Three students from the are spending one year focusing on critical marine policy issues in Washington, D.C. representing the (�鶹��ý Sea Grant) as 2026 .

Gabrielle Ellis

completed her PhD in biological oceanography in spring 2025, for which she received the Mirikitani Outstanding Dissertation Award. Her dissertation provides baseline ecological descriptions of remote and unexplored habitats of the deep sea, and considers how resilient these habitats are to natural variation and human-induced impacts.

“If I have learned anything through my research as a deep-sea scientist, it is the power of transparent, long-term data in elevating science and protecting important ecosystems,” said Ellis. “I am so excited to witness this through NOAA’s Global Ocean Monitoring and Observing Program, and I am honored to be working with the international and multistakeholder network of the Arctic Research Program.”

Jonathan Rosen

began his career as a Peace Corps volunteer as a coastal resource manager, and continued this work in �鶹��ý supporting the restoration of Hawaiian fishponds and monitoring endangered species in the remote atolls of Papahānaumokuākea. He earned his master’s degree in marine biology as a NSF Graduate Research Fellow studying the impacts of marine heatwaves on fish physiology.

“To me, this feels like a once in lifetime opportunity to expand my experiences and expertise by working alongside the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Ecological Services Headquarters,” Rosen said. “Through this fellowship I hope to apply my experience in conservation, research and communication towards the implementation of legislation on national conservation priorities, including the Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act.”

Sarah Woo

is currently a PhD candidate in the Natural Resources and Environmental Management Department at UH Mānoa focusing on collaborative community-based research, management and governance. Her graduate research is based in Kāneʻohe Bay, working alongside the Heʻeia National Estuarine Research Reserve and regional generational lawaiʻa (fishers), marine scientists who work in the Bay, and resource management agencies.

“I feel extremely grateful to have been selected to represent �鶹��ý as a Knauss Legislative Fellow in Sen. Brian Schatz’s office focusing on topics such as oceans, climate, fisheries, and water, and assisting with appropriations and science legislation,” said Woo. “Growing up in the Pacific Northwest’s Washington, I never expected to live and work in Washington, D.C., but am excited for this new adventure to learn about the federal government so that I can come back home to �鶹��ý after and apply what I have learned to support community needs.”

For more information, .

Hayden Niles grew up 1,500 miles from the nearest ocean, in Waubay, South Dakota—a landlocked town of 500 where the closest thing to the deep sea was a swimming pool. This spring, he graduates from the University of �鶹��ý at Hilo with a bachelor’s in , a minor in , a , and his sights set on hydrothermal vents two miles below the surface.

When it came time for college, Niles, who graduated high school with a class of eight students, initially considered a practical path in nursing. But the ocean’s pull was undeniable. He chose UH Hilo, recognizing it as a realistic option that offered an incredible, accessible marine science program.

“The opportunities here genuinely are shocking,” Niles said, noting the constant stream of emails about internships and jobs. By his freshman year, he had already earned his scientific diving certification, diving headfirst into his passion. He praises UH �ᾱ����’s intimate class sizes, which allowed for hands-on learning and tight-knit relationships with professors.

“You get a chance to really, really get to know your professors, and that helps a ton,” he explained.

Niles didn’t just study the ocean; he actively engaged with it. Before his senior year, he secured a highly competitive deep-sea exploration , an opportunity with only a 2% acceptance rate. This experience, which included crossing the equator and studying unmapped seamounts, solidified his desire to pursue deep-sea microbiology. He specifically hopes to research hydrothermal vent bacteria, noting that “there’s a lot of potential… specifically in the deep sea,” particularly for discoveries that could lead to treatments for diseases such as cancer.

But his ambitions extend beyond research. Niles is dedicated to giving back, currently working with the Bonner Program to manage hydroponic food baskets, aiming to bring sustainable agriculture models back to rural communities like his hometown in South Dakota. He believes in the power of agricultural change, stating, “We can make a difference by shaping people’s perspectives.”

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The University of �鶹��ý 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 �鶹��ý 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 �鶹��ý 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 �鶹��ý Institute of Marine Biology, UH �ᾱ����’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, �鶹��ý, 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.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other rankings

UH Mānoa also received these notable rankings:

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

A new 38-foot teaching and research vessel has arrived in Hilo, giving marine science students at the University of �鶹��ý at Hilo a powerful new ocean laboratory.

