A sophomore has returned from Antarctica after serving as the only participant from �鶹��ý and the United States on a global expedition focused on protecting the continent beyond 2041.

“It’s one of those places that genuinely shows that we don’t need to go in, and we don’t need to find and exploit things for everything that they have.” — Eric Gee

Eric Pōmaikaʻi Gee, an and major in the , with a minor in in the , was one of two Villars Institute Fellows selected for the , a two-week mission that took place in December 2025. The expedition brought young leaders, educators and scientists to Union Glacier Camp, a research and logistics hub deep within Antarctica.

“Antarctica serves as a symbol of hope,” Gee said. “That’s the way I’ve started to see it because in Antarctica, no one has any claim over any territory there. Everyone on Earth owns it. It’s one of those places that genuinely shows that we don’t need to go in, and we don’t need to find and exploit things for everything that they have.”

Led by polar explorer Robert Swan, the expedition centered on strengthening global awareness of Antarctica’s importance to Earth’s climate system. According to the Villars Institute, the continent holds roughly 70% of the world’s freshwater in its ice sheets and plays a critical role in regulating global temperatures, ocean circulation and sea levels.

For Gee, one of the most striking observations came from the temperatures. The team prepared for conditions near -10°F. Instead, temperatures climbed to around 30°F on some days, underscoring the effects of a changing climate. Gee also noted that a thinning ozone layer over Antarctica resulted in higher levels of ultraviolet radiation, requiring additional precautions by the team, as well as adapting to 24 hours of straight sunlight during this time of year.

“You have to wear a specific amount of layers,” Gee said. “If you wear too many layers, you overheat and when you overheat you start to sweat. The moment you sweat, you’re not in a good spot because that sweat will very quickly drop your body temperature and I witnessed that the hard way on some of our excursions.”

Antarctica research, education

Throughout the mission, Gee—a Waikōloa native and graduate of Kealakehe High School—and the international team connected live with classrooms around the world, marking the first real-time educational broadcast from Antarctica. Participants collaborated on scientific activities, including environmental DNA sampling, and tested renewable energy and storage systems designed to function in extreme polar conditions. The work highlighted that research in Antarctica can be powered by renewable energy rather than fossil fuels.

Gee’s inspiration

“I’ve always been passionate about learning how things within our world react and how renewable energy and environmental sustainability play a factor into our day-to-day lives,” Gee said. “My inspiration for that came from being on �鶹��ý Island, and just seeing [how] the valleys of Waimea and Kawaihae used to be green when I was growing up, and serious drought turned them dark brown.”

A key focus of the expedition was the Antarctic Treaty, which designates the continent as a natural reserve devoted to scientific research, peace, and prohibits mining and commercial exploitation. Its environmental protections are at risk beginning in 2041, when the treaty is up for review, making international conversations and public awareness about preserving one of Earth’s last untouched areas all the more urgent.

Sharing your story

Gee launched @theantarcticdiary on Instagram and encourages young people to get involved.

After returning to �鶹��ý, Gee will begin sharing lessons from the expedition through school visits, community presentations and public outreach, extending UH Mānoa’s role in global climate education, youth leadership and environmental stewardship. He recently founded a platform called “The Antarctic Diary,” to share his reflections from Antarctica, and to encourage other young people to share their story and establish mutual connections from around the globe.

“I feel like as a young person and as young people, it is sometimes hard to feel like you really have an impact and that your voice can really hold meaning. It can feel like you’re listened to but not heard, and I feel like that’s what I experienced my entire life,” Gee said. “That’s why I’m proud to announce the launch of my program called The Antarctic Diary.”

UH impact

Gee, who studied abroad in Florence, Italy for his freshman spring semester through the UH Mānoa Study Abroad Center, called UH “an extraordinary university.”

“We have many incredible programs and educators who care deeply about their students and our state. I’m thankful for my classes, and the professors and our administration have worked with me to help me make the most of my opportunities, both in and outside of UH,” Gee said. “The access to different study abroad programs is something I encourage every single student to utilize and take advantage of. I have a lot of interests and commitments, and it means a lot to have the support of the university as I pursue them.”

Seven students are studying abroad this semester with the help of scholarships that are expanding their academic and career paths in Japan, South Korea, Spain, Australia and New Zealand. Each of them wrote to Carolina Lam, director of , to share how the experience is shaping their studies, goals and sense of possibility.

“It took the financial burden that I was worried about off my shoulders and in turn, allow[ed] me to focus on my studies,” said Linguistics major Mila Davis, studying in Japan. “I think studying abroad will be a beneficial experience to have for a lot of careers.”

