The University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at Mānoa brought together cybersecurity experts, researchers and industry leaders on April 29 for the Indo-Pacific Cybersecurity Innovation Forum, a daylong event focused on strengthening digital security, critical infrastructure resilience and the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI).

Held at Campus Center, the forum featured technical talks, policy discussions and workshops aimed at expanding regional cybersecurity capacity and building stronger public-private partnerships across the Indo-Pacific. Speakers included David Carroll of GDIT; Josiah Dykstra and Mengran Xue of RTX BBN; Robert Martin and Nick Tsamis of MITRE; as well as leaders from local fintech organizations and startups, highlighting the forum’s emphasis on cross-sector collaboration.

“UH Mānoa is positioning Â鶹´«Ã½ as a hub for Indo-Pacific cybersecurity by uniting academia, industry and government to address real-world threats and strengthen critical infrastructure resilience,” said UH Mānoa Professor Mehdi Tarrit Mirakhorli.

Threats, resilience

Speakers addressed emerging threats to critical infrastructure, supply chain security and the growing role of AI in both cyberattacks and defense systems. Sessions also examined how organizations can better anticipate and respond to evolving risks in complex digital environments.

UH Mānoa faculty and researchers joined national experts from government, industry and research institutions to discuss strategies for improving cybersecurity readiness. Topics included protecting transportation systems, securing software supply chains and improving detection of adversarial behavior in critical networks. The event also included a panel of chief information security officers from financial institutions and UH Mānoa, who discussed real-world challenges in protecting sensitive data and maintaining secure operations in fast-changing threat landscapes.

Afternoon sessions highlighted advances in cyber threat intelligence, secure cloud systems and resilience testing for critical infrastructure. Researchers also explored how human behavior, economics and system design influence cybersecurity outcomes.

Craig Opie, co-founder and CTO of Holocron Security, said, “As an island community, critical infrastructure resilience is personal. If power, water, communications or healthcare systems fail, our families and neighbors feel the impact immediately. We have to make the delivery of secure, compliant technology repeatable and built for real-world consequences. I’m proud to be part of events like the Indo-Pacific Cybersecurity Innovation Forum that help educate, empower and protect our community.”

The Department of Information and Computer Sciences is housed in UH Mānoa’s .

The University of Â鶹´«Ã½ has launched a new office that will serve as a central hub for grant support, research development and funding opportunities to help boost scientific discovery, increase research capacity and stimulate workforce development in the state.

Backed by the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Institutional Development Award (IDeA) from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the was created to help faculty and students from higher education institutions located in the Â鶹´«Ã½ EPSCoR/IDeA jurisdiction (encompassing the state of Â鶹´«Ã½) to expand their research efforts, while enhancing the impact and visibility of Â鶹´«Ã½-based research across the nation.

“The launch of this office is an important step in strengthening our state’s research capacity and expanding support for faculty and students,” UH President Wendy Hensel said. “By building stronger partnerships and increasing access to federal funding, we can accelerate discovery, grow Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s research workforce and deliver meaningful impact for our communities.”

The EPSCoR program is a federal initiative designed to strengthen research capacity and competitiveness across states, territories and jurisdictions that historically have received a smaller share of federal research funding. In 2016, NSF awarded UH a five-year $20 million grant for its ʻIke Wai (knowledge of fresh water) project to conduct geophysical research to better understand the dynamics of freshwater aquifers around the state. In addition to providing updated information on water flows and capacities, the study helped to more accurately map the contaminant flow from subsequent leaks into the aquifer that contributed to the eventual shutdown of the U.S. Navy’s Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility on Oʻahu in 2022. Currently, UH’s Change Â鶹´«Ã½ project leverages AI, machine learning and high-resolution data to advance climate resilience and ecosystem monitoring across the islands.

Similarly, the IDeA program works to broaden the geographic distribution of biomedical research funding in states and territories that have historically received lower levels of NIH research funding. In Â鶹´«Ã½, IDeA enriches UH programs such as UH Mānoa’s Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) and its Diabetic Research Center; the Â鶹´«Ã½ IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE), which helps to fortify research programs statewide to increase the number of undergraduate students seeking a biomedical science career; and the Center for Pacific Innovations, Knowledge, and Opportunities (PIKO) that aid medically underserved populations in Â鶹´«Ã½ by improving clinical and translational research infrastructure.

“The launch of the Â鶹´«Ã½ EPSCoR/IDeA Office represents an important step forward in strengthening our state’s innovation ecosystem,” said Amy Asselbaye, executive director of City and County of Honolulu’s Office of Economic Revitalization. “As a member of the Â鶹´«Ã½ EPSCoR Jurisdictional Steering Committee (JSC), I’m excited to play a role in aligning research priorities and translating federal investment into meaningful, community-centered outcomes. By advancing collaboration and increasing local research, we can support scientific discovery while creating pathways for economic diversification, workforce development, long-term resilience for Â鶹´«Ã½, and a better quality of life for our people.”

The UH Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation oversees and provides administrative support for Â鶹´«Ã½ EPSCoR/IDeA initiatives. The Â鶹´«Ã½ EPSCoR/IDeA Office is currently working with JSC—a strategic advisory body comprised of members from local government, business, higher education, health, and community based organizations—on a new Â鶹´«Ã½ Science and Technology Plan (S&T Plan). The S&T Plan will serve as a five-year strategic road map to enhance the state’s research competitiveness, economic resilience and workforce through science, technology and data-driven innovation, by building on Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s unique geographical, cultural and ecological strengths.

“The role of the Â鶹´«Ã½ EPSCoR/IDeA Office is to serve as quarterback for a team of outstanding faculty and students from higher education institutions in Â鶹´«Ã½ to help secure critical funding and infrastructure for their critical research that impacts not only our state, but the world,” said UH Interim Vice President for Research and Innovation Chad Walton. “Armed with a new S&T Plan that reflects the state’s research priorities, it is our goal to foster more public-private-academic collaboration to further strengthen our state’s research capacity and ultimately—our economy.”

