University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� junior pitcher Isaiah Magdaleno has been named a Perfect Game Third-Team All-American, becoming the first Rainbow Warrior to earn All-America honors since 2020 and the first following a full season since 2011.

Magdaleno is just the second UH player to receive Perfect Game All-America recognition and the 18th Rainbow Warrior all-time to earn All-America honors from a major college baseball organization.

The Los Angeles native finished his junior season among the nation’s leaders in several categories, ranking fifth in WHIP (0.92), sixth in hits allowed per nine innings (5.38) and 13th in ERA (2.36). He recorded a 7-5 record with 116 strikeouts over 95.1 innings in 15 starts.

Magdaleno was dominant down the stretch, posting a 0.83 ERA over the final month of the season and throwing two complete-game, one-hit shutouts. He also earned First-Team All-Big West and ABCA (American Baseball Coaches Association) Second-Team All-West Region honors after recording a 1.47 ERA in conference play.

His performance helped lead a UH pitching staff that finished the regular season ranked third nationally and first in the Big West with a 3.44 team ERA.

Two University of �鶹��ý at Hilo baseball student-athletes have been named to the 2026 College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District Team, recognizing their combined success in academics and athletics.

Junior communication majors Noah Darnell of Phoenix, Arizona, and Hunter Gatti of Riverton, Utah, earned the honor for the 2026 season.

The CSC Academic All-District program recognizes student-athletes who maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.50 or higher while making significant contributions to their team’s success during the season.

Academic All-District honorees advance to the national CSC Academic All-America ballot, where student-athletes are considered for additional recognition based on their academic and athletic achievements.

For more information, visit the .

University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� junior pitcher Isaiah Magdaleno has been named to the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) Second-Team All-West Region team following a standout 2026 season.

Magdaleno is the first Rainbow Warrior pitcher to earn all-region honors since 2018 and the first UH player recognized since 2024.

The right-hander finished the season with a 2.36 ERA, 116 strikeouts and a 0.92 WHIP across 95.1 innings, ranking among the nation’s leaders in multiple pitching categories. He was especially dominant late in the season, posting a 0.83 ERA in May and throwing two complete-game, one-hit shutouts.

A First-Team All-Big West selection, Magdaleno recorded a 1.47 ERA in conference play and became the first player since 2018 to earn three consecutive Big West Pitcher of the Week honors.

After moving from closer to Friday-night starter, Magdaleno helped lead UH ����ԴDz� pitching staff that finished the regular season ranked third nationally with a 3.44 team ERA.

Thousands of travelers pass through Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport every day, but few may realize the vibrant mural in Lobby Four welcoming them was created by a recent University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� graduate balancing double majors, cheerleading and a dream project years in the making.

Just weeks after graduating with degrees in and , (CALL) graduate Rachel Radona is already leaving her mark on �鶹��ý through a large-scale mural installation celebrating aloha, community and island life.

“It was definitely an ‘oh my gosh’ moment,” Radona said. “This is crazy.”

The opportunity came after Radona completed one of her early mural projects at the UH Federal Credit Union branch in Kapolei. Soon after, she received a call about a possible airport mural project from people who had been following her work.

Although several artists were considered through a selective process, Radona’s vision stood out. Her mural centers around plumeria flowers, symbolizing �鶹��ý’s welcoming spirit and lei-giving tradition.

“The whole lobby theme was about flowers and aloha,” she said. “People associate plumeria with giving and receiving lei, and that’s what the airport is all about.”

Aloha through art

Known for her graffiti-style art, Radona adapted her style to fit the project’s vibrant Hawaiian aesthetic while still bringing her own creative vision to life.

“I really wanted to embrace the feeling of getting a fresh lei,” she said. “The flowers are just so bright, and you can vividly smell everything and feel all of the aloha and mālama (care) that was put into making it.”

While completing the mural, Radona balanced the project alongside two majors and UH ����ԴDz� cheerleading. Still, she said the experience never felt like work.

“It honestly wasn’t that challenging when you love what you’re doing,” she said.

Now, as thousands of travelers pass through the airport, Radona hopes the mural reminds people that �鶹��ý’s true beauty comes from its people.

