After moving from the Philippines to Waipahu at age seven, Sean Michael Valencia Monte arrived at the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� with a clear mission: to transform his passion for microbial research into a career in environmental conservation. Building on award-winning Waipahu High School research in soil science, Monte joined the (GES) program in the (SOEST).

Since joining SOEST, Monte has been a part of research in various fields. In summer 2024, Monte participated in the Hollings Preparation Program, working with the NOAA Pacific Islands Regional Office on Hawaiian monk seal conservation. While assisting in pup taggings and conducting watches was exciting, his real takeaway was the human connections.

“The most important thing I learned was how to effectively engage with the public,” Monte shared. “I learned how to communicate science in a way that prioritizes both human safety and animal welfare.”

Transformative experiences

In summer 2025, he was selected as part of a five-student cohort that revived the UH Blue Water Marine Lab Program. Aboard the UH research vessel Kaunana, Monte gained hands-on training in plankton tows, marine mammal surveys, and the deployment of autonomous water sampling technology. And, through the National Student Exchange, he attended California State University, Monterey Bay for a semester.

“Spending a semester away from home taught me how much growth can come from the people you meet and the places you experience,” Monte shared. “I met incredible international students from France, Germany, Norway and Japan. Traveling across California and nearby states helped me gain independence and confidence. The experiences that I received proved to be transformative.”

Building connections and looking ahead

At UH ����ԴDz�, Monte is part of the SOEST Maile Mentor Bridge Program, which pairs undergraduate students with near-peer mentors.

“Through my Maile Mentor, Raffi Isah, I was able to connect with and secure GES thesis mentors, and the program has given me a space to share my goals, challenges and experiences with others who understand the demands of SOEST and are motivated by similar interests,” Monte said.

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University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa alumna Lauryn Hansen can pinpoint the moment she realized she could turn her passion for the environment into a career, beginning a journey that would eventually lead her to dive deep into the intricate links between ocean and human health.

“My high school history teacher showed our class a clip of a late-night talk show where lobbyists in powerful positions chatted about their stance on climate regulation,” said Hansen. “It was the first time I really thought about how the world worked—and how often people making the biggest decisions may not act in the public’s best interest. That was an ‘aha’ moment for me: realizing that I could channel my deep care and interest in the environment into a career.”

That realization led Hansen, who grew up in California and the Pacific Northwest, to UH Mānoa. She enrolled in the (GES) bachelor’s degree program in the (SOEST).

For her GES senior thesis, Hansen worked with Robert Richmond at the Kewalo Marine Laboratory to investigate how exposure to PFAS, a type of “forever chemical,” influenced different phases of the coral life cycle. This project sparked a strong interest in toxicology and contamination, which ultimately steered her toward pursuing a bachelor’s and master’s (BAM) combined degree in public health at UH Mānoa.

“The transition to public health ended up being a really natural fit,” Hansen said.

Linking research and community

Now, as an with the UH Sea Grant College Program (�鶹��ý Sea Grant), Hansen is focusing on coastal marine resource management related to contaminants of emerging concern, such as forever chemicals, pesticides and microplastics. She collaborates with researchers, water quality managers and government agencies to improve local monitoring and management of these contaminants.

In addition to her research, Hansen contributes to UH ����ԴDz�’s efforts to become a Native Hawaiian Place of Learning. After completing Cohort Kaulua, a professional development program, she became a trained Pilina Circle co-facilitator to support spaces for reflection and connection among the campus community.

Looking ahead, Hansen plans to continue working in environmental health with a focus on outreach.

“What matters most to me is being in a role where I can take research beyond the ‘ivory tower’—working with people, shaping conversations, and helping create solutions that make a real difference,” Hansen said.

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Spring 2025 graduates of the (GES) undergraduate program at the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� took with them a bachelor’s degree and real-world, hands-on experiences with research that benefits communities and ecosystems in �鶹��ý and beyond. Through the GES program in the at the UH ����ԴDz� , students like , engage in original research, write a senior thesis, and present their findings at a research symposium.

From astrobiology to environmental science

Born and raised in ʻAiea, Jacang would often go snorkeling with his uncle. Jacang started his college career as an astronomy major but during his sophomore year, an astrobiology course helped him rediscover his long-held interest in fish and environmental science, prompting him to pursue the GES degree.

