UH Hilo 2023-2024 Annual Report

Fiscal Year July 1, 2023—June 30, 2024.

During the 2023-2024 academic year at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, the campus community fully emerges from the pandemic. In-person and hybrid classes ground the university ʻohana back on campus, clubs and organizations meet and join in activities both on campus and elsewhere on the island, fairs and other events return, community service activities increase, and faculty are able to fully engage with students on their research projects both in the field and with lab work.

On this page:

Academics

Images from the tropical conservation biology and environmental science graduate program. The program celebrates its 20th anniversary in the spring of 2024. (Courtesy photos)

The Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems (PISCES), a research and educational program exploring Earth and space that was founded and affiliated with UH Hilo in 2007 and then relocated to the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, is rehoused back at UH Hilo as a program of the College of Natural and Health Sciences.

After a hiatus during the pandemic, the aeronautical science program resumes admitting students beginning in fall 2023.

U.S. News and World Report 2024 Best Colleges: UH Hilo ranks among top 1,500 four-year institutions. The university ranks No. 93 for social mobility out of the top 434 universities, No. 188 as a top U.S. public university, and No. 352 overall in the nation.

Nursing program creates a degree pathway for local high school students.

UH Hilo receives $1.6M to create a new certified substance abuse counselor track to accommodate up to 30 students each year within the university’s master of arts in counseling psychology program. The funding is from the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division of the Hawaiʻi Department of Health in partnership with the County of Hawaiʻi Office of the Mayor.

UH Hilo will lead a three-university consortium awarded a $6.6 million, five-year grant from the U.S. Department of Education to establish a National Native American Language Resource Center at UH Hilo. The collaborative project to develop the world’s most comprehensive Indigenous language campus receives two architectural design awards.

UH Hilo-UH Maui College partnership prepares pharmacy students for certification to provide immunizations.

A space technology development center and student training hub is planned for UH Hilo campus. The high-tech space center will expand UH Hilo academic offerings that will in turn create more career opportunities for students, especially those from Hawaiʻi Island.

The tropical conservation biology and environmental science graduate program celebrates its 20th anniversary.

The UH Board of Regents approves the Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies, which will begin admitting students in fall 2024.

Administration

See the FY 2024 Initial Budget Allocation 9/27/2023 (PDF ). Additional budget documents and further information can be found at the UH Hilo Budget Office website.

Division of Student Affairs releases a new strategic plan for 2023-2026. The plan is based on several guiding principles that make an impact on both students and staff through the foundational values of compassion and inclusiveness.

Chancellor Irwin welcomes new faculty and staff in fall of 2023.

Chancellor Irwin and Hawaiʻi Community College Interim Chancellor Susan Kazama give a joint presentation to the UH Board of Regents. The chancellors update the board on enrollment, the way the two campuses share resources, and how the two campuses serve Hawaiʻi Island.

Chancellor Irwin delivers the 2024 State of the University Address in March 2024.

Leadership Changes

In order of appointment dates:

July 2023: Kalei Rapoza is appointed permanent vice chancellor for administrative affairs. Previously, he was UH Hilo interim director of strategic initiatives and government affairs, interim vice chancellor for administrative affairs, and director of human resources.

Aug. 2023: Simon Kattenhorn is the new dean at the College of Natural and Health Sciences. Kattenhorn comes to UH Hilo from the University of Alaska Anchorage where he was a professor of geological sciences and an associate dean at the Department of Geological Sciences.

Aug. 2023: Kaʻiu Kimura is named interim director of Ka Haka ʻUla O Keʻelikōlani College of Hawaiian Language and subsequently confirmed as director. Kimura is long-standing executive director at UH Hilo’s ʻImiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaiʻi, a position she retains while serving as director of the college.

Aug. 2023: Keiki Kawaiʻaeʻa is the new interim vice chancellor for academic affairs. Kawaiʻaeʻa is an associate professor of Hawaiian studies and Hawaiian and Indigenous teacher education and served as director of Ka Haka ʻUla O Keʻelikōlani College of Hawaiian Language since 2013.

Oct. 2023: Pharmacologist Rae Matsumoto is named new dean of the pharmacy college. Matsumoto comes to UH Hilo from University of the Pacific.