— by Willow Hutchison

Taren Bouwman and Landon Wong, researchers in the University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa (CTAHR), have been named 2026 ARCS Scholars by the Achievement Rewards for College Scientists Foundation’s Honolulu chapter. This award honors outstanding U.S. citizens pursuing higher education in STEM fields.

Green energy, climate solutions

Bouwman is exploring ways to create a microscopic net that traps algae in the sea and harvests them for energy. His work earned him the H. Keith and Sue Ernst ARCS Award.

In CTAHR’s Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, Bouwman looks into the relationships between marine algae and earth-bound fungi to overcome a roadblock in the green energy sector: the steep cost of harvesting biofuels, a promising energy source.

“More than half of the cost of biofuel from algae comes from trying to filter the algae out of the water,” Bouwman said. “Fungi can act as a cheap bio-filter to capture the algae so we can extract them together as an energy-rich fuel source.”

Protecting �Ჹ�ɲ���ʻ��’s coffee industry

In CTAHR’s Department of Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences, Wong was awarded the Helen Jones Farrar ARCS award in Tropical Plant Pathology and the Dr. Jacqueline Maly ARCS Scholar of the Year award for his research on the taxonomy of coffee root-knot nematodes. This tiny, destructive pest is devastating coffee production across �鶹��ý Island, Central and South America.

Wong’s project clarified the true identity of the Kona coffee root-knot nematode (tiny pest) (Meloidogyne konaensis) by incorporating genetic, physical and protein-based testing. Wong’s work determined Meloidogyne konaensis is widely distributed across the coffee-growing regions of Central and South America.

“Traditional diagnostic procedures could take over two months,” Wong said. “This research has facilitated a faster identification method to protect local coffee growers from this pest and allow regulators to accurately screen and identify the nematode pest at ports of entry and in field samples in under a day using a simple genetic test.”

He also discovered a new species of root-knot nematode in Brazil, Meloidogyne pseudokonaensis, named for its similarity and previously mistaken identity as Meloidogyne konaensis.

Spring 2026 graduates of the (GES) undergraduate program at the University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa took with them a bachelor’s degree and real-world, hands-on experiences with research that benefits communities and ecosystems in �鶹��ý and far beyond.

Through the GES program in the at the UH Mānoa (SOEST), students including Makana Andrade and Micah Soriano, engaged in original research, wrote a senior thesis and presented their findings at a research symposium.

“I congratulate all our spring graduates on successfully completing their required faculty-mentored thesis experience,” said Michael Guidry, chair of the GES Program. “As with all our GES graduates and their thesis work, Makana’s and Micah’s findings demonstrate how the research efforts of UH Mānoa undergraduates provide new insights and solutions to important issues and train the next generation of problem solvers.”

Makana Andrade

Andrade was born and raised on Oʻahu, �鶹��ý. During his second year of transfer to UH Mānoa, he started working on his thesis with his mentor, Travis Idol, associate professor in the in the UH Mānoa . His thesis focused on the response of Acacia koaia, a tree endemic to �鶹��ý, to nursery practices done on similar species, specifically Acacia koa. Andrade’s study examined koaiʻa’s growth patterns from seed to seedling to determine its preferred soil type, nutrient uptake, and watering requirements, in an effort to ensure they are readily available for population revitalization.

After graduation, Andrade hopes to continue pursuing his passion for the conservation of Hawaiian endemic species and working in the wilderness.

Micah Soriano

As a GES student with a passion for chemistry, Soriano reached out to SOEST oceanography professor Nick Hawco and joined the Hawco Lab the summer after his sophomore year. Since then, Soriano has helped with various projects, gaining valuable experience. For his senior research thesis, Soriano explored how vitamin B12 availability in the Southern Ocean limits how effectively diatoms, a type of phytoplankton, can process and use essential metals for growth.

After graduation, he plans to work for a year or two before continuing his academic studies.

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Growing up on Rapa Nui, Noah Paoa spent his summers camping by the shore, bodyboarding, and exploring the island’s landscape with his family. A pivotal moment occurred in 2010 when, at 15 years old, a massive earthquake in Chile triggered a tsunami warning for the island. Paoa watched the shoreline recede so far it seemed as if the ocean had never been there. This experience highlighted how closely life on an island is tied to the forces of the sea, eventually guiding him toward a historic academic milestone.

