What began 15 years ago as a federally funded research, training and outreach program has grown into an uplifting public health movement across the Pacific. The (CHL), based at the University of �鶹��ý at ��ā�ԴDz�’s , is celebrating a decade and a half of pioneering work in childhood nutrition, health, and community empowerment.

The center launched in 2011 with a $25 million USDA grant to create partnerships and build capacity across the region. Since then, it has worked with communities to improve the health and nutrition of thousands of children in �鶹��ý, Alaska, American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Freely Associated States in Micronesia.

Putting communities first

“Our whole philosophy is really around promoting health and finding things that work, to always focus on the positive,” said Rachel Novotny, director of CHL. “The real work is with people: collaborating with communities on new playgrounds, adopting new policies about what kinds of foods are in schools, and working with kids on how to garden and grow their own fruits and vegetables, for example.”

A signature of CHL‘s impact is its . National health surveys often overlook �鶹��ý and the remote Pacific jurisdictions; the center stepped in to track data on children’s diets, physical activity and early physical signs of conditions like prediabetes.

A global success story

CHL has accomplished something rare: proven success in lowering childhood obesity. Participating communities saw a 4% drop in child overweight and obesity rates during the two-year program compared to non-participating areas. Six years later, that difference widened to 12%, showing the program’s long-term power.

The program has also become a centerpiece for mentoring and professional development for community health. Former CHL staffers and students now serve as deans, directors and lead researchers throughout the Pacific and the world, multiplying the positive impact on global food security.

CTAHR Dean Parwinder Grewal noted, “This is a remarkable example of a collaborative innovation success story, where CTAHR faculty have taken an impactful, community-based and data-driven approach to address nutritional security challenges in �鶹��ý and the Pacific. I commend Rachel for her leadership in building such a broad coalition to conduct place-based research while also training the future workforce.”

“One of our advisors said to me, ‘You know, Rachel, this isn’t so much a research trial anymore, it’s a movement,’” Novotny said. “I considered that a positive thing. It’s true that we’re after real societal change, and I think we have been able to accomplish that because of the people and the communities.”

For many adults at risk for Type 2 diabetes, knowing where to begin can be one of the biggest obstacles to prevention. A new study from the Healthy �鶹��ý Evaluation Team (HHET) at the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� and the �鶹��ý State Department of Health (HDOH) found that a statewide media campaign helped encourage more adults to take that first step by enrolling in the National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP).

The study, published in , evaluated the statewide Beat Diabetes campaign, a HDOH initiative that ran from July through October 2024 across different media. The campaign encouraged adults at risk for Type 2 diabetes to enroll in the evidence-based DPP, which can reduce the risk of developing the disease by up to 58%. A follow-up survey was conducted from October through December 2024.

The Beat Diabetes campaign targeted Native Hawaiian, Other Pacific Islander and Filipino adults—communities with higher prediabetes rates—using messages tested in focus groups reflecting those populations. Participants responded most strongly to messages urging immediate action, shaping the campaign’s call to enroll in a DPP.

Evaluating campaign impact

To evaluate the campaign’s effectiveness, researchers from HHET, housed in the UH ����ԴDz� , collaborated with HDOH’s (CDPHPD) to survey 860 �鶹��ý residents ages 35 to 64 who reported at least one diabetes risk factor.

“Our programs leverage HHET’s expertise in chronic disease prevention and health communications. We’re excited to use these findings to improve our support for people at risk for diabetes,” said Blythe Nett of CDPHPD.

Among survey respondents, 40% reported seeing or hearing the Beat Diabetes campaign. Those who recalled the campaign were more likely to join the DPP than those who did not.

“Exposure to the campaign may increase one’s likelihood to join a DPP; however, it’s important to also address other structural and logistical barriers that can get in the way of actual enrollment into a DPP,” said Kara Saiki, the study’s lead author and HHET researcher.

The findings suggest that culturally relevant public health campaigns can encourage people to take the first step toward diabetes prevention. Researchers say future efforts may be even more effective by pairing motivational messaging with strategies that reduce barriers such as time, cost and access to prevention programs.

For more information and helpful tips on diabetes prevention, .

Editor’s note: This July 15 interview was conducted before federal officials confirmed shredded iceberg lettuce as a source of one cyclospora outbreak; investigations into other cases are ongoing.

A growing cyclospora outbreak across the U.S., including a recently confirmed travel-related case in �鶹��ý, is raising questions about how the foodborne parasite spreads and how people can protect themselves. Erika Noel, an assistant professor at the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� (JABSOM), answers common questions about cyclospora, including its symptoms, treatment and simple food safety practices that can help reduce the risk of illness.

Q: Why is this outbreak more concerning than previous years?

Cyclospora is something that we see annually, particularly in the spring and summer months from May through August. But what has been so concerning about this current outbreak is that we don’t currently know the main source. In previous years, it has been traced back to things like raspberries, pre-washed salad mixtures, and other produce.

Q: Can cyclospora spread from person to person?

Cyclospora is not contagious, as it cannot be passed from person to person. It is transmitted when people consume food or water that is contaminated with human feces containing the oocysts, or the eggs, of the parasite.

Q: What symptoms should people watch for?

