Growing up on Rapa Nui, Noah Paoa spent his summers camping by the shore, bodyboarding, and exploring the island’s landscape with his family. A pivotal moment occurred in 2010 when, at 15 years old, a massive earthquake in Chile triggered a tsunami warning for the island. Paoa watched the shoreline recede so far it seemed as if the ocean had never been there. This experience highlighted how closely life on an island is tied to the forces of the sea, eventually guiding him toward a historic academic milestone.

Graduating with the University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at Mānoa in May, Paoa earned a landmark achievement as the first Rapa Nui person to go through the Rapa Nui school system and earn a doctoral degree. While he is careful to honor those who paved the way, Paoa’s degree in from the UH Mānoa (SOEST) is significant personally and for his community.

“Earning this degree is an honor for me, but it is also the reflection of all the work that Rapa Nui people have done so that Rapa Nui students would have the tools to pursue advanced studies,” Paoa said. “I see myself as a testament and example for future Rapa Nui students and perhaps for students of other small island communities.”

Assessing sea level rise threats

Chip Fletcher, professor and dean of SOEST, served as Paoa’s advisor for both his master’s and doctoral degrees. Fletcher said Paoa brought an extraordinary combination of determination, discipline and insight to his graduate work.

“Noah has an incredible work ethic and a rare intuition for coastal science,” Fletcher said. “He has the ability to see both the physical processes shaping island shorelines and the deeper cultural meaning of what is at stake. His research reflects years of hard work, careful thinking, and a deep commitment to serving Rapa Nui and other island communities.”

His doctoral research addresses the , such as ceremonial sites, ancestral landscapes and sacred places.

“Most climate research focuses on impacts to infrastructure and ecosystems, but I wanted to show that coastal cultural heritage is just as vulnerable, and that losing these sites would be more than an archaeological loss, it could result in disruption to cultural identity and continuity,” Paoa said.

Cultural pride and responsibility

Growing up with a Rapa Nui father and a German mother who dedicated part of her life to preserving the Rapa Nui language, Paoa grew up surrounded by both cultural pride and a recognition of the responsibility that comes with preserving language, knowledge and identity. He felt a frustration with the island’s extractive academic past, where outside researchers often benefited their own careers without providing tangible benefits to the local people.

“My research provides new modeling tools and regional datasets to support heritage preservation and climate adaptation planning, but I’ve tried to be clear that what I have produced is to inform management and planning, and that decisions must ultimately be guided by descendant communities and grounded in their own cultural protocols,” Paoa shared.

By pursuing earth sciences, beginning as an undergraduate student at the University of Oregon, Paoa found a way to link geological processes to issues that affect his home island.

“I hope this work inspires future generations of Rapa Nui to pursue scientific paths of their own, helping ensure that research on our island increasingly reflects our own voices, perspectives, and priorities,” said Paoa. “This degree isn’t only mine, it belongs to everyone who made the path possible, and my responsibility now is to carry what I’ve learned back home and put it to use for Rapa Nui.”

–By Marcie Grabowski

Ten graduate programs at the are in the nation’s top 50, and an additional 17 programs are in the top 100, according to the 2026 , released on April 7.

UH Mānoa’s (JABSOM) also placed in the nation’s top tier (tier 1) for best medical schools for primary care, and UH ±á¾±±ô´Ç’s ranked in a in the nation.

The highest ranked UH Mānoa programs were in the , ranking No. 18 (tied) for best environmental law programs and law schools with most grads in federal clerkships, No. 24 for best part-time law programs, No. 41 (tied) for best international law programs, No. 47 (tied) for best dispute resolution programs and No. 48 (tied) for best legal writing programs.

The ranked No. 22 (tied) for best international programs, and the (SOEST) placed No. 40 (tied) for best Earth sciences programs. JABSOM ranked No. 42 for most graduates practicing in rural areas and No. 45 for most graduates practicing in primary care.

“UH Mānoa’s strong showing in the latest U.S. News and World Report rankings underscores our commitment to excellence in teaching, research and student success,” said UH Mānoa Interim Provost Vassilis L. Syrmos. “These results reflect the talent and dedication of our faculty, students and staff, and Â鶹´«Ã½ can take pride in knowing their university is preparing the next generation of leaders and changemakers for our community and the world.”

Rankings were based on multiple factors, including research activity (such as publications and citations), student and alumni outcomes (employment and earnings), quality assessments (from peers and recruiters), student selectivity (GPA and test scores), and faculty resources (doctoral degrees awarded and student-to-faculty ratios).

Note: not all programs are ranked every year. See these UH News stories on previous years’ rankings: 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020 and 2019.

Jump to program rankings:
William S. Richardson School of Law  |  John A. Burns School of Medicine  |  Shidler College of Business  |  School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology  |  School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene  |  College of Education  |  Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health  |  College of Social Sciences  |  College of Engineering  |  College of Natural Sciences  |  College of Arts, Languages & Letters

William S. Richardson School of Law

The William S. Richardson School of Law was ranked in 16 categories by U.S. News and World Report. In addition to its ranking of No. 18 (tied) for best environmental law programs and law schools with most grads in federal clerkships, No. 24 for best part-time law programs, No. 41 (tied) for best international law programs, No. 47 (tied) for best dispute resolution programs and No. 48 (tied) for best legal writing programs, the Â鶹´«Ã½law school placed No. 91 (tied) among the top law schools in the nation.

Other law school rankings include:

• Tax law: No. 80 (tied)
• Criminal law: No. 88 (tied)
• Contracts/commercial law: No. 92 (tied)
• Health care law: No. 92 (tied)
• Constitutional law: No. 95 (tied)
• Business/corporate law: No. 101 (tied)
• Clinical training: No. 102 (tied)
• Intellectual property law: No. 127 (tied)
• Trial advocacy: No. 175 (tied)

John A. Burns School of Medicine

JABSOM was one of 16 schools that placed in the nation’s top tier (tier 1) for best medical schools for primary care. JABSOM also placed in tier 3 for best medical schools for research.
In addition, JABSOM ranked No. 42 for most graduates practicing in rural areas, No. 45 for most graduates practicing in primary care, No. 139 for speech language pathology and No. 171 for most graduates practicing in medically underserved areas. .