Graduating with the University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa in May, Paoa earned a landmark achievement as the first Rapa Nui person to go through the Rapa Nui school system and earn a doctoral degree. While he is careful to honor those who paved the way, Paoa’s degree in from the UH Mānoa (SOEST) is significant personally and for his community.

“Earning this degree is an honor for me, but it is also the reflection of all the work that Rapa Nui people have done so that Rapa Nui students would have the tools to pursue advanced studies,” Paoa said. “I see myself as a testament and example for future Rapa Nui students and perhaps for students of other small island communities.”

Assessing sea level rise threats

Chip Fletcher, professor and dean of SOEST, served as Paoa’s advisor for both his master’s and doctoral degrees. Fletcher said Paoa brought an extraordinary combination of determination, discipline and insight to his graduate work.

“Noah has an incredible work ethic and a rare intuition for coastal science,” Fletcher said. “He has the ability to see both the physical processes shaping island shorelines and the deeper cultural meaning of what is at stake. His research reflects years of hard work, careful thinking, and a deep commitment to serving Rapa Nui and other island communities.”

His doctoral research addresses the , such as ceremonial sites, ancestral landscapes and sacred places.

“Most climate research focuses on impacts to infrastructure and ecosystems, but I wanted to show that coastal cultural heritage is just as vulnerable, and that losing these sites would be more than an archaeological loss, it could result in disruption to cultural identity and continuity,” Paoa said.

Cultural pride and responsibility

Growing up with a Rapa Nui father and a German mother who dedicated part of her life to preserving the Rapa Nui language, Paoa grew up surrounded by both cultural pride and a recognition of the responsibility that comes with preserving language, knowledge and identity. He felt a frustration with the island’s extractive academic past, where outside researchers often benefited their own careers without providing tangible benefits to the local people.

“My research provides new modeling tools and regional datasets to support heritage preservation and climate adaptation planning, but I’ve tried to be clear that what I have produced is to inform management and planning, and that decisions must ultimately be guided by descendant communities and grounded in their own cultural protocols,” Paoa shared.

By pursuing earth sciences, beginning as an undergraduate student at the University of Oregon, Paoa found a way to link geological processes to issues that affect his home island.

“I hope this work inspires future generations of Rapa Nui to pursue scientific paths of their own, helping ensure that research on our island increasingly reflects our own voices, perspectives, and priorities,” said Paoa. “This degree isn’t only mine, it belongs to everyone who made the path possible, and my responsibility now is to carry what I’ve learned back home and put it to use for Rapa Nui.”

–By Marcie Grabowski

The University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� honored outstanding cadets during its annual awards ceremony on May 7, recognizing achievement, leadership and dedication throughout the academic year.

About 20 cadets from the battalion’s 132 members received awards for demonstrating excellence in academics, military training, community service and leadership. The recognition reflects the program’s ongoing commitment to developing future Army officers and leaders.

“These awards celebrate more than individual achievements; they recognize the teamwork our cadets demonstrated over the past two semesters,” said Patrick Kelley, professor of military science. “I am proud of them and excited to witness them transform into the next generation of America’s leaders.”

UH President Wendy Hensel attended the ceremony and congratulated cadets for their leadership, discipline and commitment to service.

“I am incredibly proud of our UH ����ԴDz� ROTC program and its 112-year legacy of developing generations of servant-minded cadets and officers,” Hensel said. “Keep leading the way. Ikaika Imua (Go forward with strength)!”

Warrior Battalion leaders expressed appreciation for cadre, families, alumni and supporters whose mentorship and encouragement help cadets succeed on campus and in military training.

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Five University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa baseball players have been named College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District honorees, recognizing a combination of excellence on the diamond and in the classroom: Senior John Alkire II, juniors Tate Shimao and Tsubasa Tomii, and sophomores Grant Garman and Jake Redding.

The five Academic All-District selections set a new UH Mānoa baseball program record for a single season. The award recognizes the nation’s top student-athletes for their combined performances in athletic competition and in the classroom.

These five honorees were instrumental in helping the Rainbow Warriors finish fourth in the Big West regular season standings and qualify for the conference postseason tournament. UH is the only school in the conference to finish in the top five of the league each of the last five seasons.

