Graduate students in the (DPHS) at the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� enrolled in are helping tackle some of �鶹��ý’s most pressing health challenges, including issues related to maternal health, cultural responsiveness in data collection and fall prevention. Their community-engaged research was recently highlighted at the department’s annual Hōʻike (exhibit) in December.

Modeled after a professional academic conference, the Hōʻike, now in its 10th year, highlights student projects developed through partnerships with community organizations. Students work in teams to translate health promotion theory into practice—building relationships, conducting interviews, analyzing qualitative data and sharing findings grounded in community perspectives.

Guided by faculty Jane Chung-Do and David Stupplebeen, students collaborate directly with local partners to address pressing public health priorities.

“Student projects like these help connect students with the community, provide meaningful contributions to the work of community-based organizations, and help perpetuate the vision and mission of the Department of Public Health Sciences,” said Stupplebeen.

Partnerships that make an impact

The community partners of the Fall 2025 semester included ,, , and . Student projects examined a wide range of topics from factors related to delayed prenatal care among Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander women to coalition engagement in fall prevention efforts and expanding training pathways for Native Hawaiian healthcare practitioners.

For many students, the Hōʻike marked their first formal research presentation, strengthening skills in collaboration, analysis and professional dissemination.

“Having the opportunity to work so closely with a community of practice allowed me to uplift their values during this project, all while reflecting on my own position as a researcher,” said Shanda Shamela Delos Reyes, a graduate student in the course. “The hōʻike itself was a practice of reciprocation, allowing us to share the community’s data back to them.”

“This invaluable learning opportunity is made possible by the dedication of our community partners. We are deeply grateful for their tireless service to �鶹��ý and for welcoming our students into their vital work,” said Chung-Do.

“The students approached the project with diligence and professionalism, and delivered valuable data that will guide us in designing and implementing effective interventions for our members and the broader community,” said Lucie Tam, clinical coordinator, Quality & Performance Improvement, Quality Management at HMSA. “We look forward to partnering again on future initiatives!”

The Hōʻike reflects DPHS’ continued commitment to experiential learning, community engagement and advancing health equity statewide.

Challenging the traditional approach to pregnancy care which focuses solely on mothers’ behaviors, new research from the UH ����ԴDz� and international partners highlights the significant and often underrecognized role of fathers’ health and well-being in shaping pregnancy and child outcomes. The study was recently published in .

“The more we look, the more we find important contributions from fathers, including many factors traditionally believed to be solely the responsibility of the pregnant person, such as weight status, substance use or being an older parent,” said Jonathan Huang, lead author of the study and assistant professor at the in the . “In some cases, paternal contributions are even larger than their maternal counterparts and several are related intergenerationally to the fathers’ own upbringing.”

A framework for preconception health

This transdisciplinary review uses evidence from biological, behavioral and social sciences to create a framework for men’s role in preconception health. The findings show that a man’s early life experiences—including stress, physical and mental health, environment and education—influence his health during reproductive years. These factors can, in turn, affect his partner’s health and health behaviors (such as prenatal care) before and during pregnancy, as well as having direct biological effects on the developing infant.

The research addresses ethical concerns, noting that placing all responsibility for a child’s future health on the birthing parent reinforces gender biases. Furthermore, the researchers emphasize that racism and colonialism have disrupted family and community roles for many Black and brown men, creating barriers to addressing their health needs. This disruption underscores the need for culturally grounded approaches, which are particularly effective for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander men.

“Policies and programs are needed to strengthen family and community bonds while centering the health and well-being of ����Ա� [men] within their cultural roles. Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander men are less likely to engage in Western-based health interventions than their female counterparts, but are more responsive to culturally grounded approaches,” said Keaweʻaimoku Kaholokula, co-author and chair of the Department of Native Hawaiian Health in the .

Improving the health of Hawaiian ����Ա�

Kaholokula stated that the traditional concept of Hale Mua—a cultural space for men—offers a blueprint for improving the health of Hawaiian ����Ա� by creating safe spaces for mentorship, life instruction, emotional regulation and the transmission of cultural values, which reinforces their kuleana (responsibility) to family and community.