The symptom range looks like a typical stomach bug: diarrhea, nausea, fatigue, cramping and bloating. Because of that, many cases fly under the radar. Some people ride the illness out at home rather than seeing a doctor. Most of the time, people will recover from the illness on their own, with symptoms resolving within about a week. So, it is definitely not something to panic about. Again, it is important for us to be aware, but not panic, about the cyclospora outbreak during this time.

Q: What are the best ways to reduce your risk?

The best way to prevent illness is to, first and foremost, follow standard hygiene and food safety practices. Washing our hands with soap and water after using the bathroom and before and after preparing food is important, as alcohol-based hand sanitizers do not kill cyclospora; however, soap and water do. Cleaning produce with vinegar has been more effective than just running water alone. For example, use one part vinegar to three parts water. It doesn’t kill the cyclospora, but it helps the parasite detach from the fruits and vegetables, which has been shown to reduce the risk of getting sick or making the illness less severe. Produce is safest when it is heated to 158°F degrees or higher, which actually kills the cyclospora.

Q: So when in doubt, just cook it?

Absolutely. When in doubt at this time, the best thing to do is cook. For fruits with crevices, such as raspberries or strawberries with bumpy surfaces, we actually recommend cooking them in pies or jams to greater than 158°F degrees, because we know that those have been linked to previous cyclospora outbreaks. Freezing them can reduce the number of parasites, but probably not entirely, so we do recommend cleaning. Other things like cilantro and basil, which have small leaves, should be washed thoroughly, separating the leaves in order to decrease the chances of an outbreak. For green onions, we would like for you to trim the root end and remove the outer layer.

Q: What should people know if they become infected?

It is part of the reportable diseases to the Department of Health, and we do see some cases every year throughout the nation. So, it is relatively common in the sense that it happens every year, just not to this degree. One of the greatest things about cyclospora is that there are treatments for it. We always say do not take over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications like Imodium or Pepto-Bismol without the consultation of your primary care physician. What is interesting is that even though it is a parasite, it has been found that an antibiotic is very effective in treating cyclospora.

Q: What is your final advice?

Even though we cannot eliminate our risk completely, it is just important for us to go back to the basics and always wash our hands. If you are sick, please do not prepare food for yourself or other people. Make sure to call out sick, and know that alcohol-based hand sanitizers do not kill cyclospora. So, always go back to hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

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University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� Assistant Professor Shiwen “Sherlock” Li of the was appointed the next recipient of the , effective September 1, 2026. He succeeds Tetine Sentell, professor of public health and interim assistant vice provost for research and scholarship, who served as the inaugural chair.

An environmental epidemiologist in the , Li investigates the impact of environmental contaminants on human health. His research centers on chemical pollutants, such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as “forever chemicals.”

Li’s research on PFAS has garnered international attention and widespread media coverage. Currently, he is applying advanced data analysis, including geographic information systems to advance precision environmental health and exposome research.

“I plan on working with our faculty and students to build stronger interdisciplinary collaborations to enhance environmental health research and education,” said Li. “I also plan on hosting seminar series to bring internationally renowned environmental health experts to strengthen collaborations with other universities and inspire new research directions.”

Related UH News story: ‘Forever chemicals’ may triple risk of fatty liver disease in adolescents

The selection committee cited Li’s leadership in his field and his dedication to student mentorship as key reasons for his appointment.

“Environmental health is one of the Thompson School’s strategic areas of growth and investment,” said Alex Ortega, dean of the Thompson School. “We are proud to have a scholar of Li’s caliber on our faculty helping to advance this important work. His leadership and scholarship strengthen our mission to improve health and well-being in �鶹��ý, the Pacific and beyond.”

More about the endowed chair

The endowed chair was established through the generosity of Chin Sik and Hyun Sook Chung to support the recruitment and retention of outstanding public health faculty, with an emphasis on environmental health research. The position provides resources that enable innovative research, student mentorship, program development and collaboration across disciplines.

Researchers at the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� were awarded a $2.2 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to support the next phase of the Maui LOA (Learnings to Overcome Adversities) study, which examines the long-term impacts of the 2023 Maui wildfires and factors that influence health and well-being after disasters.

The three-year award is led by Alex Ortega, dean of the , and Keawe Kaholokula, chair and professor in the Department of Native Hawaiian Health at the (JABSOM).

“The first phase of Maui LOA revealed important lessons about the health and mental health consequences of the wildfires,” said Ortega. “With NIH’s continued support, we can now translate those lessons into evidence-based strategies that improve disaster preparedness, recovery and resilience for communities facing future disasters.”

Lessons from Maui residents

Researchers will survey 1,200 adults who were living on Maui during the wildfires, including those who were displaced, to examine factors that influence long-term recovery and disaster response among individuals, families, communities, healthcare systems and social service organizations across Maui.

Related UH News story: Study links 2023 Maui wildfire to spike in suicide, overdose, August 7, 2025

The new award builds on an initial phase that gathered perspectives from residents, community organizations, emergency responders and healthcare providers to help guide the survey design.

Recent findings published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in August 2025 showed that the mental health effects of the wildfires extended across Maui, not just within burn zones. The study identified housing displacement and income loss as key drivers of depression and anxiety.