Alkire II, Garman and Tomii all provided vital innings on the mound for a UH pitching staff that ranks No. 3 nationally with a 3.44 ERA, while Redding anchored the defense behind the plate and Shimao paced the offensive attack.

For more on the honorees, .

A University of �鶹��ý (IfA) alumnus has been recognized for helping tackle one of the biggest mysteries in modern astronomy.

Gagandeep Anand, a senior staff scientist at the Space Telescope Science Institute, was named the 2026 Outstanding Young Scientist (OYS) by the Maryland Science Center during its annual STEM awards ceremony on April 29. The award honors rising professionals making major contributions in science, education and research.

Examining a Hubble mystery

Anand earned both his master’s degree and PhD in astronomy from IfA. He studies nearby galaxies to better understand how the universe has evolved throughout time. Much of his work focuses on the “Hubble tension,” an ongoing scientific mystery involving conflicting measurements of how fast the universe is expanding.

Doug Simons, director of IfA, said Anand’s achievement reflects the institute’s broader mission.

“Gagandeep’s recognition speaks directly to the mission of the Institute for Astronomy, to advance world-leading research while training the next generation of scientists,” Simons said. “We are proud to see one of our alumni making important contributions to understanding the universe.”

Honoring emerging STEM leaders

The OYS award honors academic professionals age 35 or younger. Honorees are selected by members of the Maryland Science Center’s Scientific and Education Advisory Council.

“The Maryland Science Center inspires curiosity and exploration, and shares the process and joys of the scientific process,” said Mark J. Potter, president and CEO of the Maryland Science Center. “Anand is well deserving of this prestigious award and serves as a role model for others pursuing work, education, and careers in science.”

The University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz�’s selected four graduate students as recipients of the , which support original research and creative projects using the library’s archival and special collections.

This year’s scholars represent the fields of linguistics, natural resources and environmental management and history. Their projects explore topics including Micronesian languages, trans-Pacific ethnobiological knowledge, public health in modern China and the early development of Japanese aviation.

The 2026 scholarship recipients are:

• Kelsey Bialo, a linguistics doctoral student, for the project “Exploring Minor Syllables and Sesquisyllabicity in Micronesian languages”
• Kelsie Kuniyoshi, a natural resources and environmental management doctoral student, for the project “Pilina Inoa: An Exploration of Trans-Pacific Ethnobiological Knowledge Through the Samuel Elbert Collection”
• SeungHyeon Pyo, a history doctoral student, for the project “Hijacking the Invisible Hand: The Language of Markets and Corporate Incubation of Early Japanese Aviation”
• Sijian Wang, a history doctoral student, for the project “Living with Toxicity: Chemical Disinfectants in China, 1910–1950”

Open to students from any discipline and level of study, the Library Treasures program encourages the use of archival materials, rare collections, maps, manuscripts, government documents, audiovisual resources and digital collections housed at Hamilton Library.

have examined topics connected to �鶹��ý, the Pacific, Asia and global history and culture using collections such as the �鶹��ý Sugar Plantation Archives, Tahitian newspapers and Okinawan magazines.

Scholarship recipients will present their work during a public event in the fall.

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Five members of the earned recognition for excellence both on the field and in the classroom, earning 2026 College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District honors.

Junior shortstop Milan Ah Yat, sophomore pitcher Taryn Irimata, junior infielder Jamie McGaughey, senior infielder Carys Murakami and senior pitcher Hannah Pitts were all recognized for combining strong academic achievement with standout athletic performances during the 2026 season. To qualify, student-athletes must maintain at least a 3.5 cumulative grade-point average while also meeting competition requirements.

The group helped lead the Rainbow Wahine to a successful season that included multiple all-conference and regional honors. Irimata was named Big West Pitcher of the Year after posting one of the league’s top pitching performances, while McGaughey paced the team offensively and earned all-region recognition. Ah Yat, Murakami and Pitts also played key leadership roles throughout the season.

Beyond athletics and academics, the student-athletes were also active in community service efforts across �鶹��ý and their hometowns. Their volunteer work included food distribution, environmental cleanups, youth sports coaching and support for local families and kūpuna.

McGaughey was also selected as a CSC Academic All-America finalist, advancing to the national ballot.

