At the University of �鶹��ý at Hilo, Marcy Martinez is helping haumāna (students) find their path long before graduation.

Martinez, director of , has been named the 2026 State Internship School-Based Coordinator of the Year by the �鶹��ý State Workforce Development Council (WDC). She received the award at the inaugural �鶹��ý Internship Summit on Oʻahu.

“Our mission is to help our students along their academic journey, connect that experience with their career goals and their career successes, but it has to be defined by them,” said Martinez. “We really want to take students through their journey, freshmen all the way to senior, and not just have it be a last-minute knee-jerk reaction in senior year.”

Martinez leads UH �ᾱ����’s , where the focus is simple, meet haumāna where they are.

“Marcy is enthusiastic. She’s entirely student-based,” said Christine Beaule, director of UH System Workforce Development, who nominated Martinez for the award. “She works incredibly hard, and every time I have asked her to partner with me on a variety of initiatives, she is the first one to say, ‘Yes!’”

Skills that last

Her team connects students with jobs, internships and hands-on learning. The goal is to build skills that last.

“Through practical experience and opportunities, students will gain knowledge and the ability to identify transferable skills,” Martinez said. “As career agility is becoming even more important in today’s world, it is required to have the ability to adapt quickly.”

That approach is making an impact statewide.

“What we’re really trying to achieve is to have our next generation live in �鶹��ý that they can enjoy, they can learn, they can work, they can thrive, and they can belong to,” said Bennette Misalucha, executive director of WDC for �鶹��ý Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.

Confidence, balance

Haumāna at UH Hilo see it firsthand.

Pohaku Roby, a senior majoring in , works at the center and expressed the experience has helped build both confidence and balance.

“I didn’t know that I was able to do public speaking and do class presentations with Marcy, but she helped me find that passion, and I enjoyed it,” said Roby.

For Martinez, the work continues one student, one step at a time.

For more go to .

A new 38-foot teaching and research vessel has arrived in Hilo, giving marine science students at the University of �鶹��ý at Hilo a powerful new ocean laboratory.

The aluminum workboat, named Kaiola, meaning “living sea,” arrived from Oregon in February. It is now in final outfitting and inspection before heading into the water.

“The new marine science vessel is a 38-foot North River Sounder, a class of aluminum workboat designed specifically for scientific, environmental monitoring, and coastal operations in high-energy conditions,” said John Burns, associate professor and chair of the .

Burns said the team chose the vessel for its stability and flexibility.

“We selected this platform because it provides a stable, shallow-draft, highly maneuverable work deck suitable for diving, instrument deployment, and nearshore research around �鶹��ý Island,” Burns said.

The hull is made of welded marine-grade aluminum. Burns explains that aluminum boats are ideal for research. They resist corrosion in saltwater. They are lighter than fiberglass but just as strong. They can handle beach landings, heavy equipment and constant use.

“This durability is critical for a teaching and research vessel that will operate year-round in dynamic coastal conditions and remote locations,” he said.

The large open deck allows crews to deploy water and sediment samplers, underwater cameras, sensors and mapping tools. Inside, the cabin supports navigation, computing and real-time data processing.

Hands-on experience

For students, the impact is immediate. The vessel provides access to sites that were once difficult or unsafe to reach and offers more hands-on experience with real research equipment, data collection and marine operations which are core skills for careers in marine science and ocean stewardship.

—By Susan Enright

Lab instruction at the University of �鶹��ý at Hilo is not limited to rooms filled with beakers and microscopes. A genetics class, guided by their biology professor, geneticist Natalie Graham, took a field trip this February to Kaumaui, a loko iʻa (traditional fishpond) in Keaukaha at the southern side of Hilo Bay. The class worked with community stewards of the fishpond to collect water samples for DNA testing back at UH �ᾱ����’s . They also restored sections of the fishpond’s rock walls.

The water samples they collected hold tiny traces of genetic material shed by fish and limu. Back on campus, students will analyze that material to better understand what species are present in the pond and how abundant they are.

“Bringing Western science and Hawaiian culture together creates a powerful synergy that honors generations of kilo (careful observation) and the ancestral natural history preserved in ʻike kūpuna (ancestral knowledge),” said Graham who founded ʻElala Biodiversity Laboratory.

Kaumaui is cared for by Hui ���ʻ�DZ��𾱳�������ō, a nonprofit dedicated to restoring Hawaiian fishponds and teaching the community about their value. The brackish waters there nurture juvenile fish, endemic limu or seaweed, seabirds and native plants.