Jan. 2024: Amy Kalili starts as the new interim director of University Relations. Kalili is founder and managing partner for Pilina First, a media and communications consulting firm that works with clients to bring a Hawaiian perspective to their messaging.

To celebrate these changes and more in leadership, in Jan 2024 an event is held to welcome a total of eleven new executives, vice chancellors, directors, and deans.

Alumni

UH Hilo alumna Whitney Aragaki is selected as part of the first cohort of emerging changemakers in the Obama Foundation Leaders USA program. (Courtesy images)

In a 2023 summer fellowship, scientist-artist Avalon Paradea helps the Hawaiʻi Sea Grant program incorporate art into environmental education to boost engagement with diverse communities.

Whitney Aragaki, a graduate of the tropical conservation biology and environmental science graduate program and now a teacher at Waiākea High School in Hilo, is selected as part of the first cohort of emerging changemakers in the Obama Foundation Leaders USA program.

Business alumna Alexa Hadiyanto starts law school at the University of San Diego.

Alika Toledo says it’s a privilege caring for Maunakea, coaching at Waiākea High School.

Katie Strong now teaches chemistry and the science of sustainability at her alma mater.

Artist Hyunjoo “Amy” Lee is now showing her work internationally.

Kit Neikirk (triple major chemistry, biology, and sociology, 2023) wins prestigious 2024 Marshall Scholarship, will pursue master degrees in public health and advanced biomedical imaging in the UK.

Doctor of Nursing Practice Miki Miura receives award for excellence from American Association of Nurse Practitioners.

Nurse Mya Yee Nandar receives award for excellence as a nurse practitioner in Illinois.

English alum Lennie Espinoza presents literary research paper on Indigenous epistemology in contemporary literature of Hawaiʻi at a conference held at the Obama Institute for Transnational American Studies, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Germany.

Rory Inouye, a math teacher at Waiākea High School, receives $25K Milken Educator Award.

Victoria Hanes is selected as an Omidyar Fellow. The local fellowship program cultivates Hawaiʻi leaders with the skills to collectively affect societal change.

Campus Life

Graduate student Kalena Shiroma during a work day to create a Native Forest Māla on the campus of UH Hilo. (Courtesy photo)

Students break ground for a Native Forest Māla on campus. The project brings a renewed sense of life to the garden with 25 new species donated and planted within just a few weeks.

Kilohana Academic Success Center expands its resources to both students and faculty.

UH Hilo Student Association launches Farm2U program, gives away free food boxes to students.

National Public Gardens Day: Chancellor Irwin plants rare palm at UH Hilo Botanical Gardens.

Commencement

2024 Spring Commencement, May 11. (Photo: Tracy Niimi)

2023 Fall Commencement is held Dec. 16. Approximately 206 candidates petition for degrees certificates, and/or various post-graduate credentials from the College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Natural Resource Management; College of Arts and Sciences; College of Natural and Health Sciences; College of Business and Economics; Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy; and Ka Haka ʻUla O Keʻelikōlani College of Hawaiian Language. Philosophy/linguistics double major Seido Morrical is student speaker.

2024 Spring Commencement is held on May 11. Approximately 500 candidates petition for degrees, certificates, and/or various post-graduate credentials from the College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Natural Resource Management; College of Arts and Sciences; College of Business and Economics; College of Natural and Health Sciences; Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy; and Ka Haka ʻUla O Keʻelikōlani College of Hawaiian Language. UH Hilo Professor of Finance Terrance Jalbert is keynote speaker. Student-athlete and communication major David Mayser is student speaker. (Photos)

Community Outreach

Group photo of students representing UH Hilo Bonner cohorts during the 2023-2024 school year. Front row from left, Hayden Niles, Tyler Dela Cruz, Misty Cruden, Raven Brazee, and Annelise Hogan. Back from left, Lana Lowery, Shanai Koli, Amber Dahl, Devin Brown, Carley Atkins, Aralyn Hacker, Leiya Torrano, and Niko Casimiro. The two seniors who finished the Bonner Program in spring of 2024 are wearing lei. (Photo: Center for Community Engagement/UH Hilo)

UH Hilo hosts two community-based conferences on sustainability: economics featured in Kona; Indigenous perspectives featured in Hilo.

