public health | University of Hawaiʻi System News /news News from the University of Hawaii Wed, 15 Apr 2026 19:47:51 +0000 en-US hourly 1 /news/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/cropped-UHNews512-1-32x32.jpg public health | University of Hawaiʻi System News /news 32 32 28449828 $61.2M in NIH funding advances 鶹ýhealth research in FY2025 /news/2026/04/14/nih-impact-research-funding-fy2025/ Tue, 14 Apr 2026 23:41:39 +0000 /news/?p=232122 UH researchers NIH funding supporting health innovation, genomics and AI-driven nutrition research.

The post $61.2M in NIH funding advances UH health research in FY2025 first appeared on University of Hawaiʻi System News.]]>
Reading time: 2 minutes

buildings and ocean

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.

two scientists working in lab
Youping Deng and Lang Wu working in the lab.

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.
  • Shugeng Cao with lab team
    Shugeng Cao and lab team at UH Hilo.
  • $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)
The post $61.2M in NIH funding advances UH health research in FY2025 first appeared on University of Hawaiʻi System News.]]>
232122
National public health teaching award honors 鶹ýprofessor /news/2026/04/14/nelson-hurwitz-public-health-honor/ Tue, 14 Apr 2026 23:15:02 +0000 /news/?p=232206 Denise Nelson-Hurwitz is nationally recognized for excellence in undergraduate public health education.

The post National public health teaching award honors UH professor first appeared on University of Hawaiʻi System News.]]>
Reading time: 2 minutes
Denise Nelson-Hurwitz holding her award
Denise Nelson-Hurwitz was honored by the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health in March 2026.

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.”

The post National public health teaching award honors UH professor first appeared on University of Hawaiʻi System News.]]>
232206
鶹ýpublic health student awarded for work on improving kūpuna wellness /news/2026/04/08/peralta-award-kupuna-wellness/ Thu, 09 Apr 2026 00:03:55 +0000 /news/?p=231940 Kevin Peralta is helping advance policies supporting aging in place and fall prevention.

The post UH public health student awarded for work on improving kūpuna wellness first appeared on University of Hawaiʻi System News.]]>
Reading time: 2 minutes
Kevin Peralta headshot
Kevin Peralta

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.

two people holding signs

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.”

The post UH public health student awarded for work on improving kūpuna wellness first appeared on University of Hawaiʻi System News.]]>
231940
鶹ýgrad programs earn national recognition in U.S. News and World Report rankings /news/2026/04/08/us-news-best-grad-program-rankings-2026/ Wed, 08 Apr 2026 18:08:19 +0000 /news/?p=231895 The 2026 U.S. News and World Report’s Best Graduate Schools rankings were released on April 6.

The post UH grad programs earn national recognition in U.S. News and World Report rankings first appeared on University of Hawaiʻi System News.]]>
Reading time: 4 minutes

U H Manoa students walking together

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

William S. Richardson School of Law

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

Other law school rankings include:

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

John A. Burns School of Medicine

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

Shidler College of Business

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

School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology

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

School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene

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

College of Education

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

Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health

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

College of Social Sciences

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

College of Engineering

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

College of Natural Sciences

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

College of Arts, Languages & Letters

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

Other rankings

UH Mānoa also received these notable rankings:

The post UH grad programs earn national recognition in U.S. News and World Report rankings first appeared on University of Hawaiʻi System News.]]>
231895
National ‘Changemaker’: 鶹ýnursing professor tackles clinician burnout /news/2026/04/07/frankie-hale-nam-changemaker/ Tue, 07 Apr 2026 22:45:51 +0000 /news/?p=231756 Frankie B. Hale was selected as a National Academy of Medicine Changemaker, advancing clinician well-being initiatives nationally.

The post National ‘Changemaker’: UH nursing professor tackles clinician burnout first appeared on University of Hawaiʻi System News.]]>
Reading time: 2 minutes
Frankie Hale headshot wide
Frankie B. Hale

The University of 鶹ý at ԴDz is gaining national visibility for its work on clinician well-being. Assistant Professor Frankie B. Hale, has been selected as a Changemaker Accelerator in Cohort 2 of the , a yearlong program that brings together national leaders to develop and scale innovative strategies for improving clinician resilience and well-being.