The aluminum workboat, named Kaiola, meaning “living sea,” arrived from Oregon in February. It is now in final outfitting and inspection before heading into the water.

“The new marine science vessel is a 38-foot North River Sounder, a class of aluminum workboat designed specifically for scientific, environmental monitoring, and coastal operations in high-energy conditions,” said John Burns, associate professor and chair of the .

Burns said the team chose the vessel for its stability and flexibility.

“We selected this platform because it provides a stable, shallow-draft, highly maneuverable work deck suitable for diving, instrument deployment, and nearshore research around �鶹��ý Island,” Burns said.

The hull is made of welded marine-grade aluminum. Burns explains that aluminum boats are ideal for research. They resist corrosion in saltwater. They are lighter than fiberglass but just as strong. They can handle beach landings, heavy equipment and constant use.

“This durability is critical for a teaching and research vessel that will operate year-round in dynamic coastal conditions and remote locations,” he said.

The large open deck allows crews to deploy water and sediment samplers, underwater cameras, sensors and mapping tools. Inside, the cabin supports navigation, computing and real-time data processing.

Hands-on experience

For students, the impact is immediate. The vessel provides access to sites that were once difficult or unsafe to reach and offers more hands-on experience with real research equipment, data collection and marine operations which are core skills for careers in marine science and ocean stewardship.

—By Susan Enright

The University of �鶹��ý at Hilo will lead a new $1.2 million, three-year grant funded by NASA to better understand how �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ��’s coastlines can withstand climate change while expanding hands-on research and workforce development opportunities for students across the 10-campus UH System.

John Burns, an associate professor of will co-lead the project with Haunani Kane, assistant professor of at the UH ����ԴDz� .

“We are very excited to connect students from across the UH system through applied research experiences that help build educational pathways into careers in science and conservation,” said Burns.

The team will study how sea level rise and warming oceans are affecting coral reefs and nearshore areas. Students will learn satellite mapping, drone surveys, reef modeling and data analysis. They will also work with faculty, community partners and NASA scientists.

Burns directs UH �ᾱ����’s , where he creates detailed three-dimensional maps of reefs. Those maps show how storms, bleaching and human activity change reef structure and health over time.

—By Susan Enright

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

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

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

All UH Mānoa rankings:

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

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

Other rankings

UH Mānoa also received these notable rankings:

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

For more information, .

University of �鶹��ý researchers have published a new study that brings together ʻike �鶹��ý (Hawaiian knowledge), ʻō������� �鶹��ý (Hawaiian language) and western marine science to shed new light on one of the ocean’s most elusive predators, the cookiecutter shark.

Rarely seen but often noticed, the cookiecutter shark is named for the distinctive wounds it leaves behind. Instead of tearing flesh, the small shark removes neat, circular plugs of meat that resemble the cut of a cookie cutter. These unmistakable bite marks are commonly found on prized fish such as ʻahi (bigeye tuna) and aʻu kū (swordfish), providing scientists with rare clues about the shark’s behavior in the deep, open ocean.

“What makes this species so fascinating is that we almost never see the shark itself,” said Justin Suca, an assistant professor in at UH ����ԴDz�. “We’re learning about it by studying when and where those bite marks appear.”

The interdisciplinary study was led by Suca, J. Hauʻoli Lorenzo-Elarco, an assistant professor of at Honolulu Community College and PhD candidate at the UH Hilo , and Donald R. Kobayashi and economist Hing Ling Chan from NOAA’s Pacific Island Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC).

Kobayashi, a biologist at PIFSC and UH ����ԴDz� alumnus, has been a cookiecutter shark enthusiast for decades.

“I’ve been intrigued by these small sharks for over 40 years, when I first learned about them while a graduate student in oceanography at UH ����ԴDz� and we would encounter them in net tows,” Kobayashi said. “These enigmatic creatures have resisted formal study due to their habitat, behavior, and apparent rarity, so it is quite gratifying to personally contribute some solid scientific knowledge towards understanding them and their ways!”

