , the (HIGP) at UH ����ԴDz�, and the USGS . More than 30 individuals will be contributing to the course this year, with instruction provided by HIGP and UH ����ԴDz� faculty, and current and retired USGS staff from the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, Cascades Volcano Observatory and Alaska Volcano Observatory.

“Hawaiian volcanoes are among the most active in the world, but unlike violently explosive volcanoes, they can be approached and studied without significant risk,” said Don Thomas, director of CSAV and faculty member at HIGP in the UH ����ԴDz� . “As a result, the course and �鶹��ý Island provide the ideal environment for practicing volcano monitoring techniques.”

Monitoring, analyzing and interpreting data

The curriculum covers available monitoring technology, but emphasizes technology that is accessible to the volcano observatories in participants’ home countries. Attendees learn to properly install seismic stations, precision GPS stations and tiltmeters; and analyze and interpret data from those types of equipment. They also practice monitoring and interpreting the chemistry of volcanic gas emissions; mapping lava flows and explosive deposits, and interpreting those maps in the context of eruption magnitude and risk; and assessing satellite remote sensing and thermal imagery.

“We also provide training on crisis management during a volcanic crisis: how to interact with the media during a crisis, how to educate the general public about volcanic hazards, and how to respond during a volcanic crisis,” said Thomas. “With this focus on forecasting and rapid response, we really aim to bolster volcano observatories around the world in their efforts to save lives and property.”

Connecting colleagues around the world

Since 1991, 264 from 30 countries have participated in the training program. Most attendees have been funded through the USGS Volcano Disaster Assistance Program with funding from USAID. The vast majority of participants are volcanologists or technicians actively monitoring volcanoes in their home countries. A typical cohort consists of trainees from five or six different countries, providing a valuable opportunity for international practitioners focused on volcanic hazards to connect.

“As the cohort progresses through the training program, they become colleagues with similar interests, work objectives and common challenges in fulfilling their volcano monitoring roles,” said Thomas. “After they return home, they have a network of colleagues that they can call on for help in problem-solving and brainstorming and dealing with the inevitable challenges that they’ll face in dealing with their home volcanoes.”

—By Marcie Grabowski

The eruption of Maunaloa has created a fiery living laboratory and real world classroom for students, faculty and staff at the .

Steve Lundblad, a professor, took his introductory geology class on an excursion two days after the first fissure opened to safely view the flow from Saddle Road. They based their observations at Gilbert Kahele Park.

“We talked about Maunaloa and Maunakea, and the Maunakea cinder cones surrounded by newer Maunaloa lava flows,” Lundblad explained. He expressed, students were mostly busy looking at the eruption through binoculars.

The curriculum of Lundblad’s class is designed to prepare students for further studies in geology. They study the features and materials that make up Earth, with emphasis on structures, various erosional and depositional processes, and the role of plate tectonics.

Lava sample study

Staff from the U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS-HVO) continue to collect and bring samples of fresh lava to the UH Hilo for analysis on the Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence spectrometer, commonly called the EDXRF machine, which analyzes groups of elements simultaneously.

“Our student worker Baylee McDade will help prepare the samples, grinding them into powder, for analysis on the EDXRF machine…after the rocks finish in the drying oven,” said Darcy Bevens, an educational specialist at the UH Hilo .

“The analysis will give HVO details about the composition of the rock,” Bevens added.

Lundblad and colleague Peter Mills, an professor, have operated the X-Ray Fluoresence Spectrometer for the past 20 years, working on archaeological materials.

In past years, they also have worked with geology lecturer Cheryl Gansecki on newly erupted samples from Kīlauea—and now this week, Maunaloa—to track changes in the eruption. They do this by taking samples from the active flows, which are run through the EDXRF machine and analyzed for changes from one sample to the next.

In-depth tracking

UH Hilo has been analyzing lava flow samples from Kīlauea since 2013 however the composition barely changed until May 2018. First there was magma that had been stored, older, colder, and then as the fissures progressed, the scientists started to see, younger, hotter, magma coming in. This type of lava is more fluid and can travel longer distances.

“We successfully tracked changes during the 2018 eruption from magma that was stored in the lower East Rift zone to new magma that traveled from the summit reservoir,” Lundblad said.

The chemical change detected by the UH Hilo team preceded the change in Kīlauea’s eruptive behavior by two to three days which gave officials advanced warning in their task of protecting the public.

Now the UH Hilo team is at work on the Maunaloa flows.

“Because Maunaloa is a new eruption, we are hoping to help the USGS-HVO folks track changes from the early phases of the eruption to later stages,” Lundblad said.

For more information go to .

The has been internationally recognized as one of the world’s top universities across multiple subject areas, including linguistics, anthropology and geology, according to the released on April 6.

UH ����ԴDz� placed in the world’s top 100 and the country’s top 25 in five narrow subject areas:

• Linguistics: No. 34 worldwide, No. 12 U.S.
• Anthropology: No. 51–100 worldwide, No. 18 U.S.
• Geology: No. 51–100 worldwide, No. 22 U.S.
• Geophysics: No. 51–100 worldwide, No. 22 U.S.
• Earth and marine sciences: No. 51–100 worldwide, No. 23 U.S.

In addition, UH’s flagship campus ranked in 14 other narrow subject areas. UH ����ԴDz� also received the following broad subject area rankings: arts and humanities (No. 157 worldwide, No. 41 U.S.), (No. 262 worldwide, No. 54 U.S.), and (No. 451–500 worldwide, No. 78 U.S.), and and (No. 451–500 worldwide, No. 117 U.S.).