The researchers emphasize that policymakers, public health agencies, clinicians, researchers and men themselves all have a role in improving preconception health. Investing in the wellbeing of boys and young men is key to reducing health disparities and improving outcomes for future generations.

Huang added, “Raising awareness about the importance of men’s health does not diminish the critical importance of women and pregnant persons’ well-being. Rather it serves as a collective call-in to ensure that men and partners are equipped to be supportive partners, allies and caretakers before, during, and long after pregnancy.”

The research team includes collaborators from the continental U.S., the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Singapore. A companion study highlights the work of the international Core Indicators for Preconception Health and Equity (iCIPHE) Alliance in improving how preconception health is measured and monitored.

A University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� study confirms that outrigger canoe paddling is far more than a state team sport. It’s a way of life that supports physical, emotional, cultural and spiritual health for paddlers in �鶹��ý.

Related UH News story: High canoe-paddling rates among NHPI could help health outcomes

The study, published in , examines paddling through a public health perspective. It was led by Simone Schmid, a former postdoctoral fellow and current adjunct assistant professor in the Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health’s (DPHS), as well as the director of strategy, impact and research at AccesSurf �鶹��ý in collaboration with other DPHS authors, the �鶹��ý State Department of Health and AccesSurf �鶹��ý.

While previous UH research documented paddling’s physical benefits and participation patterns among Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities, this study uniquely centers paddlers’ voices to explore the cultural, spiritual and community meaning that sustains long-term participation.

Centering paddlers’ voices

“As a paddler myself, having benefited from this physical and cultural activity and community in more ways than I can express, we did this work to capture what is already known in the community,” Schmid said. “It is just one piece in the puzzle of overall efforts and goals to support past, current and future paddlers. And one step in my journey of getting canoe club membership covered by health insurance.”

The research team analyzed open-ended survey responses from 362 paddlers statewide who answered: “What does outrigger canoe paddling mean to you?” Almost half (47%) identified as Native Hawaiian; 65% were female. Responses revealed multiple layers of meaning, from physical health, stress relief and teamwork to family traditions, pride, connection to the ocean and ʻāina, cultural heritage and spirituality. Researchers adapted a social-ecological model to include a spiritual perspective.

Many paddlers reflected on ancestry and traditions. Ann Yoshida, paddler and community author with AccesSurf �鶹��ý said, “Paddling across the world representing �鶹��ý and the U.S., I felt connected to my island home and culture because my ancestors knew through navigation that the water was our highway to connect with the world. I knew if I was in water, I was home and I never felt alone. This power pushed me to live my extraordinary life.”

Cultural ties drive long-term participation

The study found cultural ties, rather than health goals alone, might motivate long-term participation. Paddling connects people to their health, ancestors, environment and sense of purpose. Findings have been shared with canoe clubs and public health partners to explore how paddling can support chronic disease prevention and community-based activity programs.

Related UH News story: Measuring outrigger canoe paddling intensity

The study also received international recognition, with Schmid and co-authors named finalists for the , ranking among the top five Early Career Research papers of 2025.

“We are very proud to see the global dissemination of this important work from �鶹��ý around strengths-based public health promotion, relevant to our communities,” said Tetine Sentell, DPHS professor and study co-author. Other DPHS authors include Carrie Soo Hoo, Catherine Pirkle, Michael Phillips and Mika Thompson.

Kauilaonālani Tengan is inspired to encourage greater participation from Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander and Filipino communities in diabetes clinical trials to ensure research better reflects the populations most affected by the disease.

Leave your assumptions and biases at the door and engage these communities with aloha.
—Kauilaonālani Tengan

He is translating that goal into practice through applied research. A master of science student in epidemiology at the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� , Tengan was part of a study team at The Queen’s Health Systems (QHS) whose findings were published in in the study Exploring Diabetes Clinical Trial Participation: A Diverse Group Interview Study.

“I have a family history of cardiometabolic diseases and I remember visiting extended family who had to fly from Molokaʻi just to receive quality care here on Oʻahu,” he said. “This [experience] instilled in me a desire to learn more about health issues so prevalent in our islands and contribute to innovative solutions.”