Night patterns

Published in, the study analyzed a much larger dataset than previous research, examining bite patterns recorded across �鶹��ý’s longline fisheries over many years. The results reveal clear and persistent trends: cookiecutter shark bites occur most often at night and are closely tied to lunar cycles, with higher activity during darker, low-illumination periods.

Searching the past

Alongside the scientific analysis, the researchers reviewed Hawaiian-language sources, including historic nūpepa (Hawaiian-language newspapers), and considered knowledge shared across Polynesian cultures to better understand how the shark may have been recognized in �鶹��ý. While no direct references were found, the team believes Hawaiian ancestors were likely familiar with the shark’s distinctive bite marks.

“Our kūpuna (elders) may never have encountered the shark itself,” said Lorenzo-Elarco. “But they almost certainly encountered the evidence it left behind, the distinctive bite marks on fish they brought in from the open ocean.”

ʻŌ������� in science

From that understanding, the team developed a new Hawaiian name for the cookiecutter shark, nahunaiki, meaning “little bites,” and created an ʻō������� noʻeau (Hawaiian proverb) describing its bite patterns and connection to nighttime conditions. The study also includes an abstract written entirely in ʻō������� �鶹��ý, highlighting how Indigenous knowledge and modern science can work together to reveal patterns that might otherwise remain unseen. Developed by utilizing elements of traditional Hawaiian proverbs, the ʻō������� noʻeau says, Muku ka malama, nanahu ka nahunaikio o ka pō, When the new moon arises, the cookie cutter shark bites.This ʻō������� noʻeau is aimed at helping current and future generations of ocean stewards connect the lunar cycle to the bites of this shark.

These findings build on earlier UH ����ԴDz� research that linked moonless nights to rare cookiecutter shark bites on humans, particularly swimmers in �鶹��ý’s ocean channels, suggesting darkness plays a key role across very different types of encounters.

With a focus on marine and atmospheric sciences, researchers from the University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa and University of Tokyo, Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute (AORI) convened in Tokyo, Japan for a three-day conference in early October.

The 2025 Joint Conference on Ocean, Coastal, and Atmospheric Sciences, the fifth such joint event since 2008, is designed to facilitate the exchange of research findings and provide opportunities for future collaboration and partnership on grants, research and publications among participants.

“This long-standing collaboration between UH Mānoa and the University of Tokyo reflects the best of international science—grounded in trust, shared purpose, and a collective commitment to understanding and protecting our planet’s ocean and atmosphere,” said Darren Lerner, interim associate dean for research at the UH Mānoa (SOEST) and (�鶹��ý Sea Grant) director.

Sharing knowledge, expanding connections

Twenty faculty members, postdocs and graduate students from SOEST and other UH departments shared their latest work on marine debris and microplastics; changing ocean currents and climate; biology and ecology of sharks, coral, and deep-sea animals; sustainable aquaculture; and more. After two days of presentations, UH Mānoa participants were invited to visit AORI laboratories and field research activities related to their interests.

“Meeting with collaborators at AORI expanded my understanding of how processes that affect our home communities in �鶹��ý—like ocean warming, deoxygenation, and changing climate cycles like El Niño–manifest in Japan’s coastal waters,” said Sara Kahanamoku-Meyer, SOEST assistant researcher and Early Career Research Fellow who participated in the conference.

The Joint Conference on Ocean, Coastal, and Atmospheric Sciences is aligned with an agreement between UH Mānoa and the University of Tokyo to encourage the exchange of faculty, scholars, students, academic information and materials for the benefit of both institutions and the participants. �鶹��ý Sea Grant has been the lead coordinator of the conference and the facilitator of the related memorandum of understanding since 2007.

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The University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa’s celebrated its 15th anniversary on October 25, marking a decade and a half of cutting-edge discovery and sustainable design.

Opened in 2010, the 26,997-square-foot facility has become a hub for groundbreaking research on marine microbes—organisms that play a vital role in the health of the planet’s oceans and climate. The state-of-the-art building houses laboratories, offices and a conference center designed to foster collaboration among scientists across disciplines and time zones. Its 50-seat auditorium supports video conferencing and live webcasting, connecting researchers around the world.