The survey findings are expected to inform public policy, emergency response planning, health services and community recovery efforts in �鶹��ý and nationwide.

“Nearly three years into the recovery, we hope to learn more about the personal, sociocultural, community and system-level factors that promote health and well-being after experiencing a devastating disaster, such as the 2023 Maui wildfire,” Kaholokula said.

He added, “Recovery is not the same for everyone. We hope to understand how these factors evolve over time and vary across different populations as communities continue to rebuild.”

�鶹��ý is advancing its commitment to becoming the nation’s first trauma-informed state—a systemic shift that prioritizes government policies and services that recognize the pervasive impact of trauma. To support this effort, the State’s Office of Wellness and Resilience (OWR) worked with faculty from the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz�’s to develop a new certification program.

In May, Gov. Josh Green recognized the inaugural cohort of more than 100 individuals who completed this training. Created following Green’s 2024 executive order, the OWR’s program equips professionals with strategies to recognize trauma, respond effectively to stress, and build trust within state systems, helping integrate trauma-informed practices into workplace culture, policymaking and public services.

A collaborative model for governance

The curriculum was developed under the leadership of OWR Director Tia Hartsock, a Thompson School alumna and adjunct faculty member of the (DSW). Hartsock collaborated with a statewide team of experts, including DSW faculty members Aimee Chung and Michael DeMattos.

This training increases effectiveness, reduces harm and fosters long-term resilience across the state.
—Aimee Chung

“Our collaboration with the Office on Wellness and Resilience creates a partnership that will lead to systemic shifts needed to equip a workforce that is empathic, sustainable and trustworthy,” said Chung. “This training increases effectiveness, reduces harm and fosters long-term resilience across the state.”

In recognition of his contributions to the program, DeMattos served as a keynote speaker at the graduation ceremony. His remarks highlighted the essential role social workers play in community healing.

“Trauma-informed care offers a way of being that prioritizes care for those we love,” DeMattos said. “It teaches us not to ask, ‘What is wrong?’ but rather, ‘What happened?’ It helps us move beyond the belief that people are broken. Most importantly, it helps ensure that instead of suffering alone, we heal together.”

Researchers at the and UH ����ԴDz� (JABSOM) were awarded more than $12 million from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to establish the Pacific Center for Artificial Intelligence and Data Science in Medicine (PAC-AID)—a new research center dedicated to accelerating biomedical discoveries through artificial intelligence and data science to benefit people in �鶹��ý and the Pacific region, and worldwide.

Funded through the NIH‘s (COBRE) program, the five-year award will provide approximately $12 million through February 2031. The award was administered by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, with a federal award date of June 4, 2026.

The center will be led by Principal Investigators John Shepherd and Youping Deng. Shepherd is chief scientific officer at the UH Cancer Center, and B.H. and Alice C. Beams Endowed Professor in Cancer Research at JABSOM. Deng is co-director, Genomics and Bioinformatics Shared Resource, at the UH Cancer Center; and professor and director, Bioinformatics Core Facility, at JABSOM.

PAC-AID will serve as a central hub integrating AI into biomedical research to improve health outcomes in �鶹��ý. Over five years, the project will renovate the UH Cancer Center Data Center to establish a new Medical AI Core (MedAI Core), providing advanced, high-performance computing resources and AI expertise. Physically located within both the UH Cancer Center and JABSOM on the shared Kakaʻako campus, PAC-AID will directly fund four major inaugural research projects and establish a Pilot Projects Program to support more than eight new, locally relevant pilot studies.

“At the heart of our mission as a flagship research university is the drive to translate innovation into meaningful impact,” said Vassilis Syrmos, incoming chancellor of UH ����ԴDz�. “PAC-AID is a vital expansion of that mission, enabling our faculty to harness the power of artificial intelligence to pioneer new avenues of biomedical inquiry that were previously unreachable, solidifying the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz�’s role as a global leader in health innovation.”

“AI has the potential to unlock major medical breakthroughs and help people live healthier lives, and we need to take advantage of it,” said U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, who played a pivotal role in securing the grant. “This new funding will help �鶹��ý continue to attract top-tier talent and develop treatments and cures that will benefit people across the state.”

“The $12 million over five years will substantially strengthen AI and data science capabilities and support the development of the next generation of investigators,” said UH Cancer Center Director Naoto T. Ueno. “The research advances made possible by PAC-AID will further the UH Cancer Center’s work toward new understandings and treatments for cancer, to save lives in �鶹��ý and the Pacific, and across the globe.” In addition, high paying jobs generated by this project will have a strong economic benefit for our local communities.

“At JABSOM, our mission is to improve the health of �鶹��ý through education and research,” said Sam Shomaker, JABSOM dean. “This investment will help accelerate discoveries that address the real health challenges facing our communities and ensure that advances in AI translate into better outcomes for patients.”

Enabling workforce development

Shepherd and Deng will oversee efforts to build research capacity, as well as foster the next generation of independent investigators using artificial intelligence and advanced data science approaches to address critical medical and public health challenges. Beyond funding research, this award establishes a workforce development mechanism to support the next generation of faculty investigators.