Jacang knew he wanted to focus his senior research project on loko iʻa (Hawaiian fishponds), ecology, and fish. He connected with Bradley (Kai) Fox, aquaculture extension specialist at �鶹��ý Sea Grant. Jacang pursued a project focused on evaluating fish hatcheries as a tool for fish recruitment for loko iʻa.

Connecting �鶹��ý’s ecosystems and Indigenous knowledge

“For me, learning about loko iʻa and the ahupuaʻa system, which encompasses the mountains to the sea, was the most interesting component of my project,” Jacang said. “Native Hawaiians having an intimate connection with the ʻāina and building their natural resource management around it allowed them to live sustainably pre-contact. Loko iʻa themselves are one component of the ahupuaʻa system, and I’ve learned about the interconnectedness of different food systems within an ahupuaʻa, for example loko iʻa and dryland kalo. Overall, I think it is important that these systems are restored and maintained, as they are an important part of Hawaiian culture and a way to strengthen our food security and food sovereignty.”

A summer internship with KUPU, a local nonprofit, further cemented Jacang’s connection to �鶹��ý’s ecosystems and Indigenous knowledge. Internship participants went to various locations on O‘ahu where organizations are focused on island sustainability. They helped with weeding, preparing kalo patches, or fishing out invasive species. Jacang shared that this experience was enriched by learning the historical and cultural significance of the sites they worked on.

Through his participation in the Maile Mentoring Bridge Program, Jacang found invaluable support and practical advice from Shaun Wriston, lead oceanographic technician for the Pacific Islands Ocean Observing System, who is also a GES alumni.

“It was great to know that someone had experienced what I was going through during my college journey and I would definitely recommend the program,” said Jacang.

After graduation, Jacang will mainly focus on gaining experience within conservation and aquatic resource management, with hopes of eventually working with the �鶹��ý Department of Land and Natural Resources.

“I commend and congratulate our graduates for successfully completing their required faculty-mentored thesis experience,” said Michael Guidry, chair of the GES Program. “Kade did a fantastic job finding a thesis project and mentor that fit his interests. His research results are important contributions to the ongoing, extensive efforts to revitalize and reinvigorate local food production; especially via loko iʻa. I look forward to seeing his future achievements in, and contributions to, conservation and resource management.”

–By Marcie Grabowski

Spring 2025 graduates of the (GES) undergraduate program at the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� took with them a bachelor’s degree and real-world, hands-on experiences with research that benefits communities and ecosystems in �鶹��ý and beyond. Through the GES program in the at the UH ����ԴDz� (SOEST), students including , engage in original research, write a senior thesis, and present their findings at a research symposium.

Connecting passion and purpose

Arends moved to �鶹��ý in 2018 and attended Kalaheo High School in Kailua. She always felt a deep connection to the ocean and spent much of her time freediving, scuba diving, open water swimming, tidepooling, surfing and studying marine life. When looking at undergraduate programs, Arends was drawn to the GES program because of its broad and interdisciplinary scope, with courses in oceanography, atmospheric science and geology.

“I also admired the program’s rigor, especially the requirement to complete an undergraduate senior thesis, which I saw as an opportunity to grow as an independent scientist and gain meaningful experience in environmental research,” Arends said.

Cutting-edge coral research

For her GES senior thesis research, Arends worked with Rob Toonen at the in SOEST, who she had connected with through a “Learning through internships” course at Kalaheo High School years prior. Her GES thesis research aimed to better understand the evolutionary history of a thermally resilient coral, Leptastrea purpurea and improve the use of this coral in place-based restoration efforts in �鶹��ý.

“One of the most enjoyable parts of this research project was the fieldwork freediving in Kāneʻohe Bay to collect Leptastrea colonies,” Arends said. “It was also very rewarding to see the project through from hands-on collection of these corals to DNA extraction and bioinformatics analysis.”

Arends presented findings from this work at Reef Futures 2024, an international conference for reef restoration, in Cancun, Mexico.

“Being part of cutting-edge research and a supportive scientific community has been the most meaningful aspect of my time at SOEST,” Arends said. “Through my senior thesis, I’ve had the opportunity to present at conferences and gain valuable fieldwork and independent research experience, all of which helped me grow as a young scientist. Participating in research cruises with the �鶹��ý Ocean Time-Series Program and Hadal Water Column Profiler group aboard the R/V Kilo Moana has been especially memorable.”