The selection recognizes Hale’s research on reducing burnout and supporting well-being in nurses. Her work focuses on translating evidence-based strategies into practical tools for students and faculty, helping prepare the next generation of clinicians for sustainable careers in healthcare. Hale also contributes to the State of Well-Being Project through the 鶹ý Governor’s Office of Wellness and Resilience.

Expanding impact through national collaboration

Frankie Hale sits with students in the classroom
Hale sits with students, leading classroom conversations that transform knowledge into insight.

Through the NAM program, Hale will work with national leaders—including the American Nurses Association (ANA)—to expand evidence-based strategies developed with community partners. Using a simulation learning model, her project provides student nurses with practical tools to strengthen their well-being and resilience as they navigate the demands of clinical work.

“I’m excited to bring what we’re learning here in 鶹ý to a national stage, and then bring back strategies and resources that can make a real difference for our students and faculty,” Hale said. “This work is about more than measuring burnout—it’s about creating sustainable ways to support the well-being of the people who care for our communities every day.”

By the end of the program, Hale hopes to build lasting peer-to-peer partnerships with national leaders and translate those lessons into actionable programs at UH, advancing the school’s mission to train the next generation of clinicians who thrive in their professional and personal lives.

The post National ‘Changemaker’: UH nursing professor tackles clinician burnout first appeared on University of Hawaiʻi System News.]]>
231756
鶹ýmedical students deliver care to flood-hit North Shore /news/2026/03/24/jabsom-mobile-clinic-in-waialua/ Tue, 24 Mar 2026 23:34:11 +0000 /news/?p=231199 JABSOM students provide free medical care to North Shore communities impacted by flooding and limited access.

The post UH medical students deliver care to flood-hit North Shore first appeared on University of Hawaiʻi System News.]]>
Reading time: 2 minutes

H.O.M.E. Project Clinic in Waialua

In the wake of historic flooding on Oʻahu’s North Shore, University of 鶹ý at ԴDz (JABSOM) students continue to provide care where it’s urgently needed. On March 23, JABSOM’s Houseless Outreach and Medical Education (H.O.M.E.) Project—a student-run initiative that provides free healthcare to unsheltered and underserved communities—set up an on-site clinic at Waialua Elementary, treating 25 patients with a team of 16 student volunteers under the guidance of faculty.

“We’ve been seeing a wide range of patients. We’ve seen a fair amount with wounds and infections, probably from the storm water,” said Jill Omori, H.O.M.E. Project director.

Other patients sought care for back pain, joint pain and eye infections, conditions that can worsen when access to routine care is disrupted.

“We also saw people with GI (gastrointestinal) problems because of the contaminated water, but also just regular medical issues like hypertension or diabetes that still need to be controlled,” Omori said.

Student dedication and rural health disparities

The clinic weaves hands-on care into the JABSOM curriculum, but Omori said the majority of the students today came on their own time.

H.O.M.E. Project Clinic in Waialua

“A lot of times, the students come down to the North Shore and do service projects here and there,” Omori said. “But something like this really hits home for them. It’s really nice for them to be able to give back to the community this way.”

Second-year medical student Michael Ajimura saw that impact firsthand.

“A lot of people weren’t able to get care because of the past few days of flooding, as well as those who were injured helping out or because of the flooding,” Ajimura said. “Just being able to help them has been really rewarding. When we say that we care for the community, it’s everyone. Being out here is fulfilling, and it’s something a lot of the students are more than willing to do.”

The response also highlighted the broader issue of rural health in 鶹ý, which is exacerbated during a disaster.

“Rural health doesn’t just mean the neighbor islands,” Omori said. “Waialua is a great example of a rural community right here on Oʻahu. They have some of the same problems that other rural communities have, even without storms. I think it just emphasizes some of the rural health disparities and the need for more equitable care.”

As recovery continues on the North Shore, JABSOM’s H.O.M.E. Project plans to hold a pop-up clinic every day during the week of March 23. They will either be at Waialua District Park or at Haleiwa Beach Park. .