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The Honolulu Community College student club, Hawaii Advanced Technology Society (HATS), placed fourth nationally in the 2026 National Cyber League Competition (NCL). They vied against more than 3,700 university teams from two-year and four-year institutions across the country.

“Working through real-world challenges alongside teammates teaches you things you can’t fully get from a classroom alone, how to trust each other, think under pressure, and grow as a team,” HATS President Nicholas Anich said. “I’m proud of how we performed, and even prouder of the community HATS has built: a group of students who genuinely show up for one another.”

The NCL Competition held in April challenged participants with cybersecurity scenarios, testing essential skills for the IT and cybersecurity workforce. The HATS team was composed of students from Honolulu CC’s Computing, Security & Networking Technologies (CSNT) program, along with CSNT alumni now attending the University of Hawaiʻi–West Oahu.

“NCL was a great competition to hone and apply the skills I’ve picked up both inside and outside of the classroom,” Anich said. “HATS, the club that competes in events like this, has truly been one of the most rewarding parts of my time at Honolulu CC.”

Years of work

He credited mentors Gerome Catbagan, Jayson Hayworth and Bradley Ramos for their support. Former HATS president Jordan Yamaguchi said the placement was a result of years of effort.

“As the former HATS president, participating in this NCL competition felt like the culmination of all of our current and former HATS members’ hard work,” Yamaguchi said. “We spent several semesters together learning about the different categories in the competition and working out different techniques we could use to help us score higher, so placing fourth in the nation feels incredibly rewarding.”

In 2025, the team earned second place in the At-Large Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition, part of the national Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (CCDC) program. Through competitions such as NCL and CCDC, Honolulu CC students continue to gain hands-on experience while bringing recognition to the college on a national stage.

—By Amelia Oldham

After claiming a third straight Big West title and NCAA tournament appearance, four members of the were named to the Association of Collegiate Water Polo Coaches (ACWPC) Division I All-America teams for the 2026 season, the organization announced May 21.

Sophomore attacker Agatha Weston earned ACWPC All-America Second-Team honors, while junior goalkeeper Daisy Logtens, sophomore attacker Ema Vernoux, and freshman utility Ariadna Temprano Xambó received All-America honorable mention recognition.

With this season’s selections, UH Mānoa has featured at least one All-American in all 29 seasons since the program’s inception in 1998. The Rainbow Wahine have produced at least four All-Americans in each of the last three seasons.

UH Mānoa finished 16-6 in head coach James Robinson’s second year at the helm, sweeping the Big West regular-season and tournament crowns for a third year in a row. The ‘Bows went undefeated in conference play and extended their winning streak against Big West competition to 29 consecutive victories dating back to 2024. UH Mānoa concluded its season at the National Collegiate Women’s Water Polo Championship in La Jolla, California, securing three consecutive NCAA bids for the first time in program history.

For more on the awardees, .

The University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� (NROTC) recognized excellence in leadership, academics and service during its 2026 Annual Awards Ceremony held April 28. The event honored outstanding midshipmen, civilian staff and active-duty personnel whose contributions supported the battalion’s success throughout the academic year.

Among the key honorees, Lt. Liam Gregory received the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for exceptional instruction and mentorship as the unit’s Navy instructor.

Civilian staff Jaime Silva Velez and Alexander Mangiliman were recognized with Civilian Service Achievement Medals. Silva Velez was named Junior Civilian of the Year for his dedication to supporting a 100% commissioning rate, while Mangiliman earned Senior Civilian of the Year for overseeing supply and logistics operations supporting more than 100 midshipmen.

Midshipmen received a range of national and local awards recognizing leadership, academic excellence, military aptitude, community service and commitment to Navy and Marine Corps values. Top honors included the Chief of Naval Operations Distinguished Midshipman Graduate Award, presented to Midshipman Ethan Dome, and the Navy League Honolulu Council Midshipman of the Year Award, presented to Midshipman Megan Foreman along with a $1,500 scholarship.

The ceremony concluded with remarks from Commanding Officer Capt. P. V. Bandini and the traditional playing of “Anchors Aweigh” and the Marines’ Hymn.