While living at sea for weeks with classmates, professors, and professionals, Arends built lasting relationships and was inspired to pursue a graduate degree. She will continue her journey in academia next year with SOEST, pursuing a master’s degree in the Department of Oceanography with the Deep Sea Ecology Lab.

“I congratulate Tyra for accomplishing so much as an undergraduate student,” said Michael Guidry, chair of the GES Program. “She exemplifies the proactive approach students can take at UH ����ԴDz� in shaping their futures and having an immediate, positive impact on �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ��’s environment through their degree-required thesis experience. Additionally, she always found the time to assist and mentor other GES students in whatever way she could. Her graduating class was another in a long line of many strong cohorts that over time has helped shepherd and propagate the GES Program’s strong, supportive student-driven culture.”

—By Marcie Grabowski

Spring 2025 graduates of the (GES) undergraduate program at the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� took with them a bachelor’s degree and real-world, hands-on experiences with research that benefits communities and ecosystems in �鶹��ý and beyond. Through the GES program in the at the UH ����ԴDz� (SOEST), students such as new graduate Ian Chung engage in original research, write a senior thesis and present their findings at a research symposium.

“I commend and congratulate our graduates for successfully completing their required faculty-mentored thesis experience,” said Michael Guidry, chair of the GES program. “Ian’s research regarding microplastics deposition on Oʻahu is a perfect example of what is accomplished by combining talented and dedicated students with cutting-edge research opportunities and quality faculty mentorship at UH ����ԴDz�. Our graduates are well prepared for their next steps either in the workforce or professional/graduate school, and I eagerly look forward to seeing their future successful endeavors.”

Drive to promote sustainability

Growing up in Makakilo and Kapolei, Chung spent a lot of time frequenting beaches and hiking, and developed an appreciation for the island’s natural beauty and the sense of peace it offers him.

Before joining SOEST, he enrolled at Kapiʻolani Community College, attending classes part-time and working in Waikīkī’s restaurant industry. This chapter of his academic journey sparked his interest in pursuing a degree in science and clarified a desire to attain the knowledge and tools to be a benefit to his community by promoting environmental sustainability. This led him to SOEST’s GES program.

Connecting microplastics and the weather

For Chung’s senior research thesis, he worked with Associate Professor Alison Nugent to investigate atmospheric microplastic deposition rates in an urban and suburban setting on Oʻahu. The team used a simple collection tool to collect atmospheric particles as they settle onto the ground. Through a time-intensive process, Chung counted the plastic particles in each sample.

“The most interesting part of my research was finding the relationship between selected weather variables and microplastic deposition rates,” said Chung. “Our data suggest that population density, and wind speed and direction play a role in facilitating the dispersal of microplastics from urban areas to remote locations. We also see that during periods of relatively high precipitation, microplastic deposition was always reduced.”

Beyond gaining insights into the drivers of atmospheric microplastic deposition, this research project helped Chung discover that he enjoys coding and using other analytical tools to describe observed events.

“I hope to continue to expand my knowledge of these tools and skills to better utilize them in the future,” Chung said. “Society has such an impact on the environment. My journey in GES and work on this project showed me where I can take action to contribute the greatest benefit. This wouldn’t have been such a positive experience without the help of Dr. Nugent, Andrew Garma and Tianqi Zuo.”

Looking ahead, Chung hopes to eventually pursue a degree in urban planning to help craft sustainable policies. For now, his focus is on entering the workforce in a sustainability-related role, continuing their mission to protect and preserve �鶹��ý’s natural environment.

—By Marcie Grabowski

As a kid, Maya Singh heard from her family stories about the ocean and land in Fiji that inspired her passion for the outdoors and, ultimately, for environmental science.

“I grew up in British Columbia, Canada, but my family is from Fiji,” said Singh, who will be graduating this month from the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� with a bachelor’s degree in (GES). “My grandpa would tell me stories of him and his brothers catching shrimp outside and playing in the ocean and rivers. It really inspired me to want to live closer to the ocean.”

With a passion for the environment and ocean, Singh moved to �鶹��ý after graduating high school to pursue a degree at the UH ����ԴDz� . For her senior research, Singh worked with mentor and Assistant Prof. to support coastal management and preservation on ����Բ�ʻ��. She developed a beach carrying capacity tool to determine the maximum number of visitors a beach can hold without surpassing the limits of acceptable environmental or social change at the beach.