Cassie Gault, majoring in tropical agroecology and studying in Australia, said the scholarship gives her room to focus on academics, extracurriculars and personal growth. When she returns, she hopes to mentor students who want to go abroad but feel overwhelmed by the process.

In Japan, Kensuke Panek is studying English and Japanese studies, building connections with students and faculty. He hopes to help strengthen ties between UH Hilo and Meiji University.

Hawaiian studies and political science major Ku Quanan is studying abroad for the first time. She sees this step as a turning point for her confidence and hopes more local students will see global education as possible for them, too.

Business major Rachael Rush is immersed in life and coursework in Madrid, gaining skills she hopes to use in international business.

In Aotearoa (New Zealand), Kahiau Snyder is exploring the connections between ʻōlelo �鶹��ý (Hawaiian language) and te reo Māori (Māori language).

“This scholarship helped me study in Aotearoa and learn mātauranga (Māori knowledge) that I will carry with me throughout my undergraduate and graduate studies in ʻōlelo �鶹��ý (Hawaiian language) and linguistics.”

Royce Ken Yasutake, studying in Japan, plans to use his growing Japanese language skills in the tourism industry and share practical advice with future participants.

A big benefit of the study abroad program is that students pay UH Hilo tuition when they are abroad and then come home with newfound knowledge and experience to finish their degree program.

For more go to .

—By Susan Enright

The University of ����ԴDz� Campus Center Ballroom transformed into a colorful hub of games, workshops and music on November 7, as more than 800 people gathered for Nippon Culture Day. The annual event, hosted by the Department of (EALL), offered a full day of hands-on activities highlighting Japanese language, art and community traditions.

Attendees moved from table to table, trying everything from calligraphy and gift-wrapping to traditional Japanese card games such as hanafuda and karuta. Students practiced koto (Japanese string instrument) and sanshin (Okinawan string instrument), folded intricate origami and tested their skills at manga (comic book) character drawing and katakana (character) recognition game. Members of the Japanese Culture Club also supported a station, helping guests of all ages jump in.

“Our department has long been engaged in the study of Japan,” said Hiromi Uchida, a Japanese language instructor. “We see this event as a valuable opportunity for both learning and community building, and we hope to continue making Nippon Culture Day an exciting and enjoyable experience for all students and the community.”

Traditions up close

Nippon is the Japanese word for Japan. Culture-focused workshops ran throughout the morning and afternoon. Visitors sat for abacus lessons, learned the basics of ikebana (flower arrangement) in small-group sessions and experienced the quiet focus of a tea ceremony inside Jaku’an, the campus tea house.

Information tables connected students with academic and professional opportunities tied to Japan. Representatives from UH ����ԴDz�’s (COS), , Japanese Exchange and Teaching Program and spoke with attendees about travel and study opportunities. Japan Airlines also provided details about career tracks.

As the afternoon continued, the event shifted to live performances featuring koto and sanshin demonstrations. The day ended with a bon dance, inviting everyone to celebrate together.

Nippon Culture Day is co-sponsored by the UH ����ԴDz� and COS. Located within the , the EALL department has hosted the free event for more than 20 years.

The (UROP) at the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� is offering its first-ever funding opportunity specifically for undergraduate students to perform research or creative work projects abroad.

UH ����ԴDz� was selected as one of 12 institutions nationwide to apply and receive up to $20,000 in private funding to support international research from the Tyler Center for Global Studies. According to the center, the awarded institutions “have articulated the significance of inquiry, cross-cultural engagement and experiential learning in undergraduate research.”

“While UROP has always provided financial support for students to conduct research abroad, we anticipate that this new funding opportunity specifically geared for international experiences will inspire even more students to pursue their scholarship goals around the world,” UROP Director Creighton Litton said. “The Tyler Fellowship is much more than an academic opportunity—it’s a chance to make a meaningful impact on the global stage, and then bring that newly acquired knowledge back home to �鶹��ý.”

While the deadline to apply for summer 2025 has passed, Litton hopes UROP will continue to offer this fellowship in the years to come.

Angel Sanchez, a UH ����ԴDz� student majoring in , conducted research in Venice, Italy in summer 2024 and was supported through funding from UROP. Her project was about comparing European and international cinema at the Venice International Film Festival. Sanchez encourages UH ����ԴDz� students to take advantage of this new funding opportunity.

“Curiosity and understanding of international culture allows for future collaboration, meeting different people, learning from each other, creating something new and sharing things you create to a wider audience,” Sanchez said. “Overall, international research gives you an opportunity to expand your worldview knowledge and reflect about your own lifestyle and culture as you try to apply what you learned to yourself and from there, create something new.”