“This COBRE award provides the critical infrastructure to bridge advanced AI computational methods with our specific clinical and community health challenges,” Shepherd said. “By fostering a collaborative environment for our investigators, we are equipping them with the technical capabilities to tackle the most persistent health disparities in our islands and turn complex data into actionable health solutions.”

“By the end of this project, we expect to have a nationally competitive Medical AI Core, four independently funded research leaders, and more than 10 pilot projects,” said Deng. “Through these efforts, alongside workshops and collaborative research opportunities, we will significantly strengthen �鶹��ý‘s capacity for AI-enabled biomedical research and innovation to address important health challenges in our region and beyond.”

Transforming medical research with AI

Artificial intelligence is increasingly transforming healthcare and biomedical research by helping scientists analyze large and complex datasets, identify patterns that may otherwise go undetected, and accelerate the development of new approaches to disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

AI has the potential to unlock major medical breakthroughs and help people live healthier lives, and we need to take advantage of it.
—U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz

Shepherd, who leads the , is using a massive breast imaging database to develop AI biomarkers that predict cancer risk specifically for Asian and Pacific Islander populations.

The new PAC-AID will support similar faculty-led research projects, provide funding for pilot studies, and establish shared research resources that can be used by investigators across disciplines.

Initial funded projects include AI-driven research by UH Cancer Center researchers Kevin Cassel (using full-body imaging to triage skin lesions) and Elizabeth Nakasone (studying pancreatic cancer in Native Hawaiian and Japanese populations); UH ����ԴDz� public health researcher Jonathan Huang (modeling environmental toxicant effects on fetal development); and JABSOM researcher Yiqiang Zhang (identifying genetic traits in congenital heart disease).

COBRE Phase 1 grants focus on the development of independent biomedical researchers and research centers, and are designed to have a 15-year cycle.

“PAC-AID is specifically designed to develop six to eight early-stage faculty members at the University of �鶹��ý and across Pacific Island institutions who will use artificial intelligence and data science to address cancer and chronic disease outcomes in one of the nation’s most medically underserved and understudied regions,” Shepherd said.

He added that the expected impact to �鶹��ý is substantial. “Our benchmark for success is that the funded faculty projects, four initially and two to four more when those graduate in year 3, and will later achieve independent NIH R01 (Research 01 level university) funding at an estimated $3.25 million per award. That represents a projected $19.5 million in additional federal research funding returned to the State of �鶹��ý (six funded R01s) on top of the initial $12 million COBRE award itself — a combined potential economic and research impact of more than $31 million for �鶹��ý‘s research and healthcare workforce. These estimates are for the first 5-year period.”

PAC-AID joins a growing portfolio of NIH-funded Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence at UH ����ԴDz�, including the , and the .

Recent Kona low flooding has heightened concerns about leptospirosis, a bacterial disease transmitted through contaminated floodwaters. Now, University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� student researchers at the (JABSOM) are exploring new methods to track and detect the pathogen.

“For years, we’ve primarily thought of this as a waterborne disease,” said graduate student Rodson Zorilla. “Now, we also see the soil as a possible variable. It could serve as another agent that helps transmit the bacteria.”

These insights broaden understanding of exposure risks, revealing that soil acts as an often overlooked variable in the spread of leptospirosis during flooding events.

Researching environmental spread, prevention

Undergraduate student Colby Macapagal is studying how leptospirosis spreads through �鶹��ý‘s waterways, including ahupuaʻa systems carrying contaminants from the mountains to urban areas. He notes that floodwaters can carry bacteria into local communities, creating health risks for people and wildlife, and emphasizes the need to further study how these contaminants travel downstream.

Other JABSOM researchers are working to improve detection. While current rapid tests are fast, they can lack precision. Researchers are now developing more advanced diagnostic tools that can better identify immune responses and improve early detection.

Sophomore undergraduate Duy Linh Nguyen Tran is working on improving screening methods using blood samples, while also uncovering a concerning trend. Historical long-term data shows leptospirosis remains present in �鶹��ý, with positivity rates of 3.8% in 1943 and 2.65% from 2020–2024.

“There have to be some innovative ideas now in which you can really push for prevention,” Nguyen Tran said. “Those ideas will be important for the community to see.”

Zorilla emphasized a broader framework. “These findings highlight what researchers describe as a One Health approach—recognizing the connection between environmental, animal and human health.”

As extreme weather events increase attention on leptospirosis, researchers say improved understanding, detection and prevention remain critical to protecting public health.

The work is supported in part by a �鶹��ý Community Foundation grant awarded to JABSOM virologist Vivek Nerurkar, with additional support from UH ����ԴDz� programs including the IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE), Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) and Minority Health Research Training (MHRT) program.

Students from Kapolei and Radford High Schools got a firsthand look at careers in public health and social work during a visit to the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� .

The students toured campus, met with faculty and students, and learned about academic and career pathways. Organizers said the initiative helps address workforce shortages in public health and social work by introducing students to career pathways that are often less familiar than other health professions.

Kapolei students Alina Follante-Makekau and Faith Madison Antonio, members of the Chamber of Commerce �鶹��ý Student Advisory Board, helped organize the visit through their school’s Career and Technical Education pathway and the chamber’s workforce development program, with support from Sophia Wibholm, the chamber’s associate director of education.