As the culmination of this research effort, Singh wrote a senior thesis and presented her findings at the Spring 2025 GES Symposium, a showcase of the research conducted by graduating GES students.

“This tool was developed as a means to understand the changes at the beach and how we can best preserve the beach for future generations,” said Singh. “The thing I enjoy most about conducting this research is being able to work with the community and make a difference. Talking to the local community in the field and connecting with high school students to share the research we are conducting and why it’s important is very fulfilling.”

Meet more amazing UH spring graduates

Supported by funding from the UH ����ԴDz� , Singh also worked with Keiko Wilkins, a doctoral candidate in Bob Richmond’s research group at , to investigate how plastic pollution threatens marine ecosystems. Specifically, she tested the effects of microplastics on sea urchin fertilization. Singh also assisted with collecting and preparing coral samples for Wilkins’s dissertation research on microplastic effects on corals in the Pacific Ocean.

The academic and research experiences Singh has had through the GES program have solidified her commitment to pursuing a career in �鶹��ý in environmental science after graduation. Eventually, she hopes to continue with her education by working toward a graduate degree in oceanography.

—By Marcie Grabowski

In high school, Maggie Chen realized she had the power to choose a career that allowed her to fight for the environment she grew up loving. After graduating from Mililani High School, that passion and care brought her to the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz�’s (GES) bachelor’s program.

“I wanted to dedicate my career to caring for the land that has provided for me my whole life.” — Maggie Chen

Born on Oʻahu and raised in Central Oʻahu, Chen always had a great appreciation for the beauty of nature and wildlife, but learning about climate change and the detrimental environmental impacts of human activities cemented her commitment to protect what she loves.

“The concept of aloha ʻ�徱�Բ�, or taking care of the land, was instilled in me throughout high school, and I decided that four-hour weekend work days with my environmental club weren’t going to cut it for me,” said Chen, who is in her second year of the GES program in the UH ����ԴDz� (SOEST). “I wanted to dedicate my career to caring for the land that has provided for me my whole life. So, here I am in SOEST learning how to do just that.”

From land to sea

In summer 2024, Chen was selected for the Pacific Islands Climate Adaptation Science Center (PI-CASC) program. During the 10-week program, she worked at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC) at the Inouye Regional Center on Ford Island, where she was introduced to fisheries science, specifically fish life history, which assesses fish age, growth and reproduction.

“I was assigned to two amazing mentors, Dr. Eva Schemmel from NOAA and Dr. Eileen Nalley from �鶹��ý Sea Grant,” Chen shared. “I was fascinated to learn how much work goes into managing our fisheries, because while I love eating fish, I never really thought about the work that goes on to keep our fisheries sustainable and well-documented.”

Through her fellowship research, Chen processed samples of otoliths, or fish ear bones, from gindai, one species of the , the seven most culturally important and highly valued of the deep-water bottomfish species in Hawaiian waters. She also helped process samples of billfish, such as blue marlin, striped marlin and swordfish, for the International Billfish Biological Sampling program. Working at the NOAA facilities afforded Chen a variety of other experiences, such as visiting a tuna auction, watching a turtle necropsy, participating in monk seal watches, touring the NOAA ships and networking opportunities.

“Maggie has become a valued member of our team and goes above and beyond to contribute to all types of lab tasks, including fish biosampling processing and participating in community and public engagement events,” said Schemmel. “Her attention to detail and passion has shown through in her work. In fact, she has become an expert otolith processor, perhaps the best on our team, and we hope to continue to work with her in the future.”

Progress on research and career path

Now, as an undergraduate fisheries research assistant with Nalley, Chen is continuing the gindai life history project she began during the internship.

Chen expects to graduate in the spring of 2027 and hopes to pursue graduate school, and then ultimately her dream position as a biologist at NOAA.

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—By Marcie Grabowski

Eight undergraduate students from a variety of disciplines at the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� experienced an all-expenses-paid research trip of a lifetime—spending eight weeks in summer 2024 immersed in the Galápagos Islands. They engaged in mentored research via a transformational journey that promoted deep connections to ʻ�徱�Բ� (land/sea), kānaka (people) communities and mālama ʻ�徱�Բ� (stewardship of places and people).