The University of Â鶹´«Ã½ has been designated as a new Pacific Reef Research Coordination Institute (Pacific RRCI) by the (NOAA) to support coral reef conservation in the Pacific through research, collaboration and public education.

The Pacific RRCI will be housed in UH’s , under the aegis of the , and will perform the following critical functions: conduct federally directed research to fill national and regional gaps; collaborate with relevant states and territories, Indigenous groups, coral reef managers, non-governmental organizations, and other coral reef research centers; assist in the implementation of the NOAA’s National Coral Reef Resilience Strategy and coral reef action plans; build non-federal capacity for management and restoration practices; and conduct public education and awareness programs.

“This new institute combines UH’s strengths in cutting-edge, ocean-related research and our collaborative, place-based approach to working with resource managers throughout Â鶹´«Ã½ and the Pacific to protect our vital coral reefs,” said Chad B. Walton, UH interim vice president for research and innovation. “At the same time, it provides us with further opportunities to develop our region’s next generation of researchers and managers in the field of conservation futures.”

To restore and preserve coral reef ecosystems in the U.S. from natural and human-related effects, the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 was reauthorized and modernized by the Restoring Resilient Reefs Act of 2021, which was included in the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act that became law in 2022. The reauthorized law required the designation of two RRCIs, one each in the Atlantic and Pacific basins, was required. The RRCIs were chosen from 32 preselected coral reef research centers and were designated based on the results of technical merit and panel reviews. The Restoring Resilient Reefs Act of 2021 was introduced and sponsored by Â鶹´«Ã½ Senators Brian Schatz and Mazie K. Hirono, and Congressman Ed Case.

The UH-led institute will be guided by experienced reef researchers from UH Mānoa’s Kewalo Marine Laboratory and the Â鶹´«Ã½ Institute of Marine Biology, UH Hilo’s Marine Sciences program, and the University of Guam’s Marine Laboratory. It will support research, monitoring, capacity building and outreach for coral reef management throughout the U.S states and territories of American Samoa, Guam, Â鶹´«Ã½, and the Northern Marianas Islands and with the Freely Associated States of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Palau and the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

“Many people worked many years to make this vision for collaborative reef research across the Pacific a reality,” said Suzanne Case, director of the Office of Land and Ocean Conservation Futures. “We’re excited to jump in with scientists and communities and agencies across the region to take it forward.”

A University of Â鶹´«Ã½-born climate technology startup has been named a winner of the Water Resilience Challenge, an international competition announced in Davos, Switzerland.

HCL (Hindustan Computers Limited) Group and UpLink, the early-stage innovation platform of the World Economic Forum, selected as one of 10 “aquapreneurs” from more than 300 applicants worldwide. The challenge is part of the CHF (Confoederatio Helvetica Franc, the official currency code for the Swiss franc) 15 million Aquapreneur Innovation Initiative supporting scalable solutions to global freshwater challenges.

The winning ventures, representing nine countries, will share CHF 1.75 million (approx. $2.25 million USD) in funding and receive mentorship and access to global networks to help scale their technologies. This year’s challenge focused on strengthening water infrastructure resilience, improving water use in agriculture and increasing efficiency across technology and energy sectors.

Hohonu: real-time flood, water-level monitoring

Founded by UH Mānoa faculty and staff, Hohonu develops real-time, hyperlocal flood and water-level monitoring systems using connected sensors and cloud-based software. The company’s low-cost sensors transmit data every few minutes, providing communities with timely information to guide emergency response, infrastructure planning and climate adaptation.

“This recognition affirms that solutions developed in island communities can have global relevance,” said Brian Glazer, Hohonu CEO and co-founder, and associate professor in UH Mānoa’s . “Building tools alongside the people most affected by flooding has shaped how we think about access, equity and long-term resilience, and it’s exciting to see that approach resonate on an international stage.”

Hohonu was launched in 2019, resulting from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, National Science Foundation and philanthropic funded research in Glazer’s lab dating back to 2014. The company also received early support and seed funding through UH innovation and commercialization programs, including investment from the student-run Calvin Shindo Student Venture Fund out of UH’s . UH is a partial equity owner.

Hohonu has deployed sensors across Â鶹´«Ã½ and today operates in 18 states and more than 200 locations, supporting projects ranging from Native Hawaiian fishpond restoration to large-scale coastal resilience efforts on the east coast of the U.S. Its technology is designed to democratize access to environmental data for frontline communities facing increased flooding driven by climate change.

“We are extremely proud of Hohonu’s continuing success and recognition in the water resilience innovation space,” said Chad Walton, interim vice president for research and innovation. “The technology that was developed by Brian Glazer and his team in UH labs and tested in fishponds around the state is a true example of blending Indigenous knowledge with contemporary science to provide solutions not only for Â鶹´«Ã½, but for the world.”

Previous UH News stories on Hohonu:

• UH technology startup provides flood monitoring, real-time data in Maryland, June 14, 2024
• Flooding Hawaiian fishponds get help from UH technology startup, February 28, 2023
• New UH student-run venture fund announces first investments, August 18, 2022
• UH innovators, entrepreneurs awarded for ‘re-imagining’ state’s economy, March 9, 2022
• UH startup improves flood-risk management in 54 U.S. communities, October 18, 2021

University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at Mānoa students, faculty and staff brought research from the lab to the Legislature on February 3, showcasing projects that address pressing health, environmental and resilience challenges across Â鶹´«Ã½ and the Pacific.

The fourth annual UH Mānoa Research Day took place on the fourth floor of the Â鶹´«Ã½ State Capitol, where approximately 100 undergraduate and graduate students, researchers, faculty and staff shared their work through informational displays, demonstrations and interactive activities.

This year’s event highlighted the theme of “One Health,” an interdisciplinary approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, plant and environmental health. Exhibits emphasized community-based research designed to strengthen resilience statewide and throughout the Pacific region.