When Dersel Bonai walked the stage to receive his Master of Landscape Architecture from the University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa on May 16, he carried the pride of his ancestors. A Pacific Islander from West Papua, Bonai became the first person in his native tribe’s family lineage to earn a master’s degree.

“Being the first person in my Bonai family lineage within my tribe to earn a master’s degree means this achievement is not only for myself, but also for my ancestors, family, community, and future generations of my tribe,” Bonai said. “It reminds me that education can create new opportunities while still staying connected to my culture and identity.”

A humorous detour

Bonai’s journey to UH Mānoa featured a humorous detour. He originally earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Rhode Island, choosing the school partly because its name suggested an island environment similar to his home. Instead, he discovered freezing winters and a culture vastly different from West Papua. Seeking an environment closer to his Pacific Island heritage, Bonai, who was also active with and lived at the East-West Center, joined UH Mānoa’s School of Architecture in 2024. �鶹��ý provided the familiar plants, landscape elements, and cultural traditions he had been missing.

Designing for healing

At UH Mānoa, Bonai focused on the intersections between land, culture, and community. His capstone project, “Designing for Healing—Cultural Revival, Ecological Restoration and Human Well-Being in West Papuan and Hawaiian Landscapes,” proposed a new design language rooted in collective well-being. Applying this to sites on Oʻahu and his home island of Yapen, West Papua, Bonai argued that healing landscapes are spaces to reconnect with traditions, land and people.

Meet more amazing UH graduates

“To me, healing means rebuilding relationships between people, land, culture and traditional knowledge,” Bonai said. “Healing can happen through simple everyday experiences, such as spending time outdoors, practicing traditions like hula in �鶹��ý or the yospan in West Papua, working in the loʻi, or reconnecting with cultural knowledge or even just listening to the stories of our ancestral lands.”

Community connection

Since January 2025, Bonai served as a graduate student project assistant on Professor Judith Stilgenbauer’s design research team, contributing to the “Olowalu: The Road to Resilience” project with The Nature Conservancy. Engaging with the West Maui community reinforced his belief that community well-being is deeply tied to environmental health.

“Working with the community in West Maui helped me see that land is more than a physical place. It carries stories, identity, traditions, and memories,” Bonai said.

Looking ahead, Bonai plans to bring his Indigenous knowledge into his future work as a landscape architect, hoping to empower Indigenous communities and protect ecological systems across the Pacific and around the world.

The Frances Davis Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching for a faculty member and a graduate assistant recognizes dedication and demonstrated excellence as teachers of undergraduate students. It was established as a memorial to the late Frances Davis, who taught mathematics at Leeward Community College and the University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa for 19 years.

Elisabeth “Lis” Gallant

Elisabeth “Lis” Gallant is an assistant professor of geology at the University of �鶹��ý Hilo. She teaches volcanology the way �鶹��ý demands it be taught—with one foot in science and the other firmly planted in the communities that live alongside active volcanoes.

Since joining UH Hilo in 2023, she has revamped UH Hilo’s volcanology course offerings, using everything from M&Ms to knit fabrics to bring magma chambers and rock textures to life. Her students practice translating vog forecasts for civil defense officials, Volcano Village kupuna, and first-time tourists—learning that good science means nothing if people can’t use it.

Drawing on her work co-leading the national GeoSPACE accessible field camp, Gallant has made UH Hilo’s field courses more inclusive, ensuring students of every ability can do real fieldwork. She mentors undergraduates into published research with the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and leads community talks during Volcano Awareness Month.

Student Steven Hammes said Gallant is “easily in the highest tier” of the dozens of instructors he has had across multiple colleges and universities, with a special ability to bring students of diverse learning styles, backgrounds and challenges to the same high standards of content mastery.

Ariel Gruenthal-Rankin

Ariel Gruenthal-Rankin is an assistant professor of anthropology in the division of social sciences at the University of �鶹��ý–West Oʻahu, and serves as the director of the Applied Forensic Anthropology Certificate. Gruenthal-Rankin is a forensic anthropologist for the state of �鶹��ý, whose research explores how forensics can better account for people often overlooked by medicolegal systems.

She is particularly passionate about the integration of critical social theory and community-facing work in forensic anthropology. Gruenthal-Rankin honed her teaching and mentorship pedagogy over 14 years of teaching in STEM, both in classrooms and in field environments. Her philosophy emphasizes sharing mutual respect, harnessing the excitement of learning, and allowing students to have a say in how classes are shaped.