This new funding opportunity is possible via a collaboration among UROP, UH Foundation and the Study Abroad Center that provides a funding mechanism and student/mentor international travel training.

Each year, UROP awards more than $500,000 in merit-based scholarships directly to students to support mentored undergraduate research and creative work projects and presentations. An additional $125,000 is awarded directly to mentors to support undergraduate research and creative work during the summer via the .

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Five students are embracing global opportunities this academic year, in Japan, England, and Korea.

Supported by various scholarships, each student is expanding their worldviews all while continuing to pay UH Hilo tuition.

The UH Hilo emphasizes the benefits of study abroad, highlighting how it helps students build intercultural communication skills, gain second-language proficiency, and develop a global perspective—all crucial for today’s workforce.

Kyson Kaneko, a major, is attending Tokyo Gakugei University in Japan as a recipient of the .

“Studying abroad has made me realize that adventure is the best way to learn, both about a new culture and myself,” said Kaneko.

Across the globe, Leiya Margareth Torrano, another business administration major, is studying at the University of Birmingham in England this semester.

Torrano received the and the .

“I’ve learned how deeply culture shapes identity and how it connects to health,” Torrano explained. “When I return to �鶹��ý, I hope to inspire young healthcare students to explore different cultures and consider studying abroad.”

Year-long study abroad

Three students have received the to support year-long study abroad experiences. Dominic Hilman, a major, is attending Hokkaido University in Japan, and Brooklyn Geiger, a major, is studying at Nanzan University.

Whitney Taylor, an English major, is attending Hankuk University of Foreign Studies in Korea. She also spent the summer at Korea University.

“Studying in South Korea has given me many new friends and memories that I will always cherish,” Taylor said. “Don’t let fear stop you from exploring someplace new.”

—Susan Enright and Carolina Lam

The (NASPA) recognized Sarita Rai and the at the with the 2024 Best Practices in International Higher Education Award for their exemplary Student Affairs Professional Global Partnership on January 5.

The NASPA Best Practices in International Education Award acknowledges outstanding contributions to student affairs, emphasizing engagement and collaboration in international education programs and institutions.

As the director of the Study Abroad Center, Rai facilitates the development of student programs and participation, and supports faculty in teaching and research.

“I feel honored and humbled to be recognized for my work, this is a national award and also internationally recognized. All U.S. universities and many institutions of higher education overseas are members of NASPA,” Rai said. “Therefore, the award makes people aware of what we do at the University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa and the excellence of the academy.”

Rai and the Study Abroad Center were nominated by Jayme Scally from West Virginia University. “I learned firsthand how supportive Sarita is in all aspects of the Study Abroad Center programs, from supporting UH students and faculty, to building relationships with partners abroad,” said Scally.

The Study Abroad Center offers students opportunities in Asia, Europe, and Oceania while earning credits toward a bachelor’s degree.

Rai and the Study Abroad Center will receive their award during the International Symposium on March 10, in Seattle.

• Related �鶹��ýNews story: Camel rides, labyrinth city explored in student’s ‘surreal’ study abroad experience, February 3, 2023

Immediately following the deadly Maui wildfires in August, student and Maui native Dave Ramos diverted from his plans to study abroad in Japan this semester and headed home to help his community.

“Dave, at that time, was actually going through his visa process to get to Japan, dealing with the Japanese consulate in Honolulu,” said Aya Hara-Joesting, interim manager for Leeward CC’s . “I can’t even imagine what that was like, going through that while seeing what was happening on Maui.”

Ramos felt compelled to assist in the aftermath and volunteered at the Baldwin High School gym shelter.

“It was heartbreaking to see all of the displaced families,” he said. “It was eye opening and hits a little bit close to home knowing that this kind of tragedy happened to Maui, of all places.”

Hospitality industry perspective

A native of Wailuku, Ramos’ experience as a catering and conference services intern and restaurant busser at the Grand Wailea Maui sparked his interest in the hospitality industry. After earning an associate’s degree in from , he decided he wanted a career in mid-level management at a luxury hotel. Leeward CC’s one-year international study/abroad program was the best next step for him. It would send him to Leeward CC’s partner, the in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan.

“I lived in Okinawa from 2017 to 2019 while I was in the military. I always wanted to return and experience living abroad as a civilian.” Ramos said. “I also had a personal interest in learning Japanese, because, in �鶹��ý, Okinawan and Japanese culture is intertwined with �鶹��ý’s cultural identity. I want to relate to Japanese and Okinawan visitors on a personal basis by getting to know their culture and speaking to them in their own native tongue.”

The aftereffects of the fires also reinforced Ramos’ ultimate career goal.