In 2012, C-MORE Hale was the first research laboratory building in �鶹��ý to achieve LEED Platinum certification for environmental design. The facility incorporates energy-efficient systems and low-flow plumbing. It also features smart lighting controls and water recycling technologies that reduce potable water use by nearly half. The building’s innovative design earned multiple awards, including the Kukulu Hale Award for new commercial projects in 2011.

Leading research in microbial oceanography

David M. Karl, C-MORE’s founding director, member of the National Academy of Sciences and a professor of at UH Mānoa, was instrumental in securing the 10-year, $36.8 million National Science Foundation (NSF) grant in 2006 that led to its establishment as an NSF Science and Technology Center. The center unites specialists in biology, chemistry, oceanography and engineering from six partner institutions. Together, these teams investigate the structure, diversity and metabolic function of marine microbes—from those that use sunlight to generate energy to others that recycle organic matter and drive global nutrient cycles.

Beyond the facility itself, Karl and C-MORE have positioned UH Mānoa as a global leader in microbial oceanography by successfully establishing a link between molecular-level biology and large-scale ocean processes. His pioneering research on marine microbes and their role in global biogeochemical cycles has shaped modern understanding of how ocean life regulates Earth’s climate. Today, Karl continues to play a key role in advancing microbial oceanography worldwide.

“The opportunities that have been sustained by the investment in C-MORE Hale have put �鶹��ý on the map of ocean research,” Karl said. “UH is now recognized as one of the top institutions in the world to study microbial oceanography, and we are also training the next generation of leaders. The future is today.”

Modeling the future of Earth’s oceans

C-MORE’s integrated research program is organized around four themes: microbial biodiversity, metabolism and nutrient flow, remote and continuous sensing of ocean processes, and ecosystem modeling and prediction. This approach allows scientists to explore how marine microorganisms influence climate, carbon storage and energy transfer within ocean ecosystems. The center’s work has advanced predictive models of how marine environments respond to environmental change, establishing UH Mānoa as a key contributor to global ocean science.

“C-MORE Hale encompasses all the success in microbial oceanography and David Karl is the founder for microbial oceanography,” UH Mānoa Interim Provost Vassilis L. Syrmos said. “He has brought funding—tens of millions of dollars to support this from the National Science Foundation, from the Moore Foundation, so private, public, federal, state, you name it. It is an unbelievable project. He has created a program that is second to none, not only here in �鶹��ý and in the continent, but in the world.”

Karl was instrumental in the establishment of an open ocean time-series, called the �鶹��ý Ocean Time-Series, as a sentinel for observing the effects of climate on the structure and function of microbial communities. C-MORE’s long-term research station, , located about 60 miles north of Oʻahu, was designated a Milestones in Microbiology Site by the American Society for Microbiology in 2015. The recognition honored UH’s historic contributions to understanding marine microbial life and its role in maintaining planetary habitability.

Building �鶹��ý’s future in ocean science

In addition to its research mission, C-MORE supports education and outreach programs that inspire future ocean scientists and engage the public in microbial ecology. These efforts span from pre-college curricula and teacher training to graduate and postdoctoral research opportunities, helping to strengthen the next generation of oceanographers.

C-MORE Hale’s naming under the Daniel K. Inouye Legacy Program honors the late senator’s lifelong commitment to advancing science and education in �鶹��ý.

During C-MORE Hale’s 15th anniversary, many students and staff are aboard the R/V Kilo Moana, a 186-foot UH Mānoa research vessel that supports the center’s oceanographic missions by serving as a mobile platform for sampling, experiments and data collection at sea. Karl said a formal celebration to mark the milestone is planned for later this fall.

The and the Keaukaha Community Association hosted the welcome event, He ��ū���ʻ�� Kani ʻĀ���Բ�, on August 2, at the university’s (PACRC) in Keaukaha, Hilo Bay.

The event brought together Keaukaha community members and ʻohana, UH Hilo faculty and student researchers, and local organizations to highlight the collaborative work being done at the center’s .

The nursery has three main facilities: a lab with 21 flow-through tanks, an invertebrate pool, and four horse troughs used to house corals and run projects. UH Hilo students are eligible to volunteer at the nursery during the semester.