According to the UH West Oʻahu Teaching Awards Committee, students describe Gruenthal-Rankin as kind, thoughtful and highly engaging, with many highlighting her positive, enjoyable learning environment. Committee members noted that Gruenthal-Rankin’s “qualities reflect a sustained and exceptional commitment to effective, inclusive, and impactful teaching.”

Lolita Pérez-Ayala

Lolita Pérez-Ayala is a PhD candidate in the communication and information sciences interdisciplinary program in the College of Social Sciences at UH Mānoa. Committed to connecting theory to real-world contexts and fostering inclusive participation, she integrates sociotechnical research with organizational and business examples to promote applied learning and student agency.

Her courses examine the design and effects of information technologies and explore organizational and cross-cultural communication through real-world analysis. She gathers student feedback early and engages students in collaborative activities that apply course concepts to organizational cases. These practices encourage problem solving and move students beyond content mastery toward applied, reflective learning.

A nominator said, “Lolita possesses a remarkable ability to translate her expertise into meaningful learning experiences. She demonstrates exceptional skill in engaging students and fostering deep learning. Her courses are well organized and integrate a number of innovative tools to engage students. Lolita fosters critical thinking and bridges the gap between theories and real world experiences.”

Pérez-Ayala emphasizes student agency in selecting organizations or causes aligned with their interests, resulting in engagement with a wide range of local nonprofits, cultural institutions and businesses.

Shawn Sumiki

Shawn Sumiki is the culinary arts coordinator at �鶹��ý Community College. He was born and raised in Hilo, �鶹��ý, and is a 1996 graduate of the �鶹��ý CC culinary arts program. After gaining experience in the culinary industry, he returned to his alma mater in 2006 as a lecturer, bringing a strong commitment to both his craft and his students.

In his current role, he mentors and guides students as they develop the skills and discipline needed for successful careers in the culinary field.

“Chef Shawn is truly in love with what he does, and it shows in every aspect of his work,” said student Amanda Klunk. “His passion for cooking, his dedication to feeding people, and his commitment to taking care of others are truly inspiring.”

Sumiki’s dedication to teaching and service has been recognized with the Outstanding Lecturer Award (2012–13), the Chancellor’s Award for Outstanding Service (2019), and the Regents’ Medal for Excellence in Teaching (2022–23).

Student Casey Chow said he looks forward to the week more than the weekend due to the nurturing environment and Sumiki’s encouragement.

Lisa M. Vallin

Lisa Vallin is an instructor in the Department of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies in the College of Social Sciences at UH Mānoa. Her work centers on creating inclusive, engaging and socially relevant learning environments in sexuality studies.

With more than 15 years of teaching experience, she brings a research-informed and intentional approach, emphasizing critical thinking, cultural awareness and student-centered learning. Her classroom fosters a strong sense of community where students feel seen, affirmed and supported in exploring complex and often sensitive topics with curiosity and respect.

Through innovative assignments, community partnerships and guest speakers, students connect theory to practice and engage issues such as reproductive justice and HIV advocacy. Vallin is known for her approachable teaching style and commitment to equity and inclusion, helping students become informed and engaged community members.

“Lisa Vallin is a phenomenal professor. Every day, she had us all in the palm of her hand, completely enveloped in her presentations,” said a student. “I wish I could take a class of hers every semester. I have recommended her classes to everyone I can because everyone can benefit from learning from her and exploring the topics taught in her courses.”

Brian Yamamoto

Brian Yamamoto is a professor of natural sciences at Kauaʻi Community College. For more than 40 years, he has embodied the spirit of Frances Davis, an inspired teacher dedicated to sharing knowledge with undergraduates in natural sciences. Throughout his decades of service at Kauaʻi CC, his passion has never waned—whether in the lab, the field, meeting with a student or teaching at high schools.

His commitment to undergraduate excellence is evidenced by the robust success of the Academic Subject Certificate (ASC) in Hawaiian Botany. Through Yamamoto’s leadership, 46 early college students have successfully earned their ASC in Hawaiian Botany since 2022. He has a unique ability to connect botany to students’ lived experiences, such as helping Native Hawaiian students apply botanical knowledge directly to their own lōʻi (taro patch).

