{"id":205805,"date":"2024-10-29T16:51:26","date_gmt":"2024-10-30T02:51:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/?p=205805"},"modified":"2024-10-30T15:53:06","modified_gmt":"2024-10-31T01:53:06","slug":"uh-hilo-softball-microbiologist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/2024\/10\/29\/uh-hilo-softball-microbiologist\/","title":{"rendered":"From UH<\/abbr> Hilo softball outfielder to microbiologist"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading time: <\/span> 2<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>

\"Steadmon<\/p>\n

Maria Steadmon, a 2019 marine science<\/a> graduate from the University of Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> at Hilo who earned her doctoral degree this summer from UH<\/abbr> M\u0101noa, has charted an inspiring path from student-athlete to microbiologist in Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span>\u2019s public health sector.<\/p>\n

\"Maria
Maria Steadmon<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Recently appointed to the Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> Department of Health\u2019s State Laboratories Division, Steadmon now monitors respiratory viruses in wastewater across the state—a critical role informed by her deep commitment to environmental health and resilience.<\/p>\n

Growing up in Huntington Beach, California, Steadmon developed her skills as a standout softball player and a love for the ocean.<\/p>\n

“One of my favorite things to do was to go down to the beach with my friends, go swim, watch people surfing,” said Steadmon. “Through that I realized I wanted to do something that kept me close to the ocean.”<\/p>\n

Navigating scholar, athlete roles<\/h2>\n

\"Steadmon<\/p>\n

When she found UH<\/abbr> Hilo\u2019s marine science program, it was a perfect match. A softball scholarship sealed the deal, allowing her to pursue both passions. Balancing her roles as a scholar and an athlete at UH<\/abbr> Hilo did present some challenges.<\/p>\n

“We\u2019re the only school in the nation that has to fly to every away game,” Steadmon said. “It takes a lot of time and energy, but it was worth every bit.”<\/p>\n