Research findings and lessons learned

While at QHS, Tengan split his time between health equity research and clinical data management, utilizing electronic medical records to address research questions. He helped conduct interviews with 56 hospitalized patients to explore what motivates—or prevents—patients from joining diabetes clinical trials.

Although 84% expressed willingness to participate, most had never been asked. Barriers included mistrust, concerns about medication risks, and lack of understanding, while many Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander participants cited family and community benefit as key motivators.

“Engaging face-to-face with people in a clinical setting humanized health data for me,” Tengan said. “It reminded me that these are people, not statistics. I realized that my work has a lasting impact, so it is my responsibility to do things in a pono manner.”

Tengan hopes to carry these lessons forward. “Leave your assumptions and biases at the door and engage these communities with aloha,” he said. “It is vital that we do work in an ethically and culturally nuanced way because there are real world impacts in the data that we publish.”

The study was part of an Food and Drug Administration-funded project at The Queenʻs Medical Center, in collaboration with the UH ����ԴDz� , and clinical partners. also found that Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander participants are consistently underrepresented in U.S. clinical trials.

“Kauilaonālani’s perspectives and real-life application from quantitative analyses are so important to building collective public health,” said Tetine Sentell, public health professor and study co-author.

Helen (Nalani) Blaisdell-Brennan, assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� (JABSOM), has recently received multiple national honors recognizing her leadership, mentorship and commitment to mental health equity.

A JABSOM alumna, Blaisdell-Brennan was named a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association (APA), a designation reserved for psychiatrists who demonstrate sustained and outstanding contributions to the field. She was also recognized as an APA Mental Health Equity Champion for her work expanding access to culturally responsive care and improving outcomes for underserved populations.

“Mental health equity means that every person has a fair opportunity to achieve the highest possible level of mental well-being, regardless of socioeconomic status, geographic location, or cultural identity,” said Blaisdell-Brennan.

Blaisdell-Brennan holds leadership roles at the local, state and national levels, including president-elect of the Honolulu County Medical Society and service on the American Psychiatric Association Assembly Executive Committee, where she is president of the American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian Caucus. She has also received two national APA awards recognizing excellence in practice and mentorship.

Psychiatric care rooted in culture and community

With nearly two decades of experience, Blaisdell-Brennan emphasizes psychiatric care that considers cultural identity, community and lived experience. Her work has included advocacy for telehealth access and workforce development to support care in underserved areas.

“Cultural humility means recognizing that we don’t hold all the answers,” she said. “Our patients do. They bring the wisdom of their ʻohana, their community and their lived experience into the healing process.”

“Dr. Blaisdell-Brennan’s work continues to elevate mental health care in �鶹��ý and beyond,” said JABSOM Dean Sam Shomaker. “Combining clinical leadership, advocacy, and a focus on equity to advance practice in ways that are both respectful and impactful is everything we aim to do at JABSOM, and we congratulate Dr. Blaisdell-Brennan on these honors.”

Blaisdell-Brennan is the daughter of Kekuni Blaisdell, a physician who was among the founding faculty of JABSOM.

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�鶹��ý is facing a critical shortage of neurosurgeons, leaving many patients with long waits or forced to travel off-island for care. The (JABSOM) is working to address the shortage through a mentorship program that trains the next generation of specialists while encouraging them to practice locally.

JABSOM alumnus Thomas Noh returned home to join the faculty and quickly saw how the problem would worsen as current neurosurgeons retire.

“There was an opportunity, and a need, for JABSOM to build interest in the field and get more people excited about going into neurosurgery,” he said.

The program offers hands-on surgical rotations, opportunities to contribute to research projects in Nohʻs lab and access to professional networks, with an emphasis on empowering women and students from underrepresented communities.

“One of �鶹��ý's super powers is that we have incredibly bright, very motivated students who want to make �鶹��ý their home,” Noh said. “If we can connect this pool of extremely qualified candidates with opportunities across neurosurgery, there’s hope that some of these students will get excited about it and want to build a career in �鶹��ý.”