“This is the ‘university of the people.’ It’s the main state research university,” Robert Wright, UH Mānoa Interim Vice Provost for Research and Scholarship said. “The faculty are incredibly inventive, they work very hard, they’re bringing in quite a lot of money. And not everyone, not everywhere has a university like Â鶹´«Ã½.”

UH Mānoa Research Day invited state leaders, lawmakers, community advocates and the public to engage directly with researchers and learn how university-led projects are addressing issues such as public health, environmental sustainability, food systems and disaster preparedness.

“The various research components that I’ve seen ranging from childcare, immigrant services to culture and the arts,” Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke said. “This is not just important for the sectors that they are representing, but it’s really important for our various industries and our economy as a whole.”

For student researchers, the day offered them an opportunity to share their work beyond campus. Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by a parasite that affects people, animals and the environment in Â鶹´«Ã½. Jerrisa Ching Choe, a PhD student at the John A. Burns School of Medicine, and her research team, use a “one health” approach to understand how the disease spreads between humans, animals and the places we share, with the goal of helping communities, pets and wildlife stay healthier across the islands.

“Being here at UH Mānoa Research Day is such an honorable privilege, to be able to share more about my research, but also be able to engage with the community, our politicians and legislature—and to be able to not only to share new knowledge with people, but to also take action towards addressing some of the challenges that we face here,” she said.

The event comes as UH Mānoa continues to expand its research enterprise. The campus earned a record $570.4 million in extramural awards in fiscal year 2024–25, helping drive UH’s 10-campus system to a record-breaking $734 million in total awards during the same period.

UH Mānoa is one of only four U.S. universities designated simultaneously as a land-, sea-, space- and sun-grant institution. It is also one of 107 public universities classified as Carnegie R1, denoting the highest level of research activity, and is consistently ranked among the top 1–2% of universities worldwide.

More information about UH Mānoa Research Day is .

The University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at Mānoa is expanding its role in shaping the state’s energy and resilience future through a new $1.8-million federal investment supporting advanced visualization and planning tools developed by the (LAVA), in partnership with the Â鶹´«Ã½ State Energy Office (HSEO).

The funding supports the continued development of the Â鶹´«Ã½ Advanced Visualization Energy Nexus (HAVEN) system—an interactive 3D platform that helps policymakers, planners and communities better understand complex energy infrastructure, land-use tradeoffs and resilience planning decisions. HAVEN makes technical planning data accessible to users with varying levels of expertise, supporting transparent and informed decision making across the state.

“HAVEN represents a new generation of planning tools that combine immersive visualization, geospatial intelligence and emerging AI capabilities,” said Jason Leigh, UH Mānoa professor and LAVA Lab director. “With this support, we can scale these technologies statewide while training the next generation of visualization, data science and AI professionals here in Â鶹´«Ã½.”

Increase security, modernize grid

As Â鶹´«Ã½ moves to increase energy security and modernize its aging grid, communities face difficult choices around infrastructure siting, regional impacts and costs. HAVEN enables users to visualize scenarios, explore planning model inputs and outputs, and assess cascading impacts related to energy, land use and disaster preparedness.

“HAVEN visualization technologies have proven to be extremely effective in making energy plans and analysis more approachable,” said Chris Yunker, managing director of resilience, clean transportation and analytics for HSEO. “The resulting energy plans incorporate informed input from policy makers and local communities.”

Over a multi-year period, HSEO and the LAVA Lab will expand HAVEN’s capabilities, integrate complementary visualization tools, and explore how AI can help make these visualization tools easier to use and available to more communities. The HAVEN project also supports workforce development by providing UH graduate students with hands-on experience in advanced data visualization.

The Department of Information and Computer Sciences is housed in UH ²Ñā²Ô´Ç²¹â€™s .

Eleven emerging scientists will soon take on some of Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s most urgent environmental and scientific challenges through a new University of Â鶹´«Ã½ systemwide postdoctoral fellowship program, funded by a $2 million grant from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation. From safeguarding coral reefs to exploring the origins of the universe, these scholars will help drive discoveries to shape the future of the Pacific and beyond.

“As federal support for research becomes increasingly constrained, philanthropy plays a crucial role in fueling innovation and discovery,” said Harvey V. Fineberg, president of the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation. “At the Moore Foundation, we invest where science can make long-term, measurable change and in the talented people whose ideas will shape the future.”

Developed through a partnership among UH’s , UH ²Ñā²Ô´Ç²¹â€™s (OVPRS) and , this initiative strengthens the university’s research enterprise, encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and supports the development of future scientific leaders.

“This fellowship program exemplifies the power of strategic philanthropic partnership,” said OVPRS Research Program Officer Tarra McNally. “Our long-standing relationship with the Moore Foundation continues to nurture the next generation of scholars who will advance research in Â鶹´«Ã½ and beyond.”

From 2025 to 2028, the program will support 11 postdoctoral scholars working in astronomy, oceanography, life sciences, geophysics, atmospheric science and other fields vital to Â鶹´«Ã½ and the Pacific. Each fellow will receive up to two years of funding for salary and benefits, enabling them to focus on high-impact projects addressing critical scientific and environmental challenges.

“The Moore Foundation has been a steadfast partner to the University of Â鶹´«Ã½ for many years,” said Chad Walton, interim vice president for research and innovation. His office oversees research operations across the university’s 10 campuses. “Their sustained investment has strengthened UH research programs across disciplines—supporting scientists, seeding discovery and elevating Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s role as a global leader in innovation.”

Building on that history of support, UH President Wendy Hensel added, “The Moore Foundation’s ongoing commitment has enabled UH researchers to pursue bold ideas that might otherwise go unexplored. This fellowship program continues that legacy, empowering early-career scholars whose work will expand knowledge, drive innovation and benefit communities across Â鶹´«Ã½ and the Pacific.”

Founded by Gordon and Betty Moore, the foundation supports breakthroughs in science and environmental conservation. Through this fellowship, UH and the Moore Foundation are investing in people, research and ideas that will help build a more sustainable and informed future.