“Tourism in �鶹��ý is essential to its economy,” he said. “Most of my friends’ and family’s jobs were reduced or cut because of the lack of tourists (after the fires). The Maui fires made international news and have made people want to visit Maui in order to support the local economy. The following years are essential in order to keep Maui’s economy thriving.”

Future hospitality leader

Ramos is currently thriving in Japan—learning the language and immersing himself in the culture.

“All the education I’m getting and experiences I’ve been having will benefit me in the future,” he said. “The most impactful thing I’ve experienced so far is becoming friends with both local Japanese and international students. All come from different countries and vary in age, ethnicity, and education. This has inspired me to continue my education, as most of my international classmates have either completed their master’s program or started their PhDs at such a young age. Everyone at the university has a personal and educational goal, yet we are all connected with experiencing Okinawan culture as well as learning Japanese.”

After completing his study abroad program with Leeward CC and earning his bachelor’s degree from UH West Oʻahu, Ramos intends to embark on a management career at one of Oʻahu’s many luxury hotels. Wherever he lands, Ramos is equipped with a great education, Maui’s resilience and sense of responsibility to the community.

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—By Bonnie Friedman

Eight students from the recently wrapped up travels to Thailand and Indonesia for a six-week field school program that explored the dynamic socioeconomic and environmental shifts in rural Southeast Asian societies.

The Collaborative Southeast Asia field school, funded by the Henry Luce Foundation’s five-year grant, aims to foster a new generation of scholars working in the region and to engage them with local partner institutions. A mix of undergraduate and graduate students from UH ����ԴDz� collaborated with their counterparts from Southeast Asian universities, such as Khon Kaen University (KKU) in Thailand and Universitas Hasanuddin (UNHAS) in Indonesia, for a two-week cross-cultural fieldwork experience in rural Southeast Asia. This unique opportunity allowed students to work in diverse teams and exchange approaches to field-based and experiential learning.

“The reason why we feel strongly about field-based learning, you don’t just learn about the place cognitively, but also affectively. You can smell the place, you can empathize with people working in agriculture, and you can hear the voices of the community members that are subject to agrarian change,“ said Krisna Suryanata, field school director and faculty member in UH ����ԴDz� during a public presentation on the field school. “Building this empathy can really change the preconception that students without field-based learning might have.”

Culture deep-dive

One component of the program is cultural and language immersion. Prior to fieldwork, the UH ����ԴDz� students spent their first three weeks taking Thai and Indonesian language classes at the Chiang Mai University Language Institute in Thailand and Wisma Bahasa in Indonesia that rudimentarily prepared them for interviews and understanding of the local culture.

Fieldwork activities:

• Documenting Landscape Changes: Students used Geographic Information System (GIS) tools such as ArcGIS StoryMaps to document landscape changes.
• Qualitative Research: Qualitative research methods employed to collect information on the challenges and opportunities faced by smallholders engaged in commodity production and agriculture.
• Technological Innovations: Background information collected on technological innovations and non-traditional commodities (cassava, vegetables, poultry, cashew nuts, shallots, tree resin) reshaping agrarian transitions.

Presenting research

Following the field research exercise, all student research teams and mentors convened in Siem Reap, Cambodia, to present their findings at an international workshop. These findings complemented the ongoing research conducted by KKU and UNHAS researchers. The workshop delved into insights gained from interdisciplinary and cross-cultural collaboration and addressed critical questions on opportunities and challenges of international collaborative research.

The Collaborative Southeast Asia field school is organized by the UH ����ԴDz� , , and , in partnership with Khon Kaen University and Universitas Hasanuddin.

Taylor “Uʻi” Barongan, a major at the , who received a highly competitive U.S. Department of State scholarship in 2021 to fund studies at a Scottish university that year, is publishing a book this month of her original poems and watercolors documenting the environment of Scotland. is independently published and will be available on Amazon, June 30.

Barongan, a senior at UH Hilo, attended the in fall 2021, where she studied ecology, cellular biology and film analysis. Barongan was unable to attend classes in person in Scotland because of COVID-19 restrictions for students. But she traveled to Scotland anyway, as a tourist, experiencing the culture, hiking, exploring and enjoying the outdoors.

Barongan said she’s more of an artist than a scientist, and she recorded her extracurricular explorations through painting watercolors of the landscapes, animals and plants she saw in Scotland’s environment. As part of the service project for her U.S. Department of State , she spent the last two years creating the book.

“It also features some history and information about places and species,” Barongan said, adding that the book is essentially a little guide but also her “love letter” to those places.

Barongan, currently editor-in-chief at the UH Hilo’s art and literary magazine and a peer mentor at the university’s mentoring program , is very active in undergraduate scientific research along with a wide variety of arts including photography, music, writing and painting.

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