Invaluable mentorship experience

Third-year medical student Janette Bow-Keola said the mentorship has been invaluable.

“When I started med school, I had the idea that I wanted to pursue neurosurgery, but I didn’t think it was really achievable, coming from my background as an underrepresented person in medicine,” she said. “I struggled with imposter syndrome and doubting whether I was right for medicine or worthy of going into neurosurgery.”

Through the experience I’m getting at JABSOM, I’ve built confidence in myself and my training and what I can offer patients.
—Janette Bow-Keola

When Bow-Keola met Noh, he affirmed that neurosurgery was within reach and that JABSOM could help her get there. “Through the experience I’m getting at JABSOM, I’ve built confidence in myself and my training and what I can offer patients,” she said.

Bow-Keola plans to return to �鶹��ý to address disparities in care and the declining neurosurgeon workforce.

Another success story is alumna Andie Conching—the first known Native Hawaiian woman accepted into a neurosurgery residency—who also credits mentorship at JABSOM and plans to return home to practice.

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Engaging in cultural and social activities is strongly linked to better mental health for Native Hawaiian, American Indian & Alaska Native elders, according to a new study from the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� published in .

Researchers from the analyzed survey data from more than 19,000 older adults who participated in a national assessment sponsored by the . Conducted every three years, the survey helps inform planning, long–term care discussions & grant applications for programs that support Indigenous elders.

Traditions linked to better mental health

“We found that frequent participation in traditional cultural practices & social activities was strongly associated with better mental health,” said Miquela Ibrao, assistant professor and one of the study’s lead authors from the . “In contrast, functional limitations—such as difficulties bathing, dressing, cooking & cleaning for oneself—and caregiver burden were associated with poorer mental health.”

Among the three groups studied, Native Hawaiian elders reported the highest average mental health score.

“This may be because Native Hawaiian elders were most likely to regularly participate in cultural activities, as �鶹��ý traditions like hula & mele are celebrated across the islands,” said Kathryn Braun, professor of public health sciences. “Also, the Native Hawaiian sample had the highest proportion of retirees.”

Ibrao said the findings highlight the value of community programs that honor cultural traditions, helping Indigenous elders stay mentally & emotionally healthy.

The research was co-authored by Jane Lee, Yan Yan Wu & Jordan Lewis of the Thompson school, along with collaborators from the Center for Rural Health at the , the & Southcentral Foundation.

The children’s storybook , which helps children understand Alzheimer’s disease, has been adapted into a . The story follows Pōmai, a young girl learning to support her Papa (grandfather) as he experiences memory loss, offering a gentle, culturally grounded way for families to start conversations about dementia. First released by the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� in 2019 and translated into ʻōlelo �鶹��ý in 2025, the story has reached keiki and caregivers across the islands.

Related UH News story: Dementia storybook released statewide

The animation was developed by Kalilinoe Detwiler, a UH ����ԴDz� PhD candidate in English, with the , housed in the . It brings the storybook to life with vibrant visuals, expressive characters and narration voiced by Hā Kūpuna team members.

“We hope the book and video will open conversations between children, parents and kūpuna about dementia in a cultural and age-appropriate way,” said Detwiler, who is an , and co-principal investigator for the Symphony of �鶹��ý Seas project. “I enjoy spending time with the characters, imagining their expressions and who they might sit beside in the setting. I also enjoy imagining visual representations to subtle changes in their emotions and understanding of dementia.”

The project began in January 2025 and included storyboarding, visual design, background art, voice recording, animation and editing.

“As we create resources for ʻōpio (youth) and caregivers, we recognize there are mediums that best suit the intergenerational households in �鶹��ý,” added Detwiler. “Animation is one of those mediums. It opens possibilities for stories that can be challenging or heavy,”

“The purpose of Hā Kūpuna is to enhance understanding of kūpuna, celebrate their lives, and improve eldercare services,” said Shelley Muneoka, Hā Kūpuna program coordinator. “Storybooks and animation help extend this information to new audiences in a meaningful way.”