Shidler College of Business

The Shidler College of Business placed in nine subject areas. Leading the way were international programs at No. 22 (tied), accounting programs at No. 68 (tied), information systems programs at No. 72 (tied) and marketing programs at No. 91 (tied). In addition, Shidler ranked at No. 104 (tied) for best management programs, No. 113 (tied) for best executive programs, No. 123 (tied) for best finance programs, No. 125 (tied) for best entrepreneurship programs and No. 142 (tied) for best part-time MBA programs.

School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology

SOEST placed No. 40 (tied) among the nation’s best Earth sciences programs.

School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene

The School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene placed No. 55 (tied) for best nursing school–master’s and No. 62 (tied) for best nursing school–doctor of nursing practice (DNP). Both were the only programs in Â鶹´«Ã½ to be ranked by U.S. News and World Report.

College of Education

The College of Education ranked No. 57 (tied) in the U.S., the 21st straight year the college has been listed as one of the nation’s top 100 education programs. Nationally accredited since 2000, the College of Education continues to be recognized for its award-winning programs and people.

Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health

The ranked No. 89 (tied) among the nation’s top public health schools and programs in the U.S. accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health. The Department of Public Health Sciences offers a ; a , with specializations in , , and , and a , as well as PhD program in , specializing in community-based and translational research and a PhD in . The Department of Public Health Sciences is also home to an online master of public health program to meet workforce demands.

College of Social Sciences

The College of Social Sciences placed among the nation’s best in at No. 90 (tied) and at No. 92 (tied).

College of Engineering

The ranked among the nation’s best in at No. 91 (tied), at No. 92 (tied), and at No. 128 (tied). The College of Engineering overall ranked No. 164 (tied) among the top engineering schools in the U.S. that grant doctoral degrees.

College of Natural Sciences

The placed among the nation’s best in at No. 97 (tied), and at No. 115 (tied), and at No. 125 (tied).

College of Arts, Languages & Letters

UH Mānoa placed No. 106 (tied) among the nation’s best for fine arts programs.

Other rankings

UH Mānoa also received these notable rankings:

• 2026 Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings by Subject, March 25, 2026
• 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

Graduate and advanced undergraduate students from across the University of Â鶹´«Ã½ System and around the world gathered February 12–15, for the (IGSC) at the East-West Center, marking a milestone year for the long-running, student-led event.

Organized entirely by a graduate student team and supported by the , the 2026 conference centered on the theme, “Legacies Through Time: Rethinking the Past, Confronting the Present, Shaping the Future.” Over three days, approximately 140 participants representing more than 25 countries and regions across North America, the Asia-Pacific and Europe, representing more than 65 institutions, transformed the Â鶹´«Ã½ Imin International Conference Center into a hub of interdisciplinary exchange.

“Planning this conference reminded us that scholarship is not just about individual achievement—it’s about building relationships and creating spaces where emerging scholars feel seen, challenged and supported,” said Xiaoyun Neo, a master’s student in at UH Mānoa and one of the conference’s organizers. “Watching students step into that space with confidence and generosity was the most rewarding part of this milestone year.”

Neo added, “I also echo the sentiment expressed by IGSC co-chairs Tiến Nguyễn Minh (MA, ) and Oliver Lilford (MA, ) that as scholars, artists and practitioners, we do not simply inherit legacies—we negotiate, challenge and reshape them in the present, using them to reinterpret the past or set the course for different, more hopeful futures.”

Nearly 30 themed panels—including paper presentations, poster sessions, a roundtable discussion and an evening session featuring creative projects and films—highlighted the depth and diversity of student scholarship. Topics ranged from intergenerational memory and language preservation to environmental change and artistic expression, reflecting how legacies shape identities, institutions and futures.

For many presenters, the conference offered a first opportunity to share research in a supportive, peer-centered environment. Graduate student moderators guided discussions, facilitated questions and fostered dialogue across disciplines, creating space for feedback and collaborations.

“Besides the intensive three-day conference, this year’s IGSC also curated pre- and post-conference activities supported by our incredible partners and sponsors,” said Minh. “Our participants enjoyed a field trip to the Mānoa Heritage Center; a tour at the East-West Center Art Gallery; a keynote address in honor of the 25th IGSC by renowned scholar, also an alumna of UH Mānoa, Dr. Katerina Teaiwa, sponsored by the Asian American-Pacific Islander, Environmental Humanities and Environmental Justice Initiative; and a play about Joseph Kekuku and his steel guitar invention at the Honolulu Theatre for Youth. These activities not only fostered connections between our participants with local institutions, they also provided opportunities for us to introduce Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s own legacies through diverse and interactive approaches.”

Launched in 2002, the International Graduate Student Conference continues to serve as a meeting place for emerging scholars to test ideas, build networks and experience academic exchange beyond the classroom.

Professor Emeritus Jim Roumasset dreamed that he gave a substantial gift to the University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at Mānoa in the . On awakening, he realized what a good idea it was. In discussions with Chair Nori Tarui and (UHERO) specialist Kimberly Burnett, he decided that the gift should be in the form of a research assistantship in ecological resource economics.

The Ecological Resource Economics Research Assistantship Fund will support graduate students at UH Mānoa who show aptitude in resource economics and a strong interest in the natural environment. Roumasset has pledged support for four years, with renewal eligibility for recipients.

A career rooted in Â鶹´«Ã½

Roumasset first came to UH Mānoa as a graduate student, earning an MA in economics in 1969. He was drawn by an affinity for Asia and a strong, personal letter from the department chair. He had just completed his Peace Corps service in the Philippines, and Â鶹´«Ã½ felt like a natural fit.

He spent his career at UH Mānoa, teaching and researching economics, and mentoring students from the Philippines and around the world. Along with former students, his work helped shape policy discussions surrounding agricultural risk, sustainable development, institutional change, competition policy, and resource economics, especially concerning water and energy.

Economies are embedded in nature

Ecological resource economics is distinct from traditional environmental economics. While the latter often centers on pollution and climate change, ecological resource economics examines how multiple natural resources interact, such as groundwater, the watershed, coastal marine resources, invasive species and protective infrastructure.

“Resource economics focuses on managing a single resource,” he said. “Ecological resource economics allows for the interaction of these resources, and how one affects the other.”

A fellowship with real-world impact

Burnett, one of Roumasset’s former graduate students, said the new assistantship will open doors for students in a rigorous, deeply relevant field.