For more information about the fellowship program, .

A health tech startup improving how community health workers (CHW) document client visits took the $2,000 first place prize in the second annual , hosted by the (PACE) in the University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at ²Ñā²Ô´Ç²¹â€™s . The startup was one of 12 interdisciplinary teams made up of UH Mānoa students that competed in the two-week challenge.

The competition was co-hosted by , a software platform led by a Shidler and PACE alumnus, that empowers community-based organizations to address the social drivers of health. It highlighted PACE’s mission to bridge academic learning with practical, work-based problem-solving.

“Innovate 808 shows how powerful interdisciplinary learning can be when we connect students to real community partners,” PACE Executive Director Sandra Fujiyama said. “The ideas generated this year show that innovation truly thrives in collaboration.”

Interdisciplinary collaboration

The students in this year’s challenge represented 10 UH Mānoa colleges and schools. The result was a dynamic combination of technical, social and entrepreneurial ideas to support Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s community health workforce.

The winning team, Pear Lens, created a photo-based note capture and conversion tool that allows CHW to document client interactions more efficiently while maintaining data privacy. The team came together as four solo applicants met for the first time during the competition: Justin Paul Alejo (business), Jennifer Kawata (public administration), Biplav Paudel (business) and Ivy Vo (business).

“The competition brought together a diverse team of complete strangers to solve a complex challenge, but we quickly found our rhythm and collaborated seamlessly to propose a simple yet powerful idea,” Kawata said.

Kawehi Kea-Scott, a Pear Suite judge who used to work as a CHW, commended the team for “meeting CHWs where they are” by respecting existing workflows while introducing low-friction technology. “The fact that these students built a fully functioning prototype in just two weeks is remarkable,” Kea-Scott said.

Initially the competition was planned as a winner-takes-all prize structure, but the judges were so impressed by the presentations that three runner-up prizes were added. Each student from the following three teams won $350.

• Jayden Ronel Villanueva, Shannon Tai and Jaylyn-Kate Balon developed a tiered education and certification pathway with AI-generated feedback and mentoring for aspiring CHWs.
• Tate Goodman, Mau Tsujimura, Micah Tajiri and Lenox Covington created a machine-learning workflow tool that helps CHWs select the most effective resources for their clients.
• Logan Lee, Tristan Ta and Yeunggyun Kwon designed a referral platform that connects CHWs and clients based on shared experience and training, fostering stronger engagement.

Takeda invited the winning teams to present their solutions to his executive team and encouraged all participants to consider internships and employment at Pear Suite, as he shared that Pear Suite will be continuing its nationwide expansion after he recently raised $7.6 million in funding.

“Just try it, go out there and find problems to solve,” Takeda said. “Being able to test ideas, try new things and see what the feedback is from your customers is a great way to learn and grow.”

Teams were also mentored by Jeff Hui, PACE‘s entrepreneur in residence, who advised students to “take advantage of these real world experiences. These are the opportunities that open doors to new career paths and set you apart when you are interviewing for a job.”

Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s research community and residents are being asked to help shape the state’s next five-year Science & Technology (S&T) Plan. (Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research), managed by the University of Â鶹´«Ã½, is gathering public input through an online survey to identify priorities that will guide future research and innovation across the islands.

Help shape Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s science future

The S&T Plan is set to launch in 2026. Community input is being gathered through a brief, 15-question online survey. The survey is open to researchers, educators, policymakers, industry professionals and community members statewide.

The deadline to participate in the survey is October 31.

The S&T plan will serve as a strategic roadmap for Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s research and innovation priorities in light of recent changes to National Science Foundation (NSF) and EPSCoR program policies. Once completed, it will reflect Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s unique needs, perspectives, strengths and opportunities in science and technology, and align the state’s priorities with federal research opportunities.

“This planning process is critical to keeping Â鶹´«Ã½ competitive for major federal research awards, which bring in millions of dollars into the state to the growth of local science and innovation,” said UH Interim Vice President for Research and Innovation Chad Walton, who also serves on EPSCoR/IdeA Foundation Board of Directors. “We encourage representatives for all sectors and the community to participate, as your insight is essential to strengthening Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s research and development ecosystem and improving our competitiveness for federal research funding.”

For more about the Â鶹´«Ã½ EPSCoR program or the S&T plan, contact Walton at cwalton@hawaii.edu.

For an island state like Â鶹´«Ã½, fresh water is a precious commodity. It is life. That is why in 2016, the NSF awarded UH a five-year $20 million grant for its ʻIke Wai (knowledge of fresh water) project to conduct geophysical research to better understand the dynamics of freshwater aquifers around the state. In addition to providing updated information on water flows and capacities, the study helped to more accurately map the contaminant flow from subsequent leaks into the aquifer that contributed to the eventual shutdown of the U.S. Navy’s Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility on Oʻahu in 2022.

NSF provided this grant through EPSCoR, a federal initiative designed to enhance research capabilities and foster innovation in states or territories that historically receive a smaller share of federal research funding. Its mission is to broaden the distribution of federal research dollars, while strengthening both local and national research infrastructure and capacity. The UH System oversees and provides administrative support for Â鶹´«Ã½ EPSCoR initiatives.

The University of Â鶹´«Ã½ is spearheading an advanced manufacturing initiative aimed at transforming the state’s economic vulnerabilities into opportunities for growth, resilience and workforce development.

“For an island state like Â鶹´«Ã½, given our finite resources, limited manufacturing footprint and heavy dependency on imports, the onus is high for Â鶹´«Ã½to work with our industry partners to help provide the cutting-edge research and a knowledge-based workforce in ‘point-of-need’ manufacturing for the benefit of both our civilian and military communities,” said UH Mānoa Interim Provost Vassilis L. Syrmos.

At UH Mānoa, the is leading the initiative, which combines design, material science, 3D printing, corrosion testing and robotics.