“This event was so fun and can definitely serve as a model for how we regularly engage our local high school students,” said Yuka Polovina, a faculty member in the . “I was so impressed with the organization and professionalism of the students—they came prepared with insightful questions about what it’s like to be in public health and social work.”

“These opportunities to engage high school students with college opportunities ground us in why we became educators—to broaden perspectives and help students see themselves in careers they may not have considered,” said Courtney Suma, Kapolei High School Career Academy Coordinator. “More importantly, in collaboration with our Chamber of Commerce partner and the UH, they support our community’s need for a strong, prepared workforce in public health and social work.”

Expanding opportunities

The program is expected to expand to additional schools, with another visit planned in fall 2026. Educators interested in organizing a tour may contact Wendy Lum at swhub@hawaii.edu.

With more than 6.5 million fans from more than 100 countries converging on cities across the U.S., Mexico and Canada for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, public health stakes are significant. Mass gatherings create conditions where localized outbreaks can rapidly become international events, making timely, integrated situational awareness essential for officials protecting public health. This summer, that critical role is being filled by a new Health Security Operations Center (HSOC) that relies on the University of �鶹��ý’s (PDC)’s platform as a key data source and decision-support tool.

Georgetown University and MedStar Health established the HSOC under their joint National Center for Health Security and Resilience. The team is leveraging DisasterAWARE to fuse disparate data streams—including wastewater surveillance, electronic health records, hospitalizations and real-time health reports—gathered across all 16 host cities.

By integrating and analyzing disease signals, they provide decision makers with early, actionable warnings. More than 350 organizations, including hospital emergency managers, state and local health officials, and federal agencies, are enrolled to receive the HSOC’s daily situation reports.

Hazard intelligence, complex missions

“Working alongside MedStar and Georgetown officials on the inside of the HSOC, DisasterAWARE is revolutionizing how we monitor disease during large-scale events,” said Tim Manning, former deputy administrator of FEMA and PDC senior advisor. “PDC’s hazard intelligence capabilities bridge health data streams from numerous sources into a single, coherent operating picture, significantly enhancing the way we protect public health when the world comes together.”

PDC’s support during this high-profile event demonstrates how purpose-built hazard intelligence can be rapidly adapted to meet complex, emerging missions. For an organization that has spent decades building the tools, frameworks and partnerships that help nations anticipate and respond to disasters of every kind, supporting the HSOC is a natural extension.

“DisasterAWARE was built to deliver clarity in the world’s most complex, high-stakes environments, and a global event of this magnitude, the World Cup, is exactly that kind of environment,” said Erin Hughey, deputy executive director of the Pacific Disaster Center. “Seeing our platform serve as a cornerstone of national health security operations at this scale is a powerful testament to what PDC has built over decades: a globally trusted capability that protects people wherever the threat originates.”

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University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� Associate Professor Mapuana Antonio of the received two national awards from the (APHA) for her impact on Native Hawaiian health and climate justice.

Antonio’s leadership reflects her commitment to integrating Indigenous knowledge into public health education, research and practice. She mentors students in ethical Indigenous research and ensures her work connects ʻ�徱�Բ� (land) and culture to Native Hawaiian health, fully integrating Indigenous perspectives into the field.

“Receiving these awards from APHA is truly an honor and reflects the collective work of our students and communities,” said Antonio, who serves as associate chair in the . “Indigenous knowledge continues to guide solutions for health, wellbeing, and climate justice, and I’m inspired by our students who carry this work forward intentionally with cultural grounding and with a deep sense of responsibility to our communities.”

Honoring ancestral knowledge, health equity

As the Queen Liliʻuokalani Endowed Professor in Native Hawaiian Culture, Antonio earned the APHA’s Emerging Leaders Award from the (ICTHP) section for her dedication to health equity.

“She exemplifies the heart of Native Hawaiian Indigenous health,” nominators said. “Her commitment to health equity has made a lasting impact with, for, and by Native Hawaiian communities and Indigenous peoples worldwide, and her work embodies the holistic approach that is at the core of ICTHP, by honoring ancestral knowledge with contemporary scientific research to restore health, resilience and wellbeing.”

Antonio also received the Student Champions for Climate Justice Award for guiding a multidisciplinary student team, including Melissa Kahili-Heede, Caleb Rivera, Camille McComas, Kiʻilaweau Aweau and Mākoa Miura, in organizing the Climate Justice Through Indigenous Knowledge Symposium in October 2025. The event served as a platform for scholars to address environmental sustainability through traditional practices.

University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� public health and nursing alumna Aime Le has been crowned the 74th Cherry Blossom Festival Queen, one of �鶹��ý’s longest-running ethnic festivals hosted annually by the Honolulu Japanese Junior Chamber of Commerce. Her fellow contestants also voted her Miss Congeniality in recognition of her compassion, professionalism and interpersonal leadership.

“As queen, I serve as a cultural ambassador representing �鶹��ý through community service, educational outreach and cultural exchange programs locally and internationally,” said Le.