“Every new problem I approach I see through an ecological resource economics lens,” she said. “Ecology and the economy are part of the same system, and decisions made within either will affect both.”

.

Groundbreaking research uncovering life in one of Earth’s most mysterious environments—the deep sea—has earned Gabrielle Ellis, a University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ graduate, the 2024–25 Dr. Clifford K. Mirikitani, MD, JD & John M. Mirikitani, JD, PhD Outstanding Dissertation Award from the .

Ellis, who earned her PhD from the , focused her research on tiny deep-sea animals living more than two miles below the ocean surface in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, a vast area between Â鶹´«Ã½ and Mexico. The region holds valuable mineral deposits important for renewable energy, but is also home to fragile and little-known marine life.

Her dissertation looked at how deep-sea communities change over time and across different habitats, from the smallest larvae to adult animals. By studying thousands of samples, Ellis created one of the most complete pictures so far of deep-sea biodiversity in an untouched environment.

“The award of the Mirikitani Outstanding Dissertation Award is an absolute honor both for me as an emerging scientist, as well as for the recognition of deep-sea ecology as a field,” Ellis said. “Despite increased attention to the deep sea emerging with discussions around deep-sea mining, more than 99.9% of the deep-sea is unexplored, and so many foundational questions are unaddressed. Working in the deep sea is inherently collaborative; we work on ships in the middle of the ocean for long periods of time and often rely on each other for ideas, data and support. As such, credit is also due to my collaborators, including my labmates and advisors, who have really inspired me throughout the years and are absolutely instrumental in the success of my research.”

Her findings include one of the largest collections of deep-sea larvae ever gathered and some of the first detailed information about how these species grow and survive. The work helps scientists and policymakers better understand how deep-sea mining and climate change could affect ocean ecosystems and what steps can be taken to protect them.

• Related UH News story: Rare glimpse at understudied ecosystem prompts caution on deep-sea mining, October 1, 2025

Ellis is now teaching environmental science at Georgetown University, continuing her mission to share the importance of ocean research and inspire the next generation of scientists.

The Mirikitani Outstanding Dissertation Award is given each year to one UH Mānoa PhD student whose dissertation demonstrates exceptional originality, significance and scholarly achievement.

The Department of Oceanography is housed in UH ²Ñā²Ô´Ç²¹â€™s .

As the University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ celebrates International Education Week from November 17 to 21, a current UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ student and alumna are reflecting on how their have expanded their academic and cultural horizons across the globe.

Exploring Taiwan’s archives, culture

For PhD candidate Nakota DiFonzo, the Fulbright experience has taken him to Taiwan, where he’s conducting archival research for his dissertation on the history of American education in late Qing and Republican-era China. Based at Academia Sinica in Taipei, one of East Asia’s leading research centers, DiFonzo said the experience has been both academically productive and personally enriching.

“My experience in Taiwan has been great so far,” DiFonzo said. “I am in the company of a great cohort whose research ranges from history to furniture design to medicine. Everyone is supportive of one another, and I have made valuable connections with leaders and rising stars in various fields.”

Beyond research, DiFonzo has embraced local culture by joining a language exchange club in Taipei. Weekend potlucks and casual gatherings, he said, have helped him improve his Chinese language skills and better understand Taiwanese perspectives. He’s also started producing street interview videos to further engage with the community and refine his speaking skills.

Empowering Colombian students through English teaching

Recent UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ history graduate Kaia Colborne spent the past year in Bogotá, Colombia, as a Fulbright English teaching assistant (ETA). Her work focused on teaching English to university students and leading conversation clubs to build confidence and fluency.

“Living in Bogotá has been a huge highlight,” Colborne said. “It’s a wonderful city with so much to explore, and having other ETAs here has created a great support network. I found meaning and growth in my time in Colombia.”

Colborne said her time in Colombia deepened her appreciation for international education and reaffirmed her desire to help students experience transformative learning abroad.

“The experience has strengthened my commitment to working in the international sphere (ideally in international higher ed) and helped me have a better insight into cross-cultural exchange,” she added.

Both scholars credit UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ Fulbright Program Adviser Kristen Connors for her guidance during the application process—a common thread in their journeys toward global engagement.

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program will host an information session for students interested in the program on November 17 at 11 a.m. HST. . The webinar will be followed by a brief breakout session by campus where Connors will review steps for applying through UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ and how to start planning.

This week’s UH News Image of the Week is from UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹’²õ Ivy Yeung, operations director for in the College of Education.

Yeung shared: “PACMED candidates from UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹â€™s Master of Education program gather in Yap, Federated States of Micronesia, during Summer 2025 to begin their graduate studies. This photo marks the start of their journey as they engage in culturally sustaining education across the Pacific region.”

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The University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at Mānoa is celebrating a record milestone with 43 active recipients of the —the most in the institution’s history. Since 1996, UH Mānoa has produced 135 fellows, with this year’s record group representing nearly one-third of all recipients over the past 29 years.

NSF GRFP is one of the nation’s oldest and most competitive graduate fellowships, supporting outstanding students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics who are pursuing research-based master’s and doctoral degrees. Recipients receive a three-year annual stipend of $37,000 and a $16,000 cost-of-education allowance that covers tuition and fees, giving students the flexibility to focus on innovative research that advances science and benefits society.

for the next cycle of NSF GRFP, with deadlines in November for the 2026–27 academic year. Students interested in applying are encouraged to start early and take advantage of resources available through .

From exploding stars to native bees

Among the current fellows is Willem Hoogendam, a PhD candidate in who studies how stars end their lives in explosive supernovae. His research helps explain how essential elements such as iron and calcium are formed and dispersed across the universe, while also exploring rare interstellar comets discovered by Â鶹´«Ã½-led sky surveys. Through the fellowship, Hoogendam also spent time at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and collaborated with leading astronomers in Australia and Â鶹´«Ã½, experiences that broadened his research and professional network.

“It’s given me academic freedom at an early career stage,” Hoogendam said. “I’ve been able to work with whom I want on what I want to explore. Without this fellowship, I would not have had the freedom to learn about and write papers on interstellar objects.”