“A lot is going on in this space right now, and while it’s generating a lot of excitement around town, there’s also a lot of movement in different directions,” said Dean Brennon Morioka. “That’s why it’s important that we develop a coordinated and shared vision that is centered around an ecosystem that is consistent and transferable across all stakeholders.”

Morioka is relying on four key faculty members to move the initiative forward: Associate Professors Tyler Ray and Joseph Brown, and Professors Lloyd Hihara and Zachary Trimble.

Wearable sensors, aerospace assemblies, more

Ray has championed additive manufacturing since joining UH in 2019, weaving it into undergraduate courses and research. His lab develops 3D printed wearable sensors for health monitoring, new battery technologies and is home to one of the world’s highest-resolution bioprinters.

“For Â鶹´«Ã½, advanced manufacturing is more than just an economic opportunity. It’s about building resilience amidst geographic isolation,” Ray said.

Brown integrates materials characterization, mechanical design and advanced fabrication to create resilient structures, from aerospace assemblies to nanometer-thin sensors.

“The initiative represents a major opportunity for UH and the state to not just match what others are doing, but to carve out our own unique approach,” Brown said.

Hihara’s corrosion research leverages Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s diverse climates for testing and will expand with new fabrication technology. Trimble, an expert in precision machine design, helps transition basic research into applied research.

First advanced manufacturing training center

launched Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s first advanced manufacturing training center to support Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, private ship repair facilities and active duty military.

“Our goal is to create an advanced manufacturing ecosystem with seamless skill sets and technology that can be used throughout Â鶹´«Ã½ and across different industry sectors,” said Honolulu CC Chancellor Karen Lee.

Read more on UH’s advanced manufacturing vision and its role in Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s future . Noelo is UH’s research magazine from the .

What if, instead of trying to fix different gene mutations for different people, one could simply replace the entire mutated gene, safely, efficiently and precisely?

University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ (JABSOM) Assistant Professor Jesse B. Owens is turning this radical idea into a therapeutic reality. Owens and his team are developing a new gene delivery platform that could revolutionize how doctors treat everything from rare blood disorders to aggressive cancers.

“I want to replace the entire gene, no matter where the mutation is—use one therapy for everyone,” said Owens. “For example, if the gene were a car and one person had a flat tire, and another person had a broken windshield; instead of going to two different shops to do two different repairs, each person just got a brand-new car right away, for no more than the cost of the repair. This could lead to faster, more affordable treatments for a wide range of diseases.”

What is gene therapy?

The thousands of genes that determine traits and characteristics of humans—including looks, personality and body functions—stem from the long, twisted, step-ladder of molecules known as deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Each step or base, makes up the body’s genetic code, an instruction manual that dictates how cells build and function. Changes to, or mutations in one’s genes can cause genetic disorders such as hemophilia, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease and even certain types of cancer.

For decades, researchers have been developing and advancing gene therapies to fix, replace or switch faulty genes in order to treat and prevent diseases. Most approaches use engineered viruses or editing tools to deliver the corrective DNA into a patient’s cells.

One of the most widely used gene therapies today is known as Clustered Regularly Interspaced Palindromic Repeats or CRISPR, co-developed by Hilo native Jennifer Doudna, who earned the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2020. CRISPR works like a pair of scissors, cutting DNA at specific locations, then harnessing the cell’s repair system in hopes that it figures out how to modify or insert the new gene. CRISPR, however, faces limitations—it struggles to insert large DNA segments to fix single-gene disorders, risks harmful mutations and cancer from double-stranded breaks, and works poorly in the non-dividing cells that make up most of the adult human body.

From cutting to inserting: A paradigm shift

Owens’ technology represents a dramatic departure from the CRISPR paradigm. Rather than cutting DNA and relying on the cell to make repairs, his method acts like biological glue—actively inserting large, healthy genes directly into the genome that then take over for the defective gene. The key is a family of viral enzymes called integrases, which facilitate the insertion of DNA into host genomes. Owens’ lab uses a controlled process called “laboratory evolution” to engineer “super-active” enzymes, dramatically boosting their precision and efficiency for inserting genes of interest.

“With these specially engineered integrases, we’re able to carefully insert healthy genes into an exact location without causing breaks in the DNA,” said Owens. “This insertion function has very high efficiencies of up to 96% in human cells, which is unprecedented.”

Read more about Owens and the future of gene therapy in . Noelo is UH’s research magazine from the .

Throughout his remarkable 49 years in Congress, the late Sen. Daniel K. Inouye fought hard to bring in billions of dollars in appropriations to help establish or bolster industries with significant, long-term impact to Â鶹´«Ã½, including agriculture, astronomy, education, high-technology, military and research. While he helped to position the state as a viable player in these industries and strengthened the state’s economic resilience and sustainability through the federal appropriations process, he knew this would not last forever. Inouye envisioned similar growth opportunities for Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s small businesses centered around partnerships on U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) projects with the University of Â鶹´«Ã½.

“Sen. Inouye was well-aware that most of the DODs large contracts in Â鶹´«Ã½ were being awarded to mainland companies, with only little pieces of it going to local companies as subcontracts,” said UH Mānoa Interim Provost Vassilis L. Syrmos. “To even the playing field, he stressed that UH research must effectively collaborate with local small businesses to develop the necessary expertise and capabilities to successfully compete with the mainland contractors for big-dollar federal projects that are in our backyard.”

Unexploded ordnance removal, undersea munitions assessment

During World War II, the U.S. government turned nearly 200,000 acres of ranch land into the Waikoloa Maneuver Area to train its troops. For the better part of two years, the area was pummeled by explosives, including aerial bombs, artillery rounds and grenades. While a couple of clean-up attempts were made following the war, it was estimated that about 20% of unexploded ordnance remained.

As a result, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) initiated a third clean-up effort in 2002. At the time, the UH Mānoa was already working with a small environmental firm called Environet, Inc. on developing the use of ground penetrating radar technology in aerial flyovers as a faster and cheaper alternative to putting huge teams on the ground. Environet had done prior related work and was already familiar with the clean-up site process through its research partnership with UH.