“We hope this event strengthens relationships and fosters new collaborations across the community,” said event co-sponsor Steve Doo, a UH Hilo assistant professor of who coral and coral reefs.

Ocean stewardship

About 100 visitors from the community — from keiki to mākua (parents) to kūpuna (elders) — enjoyed the information booths, arts and crafts, land-based coral restoration demonstrations, snorkel surveys and coral outplanting in the bay.

Kaʻaka Swain, president of who also teaches at Ka ʻUmeke ����ʻ��� charter school, said the event welcomed the Keaukaha community into PACRC to experience ongoing marine research through hands-on, culturally grounded activities.

“From limu pressing and lauhala fish weaving to touch tanks, coral reef building, and out-planting coral in Puhi Bay, participants explored the connections between culture and science,” said Swain. “Keiki gained a deeper understanding of marine life and a sense of pride in caring for the ocean.”

—By Susan Enright

Across the globe, oceans are acidifying as they absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, threatening coral reefs and many other marine organisms. , led by oceanographers at the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz�, revealed that unprecedented levels of ocean acidification are expected around the main Hawaiian Islands within the next three decades.

Increased ocean acidification has the potential to harm marine life by weakening the shells and skeletons of organisms such as corals and clams, amplifying the effects of existing stressors, and threatening ocean-based ecosystems. However, researchers have hope, as some organisms have shown signs of adapting to the changing waters. The study helps researchers, conservationists and policymakers understand the future challenges facing �鶹��ý’s coral reefs and provides information for preserving these critical ecosystems for future generations.

Researchers within the laboratory group of Brian Powell, professor in the at the UH ����ԴDz� (SOEST), used advanced, fine-scale computer models to project how ocean chemistry around the main Hawaiian Islands might change over the 21st century under different climate scenarios based on how much carbon dioxide societies continue to emit.

“We found that ocean acidification is projected to increase significantly in the surface waters around the main Hawaiian Islands, even if carbon emissions flatline by mid-century in the low emission scenario,” said Lucia Hošeková, lead author of the paper and research scientist in SOEST. “In all nearshore areas these increases will be unprecedented compared to what reef organisms have experienced in many thousands of years.”

Emissions shape coral reef future

The extent and timing of these changes vary depending on the amount of carbon added to the atmosphere. In the high‐emission scenario, the team found that ocean chemistry will become dramatically different from what corals have experienced historically, potentially posing challenges to their ability to adapt. Even in the low‐emission scenario, some changes are inevitable, but they are less extreme and occur more gradually.

The team calculated the difference between projected ocean acidification and acidification that corals in a given location have experienced in recent history. They refer to this as ‘novelty’ and discovered that various areas of the Hawaiian Islands may experience acidification differently. Windward coastlines consistently exhibited higher novelty, that is, future conditions deviate more dramatically from what coral reefs have experienced in recent history.

“We did not expect future levels of ocean acidification to be so far outside the envelope of natural variations in ocean chemistry that an ecosystem is used to,” said Tobias Friedrich, study co-author and research scientist in the Department of Oceanography. “This is the first ocean acidification projection specifically for Hawaiian waters to document that.”

Corals potential to adapt

Previous studies have shown that a coral that is exposed to slightly elevated ocean acidity can acclimatize to those conditions, thereby enhancing the coral’s adaptability.

“The results show the potential conditions of acidification that corals may experience; however, the extremity of the conditions varies based on the climate scenario that the world follows. In the best case, corals will be impacted, but it could be manageable. This is why we continue new research to examine the combined effects of stresses on corals,” said Powell. “This study is a big first step to examine the totality of changes that will impact corals and other marine organisms and how it varies around the islands.”

The research team will continue to investigate the future changes in Hawaiian waters, specifically, heat stress, locations of possible refugia (areas where corals may be more sheltered from stress) for coral reefs, and changes to �鶹��ý’s fisheries.

—By Marcie Grabowski

students are diving into marine science, by helping count and study 80 endangered green sea turtles along �鶹��ý Island’s coastlines in the first year of the college’s nascent (MOP).