The program’s flexibility has also benefited students such as Sami Akiba, a master’s student in who studies Hawaiian yellow-faced bees (Hylaeus spp.), the only bees that are native to the state. Her work focuses on understanding the habitat factors that support healthy native bee populations and the threats they face from invasive species. Akiba conducts her fieldwork in Haleakalā National Park on Maui, and has used the fellowship’s resources to expand her research and training opportunities across the country.

“I am grateful for the flexibility of the NSF GRFP,” Akiba said. “I get to design my own project, make shifts as needed and put effort into aspects of my research I think are particularly important or exciting, even if the ideas are a little unconventional.”

Since its creation in 1952, NSF GRFP has recognized more than 60,000 fellows, including Nobel Prize winners and members of the National Academy of Sciences. At UH Mānoa, the growing number of fellows highlights the university’s strong research culture and commitment to developing talent across scientific disciplines.

The University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ (SONDH) is relaunching its program. Set to welcome its first new cohort in fall 2026, the PhD program aims to prepare nurses to become researchers, educators and leaders capable of generating knowledge that improves health outcomes and strengthens the profession.

“This program is designed to grow the number of nurse scientists equipped to tackle the complex health challenges that exist in Â鶹´«Ã½ and beyond” said Clementina Ceria-Ulep, dean of SONDH.

PhD-prepared nurses conduct research that leads to real-world solutions—from improving patient care to shaping health policy. With the global nurse shortage, they are needed now more than ever to help educate the next generation and expand the evidence base that supports effective and equitable care.

“When people hear the word ‘nurse,’ most picture someone in scrubs, offering hands-on care at the bedside. While that image is accurate, it’s only one role in a much larger profession,” said Lorrie Wong, associate dean for academic affairs. “Nurses are also clinicians (nurse practitioners), educators, researchers and leaders. PhD-prepared nurse scientists are actively shaping health care delivery.”

“There’s a critical need for more nurse scientists, especially in Â鶹´«Ã½ and across the Pacific,” said Holly Fontenot, associate dean for research. “This program is designed to build that workforce; plus, support the development of knowledge needed to advance health promotion, shape nursing practice, and improve health outcomes for individuals, families and communities. We hope to foster innovative research that is reflective of our local needs and strengths.”

Rooted in Â鶹´«Ã½, aimed at global change

The relaunched program is grounded in place. Students will be encouraged to pursue research questions that are important to the communities they serve, whether improving access to care in rural areas, addressing health disparities, or developing culturally responsive care models. Students will learn how to conduct culturally relevant, community-based research, ensuring that findings are meaningful and will have a positive impact within their communities.

They’ll learn how to be a leader in ways that are rooted in aloha and responsive to the people they serve.
—Molly Altman

“Students won’t just be learning how to do research,” said Molly Altman, associate professor and PhD program director. “They’ll be learning how to be a leader, in ways that are rooted in aloha and responsive to the people they serve.”

Using the unique nursing perspective, faculty mentors will guide students in the development of innovative research and foster the growth of leadership skills so that graduates are able to become agents of change in academic, clinical and policy settings.

By relaunching its PhD in Nursing program, SONDH is committed to investing in the future of nursing and in the health of our islands.

Apply now for fall 2026

SONDH is currently accepting applications for its fall 2026 PhD cohort. Applications will become available on September 1, 2025. To attend informational sessions, visit the for upcoming dates. For more details or to apply, visit the or email phdnurs@hawaii.edu.

Hailey Hesseltine’s passion for international education has taken her from being a master’s student in the University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ to teaching English more than 8,000 miles away in Ordu, Türkiye.

As Hesseltine was nearing the end of her educational administration degree, she was looking for the perfect opportunity that would allow her to become involved in international education. Reading about the and knowing former Fulbright grantees, Hesseltine began forming an idea of living abroad while participating in a cultural exchange.

Now residing in a small coastal town in the Black Sea region of Türkiye, Hesseltine teaches English at various levels to around 120 students at a local university. Her work also includes co-leading an English speaking club for all students at the university. While in Ordu, Hesseltine is taking free Turkish language courses through the university. She enjoys engaging with the local community through dance courses and local festivals, and has explored many different parts of Türkiye and neighboring countries.

“Overall, it has been a rewarding experience for me both professionally and personally, and my Fulbright experience has enhanced my knowledge as a global citizen,” Hesseltine said.

Once she completes her Fulbright grant, she hopes to apply her experience to future work with international students globally.

“Whether through advising, program development or research—my goal is to leverage my firsthand experience working with international students to create more inclusive and impactful educational opportunities that empower students to thrive in global learning environments,” Hesseltine said.

UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ students, alums around the world

UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ has a long list of nearly 100 students and alumni who have received Fulbright grants to study, teach or conduct research abroad. Since 1959, UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ finalists have traveled across East Asia and the Pacific, South and Central Asia, Europe and Eurasia, Sub-Saharan Africa, South America and Canada. Hesseltine recommends applicants start early.

“Crafting an application takes time and research. It’s important to properly develop your ideas for each question,” Hesseltine said. “Learn about your country of application and provide a convincing argument as to why that particular country would be a good match. Fulbright promotes global exchange and understanding so it’s equally important to show how the community abroad can benefit from you as well as how you will benefit from them.”

2026–27 applications open this spring

For those interested in applying for the 2026–27 Fulbright U.S. Student Program, the competition is anticipated to open near the end of March 2025. UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ Fulbright Program advisers will host information sessions for prospective applicants to learn more. Keep an eye out for announcements in the What’s up this week @²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ emails in April. Applicants will be expected to submit all materials to the campus in September 2025 before the national deadline.

Graduate students at the University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ are tackling innovative projects, such as renewable energy modeling and pediatric heart diagnostics powered by artificial intelligence (AI), through a groundbreaking interdisciplinary program. Open to master’s and PhD students across diverse fields such as engineering, social sciences, natural sciences, business and medicine, the program offers funding for both research and tuition, fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration and cutting-edge discoveries.

The at UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ provides a transformative approach to AI and data science education and research. It empowers students with the tools to address issues, such as decarbonization, healthcare and communication networks, while emphasizing equity and inclusion.

“We’re not just training the next generation of AI researchers—we’re empowering them to create meaningful change right here in the state.” — London Thompson

“The DESCARTES program represents a unique convergence of cutting-edge AI education and Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s most pressing challenges, where our graduate students are developing solutions that directly benefit our island communities while gaining invaluable skills in emerging technologies,” said London Thompson, program coordinator. “By focusing on culturally relevant projects like renewable energy and healthcare improvements, we’re not just training the next generation of AI researchers—we’re empowering them to create meaningful change right here in the state.”