Yamamoto has said, “One must be willing to get dirty, feel the wind at your back, and explore with your senses wide open. Let nature be the teacher. Nature will always present the truth, we just need to interpret it correctly.”

A former student said, “His classes were the highlight of my college experience.” That student now aspires to become a teacher, because Yamamoto made learning so engaging.

The University of �鶹��ý at ��ā�ԴDz�’s Fashion Design and Merchandising (FDM) program reached its diamond jubilee with its 60th annual fashion exhibition, “Kaleido: Fragmented Illusions.” Held at the UH ��ā�ԴDz�’s Campus Center Ballroom, the event showcased the technical skill and creative vision of student designers from the , emphasizing a future built on collaborative innovation and collective action.

Seven senior designers created their MINI collections, along with their videographies, and small, box-like, decorative booths to present their collections before walking the Kaleidoscopic runway.

Student to leader

Leading the production was senior designer Latisha Tong, whose personal journey mirrors the transformations on the runway. She served as production lead and president of the FDM student club, Stole Society, managing the progress of her peers while developing her own senior collection. Her designs, inspired by botanical growth, transitioned from “seed and soil” to a “sprout” and finally an “upside-down flower.”

This four-look progression served as a metaphor for her evolution from a student who knew nothing of sewing to a confident leader. Through this high-pressure role, Tong learned that true leadership involves advocating for others and accepting that sometimes, things don’t go as planned.

Technical rigor

The exhibition also showed the technical rigor required to move from concept to garment. Senior designer Roshini Joshua Monkin created a collection about the elegance of a wedding day by elevating simple garments into sophisticated wedding attire.

Senior designer Elliana Abcede highlighted four princess looks as her own dreams inspired by her cultural roots in the Philippines. With dual roles as a senior designer and the exhibition’s audio-visual manager, she managed venue logistics, noting that the road to the final show is paved with trial and error. Reflecting on her growth since 2023, Elliana shared that the program taught her to embrace failure as a necessary step toward success. Her advice to future students is to stay focused, as the technical demands of the exhibition prepare them for the professional world.

Amalia Pangelinan will graduate in May 2026 with her Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� , but in her final month of the program, Super Typhoon Sinlaku shifted her focus from academic preparation to disaster response in her home community of Saipan.

As the storm caused widespread damage across the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), disrupting power, communication, transportation and access to services, Pangelinan balanced completing her culminating internship with immediate community needs unfolding around her.

The first Saipan-based student in the Thompson School Department of Social Workʻs distance education MSW pathway, Pangelinan had been completing her field placement at the Commonwealth Healthcare Center when the typhoon struck on April 14. In its aftermath, she adapted her internship to support disaster relief efforts with World Central Kitchen, which provides meals in emergency response settings worldwide. She supported food distribution efforts for residents across Saipan and nearby islands during the recovery efforts.

As social workers, we are taught to meet communities where they are.
—Amalia Pangelinan

“As social workers, we are taught to meet communities where they are,” Pangelinan said. “This experience reminded me that social work is not only about providing services—it is about showing up for your community when people need one another most.”

“Amalia’s ability to continue moving forward academically while simultaneously supporting disaster relief efforts in her own community reflects the resilience, leadership, and relational accountability that are foundational to social work practice across the Pacific,” said Theresa Kreif, director of the Pacific Partnerships and Workforce Development Initiatives. “Our students are often balancing family, community, work and cultural responsibilities while pursuing higher education. In moments of crisis, they do not step away from community—they step further into service.”

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Critical need for locally rooted professionals

Pangelinan’s experience highlights the importance of locally rooted behavioral health and social service professionals across the Pacific region. Through the UH ����ԴDz� online MSW pathway, students in the U.S.-Affiliated Pacific Islands—including Guam, the CNMI, American Samoa, the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau and the Republic of the Marshall Islands—can pursue graduate education while remaining embedded in their home communities.

That local presence is especially critical during disasters, when outside support may be delayed and culturally grounded responses are essential.

Despite the disruption, Pangelinan completed her degree requirements while continuing to serve her community, preparing to join the social work workforce grounded in place, culture and service.