Le earned dual bachelor’s degrees in and in 2020 and a bachelor of science in nursing in 2022. She was also inducted into the Japanese National Honor Society–College Chapter for academic excellence in Japanese language studies.

During her time at UH ����ԴDz�, Le participated in student leadership and service organizations including Mortar Board National Honor Society, Hui Ola Pono Public Health Club, HOSA-Future Health Professionals and Atherton YMCA community programs. She also took part in medical mission and service-learning trips to the Philippines and Kauaʻi and completed a rural clinical rotation in Yap, Micronesia.

“My time in Yap further strengthened my appreciation for community-centered healthcare and cross-cultural connection,” Le said.

Supporting kūpuna through community care

Now a nurse practitioner, Le earned her degree in the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner track from the School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene at UH ����ԴDz� in spring 2025. In fall 2025 and spring 2026, Le volunteered with the Memory Café at the UH ����ԴDz� Center on Aging, a free monthly garden-based program for people living with memory loss and their care partners.

“At the Memory Café, I can help support dementia-friendly spaces for kūpuna and caregivers through nature-based activities, social connection and community engagement,” she said.

Le hopes to continue bridging healthcare, culture and community service throughout her career while advocating for compassionate, inclusive care across generations.

“We are so privileged to have someone like Aime be a part of the Memory Café,” said Christy Nishita, a gerontologist with the Center on Aging. “The combination of her personal qualities and professional training has made her the ideal volunteer. She has helped to nurture not only our garden but also the growth of human relationships among students, staff and community participants. I know she will make a superb Cherry Blossom Festival Queen.”

Three members of the 2026 Cherry Blossom Court also have UH ties: Princess Lauren Sayuri Katayama and First Princess Jacqueline Kiemi Osumi are UH ����ԴDz� alumnae, while Princess Kiʻilaweau Kakie Aweau is a current public health PhD student.

University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� graduate student Emily Heintzelman is using lessons learned as a Division I beach volleyball student–athlete to shape her future in public health.

Originally from Sydney, Australia, Heintzelman is pursuing a Master of Public Health degree in the while completing her final collegiate athletic season. Her volleyball career has taken her around the world, including competitions in Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Japan, New Zealand and Germany.

“Being an athlete has taught me discipline, resilience, and how to work within a team,” said Heintzelman. “These skills don’t apply just to sports, but are also just as important when tackling complex public health challenges.”

Heintzelman earned her bachelor’s degree in in spring 2025, with minors in public health and health and wellness. She now specializes in Health Policy and Management, focusing on health equity, access to care.

From athletics to advocacy

“As an athlete, I’ve seen firsthand how access to care, communication within healthcare systems, and advocacy can impact outcomes,” she said. “Those experiences have reinforced my interest in pursuing policy work that improves access and ensures that individuals feel heard and supported within healthcare systems.”

In fall 2025, Heintzelman was one of only two student–athletes selected to represent UH at the American Volleyball Coaches Association Collegiate Beach Pairs National Championship.

“You’re not just playing for yourself—you’re representing your teammates, your coaches and the whole university,” she said.

Heintzelman hopes to use data and policy to expand healthcare access, particularly in womenʻs health.

“Being a student–athlete has taught me that success is rarely about individual performance, it’s about teamwork, communication, and showing up consistently, even when it’s hard,” she said. “In public health, those same principles apply. You’re working with diverse groups of people, often across disciplines, to solve complex problems. The ability to listen, adapt and stay committed to a shared goal is critical.”

Heintzelman said she is grateful for the support she has received along the way.

“My teammates have become like family, along with the coaches who have believed in me, my parents and sister who have supported me at each step along my journey, and for the opportunities sport has given me,” she said. “Volleyball has shaped who I am in so many ways, and I carry those lessons with me as I move forward into a career in public health.”

University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� (JABSOM) physician-scientist Dominic Chow has been selected for the 2026 Emerging Leaders in Health and Medicine Forum at the National Academy of Medicine.

The invitation-only program brings together emerging leaders in health care, research and policy from across the country.

“It’s a real honor,” Chow said. “To be able to interact with members of the National Academy of Medicine and contribute to discussions that help guide health policy is something I don’t take lightly.”

Chow’s career spans global public health, including training at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and work in Guyana, where he helped lead a yellow fever outbreak investigation.

At JABSOM, he has advanced HIV research through the �鶹��ý Center for AIDS and serves as program director of Ola HAWAII, an NIH-funded initiative expanding clinical research access in underserved communities and supporting studies including Long COVID.

“I think bringing clinical trials to various populations across �鶹��ý helps create more equity,” Chow said.

The forum connects participants to address major health challenges and inform national policy. Chow said he hopes to ensure �鶹��ý’s health needs are represented.

“We have a responsibility to address health disparities here in �鶹��ý and beyond,” he said.

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An important pilot program is helping �鶹��ý’s future public health professionals overcome financial barriers to completing required fieldwork. Based at the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� , the program provides paid field experiences that are traditionally unpaid despite significant time and workload demands.

Through the , and supported by the (DOH), the project coordinates funding so students can be compensated for required fieldwork that was completed at DOH. The pilot aligns with broader efforts to close this gap and expand equitable access to education and training.