The program’s first cohort, consisting of 12 UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ graduate students, kicked off in fall 2024. Applications are currently being accepted on a rolling basis with cohort 2 starting in summer 2025.

Participants in the program receive a fellowship of up to $34,000 annually, along with full coverage of their graduate tuition. Master’s students are funded for one year, while PhD students receive funding for two years. Additional opportunities, such as graduate assistantships and teaching assistantships, are also available. The curriculum combines modular, self-paced learning with core courses and practical, real-world projects guided by faculty mentors and external advisors. Trainees engage in bi-monthly seminars, workshops and community-driven research collaborations, fostering both academic and professional growth.

Students gain real-world skills with hands-on work

Through a unique blend of interdisciplinary coursework, mentorship and hands-on research, students gain expertise in data science, machine learning and their applications across fields such as engineering, computer science, economics, urban and regional planning and business. Trainees develop critical competencies in teamwork, project management, leadership and effective communication, all essential for success in academia, industry and government labs.

Key goals of the program include increasing the representation of women, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders in STEM, developing culturally relevant curricula and fostering collaborations with Indigenous and local organizations.

The program is funded by a five-year, $3 million award from NSF. It is housed in the .

For more information and to apply, .

The DESCARTES program exemplifies UH’s strategic imperative to prepare students for the jobs of today and tomorrow, part of the UH System’s strategic plan’s focus on workforce development.

Improving mental health support for individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds is the focus of an award-winning dissertation research project.

University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ PhD candidate in , Duckhyun Jo’s doctoral research, has earned recognition as the 2023–24 Dr. Clifford K. Mirikitani, MD, JD & John M. Mirikitani, JD, PhD Outstanding Dissertation Award from the .

Jo investigated a recently developed self-assessment tool for measuring psychological flexibility/inflexibility called the Multidimensional Psychological Flexibility Inventory (MPFI). Psychological flexibility is the ability to adapt to changing situations, handle stress, and stay true to your values, while psychological inflexibility is the difficulty in adapting, getting stuck in negative thoughts, and struggling to cope with challenges.

Acknowledged for its strong psychometric (science of measuring people’s thoughts, feelings, and abilities) support, MPFI distinguishes itself from other measures. However, there is limited research on its psychometric properties among underrepresented groups.

“Using psychometrically sound measures in mental health assessments ensures that the unique characteristics of Â鶹´«Ã½‘s racially diverse population are considered,” Jo said. “This fosters more effective, culturally sensitive, and equitable mental health practices and policies.”

Professor Akihiko Masuda, Jo’s supervisor, shared how meaningful and ambitious Jo’s dissertation is.

“The results of the first phase of research are very promising,” Masuda said. “It will promote evidence-based assessment for underrepresented populations in psychotherapy and behavioral health research and practice, including racially and ethnically diverse populations (e.g., Asian American and multiracial populations).”

Masuda added that Jo’s impressive academic achievements during graduate school include publishing 12 peer-reviewed papers and one book chapter. Among these, Jo is the first author of eight peer-reviewed papers.

Jo entered the doctoral program in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, but with the guidance of his mentor, he navigated the challenges of the time.

“Dr. Masuda nurtured resilience within me,” Jo said. “This award is deeply meaningful as it recognizes my journey toward becoming a scholar, which I see as a continuous and ever-changing process, without a clear end point. I will cherish the lessons gained during my time spent in Â鶹´«Ã½.”

The Department of Psychology is housed in UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹â€™s .

Two graduate programs at the are in the nation’s top 25 and an additional 11 programs are in the top 100, according to the 2024 , released on April 9.

The highest ranked programs are in the ranking No. 23 for both best part-time law programs and best environmental law programs.

Rankings were based on different criteria, including research activity (publications and citations), placement success (employment and earnings), quality assessment (peer and recruiter assessments), student selectivity (GPA and test scores) and faculty resources (doctoral degrees awarded and student to faculty ratio).

“In light of our recognition in the U.S. News and World Report Best Graduate Schools rankings, we affirm that UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹â€™s commitment to academic and research excellence remains unwavering,” said Â鶹´«Ã½²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ Provost Michael Bruno. “These rankings underscore the caliber of our academic programs and the dedication of our community to scholarly pursuits. Â鶹´«Ã½ residents can take pride that your university stands as a beacon of excellence, nurturing our state’s next generation of innovators, educators and leaders.”

Note: not all programs are ranked every year. See these UH News stories on previous years’ rankings: 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020 and 2019.

Jump to program rankings:
William S. Richardson School of Law  |  Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health  |  Nancy Atmospera-Walch School of Nursing  |  College of Education  |  College of Social Sciences  |  Shidler College of Business  |  College of Natural Sciences

William S. Richardson School of Law

The William S. Richardson School of Law was ranked in 15 categories by U.S. News and World Report. In addition to its ranking of No. 23 for best part-time law programs and best environmental law programs, the UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ law school placed No. 127 out of nearly 200 of the best law schools in the nation.

Other law school rankings include:

• International law: No. 66
• Legal writing: No. 71
• Dispute resolution: No. 74
• Constitutional law: No. 78
• Contracts/commercial law: No. 91
• Criminal law: No. 104
• Clinical training: No. 108
• Tax law: No. 113
• Business/corporate law: No. 115
• Intellectual property law: No. 128
• Health care law: No. 132
• Trial advocacy: No. 182

Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health

The ’s Department of Social Work ranked No. 51 out of 319 social work programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, and the Office of Public Health Studies ranked No. 103 out of the top 213 public health schools and programs in the U.S. accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health.

Nancy Atmospera-Walch School of Nursing

The ’s doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program was ranked No. 59 among 156 of the top schools in U.S. News and World Report’s best nursing schools ranking. UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹â€™s nursing school is the only Â鶹´«Ã½ DNP program ranked by U.S. News and World Report since 2018. The Nancy Atmospera-Walch School of Nursing also placed No. 69 out of the 169 schools for best master’s nursing programs.

College of Education

The (COE) ranked No. 67 of 255 schools ranked, the 19th straight year the college has been listed as one of the nation’s top 100 education programs. Nationally accredited since 2000, COE continues to be recognized for its award-winning programs and people.