Prior to 1970, the DOD had disposed of excess, obsolete or unserviceable munitions, including chemical warfare agents, in the ocean waters off the U.S. coasts, including the Hawaiian Islands. In 2007, the U.S. Army embarked on the Â鶹´«Ã½ Undersea Military Munitions Assessment to learn more about the condition of these munitions and of any potential pollution that could cause harm to humans and ocean life. The seven-year project involved the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, UH and Environet, who had the flexibility to pivot their land-based unexploded ordnance expertise to the open ocean.

Both projects marked a huge turning point for Environet, as the interesting work and publicity generated helped to attract job candidates from varied disciplines, enabling the company to grow and expand its field of expertise. Starting with a handful of employees on Â鶹´«Ã½ Island, the company helped establish the GSI Family of Companies (GSI), which employs nearly 400 staff and now has offices in Â鶹´«Ã½, Colorado, Maryland, New Jersey, Washington, Guam and Japan. Read more about GSI in . Noelo is UH’s research magazine from the .

From the fluid motion of fish and elegant propulsion of jellyfish, to the shape-adapting capabilities of an octopus, nature’s creatures have remarkable bio-mechanical capabilities that can offer technical solutions to many of today’s most complex challenges, according to University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at Mānoa Assistant Professor Tianlu Wang.

Wang’s fundamental biomechanics research has allowed him to develop groundbreaking innovations—bio-inspired soft robots that can serve as cutting-edge tools in addressing persisting healthcare, sustainability and industrial challenges. By decoding how small aquatic animals move and function efficiently through hard-to-reach, fluid environments, Wang’s tiny soft robots mimic these traits, enabling them to maneuver with similar grace and resilience through environments such as delicate underwater ecosystems or the human body.

Related UH News stories:

• Team of microscopic soft robots could transform medical care, November 10, 2024
• Robot tech to clean oceans wows international summit, February 6, 2024

Biomechanical robots

More than 90% of marine life is smaller than 10 centimeters, and their locomotion techniques are marvels of efficiency and adaptability. From larval zebrafish to jellyfish, these creatures display soft-bodied locomotion, large deformations and shape adaptations that Wang’s lab research has captured and translated into robotic performance. By capturing wake flow patterns and studying fluid-structure interactions of these tiny creatures, Wang’s team was able to mimic these biomechanical actions to improve propulsion, momentum and efficiency in robotic movement.

One example is a robotic swimmer he created that emulates larval zebrafish by using a uniform stiffness distribution and an oscillating magnetic field to reproduce energy-efficient, silent swimming.

“Such insights don’t just make for better robots, they can help biologists understand the fundamental biomechanics of animal life, and hopefully inspire new collaborations between engineers and marine biologists to better understand and replicate these remarkable organisms to create solutions for everyday life,” said Wang.

For more on the marine conservation potential and innovation for island communities as a result of Wang’s research, . Noelo is UH’s research magazine from the .

What once sat dormant for nearly a decade—a powerful, highly specialized instrument known as a Free-Electron Laser (FEL) at the University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at Mānoa—is now sparking back to life, thanks to a new generation of accelerator physicists, determined to restore the FEL’s brilliance and redefine its potential.

Why the FEL matters

Unlike conventional lasers, the FEL produces tunable light (light that can be adjusted to different colors or energies) by accelerating electrons through alternating magnetic fields. This unique mechanism makes it a versatile tool, allowing researchers to probe matter at the molecular and atomic scale, making it a vital tool in physics and chemistry to biology and materials science. At UH Mānoa, the FEL facility engages in:

• Biological research
• Materials science research
• Nanostructure wake research
• Fundamental physics
• Advanced light source development

Since its invention, the FEL has enabled major breakthroughs in advancing scientific understanding, such as capturing ultrafast chemical reactions, determining the structure of complex proteins for drug development, and probing materials at the atomic scale to inform next-generation electronics and energy technologies.

Revival and expansion

In 2024, UH Mānoa took a strategic leap forward by hiring two rising stars in accelerator physics: Assistant Professor Siqi Li from the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, and Assistant Professor Niels Bidault from CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research in Switzerland. Their mission: restart the FEL, upgrade its capabilities and carve a new path forward.

“Operating the FEL is like building a Swiss watch, but at the scale of a particle beam.” — Niels Bidault

“Operating the FEL is like building a Swiss watch, but at the scale of a particle beam,” said Bidault. “It requires precision across every domain—electrical engineering, vacuum science, magnets, diagnostics, high-voltage systems. Everything must align within millimeters or less in order to work.”

Li and Bidault are working with a team of two postdocs and several undergraduate students on tech upgrades. In addition, Li is leading a nearly $1-million Department of Energy Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research-funded project that develops a comprehensive simulation framework to fully understand FEL physics and combines traditional beam physics with cutting-edge machine learning techniques to optimize the FEL’s controls.

Related UH News stories:

• Renowned visiting accelerator expert praises UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹â€™s physics research innovations, February 24, 2025
• 3 UH research projects earn nearly $1M by Dept. of Energy, October 2, 2024

For more on how the FEL is helping to train the innovators of tomorrow, see . Noelo is UH’s research magazine from the .

Nine University of Â鶹´«Ã½ faculty members were celebrated for transforming their classrooms through entrepreneurial thinking at a May 16 showcase hosted at the Walter Dods, Jr. RISE Center.

The event marked the culmination of the inaugural season of the , a year-long professional development initiative designed to help faculty integrate experiential learning, entrepreneurship and engineering design into their curricula.

“These frameworks are designed to help students develop critical skills for the modern workplace, preparing them to grow into innovative, problem-solving contributors to society,” (PACE) Executive Director Sandra Fujiyama said.

The faculty members in the inaugural cohort—from disciplines such as architecture, business, esports and nutrition—were awarded digital badges, certificates and stipends in recognition of their efforts to reshape how UH students learn.