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A Native Hawaiian nurse leader at the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� (SONDH) has earned national recognition for her work advancing health equity. Donna-Marie Palakiko was named a 2025 Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing (AAN) and a Distinguished Fellow of the Academy of Diversity Leaders in Nursing (ADLN).

“I am honored to be inducted into the 2025 Class of New Fellows for the American Academy of Nursing,” said Palakiko, associate professor and SONDH director of cultural innovation and strategy. “This recognition is shared with those who volunteered to be a part of my program of research, supported my learning & growth, and most of all, my ʻOhana. I am excited to continue the work to improve health among Indigenous communities.”

Fellowship in AAN recognizes individuals whose work has had a lasting impact on health and healthcare through research, policy, practice – and education. Palakiko was inducted in October 2025 during the academy’s annual Health Policy Conference in Washington, U.S.

As a Distinguished Fellow of ADLN, she joins a national network of leaders advancing justice, equity, diversity – and inclusion in nursing.

According to ADLN, “The 2025 Fellows represent a powerful collective dedicated to shaping the future of nursing and healthcare by ensuring all voices are heard and valued.”

Research and community impact

Related UH News story: Nursing innovator fellowship for UH ����ԴDz� assistant professor

Palakiko joined UH ����ԴDz� in 2019 as the first Native Hawaiian nurse to be hired and receive tenure with promotion at SONDH. Her research addresses asthma inequities among Native Hawaiians and focuses on building a culturally responsive health workforce. For more than 25 years, Palakiko has advanced health equity for Native Hawaiians and other underserved communities. Her work focuses on culturally safe health programs, strengthening the nursing workforce, and addressing social and cultural factors that influence health.

Earlier this year, Palakiko joined the American Public Health Association (APHA) leadership team and serves on the boards of the National Coalition of Ethnic Minority Nurses Association (NCEMNA) and the Asian American Pacific Islander Nurses Association (AAPINA).

She earned her doctorate from the UH ����ԴDz�, her master’s of science from the University of California, San Francisco, and her bachelor’s of science from the University of San Francisco. She is a 2022 Fulbright Post-Doctoral Fellow, a 2023 Fellow of the LEADS program, and a recipient of the UC Davis Betty Irene Moore Fellowship for Nurse Leaders & Innovators.

For Kelsea Kanoho Hosoda, receiving the American Indian Science and Engineering Society’s (AISES) Blazing Flame Professional Award marks a full-circle moment in her mission to uplift Indigenous students in STEM. The national honor recognizes her decades of work expanding opportunities for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students.

“I’ve been a part of AISES since I was an undergraduate, and they really helped me flourish—from undergrad to graduate school and now in my professional career,” said Hosoda, director of the at the University of awaiʻi at ����ԴDz�’s (JABSOM). “So this award, to me, is more than just recognition from a national organization—it also means a lot for �鶹��ý.”

At JABSOM, Hosoda leads initiatives that improve Native Hawaiian health through education, research & community engagement, encouraging students to pursue careers in medicine and other health professions.

Bridging communities through mentorship

Hosoda’s involvement with UH ����ԴDz�’s Native Hawaiian Science & Engineering Mentorship Program (NHSEMP) inspired her to co-found the university’s first AISES student chapter with her husband, creating a bridge between local and national Indigenous STEM communities. She later helped revise AISES policies to expand eligibility for scholarships and internships to all Indigenous students.

Related UH News story: Advancing the science of mentorships

Over the past 12 years, Hosoda has mentored more than 100 students—many now working in research and medicine. Through programs such as Kauhale Medical Scholars, she continues to guide pre-med students from �鶹��ý’s neighbor islands and public schools.

“Being part of AISES taught me to bring my whole self to work,” Hosoda said. “That sense of balance and authenticity is something I try to pass on to my students.”

A proud UH ����ԴDz� alumna, she earned her bachelor’s in biology and Hawaiian language, a master’s in molecular biosciences and bioengineering, and a PhD in communication and information sciences—experiences that deepened her integration of ʻIke �鶹��ý and STEM.

Hosoda will receive the Blazing Flame Professional Award at the AISES National Conference in Minneapolis this October.

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