.

H.O.M.E. Project Clinic in Waialua

The post UH medical students deliver care to flood-hit North Shore first appeared on University of Hawaiʻi System News.]]>
231199
Red Hill fuel leak follow-up urges careful documentation, ongoing care, registry participation /news/2026/03/24/red-hill-nasem-report/ Tue, 24 Mar 2026 21:07:47 +0000 /news/?p=231189 The report examined health risks tied to leaks of JP-5 fuel from the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility.

The post Red Hill fuel leak follow-up urges careful documentation, ongoing care, registry participation first appeared on University of Hawaiʻi System News.]]>
Reading time: 2 minutes

tap water

A new (NASEM) is urging clinicians to prioritize ongoing symptom evaluation and continuity of care for individuals potentially exposed to jet fuel contaminated drinking water on Oʻahu in 2021.

The report examined health risks tied to leaks of JP-5 fuel from the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility that affected the water supply serving Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and nearby communities. As many as 93,000 people may have been exposed to the jet fuel through drinking water, inhalation of vapors or skin contact.

University of 鶹ý at Mānoa (JABSOM) Dean Emeritus Jerris R. Hedges, JABSOM Chair and Professor Joseph Keaweʻaimoku Kaholokula, JABSOM graduate and clinical faculty member Marcus Kawika Iwane, and JABSOM graduate and UH West Oʻahu Professor Ricardo Custodio served on the 16-member multi-disciplinary National Academies “committee on the clinical follow-up and care for those impacted by the JP-5 releases at Red Hill,” which authored this report. UH Mānoa Professor of Public Health Sciences Catherine Pirkle and Assistant Professor Aurora Kagawa-Viviani served on the multi-disciplinary peer-review team.

Key NASEM report findings

Researchers found limited evidence linking exposure to short-term respiratory, gastrointestinal, skin and mental health symptoms. However, data remains insufficient to determine specific long-term health effects, and no validated medical tests exist to confirm past exposure or the extent of exposure. As a result, the report recommends clinicians carefully document patient histories and symptoms while ensuring ongoing, patient-centered care.

The report also calls for expanded research and improved environmental monitoring to better understand exposure levels and potential health outcomes. Recommendations include developing biomarkers to detect jet fuel exposure, standardizing water testing methods and conducting long-term studies of exposed populations.

“This report highlights the importance of a registry to collect long-term health information to fill the gaps in truly understanding how JP-5 exposure may impact the community over time,” Kaholokula said. “The more people who enroll in the , the more impactful the research and information becomes.”

“Continued enrollment in the Red Hill Registry and similar programs is critical for future studies and research,” Hedges said. “Such registries will provide important additional knowledge related to the exposure, especially regarding potential long-term effects on women and children.”

The report further highlights the need for improved coordination among federal, state and local agencies to ensure drinking water safety and rebuild public trust following the contamination incident.

“The release of this report reminds families that even though we are removed in time from the May 2021 and November 2021 fuel spills, the voices of the individuals and families who lived through the water crisis are still being heard,” said Rosana “Sanie” Weldon, director of the Red Hill Registry. “By enrolling in the Red Hill Registry, whether you had symptoms or not, you help researchers establish accurate baseline data, detect even small health differences which may present years from now, and ensure that findings truly reflect the whole community.”

Red Hill registry table

Importance of Red Hill Registry

The Red Hill Registry aims to track health outcomes and provide resources and education for those who experienced jet fuel in their drinking water from the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility. Based in the at UH, the registry has dozens of partners supporting the registry from across the UH System with technology infrastructure, data security, questionnaire integrity, clinical guidance, water science and more.

.

The post Red Hill fuel leak follow-up urges careful documentation, ongoing care, registry participation first appeared on University of Hawaiʻi System News.]]>
231189
Public health students tackle pressing health challenges with community support /news/2026/03/19/public-health-hoike-event/ Fri, 20 Mar 2026 00:47:12 +0000 /news/?p=230962 The annual Hōʻike highlights student research developed through community partnership

The post Public health students tackle pressing health challenges with community support first appeared on University of Hawaiʻi System News.]]>
Reading time: 2 minutes
students in the public health 623 class
PH 623 students make their final presentations on their research projects.