Student wins reflect faculty impact

EL3vate participants Associate Professor Kacie Ho (), Assistant Professor Yasushi Ishida () and Assistant Professor Xiaodan Mao-Clark ( in the ) introduced their students to PACE business and innovation competitions. Ho and Ishida’s students were among the awardees in the Innovate 808 competition with their kimchee and marinara flavor chip seasonings and an architectural storefront makeover, respectively.

“I’ve had the privilege of coaching Kalo Grants student entrepreneurs for over a year now, and their creativity, expertise and passion for their community continue to inspire me,” Mao-Clark said. “Their projects not only drive my teaching to foster an entrepreneurial mindset in the classroom but also propel my research to improve community sustainability.”

Collaborations spark cross-campus creativity

In addition, Ishida partnered with a UH Maui College faculty member on a Lahaina-focused course initiative, blending design and business perspectives. In a separate collaboration, Mao-Clark worked with a UH Hilo faculty member on an initiative where students engaged with the community, strengthening their learning experience through real-world connections.

“From using the PACE 3D printer to create a scale model of Lahaina for my ‘Rebuilding Lahaina’ seminar, to students in the capstone studio clearly communicating their designs with printed models, hands-on tools make a significant impact,” Ishida said. “I’m eager for more opportunities like Innovate808 that allow our students to connect their unique skills outside the university setting.”

Gaming meets entrepreneurship

UH Esports students are gaining invaluable entrepreneurial skills and industry connections through a dynamic collaboration between Nyle Sky Kauweloa (UH Esports director and UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ specialist faculty for interdisciplinary studies) and PACE.

“Over the previous three years, PACE has been critical with expanding support for the UH Esports program by giving our esports players, student leaders and video game community a broader vision of how to align their interests in digital games and entrepreneurship,” Kauweloa said. “With our new UH Esports arena opening up soon (right across the street from PACE), there is more to come!”

PACE, housed in the Shidler College of Business, continues to lead systemwide efforts to foster entrepreneurship and innovation in education. Faculty interested in future opportunities, including the EL3vate program, can find more information at this . The EL3vate program is a collaboration between PACE, and Maui Economic Development Board.

The marked its 25th anniversary this year with record prize money, standout student startups and a celebration of entrepreneurship across the UH System. Hosted by the (PACE) in UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹â€™s , the milestone event, supported by title sponsor American Savings Bank, featured 13 semifinalist teams representing more than 20 academic disciplines and two campuses.

“This milestone year highlights the incredible talent and innovation emerging from our students across the UH System,” PACE Executive Director Sandra Fujiyama said. “It’s inspiring to see how far the competition has come in 25 years—and even more exciting to imagine where these future entrepreneurs will go next.”

At the finals held on May 9th at the Waiʻalae Country Club, BlueMed claimed first place and a $25,000 prize, sponsored by American Savings Bank, for its AI-powered app that helps aquaculture farmers quickly diagnose diseases in shrimp and fish by analyzing uploaded images and symptoms. Farmers can also order medicine, feed and supplements directly through the platform, streamlining access to critical supplies. The team, led by Quang Loc Lam (business administration) and Thi Hai Au La (microbiology), aims to boost aquaculture health through accessible, tech-driven solutions.

“The UH Venture Competition has been an incredible journey for our BlueMed team,” Lam said. “It gave us the opportunity to refine our business idea, receive valuable coaching and feedback from experienced mentors, and present our work to a panel of judges. More than just a competition, it was a transformative experience that helped us grow as entrepreneurs and prepare for the real-world challenges of building a business. We’re deeply grateful for the support and learning this program provided.”

Second place and $10,000, sponsored by Sharon Weiner, went to WellNETS, which developed a radar-based system that monitors seniors’ vital signs such as heart rate and breathing without requiring wearable devices. It delivers real-time data and alerts to caregivers, supporting safer, more independent living for seniors.

Grow Guam, a lifestyle fashion brand that blends modern design with Chamorro cultural motifs to create meaningful apparel and accessories, took third and earned $5,000, sponsored by HiBEAM. The brand aims to empower young women to express pride in their heritage while promoting sustainability.

Pacific Carbon, which works with local communities to measure and verify carbon sequestration from coastal restoration efforts in Â鶹´«Ã½, was also among the top four. The verified efforts are packaged into carbon credits and sold to buyers seeking socially responsible environmental offsets.

In addition to cash prizes, this year’s student entrepreneurs received valuable in-kind services to help grow their ventures. These included legal services provided by Vantage Counsel, marketing services by Pineapple Tweed, coworking membership from Hub Coworking Â鶹´«Ã½ and website services by Blue Logic Labs.

This year’s panel of judges featured prominent stakeholders in the industry, including Chenoa Farnsworth, managing partner at BlueStartups; Donavan Kealoha, managing director at Startup Capital Ventures x SBI Fund; and Tony Mizuno, executive vice president at American Savings Bank. Farnsworth and Kealoha are PACE alumni and past winners of the competition.

Student Entrepreneur of the Year

At the event, the PACE Student Entrepreneur of the Year was presented to UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ major and PACE Leader Roma Amor Malasarte. A dedicated contributor to PACE programs, Malasarte led key initiatives, collaborated on real-world business challenges and helped strengthen community ties through events and mentorship. She also championed cross-campus collaboration by building partnerships between PACE and her department, including co-leading an entrepreneurship event with UH’s women-in-tech group, SWITCH.

The University of Â鶹´«Ã½ announces that Chad Walton has been appointed as the new associate vice president for research and innovation for the 10-campus UH System. Walton will begin his official duties with the (OVPRI) on May 1, 2025.

In his new role, Walton will direct major systemwide research programs and initiatives to align with UH‘s strategic direction and metrics, including STEM education and small business innovation programs. He will create research and workforce/economic development programs to increase community/industry support and strengthen UH‘s technology transfer efforts. Additionally, Walton will work with the UH Foundation to oversee the development of the UH System Office of Strategic Philanthropic Partnerships.