College of Social Sciences

The Public Administration Program in the placed No. 89 out of the top 271 graduate programs considered. The master’s of public administration (MPA) program is the only one accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration in the state, and offers an 18-month accelerated, two-year full-time and three-year part-time plan.

Shidler College of Business

The ranked No. 92 out of 506 institutions with master’s level business programs in the U.S. accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International. In addition, Shidler placed No. 166 for best part-time master of business administration programs. Shidler’s MBA programs are the only AACSB International accredited MBA programs in Â鶹´«Ã½ and among the few MBA programs in the U.S. with a true Asia-Pacific focus.

College of Natural Sciences

Computer science in the ranked No. 120.

U.S. News and World Report announced that the best medical schools, best engineering schools and best clinical psychology program rankings will be delayed until further notice.

For a full list of rankings, .

—By Marc Arakaki

More than 10,000 images of humpback whale tail flukes collected by University of Â鶹´«Ã½ researchers have played a pivotal role in revealing both positive and negative impacts on North Pacific humpback whales, positive trends in the historical annual abundance of North Pacific humpback whales, and how a major climate event negatively impacted the population. Adam Pack, who heads the UH Hilo Laboratory, Lars Bejder, director of the UH Mānoa (MMRP) and graduate students Martin van Aswegen and Jens Currie, co-authored a study on humpback whales in the North Pacific Ocean, and the images—along with artificial intelligence (AI)-driven image recognition—were instrumental in tracking individuals and offering insights into their 20% population decline observed in 2012–21.

“The underside of a humpback whale’s tail fluke has a unique pigmentation pattern and trailing edge that can serve as the ‘finger-print’ for identifying individuals,” said Pack.

Starting in 1976, Pack’s mentor the late Louis M. Herman, founder and director of the UH Mānoa (KBMML), initiated collecting tail fluke images of humpback whales in Hawaiian waters alongside his students. The effort expanded to humpback whales in Alaska in 1980 and has continued every year since through the KBMML, the non-profit organization The Dolphin Institute which Herman and Pack founded in 1993, and in 2008 and beyond through Pack’s UH Hilo Marine Mammal Lab. In total, more than 30,000 whale tail images have been accumulated in waters off Â鶹´«Ã½ and Alaska resulting in one of the largest archival catalogs of humpback whales in the world. UH Hilo students are tasked with cataloging those images.

“Until recently, comparing photographs of humpback whales to each other to discover resightings of the same individual and develop individual histories over decades was done by eye, a slow and labor intensive effort,” Pack said.

The recent advent of AI image-recognition tools has revolutionized the process facilitating large-scale collaborations involving decades of data.

AI and humpback whale science

The UH team of researchers are part of the 76 co-authors who contributed to the findings recently published in which showcases the impact of artificial intelligence in the groundbreaking study. AI-driven image recognition was used to organize the tail fluke images of both the Â鶹´«Ã½Hilo Marine Mammal Laboratory and the UH Mānoa Marine Mammal Research Program, along with thousands of other submissions from across the North Pacific, into an online humpback whale fluke matching program and database. The cutting-edge approach was led by Ted Cheeseman, the study’s lead author and the developer of research website .

“It shows how when we all pool our resources and talent together, we can learn remarkable things about humpback whales and their marine environment,” said Pack, who holds a joint appointment in the departments of and at UH Hilo.

A closer look at population increase and decline

The study showed a strong continuing recovery of North Pacific humpback whales from 20th century commercial whaling which ended in 1976 decimating the population to an estimated 1500–2000 whales. The study estimated 16,875 whales in 2002 growing to a peak of 33,488 in 2012. However, researchers also uncovered a critical period from 2014 to 2016 when an unprecedented marine heatwave adversely impacted marine resources including those in high latitudes which humpback whales rely on for sustenance. This decline in resources resulted in several years of poor reproductive and physical health for many humpbacks wintering in Â鶹´«Ã½ and summering in Alaska.

The population decline was especially noticeable in Â鶹´«Ã½, a vital destination for thousands of humpback whales seeking warmer waters to mate, give birth, and raise their young. By 2021, the study found a staggering 34% decrease in the humpback whale population in these waters. It indicates that continued monitoring of North Pacific humpback whales and care for their marine habitats is essential.

For more go to .

A champion of Native Hawaiian students at the has received a national award. Jennifer Māhealani Ah Sing Quirk was awarded the (NASPA) Region VI Mid-Level Student Affairs Professional Award in November.

NASPA is a 13,000 member organization that focuses on professionals working within the field of student affairs in higher education. Quirk previously served as a staff and faculty member at (NHSS) and now serves as director of (GPA) program of the (SEED).

“I am humbled by the support and recognition of my work by my students, peers and mentors in the field,” said Quirk. “This award is a collective win that has been made possible by amazing and generous kumu, family and friends who’ve mentored me, cared for my children while I hosted weekend/evening events, and provided me with invaluable advice/encouragement and professional/academic opportunities to grow and develop as an Indigenous, Kanaka ʻÅŒ¾±·É¾± student affairs professional and Educational Administration doctoral student. I wouldn’t be where I am today without my people.”

At NHSS, Quirk designed, coordinated and implemented a diverse array of student success programs, including an intensive summer bridge program for Native Hawaiian community college students transitioning from the UH community colleges to UH Mānoa. Through her efforts and those of collaborators across campus, the acceptance and retention rates of Native Hawaiian students increased dramatically.

In Quirk’s role as a co- curricular support specialist, she partnered with other student service units to incorporate Hawaiian ways of knowing into their student learning outcomes, develop culturally appropriate assessments, and provided professional development programs for co-curricular units. In doing so, she offered her students authentic place-based experiences grounded in the unique culture and traditions of Â鶹´«Ã½.

Further, as a junior specialist in NHSS, she provided individualized advising and counseling support to students in the Makalapua Naʻauao program to ensure the academic success of this highly underrepresented population, which included her supervision of three professional staff at UH Hilo, UH Maui and UH West Oʻahu.

Currently, Quirk is tasked with guiding and supervising the Graduate Professional Access program (GPA) within SEED. Quirk assists students from various underrepresented backgrounds to pursue and complete graduate degrees through wraparound, co-curricular support integrating place-based and student-centered approaches.