Creighton Litton, professor, (UROP) director, and one of the eight UH ����ԴDz� faculty members who designed and implemented the program over the past two years, said, “Mentored research opportunities for undergraduate students is a high impact practice that provides myriad benefits to students, mentors, our campus and our islands as a whole. This is an innovative program—possible via a strong collaboration with the (CDF) in Galápagos, and engagement by multiple faculty from across the UH ����ԴDz� campus—that provides our students with transformative learning experiences in research science within a Native Hawaiian Place of Learning context.”

More than 80 students applied, and 12 were invited to enroll in a new spring course on island invasion biology to provide a base of knowledge for their mentored research projects. Eight traveled to the Galápagos and four conducted research in �鶹��ý.

Students developed research proposals in spring 2024 with mentors from UH ����ԴDz� and CDF. The collaborative mentorship approach allowed students to develop their research skills while contributing to real-world scientific questions. During the summer, the traveling students were housed at the CDF research station in the Galápagos, where they conducted their research projects focused on island invasion biology.

During the summer experience, students wrote research papers on every aspect of the scientific process, including literature review, data collection and analysis, conclusions and the socioecological implications of their findings. Each student also crafted a personal, contemporary kaʻao (epic story, tale) to document their experiences, from their hua (initial inspiration) to their haʻalele (preparing for the journey) to the huakaʻi (journey) to the hoʻina (reintegration) back into their on- and off-campus communities.

Important invasive species research

Matthew Kahokuloa’s project involved assessing plant diversity after the reintroduction of giant tortoises on Santa Fé Island.

“Being my first time leaving �鶹��ý, it was amazing to experience the biodiversity and ecology of another archipelago’s ecosystem,” Kahokuloa said. “This trip provided me with invaluable field experience, especially in terms of working in remote environments and applying research methods.”

Emily Josefina Velasquez studied the impacts of Caulerpa racemosa (species of edible green alga) on sand dwelling benthic invertebrates (small aquatic animals that live on the bottom of bodies of water) in the Galápagos.

“You couldn’t walk for 10 minutes without running into a lounging iguana, sea bird, or sea lion, and we were always close to the ocean.” — Nicole Buyukacar

“The Galápagos was a place where my personal growth as an individual thrived and reaffirmed my passion and drive to work in academia,” Velasquez said. “It’s an unforgettable experience. You’re immersed in your project, living, breathing, and dreaming about it. I was surrounded by scientists from diverse backgrounds, and living and working in an environment where everyone shares a passion for understanding the world around them.”

Nicole Buyukacar’s project was about the developmental dynamics and temperature sensitivity of the avian vampire fly.

“The most remarkable thing about the town we worked in, Puerto Ayora, was the abundance of wildlife living right there on our doorstep all the time,” Buyukacar said. “You couldn’t walk for 10 minutes without running into a lounging iguana, sea bird, or sea lion, and we were always close to the ocean. The experience was an incredible blend of learning to integrate academically and socially into a completely different place while constantly being in awe of the natural beauty and learning to understand the reason why it all needs to be protected.”

The students presented their research and kaʻao products at the CDF research station and at the UROP SURE Symposium. Most students are continuing to work with their mentors to produce peer-reviewed journal publications.

This unique opportunity is the result of a collaboration between UH ����ԴDz� and CDF and is funded by the National Science Foundation–International Research Experiences for Students ($300,000 grant), the UH ����ԴDz� Provost’s Office to align the overall program with the campus goal of becoming a Native Hawaiian Place of Learning ($100,000) and the UH ����ԴDz� Office of the Vice Provost for Research and Scholarship ($80,000). The funds will make the program available to UH ����ԴDz� undergraduate students for at least the next two years.

For more information, .

—By Marc Arakaki

When asked where she is from, Malia Martin shared, “I’m born, raised, and rooted in the mokupuni of Oʻahu, specifically in the Ewa moku and the ahupuaʻa of Honouliuli.” As an undergraduate student in the (GES) program at the University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa, Martin is merging her love and respect for place, care for community, and passion for science.

“I decided to pursue GES because it allows me to expand my interests, in not only biology or engineering or physics, but to feel the freedom to try new things and see where my interests lie,” Martin said. “Through the program, I have been able to study plankton, bottomfish fisheries, engineering, coral ecology, and ocean chemistry.”