“This has been a team effort with many partners at UH and DOH and for that we are grateful,” said Becky Rodericks, a faculty member of the Department of Public Health Sciences (DPHS) and a key collaborator on this project across all pilot years.

Efforts started in summer of 2022 and expanded in 2024 and 2025. In 2024, the pilot supported 10 students completing their (APLE) and .

Students said the funding made it possible to complete their practicums while balancing work and family responsibilities. One student said the support allowed her to finish her practicum without taking several weeks off work. “As a single mother, I don’t have the flexibility to complete my practicum on a full-time basis,” she said. “I appreciate the opportunity that this program provided. Truly, it made it possible to get my practicum completed.”

The program also helped offset transportation and parking costs, easing additional financial pressure for students commuting to field sites.

Expanding access to hands-on learning

APLE and master’s-level practicums allow students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world public health and social work through interdisciplinary projects with community and government partners.

The paid placements allowed students to shift focus away from multiple jobs or other financial obligations and dedicate more time and energy to their practicum projects, strengthening hands-on learning experiences.

“We are honored and grateful to work with our partners at DOH and our fellow Department of Public Health Science and DSW faculty and staff on this important effort,” said Rodericks. “Our long-term and ongoing collaborations within �鶹��ýand at DOH are vital to our program successes.”

As climate change intensifies extreme weather and environmental conditions across the country, about 65% of U.S. adults are concerned that climate change will negatively affect their personal health, according to a new study published in .

The study, a collaboration between the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� and the , analyzed responses from 6,888 adults who participated in the Health Information National Trends Survey.

The study’s co-authors include Alex Ortega, dean of the Thompson school, and Jim Stimpson, a professor at UT Southwestern Medical Center.

How Americans view climate risks

Researchers found that trust in science, political views and personal environmental experiences shape how people perceive the health risks of climate change.

“This study shows that concern about the health impacts of climate change is driven less by who people are and more by how they think and what they experience,” said Ortega. “Trust in science, political perspectives and lived experiences like extreme weather shape whether people recognize climate change as a health threat, which in turn influences public support for environmental and health policies.”

How we communicate about climate and health affects everyone.
—Jim Stimpson

Individuals who reported higher trust in science were more likely to express concern about climate-related health impacts than those with lower levels of trust.

Political views also influenced responses. Compared to respondents who identified as politically liberal, moderates and conservatives were less likely to report concern about climate change harming their health.

Personal environmental experiences further shaped perceptions. Respondents who experienced extreme weather in their neighborhoods were more likely to express concern. Similarly, those worried about outdoor air quality were more likely to perceive climate-related health risks.

The findings suggest public health messaging should focus on building trust in science, reaching people across political perspectives and connecting climate change to local conditions people can directly experience. Researchers said that approach could help public health agencies and policymakers keep communities informed and engaged as climate policies evolve.

“How we communicate about climate and health affects everyone,” said Stimpson. “When messages don’t build trust or feel personally relevant, people are less likely to recognize these risks or support policies that protect public health.”

At the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz�, students are leading efforts to address period poverty—the inability to afford menstrual products and limited access to menstrual education and care—recognized as both a public health and equity issue in �鶹��ý.

A found 43% of UH students who menstruate have experienced period poverty, about three times the national average. Those affected are more likely to face food insecurity, severe depression and academic disruption.

Student-led drives expand campus support

Graduate student Jenny Brown and undergraduate student Lovely Molina, both from a College of Engineering , organized “Flow Forward” period product drives in October 2025 and February 2026, collecting 2,679 pads and tampons for the campus . They also hosted kit-making events to support distribution and awareness.

“These efforts aim to institutionalize this as a permanent budget priority, providing equitable and sustainable access to basic hygiene is a strategic investment in student success and retention—and what’s needed now is senior leadership to champion it to the finish line,” said Brown.

Overlapping needs

The Food Vault was chosen because period poverty often overlaps with food and housing insecurity, allowing one access point to meet multiple needs. Brown and Molina also coordinate with student groups, alumni, nonprofits and faculty advisors Yuka Polovina of the Department of Public Health Sciences and Teresa Bill of Womenʻs Center/SEED program.

“I’m so proud of our students who demonstrate this level of passion and initiative to address this critical public health issue,” said Polovina. “And at the same time, it concerns me that they shoulder this burden as students.”

In 2023, the State Senate passed Senate Resolution 23 urging the UH System to provide free menstrual products across campuses. Implementation remains limited due to infrastructure and funding challenges.

“Implementing an ‘unfunded resolution’ is challenging on a campus with more than 300 Women’s and All Gender restrooms, controlled by three different entities,” said Bill. “Selecting new locations will take into account ‘high traffic’ areas as well as product ‘deserts,’ but this is a long-term project.”

While systemwide efforts continue, students remain the primary drivers of immediate support through donation drives, nonprofit partnerships like , and advocacy.

“Providing period products for students should not be another student’s responsibility,” said Molina. “We started this drive without high expectations of getting many donations and seeing my peers raise this much product blows my mind.”

The University of �鶹��ý accounted for more than $61.2 million—92% of all federal biomedical research funding awarded in the state from the (NIH)—in fiscal year 2025.