“I took a zoology class at �鶹��ý CC and in my lab portion we got to go to Punaluʻu. We did turtle tagging, which was very inspiring to me because since I was a child I’ve wanted to do marine science,” said �鶹��ý CC graduate Eliea Mitchell-Butler. “And to be able to do it and get involved with the local community was very touching because [the 40-year data set at Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach] is the largest and longest-going database worldwide on green sea turtles.”

Students worked hands-on in the Hilo Sea Turtle Health and Population Assessment Program through a special research permit with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Under faculty supervision, they hand-captured turtles, assessed their health, measured and weighed them, and applied tags for tracking. Research was conducted at Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach and Haʻena Beach on �鶹��ý Island.

“Even though we’re the youngest program in the entire system, �鶹��ý CC’s Marine Option Program is one of the most unique in that we offer research in sea turtles,” said MOP program coordinator Jen Sims.

Recent �鶹��ý CC graduate Christian Reynolds said, “I never thought I would be part of real conservation science this soon in my undergraduate education. I joined MOP at �鶹��ý Community College because it offered me the same opportunities that I would have otherwise had at a four-year university but at a much lower price.”

MOP also offers internships, research projects and cultural fieldwork open to all majors.

For more information about the Marine Option Program at �鶹��ý CC, email Sims at jlsims@hawaii.edu or visit the .

Lisa C. McManus, a theoretical marine ecologist in University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz�’s (HIMB) in the , was named a 2025 Ecological Society of America (ESA) Early Career Fellow on April 29. The society’s fellowship program recognizes contributions to ecological research, communication, education, management and policy throughout the United States. McManus is among 10 new Early Career Fellows in the country, and is recognized for notable efforts to investigate how climate change impacts coral reef ecosystems.

“I’m deeply honored,” McManus said. “Many ecologists I’ve long admired were previous ESA Early Career Fellows, and it’s humbling to be included among such distinguished researchers. This recognition energizes me to pursue even more ambitious questions at the intersection of theoretical ecology and coral reef science.”

In her research, McManus uses ecological theory to understand and predict the responses of marine organisms to changing ocean conditions. Her current projects examine coral-algal regime shifts, coral adaptive potential and marine conservation strategies. Through this work, McManus aims to inform conservation policies that address the long-term resilience of coral reefs. She earned her PhD in ecology and evolutionary biology from Princeton University.

McManus is an assistant professor at HIMB, where she is part of a team of more than 200 faculty, staff and students who study everything from marine microbes to marine mammals to better understand and protect the ocean, both locally and globally.

“The research community at the �鶹��ý Institute of Marine Biology is exceptional—not just for the scientific excellence, but for the genuinely supportive culture,” McManus said.

HIMB Director Megan Donahue said, “Lisa has made exceptional contributions to the understanding of coral reef ecology and management, and HIMB has benefited from her open, collaborative approach and strong student mentorship. We are thrilled to see her achievements recognized by this prestigious award from ESA.”

ESA established its Fellows program in 2012, with the goal of honoring its members and supporting their competitiveness and advancement to leadership positions in the society, at their institutions and in broader society. Early Career Fellows are elected for five years, and are members within eight years of completing their doctoral training (or other terminal degree) who have advanced ecological knowledge and applications and show promise of continuing to make outstanding contributions to a wide range of fields served by ESA.

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

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

Awardees

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

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

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

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

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

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

—By Susan Enright

In the waters surrounding Pohnpei, a young researcher set out to protect the coastline he called home. Bryan Tonga, a former major and graduate student at the University of �鶹��ý at Hilo, led the first island-wide study of nearshore water quality in Pohnpei, part of the Federated States of Micronesia. His work was recently published—nearly four years after his death.

Tonga died in a hiking accident in August 2020, just one class and a completed thesis away from earning his graduate degree in the . He was awarded that degree posthumously in 2021. His professors and a classmate at UH Hilo completed Tonga’s study in his honor. Coauthors include fellow student Devon Aguiar, now working in Hilo on coral reef protection, and marine science faculty Tracy Wiegner, Karla McDermid and Steven Colbert.

“Since 2020, we’ve been working on and off to complete his manuscript,” said Wiegner, a marine science professor.