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.

students in front of an aquaponics grow bed
Public health students partner with MALAMA Aquaponics on their research project.

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.

a student shares her poster presentation

“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.

The post Public health students tackle pressing health challenges with community support first appeared on University of Hawaiʻi System News.]]>
230962
Outrigger canoe paddling fuels lifelong health and culture /news/2026/03/08/outrigger-paddling-for-health-culture/ Sun, 08 Mar 2026 19:00:23 +0000 /news/?p=229488 Outrigger canoe paddling connects health, culture, and community for 鶹ý paddlers.

The post Outrigger canoe paddling fuels lifelong health and culture first appeared on University of Hawaiʻi System News.]]>
Reading time: 2 minutes

outrigger canoe paddlers

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.”

outrigger canoe paddling

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.

The post Outrigger canoe paddling fuels lifelong health and culture first appeared on University of Hawaiʻi System News.]]>
229488
Expanding public health education in 鶹ý high schools /news/2026/03/02/expanding-public-health-ed/ Tue, 03 Mar 2026 01:42:42 +0000 /news/?p=230225 The Thompson school expands public health education through statewide training for high school teachers.

The post Expanding public health education in Hawaiʻi high schools first appeared on University of Hawaiʻi System News.]]>
Reading time: 2 minutes
Windward District teachers
Windward District CTE high school teachers gather for the first PH 101 training.

With 鶹ý facing a critical shortage of public health professionals, the University of 鶹ý at ԴDz’s is strengthening the public health workforce pathway—starting in high school classrooms.

Lightbulbs go off when participants realize how much public health shapes their daily lives.
—Yuka Polovina

The 鶹ý State Department of Education (DOE) offers a Career and Technical Education (CTE) Health Services pathway that includes a focus in public health, but only five schools statewide currently offer it. Limited awareness of public health careers among students—and limited familiarity with foundational public health concepts among teachers—have slowed expansion.

To help address this gap and increase the number of schools offering the pathway, Yuka Polovina, a faculty member in the (DPHS) at the Thompson school, developed “” (PH101-CTE). The workshop builds awareness of public health careers and equips educators with foundational concepts and classroom strategies, showing how public health principles can be integrated into lessons, activities and assessments.

“When I meet students who are interested in health fields, more often than not they say it’s because they want to help their communities,” said Polovina, who also serves as a workshop instructor. “It then surprises me when they say they want to become a nurse or doctor. Few know that public health is another powerful way to make an impact, and once students learn about it, they get excited.”

Real-world learning in action

The first PH 101 training, held in October 2025, brought together Windward District teachers in health services and agriculture pathways. Organized by Windward District CTE Resource Teacher Trisha Kim, the workshop highlighted connections between sustainability, food systems and public health.

“This is the best form of teacher professional development,” said Kim. “We are grateful for our partnership and the positive impact for our Windward District students.”

teachers participate in a demo
CTE teachers visit the Waimānalo Learning Center.

The day included a session at Kailua High School, facilitated by Polovina, and a site visit to the . The visit was led by Jane Chung-Do, acting chair of DPHS, along with Ilima Ho-Lastimoa and Ted Radovich from the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience (CTAHR). Participants learned about the , offering a hands-on and place-based example of public health in practice.

“Lightbulbs go off when participants realize how much public health shapes their daily lives––from the clean air we breathe to the simple fact that we don’t have to boil water before drinking it,” said Polovina. “They immediately see how their students will connect to it too.”

The PH 101 training is open to DOE CTE teachers statewide, with another session tentatively planned for this spring. Teachers interested in participating can request a workshop by emailing hiphwork@hawaii.edu.

This initiative builds on efforts from the and is supported through collaboration with the 鶹ý State Department of Health’s Public Health Infrastructure Grant.

The post Expanding public health education in Hawaiʻi high schools first appeared on University of Hawaiʻi System News.]]>
230225