�鶹��ý received $66.7 million overall in NIH funding, according to a new report from . The investment supported 902 jobs and generated $188.7 million in economic activity statewide.

NIH funding supports a wide range of research across UH, from improving disease detection and treatment to addressing health disparities and strengthening public health systems that serve island communities, reinforcing the university’s role in advancing health research and innovation in �鶹��ý.

had the largest share, with 72 awards totaling $60.7 million, while the received two awards totaling $468,391. While overall funding remained strong, NIH’s shift to multi-year funding—which obligates the full grant value upfront—resulted in 5,564 fewer grants being funded in FY2025 compared to FY2024.

“Even in a highly competitive and uncertain federal funding environment, University of �鶹��ý researchers continue to deliver work that improves lives here at home and beyond,” said Chad Walton, UH interim vice president for research and innovation. “These investments fuel discoveries, support high-quality jobs and strengthen our local economy. Every dollar makes a difference for our communities.”

Research highlights

Recent awards reflect the diversity of NIH-funded research at UH:

• $322,891 from the National Cancer Institute supports Shugeng Zhao Cao, professor at the at UH Hilo. The project, Discovery of novel natural TEAD inhibitors for the chemoprevention of liver tumors, explores natural compounds from Hawaiian microorganisms to develop the first preventive therapy for liver cancer.



• $2,039,744 from the National Human Genome Research Institute supports Lang Wu, associate professor at the at the UH Cancer Center. The research advances genomic tools and approaches to better understand complex diseases and support precision health applications. (Related UH News story)
• $459,287 from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases supports Youping Deng, professor at the . The project, Hawaii Advanced Training in Artificial Intelligence for Precision Nutrition Science Research, strengthens training in the use of artificial intelligence for nutrition and metabolic health research. (Related UH News story)

University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� Associate Professor Denise Nelson-Hurwitz has been named the 2026 recipient of the . Nelson-Hurwitz was honored at the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH) Annual Meeting Awards Luncheon in March in Arlington, Virginia.

A faculty member in the at the , she was recognized for her outstanding contributions to undergraduate public health education, including innovation in teaching, leadership in program development and student engagement.

“It’s wonderful to see the work being done by UH ����ԴDz�’s undergraduate program and students highlighted in this way and a tremendous honor to have been nominated by my students and peers,” Nelson-Hurwitz said.

Expanding access, supporting success

An UH alumna and first-generation college graduate, Nelson-Hurwitz is deeply rooted in her community. She has focused her career on expanding access to higher education and supporting student success by building inclusive pathways into public health, and increasing diversity in the field. She co-developed and co-led the Community Health Scholars program, which engages diverse high school students in immersive research and practice experiences.

For more than a decade, she served as chair of UH ����ԴDz�’s , overseeing curriculum development, course sequencing and program assessment. She also helped create a public health minor, expanding access for students across disciplines.

Students praised Nelson-Hurwitz for her supportive teaching, mentorship and dedication to preparing future public health professionals. She is known for going above and beyond inside and outside the classroom.

“Winning this national award from the ASPPH highlights Denise Nelson-Hurwitzʻs extraordinary ability to inspire students and her tireless work in ensuring our curriculum remains both innovative and impactful,” said Jane Chung-Do, department chair. “We are honored to have such a dedicated leader on our faculty.”

As �鶹��ý’s population ages, an award-winning public health graduate student is working to improve policies that help kūpuna (older adults) live safely and independently.

Kevin Peralta, a master of public health student in the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� , recently received the at the �鶹��ý Pacific Gerontological Society 2025 conference. The award recognizes emerging leaders in aging research and highlights Peralta’s work on aging in place and fall prevention.

At the conference, Peralta delivered an oral presentation on fall risk factors, related health outcomes and the need for stronger prevention efforts.

Falls are a leading cause of injury and death among adults 65 and older in �鶹��ý, yet prevention remains underprioritized across legislation, insurance coverage and social services. Peralta’s work aims to inform stronger policy solutions.

“Too often, I observed older adults experiencing declines in mental health after losing their ability to live independently and with dignity,” Peralta said. “Many families rely on home modifications to keep their loved ones safe, but these preventive measures are often financially out of reach for low-income households. Institutionalization should be a last resort. More can and should be done to prevent falls and support people to remain safely in their homes.”

Turning research into action

During his practicum with Thrive for Life, Peralta helped develop lobbying strategies supporting the reintroduction of a Caregiver Tax Credit bill in 2026, which would give families tax relief to help cover costs of caring for older relatives at home. He also explored ways to expedite permits for home modifications and helped plan statewide Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) rallies in July 2025.

More can and should be done to prevent falls and support people to remain safely in their homes.
—Kevin Peralta

“Aging is something we will all experience,” Peralta said. “Supporting positive changes in current health policies, implementing aging-related health interventions, and providing financial stability for the aging population, would improve the quality of life for all persons through every phase of life.”

Expected to graduate in May 2026, Peralta plans to continue advancing policy solutions that support aging with dignity in �鶹��ý.

“Kevin is making a difference in the community by integrating his academic research with community needs and policy action in his MPH degree,” said Tetine Sentell, a professor in public health and his advisor. “We are very proud of him and happy to see these important collaborations thriving.”