Establishing baseline water conditions

Tonga’s research focused on identifying sewage pollution along Pohnpei’s coastline. He spent two summers collecting water and algae samples from 31 stations around the island.

In a 2020 interview with , Tonga explained, “In order to figure out if the macroalgae are getting nutrients from sewage pollution in the water, we’re taking readings of Nitrogen-15, which has very specific values for human sewage.”

Tonga’s work now serves as a baseline for Pohnpei and other Pacific islands facing climate change.

“In Pohnpei, like here on the island of �鶹��ý, a lot of houses use cesspools,” Wiegner said. “With rising sea levels, they can become inundated with sea water and sewage can flow out to the nearshore reefs.”

Tonga’s samples were analyzed at UH �ᾱ����’s , where he worked as a student assistant for six years.

Invaluable legacy

His research contributes not only to Pohnpei’s future but to the broader Pacific region’s efforts to protect reefs and manage pollution. Wiegner called his work “cutting edge.”

“He was so happy to see how much he had accomplished,” noted Wiegner. “He was in a good, happy place!”

—By Susan Enright

Major investments are needed for core research in ocean science and to upgrade and replace infrastructure to support use-inspired, basic research in ocean studies, said a (NASEM). For more than two years, Shimi Rii, faculty member at the in the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� (SOEST), served as a member of the that authored the consensus study report intended to inform the next decade of research and innovation.

“In this report, we challenge ourselves and the broader ocean science community, by 2035, to establish a new paradigm to forecast ocean processes at scales relevant to human well-being,” said Rii. “What this means, is that now is the time to do science differently than we have always done it—through creative partnerships, innovative endeavors and inclusion of multiple perspectives to enhance scientific advancements.”

The report, requested and sponsored by the National Science Foundation, focuses on three themes of ocean research important for improving forecasts of ocean processes:

• ocean and climate,
• ecosystem resilience and
• extreme events, such as tsunamis, hurricanes, storm surges, flooding and heat waves.

It underscores the importance of basic research needed to understand how changes in the health of ocean ecosystems could affect fisheries, how greater access to the Arctic will challenge U.S. national security, how the ocean contributes to extreme weather events and more.

“I was honored to be invited to join a subcommittee of experts from across the U.S. to address the critical research needs for ‘coastal oceans and urban seas’,” said Margaret McManus, SOEST chair, who provided guidance to the committee regarding the most pressing ocean science research questions, challenges, and opportunities in �鶹��ý, the U.S.-Affiliated Pacific Islands, and outlying islands and atolls. “In �鶹��ý, challenges such as coastal inundation, ocean warming and marine pollution are becoming increasingly urgent. I was pleased to see our subcommittee’s recommendations included in a cohesive plan to guide the next decade of ocean research and investing.”

Reinvigorating U.S. leadership in ocean research

The report provides advice to the National Science Foundation on how to reinvigorate U.S. leadership in ocean research. Focusing investments on research, infrastructure, and the ocean studies workforce through a transdisciplinary collaborative framework will help meet national and global challenges in the coming decade and help enhance national security, scientific leadership and economic competitiveness in support of a thriving U.S. blue economy.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other rankings

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

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

Plastic is the most prevalent marine pollutant, and plastic surfaces are the fastest growing habitat in the ocean. Researchers at the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� recently discovered that , and some can be conditioned to do it faster.

“Plastic in the environment today is extremely long-lived, and is nearly impossible to degrade using existing technologies,” said Ronja Steinbach, who led this research as a marine biology undergraduate student in the UH ����ԴDz� . “Our research highlights marine fungi as a promising and largely untapped group to investigate for new ways to recycle and remove plastic from nature. Very few people study fungi in the ocean, and we estimated that fewer than 1% of marine fungi are currently described.”

For consumers, plastics are cheap, strong and useful, but plastic waste is problematic because rather than decomposing, it breaks into microplastics when exposed to sunlight, heat and physical force. Plastics are harmful to marine ecosystems—they can concentrate dangerous chemicals, such as phthalates and bisphenol A; entrap or harm animals; or be ingested and lead to starvation in marine animals due to malnutrition. With the equivalent of about 625,000 garbage trucks of plastic entering the ocean each year, finding ways to degrade these compounds is critical.