“I am deeply honored to serve the University of Â鶹´«Ã½ System in this new capacity,” Walton said. “Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s unique strengths position us to lead in areas that matter profoundly to our islands and the broader global community. I look forward to working with faculty, students, industry and philanthropic partners to expand UH’s research enterprise, accelerate commercialization and create workforce pathways that translate discovery into real-world impact.”

Walton previously served as assistant vice provost for research and scholarship at UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹, where he led the materials science initiative that secured major funding and drew faculty participation campus-wide. He currently serves on several advisory boards and steering committees.

Walton is a trained bioengineer who developed technology for National Science Foundation and National Institutes of Health-funded grants, with expertise in vaccine development, acoustics-based gene delivery, and molecular cardiology, holding several U.S. patents. He earned degrees from Northern Arizona University, University of Calgary and UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹. After his PhD, he worked at the John A. Burns School of Medicine before moving to the Department of Surgery, where he served as trauma research director for Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s Trauma System.

“We are extremely pleased to welcome Chad to OVPRI, as he represents another integral component of our recent reorganization and restructuring to accommodate the growth of our operations in both size and complexity,” said UH Vice President for Research and Innovation Vassilis L. Syrmos. “As we continue to be a driver of research, innovation, and knowledge both globally and locally, Chad’s experience, skillset, and familiarity with UH, will be important to our success, especially in our current federal funding environment.”

The Human Studies Program (HSP) at the University of Â鶹´«Ã½ was again recognized by the Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs, Inc. (AAHRPP) as a “gold standard” research institution, meeting high standards of quality and protection for participants, and offering assurances of excellence to the Â鶹´«Ã½ research community.

On March 25, UH was awarded full reaccreditation by AAHRPP for a period of five years. Previously, UH received an initial three-year accreditation in 2017 followed by a reaccreditation 2020. In addition to strengthening protections for research participants, the accreditation helps build confidence in research through a commitment of promoting and adhering to high-quality standards and practices.

“This full reaccreditation by AAHRPP continues to show the University of Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of research participants,” said Diana Blanco, director for the Office of Research Compliance. “We are very fortunate to have three dedicated UH Institutional Review Boards, consisting of community members and UH faculty/staff, who volunteered their time and expertise, as well as a highly experienced administrative team, led by Manager Kristin Bacon, to meet this challenge.”

AAHRPP has accredited organizations across the U.S. and around the world. All major U.S. independent institutional review boards have earned AAHRPP accreditation. In addition, more than 65% of U.S. medical colleges and 60% of research universities are either AAHRPP accredited or have begun the accreditation process.

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

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

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

Apply for the 2025 cohort

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

Inaugural cohort success

The first cohort has sparked exciting results:

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

The was awarded LEED Gold from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the most widely used green-building rating system in the world and an international symbol of excellence. Through design, construction and operations practices that improve environmental and human health, LEED-certified buildings, including the Walter Dods, Jr. RISE Center, are helping to make the world more sustainable.

“Achievement of LEED Gold marks a significant milestone for RISE Center,” said project lead Mike Lam, senior vice president of Hunt Companies Â鶹´«Ã½. “Creation of a sustainable facility reflects the vision of the public-private partnership team, who were committed to developing a 21st century facility with a reduced carbon footprint that offers a healthy indoor environment for the students, educators and community members who use it every day.”

By designing to a LEED Gold standard, the University of Â鶹´«Ã½, and Hunt Companies Â鶹´«Ã½ developed a cutting-edge project that features:

• More than 30% reduction in energy consumption through the installation of LED lighting, efficient HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems and equipment, a 104-kilowatt photovoltaic system and a solar water-heating system that measures 60 square meters;
• More than 30% reduction in indoor water use due to low-flow fixtures and other water-efficient technologies;
• More than 75% of construction waste diverted from landfills through aggressive recycling and reuse; and
• Low-emission and/or non-toxic materials used throughout the design and construction process.

The LEED Gold certification process required a comprehensive third-party review of the project, evaluating it on nine elements including indoor environmental quality, water efficiency, sustainability of the site, transportation, energy and atmosphere, and materials and resources.

“RISE’s LEED Gold certification demonstrates tremendous green building leadership,” said Peter Templeton, president and CEO, USGBC. “LEED was created to make the world a better place and revolutionize our buildings and communities by providing everyone with access to healthy, green and high performing buildings. RISE is a prime example of how the innovative work of project teams can create local solutions that contribute to making a global difference.”

Housing, entrepreneurship, innovation

The $70 million live-learn-work RISE Center opened to its first UH student-residents in August 2023. It was the first new UH student housing in 15 years, successfully repurposing the landmark 1930s Charles Atherton House building into a state-of-the-art modern institutional facility flanked by two new six-story student residential wings. This first-of-its-kind entrepreneurship-and-innovation center for Â鶹´«Ã½ is located on the corner of Metcalf Street and University Avenue at the flagship UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ campus.

“This LEED Gold certification underscores our commitment to environmental sustainability,” said John Han, vice president for administration and chief financial officer at UH Foundation. “RISE was designed with the intent to have a smaller environmental footprint by reducing carbon emissions, enhancing energy efficiency, and safeguarding the health and environment of the project’s surroundings.”

The Walter Dods, Jr. RISE Center has garnered local and national accolades since first opening, including the CoStar Group’s Redevelopment of the Year in its 2024 Impact Awards Â鶹´«Ã½ program, the Â鶹´«Ã½ section of the American Society of Civil Engineers’ Grand Overall Winner and Best Large Project at its 2024 Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement Awards and NAIOP Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s 27th Annual Kukulu Hale Public/Government Project Award.

In 2019, Hunt Companies Â鶹´«Ã½, UH and the UH Foundation entered into a public-private partnership (P3) to design, build and finance RISE—the first P3 for the university. It is fully funded with private, non-taxpayer money.

Following RISE and set to open in fall 2025 is the Hale Haukani graduate students and faculty housing facility on Dole Street.