“The biggest highlight for me thus far in my role as the director of GPA, has been the excited email, phone call or text I receive when students reach out to let me know they’ve been accepted into graduate programs,” Quirk said. “I absolutely love the excitement and joy they have when they tell me about it! I’m so happy and thrilled for them!”

Quirk designs and facilitates a graduate school exploration and preparation workshop series for undergraduate students and higher education professionals. In addition to ensuring student success in graduate school, she mentors students seeking to present their research at academic conferences.

To extend her reach and increase her impact on students, Quirk co-authored a federally funded Native Hawaiian Education Program grant totaling $2,017,746. She is the co-principal investigator and a program mentor for this Hilinehu Educational Leadership Advancement initiative, a partnership between the GPA program and the College of Education.

Within the past five years, the University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹â€™s National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF GRFP) has grown exponentially. Currently composed of 36 masters and PhD students, a range of disciplines are represented such as astronomy, botany, computer science, Earth and planetary sciences, entomology, geography, linguistics, marine biology, oceanography, tropical plant and soil sciences and zoology.

annually funds a diverse group of outstanding graduate students with more than $110,000 for three years to become future scientists, engineers, researchers and STEM educators. GRFP graduates go on to pursue careers in federal agencies, national labs, academia, policy work and conservation management. Notably, UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ GRFPs have consistently been selected for other distinguished fellowships such as the and , both coordinated through the UH Sea Grant College Program (Â鶹´«Ã½ Sea Grant).

• Martha Newell, Knauss Fellow 2017
• Beth Lenz, Knauss Fellow 2020
• Sean Mahaffey, Knauss Fellow 2022
• Cuong Tran, Grau Fellow 2022
• Gina Selig, Knauss Fellow 2023
• Sarah Tucker, Margaret Davidson Fellow 2020 and Knauss Fellow 2023
• Erik Brush, Knauss Fellow 2024
• Ryan Jones, Knauss Fellow 2024

Cuong Tran: disaster preparedness

Former fellow and master of urban and regional planning graduate, Cuong Tran, applied his UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ experience into his post-graduate work as a Â鶹´«Ã½ Sea Grant Gordon E. Grau Fellow with the (NDPTC). Tran collaborates with various partners on several local, national and international disaster-related projects and co-designed the Red Hill Information Hub in collaboration with the UH Red Hill Task Force. The Hub provides a one-stop-shop of the latest information, data, and tools the general public can use for education, communication and research. Tran also co-planned this year’s , a platform for Pacific Island communities to channel joint efforts toward becoming resilient. Upon completion of his Grau fellowship, he plans to step into the role of training technology program coordinator at NDPTC.

Tran’s number one advice for current students is to “always apply for fellowship and scholarship opportunities, even if you think you won’t receive them. You’ll miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”

Sarah Tucker: monitoring climate change

PhD graduate, Sarah Tucker, went on to fulfill the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Margaret A. Davidson Graduate Fellowship after three years as a NSF GRFP Fellow. Tucker was part of the inaugural cohort of Davidson Fellows and collaborated with the Heʻeia National Estuarine Research Reserve where she worked closely with staff and Paepae o Heʻeia managers producing outreach materials, mentoring an undergraduate student, joining community restoration work days and helping with scientific observations and monitoring within the Heʻeia Reserve.

After graduating, Tucker was selected as a 2023 Knauss Fellow and currently works in NOAA’s Global Ocean Monitoring and Observing (GOMO) Program. The GOMO Program supports half of the world’s ocean observations, which are used in climate and weather prediction models and help us understand our changing ocean. Tucker’s two main projects involve serving as the coordinating editor of the and a secretariat member and field operations team lead of the . Following Knauss, she will start as a Simons postdoctoral fellow in marine microbial ecology at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, Massachusetts.

Tucker recommended, “talking to as many folks as you can about what the fellowship experience entails, review application materials from past candidates, and be clear about what you want out of it. Also, stay open to trying new things and follow your gut. I never thought I would work on Arctic Research and Policy, but it has been incredibly fulfilling and more connected to my previous work than I could have imagined.”

2025 Knauss applications now open

For those interested in applying for the 2025 Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship, visit the or contact Â鶹´«Ã½ Sea Grant assistant director for research and fellowships, Maya Walton, waltonm@hawaii.edu, to learn more. Application deadline is February 15, 2024, 5 p.m. HST through Â鶹´«Ã½ Sea Grant via .

Sixteen graduate programs at the have been nationally recognized for academic and research excellence, according to the , released on April 25.

Seven programs were ranked in the nation’s top 100, and five placed in the top 75. The (SOEST) ranked No. 42 for its earth sciences doctoral programs, the placed No. 49 for its doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program and No. 60 for best master’s nursing programs, the ranked No. 64 and the placed No. 72 in public affairs for its .

“At a time when many prospective graduate students are deciding which institution they will attend in the fall, these rankings demonstrate that UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ is home to world-class academic programs across a vast range of disciplines,” UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ Provost Michael Bruno said. “The consistent national recognition of ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹’²õ excellence over the years is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, faculty and staff.”

The rankings are based on two types of data: expert opinion about program excellence, and statistical indicators that measure the quality of a school’s faculty, research and students.

Note: not all programs are ranked every year. See these UH News stories on previous years’ rankings: 2022, 2021, 2020 and 2019.

Jump to program rankings:
School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology  |  Nancy Atmospera-Walch School of Nursing  |  College of Education  |  College of Social Sciences  |  Shidler College of Business  |  College of Engineering  |  Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health  |  College of Natural Sciences

School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology

The in SOEST placed No. 42 out of 166 earth sciences doctoral programs considered. Students in the PhD program gain advanced knowledge, develop professional skills and learn cutting-edge methodologies through specialized coursework and by conducting research.

Nancy Atmospera-Walch School of Nursing

UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ Nancy Atmospera-Walch School of Nursing’s DNP program placed No. 49 among 169 schools considered in the newest U.S. News ranking. UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ nursing is the only Â鶹´«Ã½ DNP program ranked by U.S. News since 2018. UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ nursing also placed No. 60 out of 184 schools for best master’s nursing programs.

College of Education

The College of Education (COE) ranked No. 64 of 272 schools considered, the 18th straight year the college has been listed as one of the nation’s top 100 education programs. Nationally accredited since 2000, COE continues to be recognized for its award-winning programs and people.