Plastic pollution is a critical issue in �鶹��ý because of our location in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre. Ocean currents deliver to our shores plastic waste from around the world, and nearby is the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.

Microbes with superpowers

Various microbes, including bacteria and terrestrial fungi, have been tested for their ability to degrade plastics with the hope that biotechnology can, one day, be deployed at ecologically relevant scales. While many terrestrial fungi have previously been found to degrade various types of plastic, the team of researchers from the UH ����ԴDz� (SOEST) focused their attention on their large collection of fungi they isolated from sand, seaweed, corals and sponges in �鶹��ý’s nearshore.

“Fungi possess a superpower for eating things that other organisms can’t digest (like wood or chitin), so we tested the fungi in our collection for their ability to digest plastic,” said Anthony Amend, professor, who leads the lab where Steinbach and Syrena Whitner, study co-author and student, conducted the research.

“We were shocked to find that more than 60% of the fungi we collected from the ocean had some ability to eat plastic and transform it into fungi.” — Ronja Steinbach

To do this, the team filled small dishes with polyurethane, a common plastic, often used in medical and industrial products such as foams, flexible materials and adhesives, and measured whether and how fast the fungi consumed plastic. The researchers took the fungi that grew the fastest and experimentally evolved them to see if, over time with greater exposure to the polyurethane, these fungi could adapt to eat plastic faster and more efficiently.

“We were shocked to find that more than 60% of the fungi we collected from the ocean had some ability to eat plastic and transform it into fungi,” said Steinbach. “We were also impressed to see how quickly fungi were able to adapt. It was very exciting to see that in just three months, a relatively short amount of time, some of the fungi were able to increase their feeding rates by as much as 15%.”

—By Marcie Grabowski

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A newly published study confirms that wastewater from cesspools and the Hilo sewage treatment plant is reaching nearshore waters, impacting coral reefs and potentially human health. The findings are the result of two years of research by UH Hilo marine scientists and students, who used dye tracer tests to track sewage movement.

“We found dye emerge at the shoreline every time,” said Steve Colbert, UH Hilo associate professor of . “And the water moved fast, one to two football fields [in length], including end zones, each day.”

‘Pilau meter’

The project began after Keaukaha residents raised concerns about strong sewage odors and possible health risks from pollution. Lead researcher Shayla Waiki, a former UH Hilo graduate student, focused her thesis on tracking sewage in Keaukaha. Waiki is now a natural resources specialist with the Army National Guard and plans to apply to UH ����ԴDz�’s this year.

Using water samples and the “Pilau-meter,” a public reporting tool for bad smells at Puhi Bay, researchers confirmed what the community suspected—sewage is present, and it’s traveling through groundwater quickly. Pilau is the Hawaiian word for stink, rotten, foul.

UH Hilo researchers found that sewage in Keaukaha’s coastal waters is moving faster than previously recorded in �鶹��ý. They stress that Hilo should be a top priority for cesspool conversion to prevent further contamination.

Health and environmental risks

Keaukaha, home to �ᾱ����’s sewage treatment plant, also has numerous cesspools near the shoreline. Wastewater from these systems can introduce harmful bacteria and pollutants into coastal waters, raising concerns about infections such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) among residents.

The study’s findings are already driving action.

“Results from this research have been shared with the community and �鶹��ý county, and are being used by the county to help prioritize locations for sewer line expansion in Hilo as part of the statewide effort to transition away from cesspools,” said Tracy Wiegner, a professor at UH Hilo who co-authored the study.

Team effort

The study was a collaboration between �鶹��ýHilo faculty and students, including former graduate students Joseph Nakoa and Devon Aguiar, and marine science undergraduates Nicolas Storie and Ashlynn Overly. Today, they are continuing environmental work in doctoral programs and conservation efforts across �鶹��ý.

UH Hilo marine science undergraduates Darienne Kealoha, Kaitlin Villafuerte, Finn Reil and Brooke Enright, and graduate student Walter Boger also contributed to the study. Other co-authors include Karla McDermid (marine science professor, UH Hilo), Noe Puniwai ( associate professor, UH ����ԴDz�) and Craig Nelson ( professor, UH ����ԴDz�).

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—By Susan Enright