For more go to .

After more than two decades without a university band, the is ready to bring the music back. Leading that effort is new assistant professor of music Ocean Akaka, who arrives with a clear vision: rebuild the band program and help revitalize Hawaiian music through bold new arrangements and performances.

Akaka, who recently returned home to �鶹��ý after teaching on the U.S. continent, arrived in Hilo on a one-way ticket late last year.

“I quickly got settled in, and flew to Oʻahu to spend the holidays with my family, something I haven’t done since 2020,” he said. “That was a great moment for sure.”

Building musical bridges

Akaka, who specializes in conducting wind ensembles and athletic bands, is now part of UH �ᾱ����’s . However he said his larger mission reaches beyond performance. His research revolves around the revitalization of Hawaiian music through arrangements for Western instrumental ensembles, such as orchestra and band.

Born and raised in Wahiawā, Akaka earned his bachelor’s degree in from UH Mānoa. He later completed both his master’s and doctoral degrees in conducting at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. There, he led marching and pep bands, directed ensembles and taught conducting. His arrangements have been performed across the U.S. and Europe.

Now he brings that experience home.

“I’m writing a few arrangements of music from Charles E. King’s songbook,” he said. “Many of the songs written in this book are for one or more vocalists, and an accompanying ukulele, guitar or steel guitar. I’m working to arrange these songs for a wind ensemble, and have them performed by the students here at UH Hilo.”

For more go to .

—By Susan Enright

The University of �鶹��ý at Hilo is reshaping how students learn about artificial intelligence (AI)—starting this fall.

The will launch a new AI concentration within its . A new AI certificate will also open to students from all majors. New courses will follow, focused on using AI in business, science and public service.

The shift responds to a clear need in today’s workforce.

“AI is no longer a niche or emerging technology,” said Sukhwa Hong, associate professor of and business administration. “It’s already embedded in how work gets done across almost every field.”

Students will learn how to work with data, evaluate AI-generated results and apply these tools responsibly.

AI confidence

The new program is being led by Hong and Chenbo Shi, an assistant professor of quantitative business analysis, who are working closely with faculty in business, data science and computer science to support the new offerings.

“We want students to graduate knowing that AI will not replace them,” Hong said. “But people who know how to integrate AI into their work will have a clear advantage.”

The AI certificate is designed to be accessible. It welcomes students from education, the arts, social sciences and beyond.

New courses

A new introductory course will teach students how to guide AI tools, evaluate results and communicate findings. A community-based project will tie those skills to real-world issues.

Upper-division courses have also been updated. They now include AI-supported analysis, prediction and decision-making, with a strong focus on ethics.

“Employers aren’t looking for AI specialists in every role,” Hong said. “They’re looking for professionals who can use AI effectively in context.”

—by Susan Enright

For more go to .

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

This week’s UH News Image of the Week is from UH Hilo’s Marisa Miyashiro, program specialist at the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resource Management.

From the UH Hilo Stories post: “Poinsettias cultivated by UH Hilo agriculture students at the Panaʻewa Farm Laboratory were showcased at the annual Fall Ag Fest. For more go to .”

Previous Images
Juvenile Iʻiwi
UH at the South Pole
The Green Lady
Go Wahine!
PACMED in Yap
All Images of the Week

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A big mahalo to everyone who has sent in their images! If selected, they will be posted throughout the semester, so check back to see the amazing work, research and experiences of the UH ʻohana!

Want to get in on the action? The next UH News Image of the Week could be yours! Submit a photo, drawing, painting, digital illustration of a project you are working on, a moment from a field research outing or a beautiful and/or interesting shot of a scene on your campus. It could be a class visit during which you see an eye-catching object or scene.

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Please include a brief description of the image and its connection to your campus, class assignment or other UH connection. By submitting your image, you are giving UH News permission to publish your photo on the UH News website and UH social media accounts. The image must be your original work, and anyone featured in your image needs to give consent to its publication.

Aislynn Mandaloniz just reached a milestone every pilot works toward: 1,500 flight hours. The achievement now qualifies the University of �鶹��ý at Hilo alumna to fly commercial jets and marks a major step forward in her aviation career.

For Mandaloniz, it marks another first. She was the first woman from UH �ᾱ����’s aeronautics program to complete flight training and earn her pilot’s license.