College of Social Sciences

The Public Administration Program in the College of Social Sciences ranked No. 72, up 16 spots from the previous year, out of 269 graduate programs considered. The ranking puts the program in the top third of all master’s of public administration programs in the country. The master’s of public administration program is the only one accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration in the state, and offers an 18-month accelerated, two-year full-time and three-year part-time plan.

Shidler College of Business

The rose 12 spots from last year to No. 77 out of 149 schools considered in the full-time master of business administration (MBA) category. Shidler’s MBA programs are the only Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International accredited MBA programs in Â鶹´«Ã½ and among the few MBA programs in the U.S. with a true Asia-Pacific focus.

College of Engineering

Four graduate programs were ranked among the best in the nation, according to U.S. News. ranked No. 90; placed No. 112; and ranked No. 124. The College of Engineering ranked in No. 168 among the top engineering schools in the U.S. that grant doctoral degrees.

Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health

The (OPHS) ranked No. 105 out of 206 public health schools and programs in the U.S. accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health. OPHS offers a ; a , with specializations in , , and , and a , as well as PhD program in , specializing in community-based and translational research and a PhD in . OPHS is also home to a recently launched online master of public health program to meet workforce demands.

College of Natural Sciences

Graduate programs in the were ranked by U.S. News, including at No. 105, at No. 125, at No. 139 and at No. 161.

Law and medical school rankings were expected to be released, however, according to U.S. News and World Report, due to an unprecedented number of inquiries from schools during the initial embargo period and verification of publicly available data, the updated 2023–24 Best Medical Schools and 2023–24 Best Law Schools rankings embargo and publication will be released at a later date.

For a full list of rankings, visit the .

—By Marc Arakaki

University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ PhD candidate Lambert Leong has discovered a novel way to detect cancer and cancer risk using non-invasive medical techniques. The major is leveraging medical imaging techniques with advanced machine learning and AI to investigate biomarkers of cancer, specifically for breast cancer, the leading cause of mortality against women.

This innovative research has earned Leong the 2022–23 Dr. Clifford K. Mirikitani, MD, JD & John M. Mirikitani, JD, PhD Outstanding Dissertation Award from the .

Under the supervision of John Shepherd, a researcher at the , Leong has made exciting progress in pioneering advanced machine-learning methods for addressing the issues of data scarcity.

“The performance of AI models is driven by the amount of available labeled training data,” Shepherd said. “However, cleanly labeled data is often difficult to acquire especially in the medical and healthcare domains. Leong successfully overcame the scarcity of labeled data and built powerful AI models for body composition.”

“Our health models are being developed on unique (racially, ethnically and culturally) data from Â鶹´«Ã½, and these models will be more powerful than those developed on homogeneous populations and therefore have the potential to address health disparities brought about by Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s uniqueness,” Leong said.

As an undergraduate student in 2012, Leong used simple computer code, which someone else wrote, to analyze a modest amount of cancer data with little understanding of what was involved in conducting high quality research. Now, he is developing the code to analyze enormous amounts of cancer data with a more comprehensive understanding of how to properly conduct research.

“I am honored and humbled to receive this award, and credit must be given to my family, friends, labmates and advisor. Specifically, the University of Â鶹´«Ã½ Cancer Center, the molecular bioscience and bioengineering department, and Shepherd Research Lab played an integral part in my success,” said Leong. “I hope this will encourage other students to develop expertise in other areas of study and pursue similar trajectories. This award also represents my 10-year growth as a researcher.”

Shepherd stated that in his 23 years in academics, he ranks Leong in the top 1% of his students.

“He should be recognized for his work and its significance. The impact extends far beyond his dissertation obligations,” he said. “The work towards his specific research aims has been used to demonstrate the feasibility of funded and ongoing National Institutes of Health grants. Leong demonstrates the synergistic cross-departmental, institutional and community collaborations we want from all students. He is already working at the level of an early-stage faculty member and I am certain will go on to achieve great things in cancer research, ”

Paul Balazs, a (COE) master’s student, is making a big impact with his Peace and Sustainability Garden at Kaiser High School. Enrolled in the ’ (EDCS) program, Balazs said that “the learning that takes place in the garden helps students learn more about themselves, their relationships, the outside world, and their place in all of it.”

“Sustainability and Resilience Education has shown that the garden has a profound impact on students who find it a place to follow interests, participate in meaningful service learning, meet new friends,” EDCS Professor Pauline Chinn explained. “The garden projects our graduate students are involved in have multiple benefits ranging from ecosystem services, health and well-being, to academic content learning and cultural identity.”

Balazs has worked at Kaiser High School since 2013, where he taught English language arts while serving as a leadership advisor. He helped the students establish the Wipeout Crew, a student-led club that focuses on environmental issues through service and activism.

Seizing an opportunity to lead the Wipeout Crew through purpose and place-based education, Balazs and the students spent several months in 2016 clearing an overgrown plot of land that would become the Peace and Sustainability Garden.

“The garden has just begun to find its way into curricula, and I am so grateful our school is supportive of alternative ways to learn,” Balazs added. “The garden definitely offers that, but more importantly, we’ve been making strides toward ensuring our teaching and school culture supports the social and emotional well-being of our young people.”

Also in 2016, he was awarded the Milken Educator’s Teacher of Promise. Today, Balazs is the school’s student activities coordinator and continues to serve as the advisor and sole teacher of the Wipeout Crew.

“The students who participate in the garden find peace there,” Balazs said. “Garden caretakers love the space and reflect on the garden as a place they feel free to be themselves, where they aren’t judged or feel pressure from others.”

Balazs devotes his time well beyond school hours, mowing, watering plants and organizing club events. His programs and leadership have such an impact that 135 students signed up for the Wipeout Crew this year. Together, he and his students have grown 78 different species of plants, the majority of them Native Hawaiian, as well as vegetables, herbs and fruit.

“COE has been an incredibly invaluable support system since my early years,” Balazs concluded. “When I first decided to become a public school teacher, I found the love and kindness of the COE teachers refreshing and uplifting. I could not have had a better introduction to education. The support and compassion of Drs. [Patricia] Halagao, [Kimo] Cashman, Chinn and [Brooke] Taira continue to help me grow and develop a more authentic, well-rounded curriculum.”