“It is very satisfying and appropriate that so many of our programs are recognized by Quacquarelli Symonds as among the top in the world. This recognition is a testament to the high level of academic and research excellence displayed by our faculty, students and staff,” �鶹��ý����ԴDz� Provost Michael Bruno said. “While we are always pleased to be ranked highly, it is important that we focus on the fact that �鶹��ý has, right here in the islands, a university that is among the world’s leaders across a wide variety of disciplines. You don’t have to leave �鶹��ý to get a world-class education.”

United Kingdom-based QS is considered one of the most prestigious ranking entities in higher education. QS selected 1,543 institutions to evaluate out of more than 26,000 colleges and universities for its 2022 World University Rankings by Subject using four factors: academic and employer reputation, number of research citations per paper, international research network and the h-index, which measures the stability and impact of published work.

International recognition from QS

These rankings are the latest in a series of high marks from QS. In QS’s latest World University Rankings released in June 2021, UH ����ԴDz� placed No. 62 nationally and No. 340 out of more than 26,000 colleges and universities worldwide (or the top 2%).

Other rankings

UH ����ԴDz� has also received these notable rankings:

• U.S. News and World Report’s 2023 Best Graduate Schools rankings, March 28, 2022
• 2021 Aggregate Ranking of Top Universities, January 18, 2022
• 2022 Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education U.S. college rankings, September 21, 2021

For a full list of QS subject rankings and for more information, visit the .

These rankings are an example of UH ����ԴDz�’s goals of (PDF) and (PDF), two of four goals identified in the (PDF), updated in December 2020.

—By Marc Arakaki

The is among the world’s best for academic and research excellence across numerous subject areas, according to the released on March 3. These rankings are examples of UH ����ԴDz�’s goals of (PDF) and (PDF), two of four goals identified in the (PDF), updated in December 2020.

After being ranked No. 62 nationally and No. 333 out of more than 26,000 colleges and universities worldwide (or the top 2%) in QS’s latest World University Rankings released in June 2020, UH ����ԴDz� was ranked in the top 50 in the world in four narrow subject areas: geology (No. 24 worldwide, No. 15 U.S.), geophysics (No. 26 worldwide, No. 16 U.S.), linguistics (No. 28 worldwide, No. 11 U.S.) and earth and marine sciences (No. 34 worldwide, No. 18 U.S.).

UH ����ԴDz� also received the following broad subject area rankings:

• Arts and Humanities: No. 172 worldwide, No. 43 U.S.
• : No. 203 worldwide, No. 49 U.S.
• and : No. 401–450 range worldwide, No. 78 U.S.
• and : No. 401–450 range worldwide, No. 113 U.S.

United Kingdom-based QS is considered one of the most prestigious ranking entities in higher education. QS selected 1,453 institutions to evaluate out of more than 26,000 colleges and universities for its 2021 World University Rankings by Subject using four factors: academic and employer reputation, number of research citations per paper and the h-index, which measures the productivity and impact of published work.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the contribution of a world-class university to a brighter future for �鶹��ý. The QS rankings affirm UH ����ԴDz�’s resilience and commitment to excellence in a wide range of disciplines,” UH ����ԴDz� Provost Michael Bruno said. “The world is undergoing dramatic and in many ways permanent change as a result of the pandemic, and I believe that our graduates will be among those helping to shape it for the better thanks to the strong education our world-class faculty provide.”

Other rankings

UH ����ԴDz� has also received these notable rankings:

• Elite international rankings in 2021 Times Higher Education World University Rankings by subject
• High national ranking in U.S. News and World Report 2021 Best Colleges rankings
• UH ����ԴDz� in top 1% of worldwide universities by the 2021 Times Higher Education World University Rankings

For a full list of QS subject rankings and for more information, .

—By Marc Arakaki

Since the 2018 Kīlauea volcano eruption, the at the has partnered with �鶹��ý Volcano Observatory (HVO) scientists to do “old school” leveling, a valuable measuring method to track changes in the Koaʻe fault system. UH Hilo has capable and enthusiastic geology students, and through the years, many have volunteered to measure the cracks and faults.

Students have played important roles in collecting and analyzing the data through conducting leveling research. Thus far, two groups of students have traveled to scientific conferences to present their findings.

“We are proud of the contributions these new researchers have made to the Island of �鶹��ý community and the wider world of science,” said UH Hilo geology Professor Steve Lundblad, who penned a .

Koaʻe fault system

The Koaʻe fault system connects Kīlauea’s East and Southwest Rift Zones south of the caldera. Faults here appear as low cliffs or “scarps” along Hilina Pali Road in �鶹��ý Volcanoes National Park. These fault-cliffs slip during major earthquakes, as happened on May 4, 2018, near the beginning of Kīlauea’s 2018 eruption.

U.S. Geological Survey scientists first began leveling along the Koaʻe faults in the 1960s, providing a long-standing record of data and field stations. Around each leveling station is an array of subsidiary “crack stations,” allowing measurement across individual Koaʻe faults and their related ground cracks.

When the Koaʻe faults move, they either slide vertically or open to create a deep crack. A dramatic example of opening was the Hilina Pali Road 2018 faulting near Kulanaokuaiki campground, which split the road. The prominent slope the road ascends is a result of repeated fault movement over several hundred years. Shortly after the end of the 2018 eruption, leveling revealed that the rates of change along the Koaʻe faults quickly returned to the much slower normal pace.

“We’ve learned several important things about the behavior of the fault system from the on-going Koaʻe leveling campaign,” wrote Lundblad. “Most of the relief along these cliffs is created by large events. The faults are also very efficient ‘earth movers.’ Very few new cracks formed as a result of the large geologic events of 2018.”