While she was a student at James Campbell High School, Martin was president of the school’s STEM Enrichment Club, which competed in Science Olympiad, Science Bowl and more. Immediately after high school, she interned with the nonprofit group Kupu in their �鶹��ý Youth Conservation Corps and found her first love: ʻāina.

Diving into fisheries science

After starting her college career at and being drawn to oceanography, Martin worked with professor Donn Viviani and spent nearly three years sorting, counting, and identifying fish larvae sampled from Kanēʻohe Bay. In Viviani’s lab, she connected with NOAA researcher Don Kobayashi, who introduced her to NOAA’s (PYSO) and NOAA’s .

During the PYSO internship in summer 2022, Martin created an artificial light prototype to aid deep sea underwater camera surveys. This was developed to directly help with the Bottomfish Fishery-Independent Survey in �鶹��ý (BFISH).

“Through this program, I was able to gain experience in marine engineering by learning and utilizing Computer-Aided Design, 3D printing, soldering, and more,” Martin said.

In 2023, Martin transferred from Leeward CC to UH ��ā�ԴDz�’s (SOEST) and enrolled in the GES program. For her GES undergraduate research thesis, Martin extended her PYSO project and is mentored by UH Mānoa oceanographer Jeffrey Drazen and NOAA senior marine scientist Benjamin Richards. Martin’s research is investigating how the artificial lights might affect the behavior of the , the seven most culturally important and highly valued of the deep-water bottomfish species in �鶹��ý. She will be presenting preliminary results of this work at the American Fisheries Society meeting in September.

“Guaranteeing that the Deep 7 Bottomfish can be fished for years to come without them being overexploited will allow �鶹��ý residents to catch their own fish and create stronger food security for islanders, a step toward Kanaka autonomy,” Martin said.

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–By Marcie Grabowski

As a child, Miss �鶹��ý Volunteer 2024 Makenna Kinsler first became aware of the hardships in her island home when she walked through Kakaʻako with her mom to help the homeless. Now a double major at the , Kinsler is still impacted by that experience.

“Seeing those vulnerable parts of our community that needed upliftment was really eye-opening,” Kinsler recalls. “I always remember to be grateful and give back where I can because recognizing what I have made me want to help others.”

Driven by her dedication to serve, Kinsler participated in , a scholarship program that promotes community service, academic excellence and leadership. Raised in ����ԴDz� Valley and educated at La Pietra School for Girls, she remains closely connected to her community, from working knee-deep in loʻi kalo (taro patches) to mālama ʻ�徱�Բ� (care for the land) to feeding the hungry.

Merging science with ʻike �鶹��ý (Indigenous knowledge)

Kinsler is pursuing degrees in and and is determined to merge both disciplines into her future career as an urban planner. Her vision is to create communities that are sustainable, resilient and rooted in Hawaiian values.

“In �鶹��ý, we give a lot of importance to places and wahi (locations). I’m taking an ahupuaʻa (land division) class right now and it’s an interesting perspective of how we can model our communities today looking at the urban side of balancing nature and city as �鶹��ý really rapidly grows our population,” said Kinsler.

• Related UH News story: Miss �鶹��ý Teen Volunteer developed platform at UH West Oʻahu, June 21, 2024

Pioneer professors

Currently, Kinsler is immersed in researching climate change impacts for her global environmental science thesis. She finds inspiration from professors at UH ����ԴDz� who are leading innovative projects addressing challenges such as sea level rise in the islands.

“It’s really cool to be in the same room as the pioneers of �鶹��ý’s future and just seeing firsthand all the cool projects that they’re working on,” Kinsler said.

Hula is life

Kinsler said she is grateful for the opportunity to have stayed in �鶹��ý for college, not only because it’s just blocks from her home, but it ensures she can continue another long-standing passion, hula.

The trained ʻōlapa (dancer) has studied under kumu hula Hiwa Vaughan and Hālau Hula Ka Lehua Tuahine since she was five. Kinsler has competed in the Merrie Monarch Festival two times, and she performed a hula for the talent portion of the Miss Volunteer America pageant in Tennessee this summer.

“Hula is such a big pillar of my life,” Kinsler said. “I really just wanted to transport people to �鶹��ý and show my love.”

This fall at UH ����ԴDz�, Kinsler plans to apply for the or BAM program, which enables students to start on their master’s during their senior year.