“I’m thankful for my time at UH Hilo, providing me with the ground knowledge of aviation and preparing me for the rigorous schooling I had up ahead to later land my first job as a commercial pilot, and now being able to move on to fly jets!” she said.

Pushing higher

Mandaloniz was born and raised in Hilo and graduated from Waiākea High School in 2020. She interned at Hilo International Airport with the Air Traffic Control team before enrolling in the program. She finished her bachelor’s degree in just three years.

After graduation, she trained at Lift Academy on the U.S. continent. There, she spent long days in the air and long nights studying. That discipline pushed her to the 1,500-hour mark, a level that opens doors to larger aircraft and major airlines.

“If you are seeking a career, make sure this is something you truly want to do for the rest of your life,” she said. “Aviation is hard, but it is far worth it. It requires enormous amounts of self-discipline, but the end result is immeasurable.”

Mandaloniz hopes her path shows other students what’s possible. She knows the road is demanding. She also knows the payoff is worth it. And she’s just getting started.

For more on Mandaloniz’s journey go to .

—By Susan Enright

Students from 35 nations attend the . That global spirit was on full display during UH �ᾱ����’s 2025 United Nations Day celebration on October 22, with students proudly representing places ranging from Ecuador, �鶹��ý and Iceland to Hungary, Italy, Palau and Turkmenistan. Colorful photos of students from around the world highlighted a day meant to commemorate the founding of the United Nations and focused on unity, culture and people-to-people connection.

Each year the campus’s International Student Association and host the event, which features a Parade of Nations, cultural performances and informational displays.

“At UH Hilo, United Nations Day is a time when the university ʻohana demonstrates unity among different people and nations of the world,” said Jim Mellon, director of UH Hilo International Student Services. “Our shared humanity during this time calls for us to stand in solidarity with those who are suffering. Acts of war, hate, and intolerance are in opposition to the values of UH Hilo international students.”

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the organization. The theme, “Better Together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights,” guided the program. Mellon said the day invites the campus to reflect on the United Nations’ core values, global peace, cooperation, human rights and social progress, and how those ideals connect to everyday life.

Parade of nations

The celebration opened with Native Hawaiian traditions. Students representing the host nation of �鶹��ý joined Pele Harman, UH �ᾱ����’s director of Native Hawaiian engagement, in welcoming the crowd with music and hula. Japanese taiko drummers followed, honoring the deep roots of Japanese culture in �鶹��ý.

About 80 students took part in the Parade of Nations, each carrying symbols of home. On the Mookini Library lānai, 22 students hosted displays about their countries, student services and global issues. Inside the library, short videos created by students from about 15 language groups introduced viewers to their native languages.

Mellon said the day is about visibility, learning and connection.

“We are truly fortunate to be able to live, study and learn with such a diverse group of students.”

For more go to .

—By Susan Enright

students from the University of �鶹��ý at Hilo proved they can hold their own against some of the nation’s top universities, earning high marks in a national problem-solving competition. One team placed third, standing out for a solution rooted in Indigenous values from �鶹��ý.

The students competed in the , held in mid-October at the annual conference of the Association for Applied and Clinical Sociology in St. Louis, Missouri. UH Hilo students participated remotely while other teams presented in person.

Team 1, which earned the third-place finish, included Johry Graceta, Evan Merz, Danielle Murphy, Tavan Nakamura and Haukea Valdez. Team 2 included Kassidie Hayashida, Starlye Koehler, Ella Munroe, Lilika Talamai and Erika Torres.

“Having the chance to work on an applied project was a good experience to use what we learn in classes,” Valdez said.

Real-world challenge

Each year, student teams receive a real-world challenge from a community organization. Their task is to analyze the issue and present a solution using sociological skills and methods. This year’s client was Healthcare NOW, a national group advocating for a single-payer healthcare system. Their question: how to better connect with local organizations that may not already support their mission.

The UH Hilo team responded with “Ke Hoʻoikaika Nei iā Healthcare–NOW” (Strengthening Healthcare NOW), a plan centered on Indigenous values. Hern said that focus helped set their work apart.

“They only had a few days to develop their solutions, so it’s excellence under pressure for sure,” said Lindy Hern, associate professor and department chair of UH �ᾱ����’s sociology department who organized the conference as president of the Association for Applied and Clinical Sociology.

Faculty from UH �ᾱ����’s sociology department supported both teams: Assistant Professor Ellen Meiser advised, and Associate Professor Alton Okina funded their participation.

For more go to .

—By Susan Enright