Students in UH Hilo’s peer-based Ka Pouhana Mentoring Program distribute food to local communities.

UH Hilo hosts a STEM symposium for students from Hawaiʻi and across the Pacific to present their research. The student researchers are part of a network of higher education institutions from the Pacific region with a mission to expand access to science, technology, engineering, and math careers.

Art program inspires school children to explore ocean science.

A sociology class helps Hawaiian-focused charter school assess their curriculum, and the Sociology Club plans a semester of community-centric activities.

Biologist Patrick Hart’s popular podcast on Hawaiʻi native birds marks milestone of 70 episodes in three years.

Pharmacy students, staff, and alumni aid Lahaina wildfire survivors.

In film, writing, and community events, Assistant Professor of English Patsy Iwasaki keeps alive the story of heroic immigrant plantation laborer Katsu Goto.

Fall 2023 Wailau storytelling event: Five storytellers from UH Hilo and the wider community share stories from their own lives based on the theme “Dreams.”

The inaugural Smoke’N Fire 5k Race and Family Fun Run is held on campus.

PacYES! UH Hilo hosts motivational event for high school students of Pacific Islander heritage.

ʻImiloa Astronomy Center unveils upgrades to planetarium with $720K NASA grant.

Maunakea stewards inspire Girl Scouts to think about STEM careers.

UH Hilo, USGS collaborate on active hazards outreach program for youth.

Spring 2024 Wailau storytelling event: Five storytellers from UH Hilo and the wider community share personal stories from their own lives related to the theme “Why Not?”

Geography students create online GIS map of local veterans cemetery to help visitors find gravesites.

At public panel discussion hosted by the UH Hilo political science department, educators discuss status of civic education on Hawaiʻi Island.

U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory highlights partnership between HVO and UH Hilo.

UH Hilo hosts cultural enrichment programs to celebrate Merrie Monarch Festival. Also, students, faculty, staff, and administrators from the university ʻohana walk in the 61st Annual Merrie Monarch Festival Royal Parade; Professor Larry Kimura is Grand Marshall.

Bee-Coming Sustainable: Community event held at UH Hilo’s agricultural farm laboratory highlights beekeeping program.

The political science department collaborates with Hawaiʻi Community College’s administration of justice department to host a student-led forum of four mayoral candidates.

Collaborative UH Hilo group co-sponsors Korean art and history exhibition. Heading the group is Seri Luangphinith, a professor of English who has done extensive research into the history of Korean immigrants to Hawaiʻi Island and written a book on her findings.

UH Hilo is part of a $1M federal grant to tackle economic and marketing gaps in the U.S. aquaculture industry.

Marketing class surveys local businesses about current outlooks. The students discover that despite challenges, local entrepreneurs feel optimistic about the future, revealing that businesses are on a recovery path following the lows of the pandemic.

Students in UH Hilo Bonner leadership program are honored for their work in the community; seniors present capstone projects at the event. The program is part of a national network with the mission to help develop student leaders who will have a positive impact on their communities.

Faculty & Staff: Awards & Achievements

At the 2024 Awards and Recognition Celebration, from left, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Keiki Kawaiʻaeʻa, Professor of History Kerri Inglis who was awarded a UH Board of Regents’ Medal for Excellence in Teaching, and graduate student and nominator David Freund. April 24, 2024. (Photo: Maria Andaya)

Campus and UH System Awards

2024 Awards and Recognition Celebration honors top faculty and staff in April 2024:

• UH Board of Regents’ Medal for Excellence in Teaching: Kerri Inglis, Professor of History
• Frances Davis Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching: Jennifer Turner, Assistant Professor of Psychology
• Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching: Kevin Emmons, Associate Professor of Nursing
• Koichi and Taniyo Taniguchi Award for Excellence and Innovation: Kananinohea Mākaʻimoku, Assistant Professor, Kahuawaiola Indigenous Teacher Education program
• Outstanding Advisor/Mentor Award: Celia Bardwell-Jones, Professor of Philosophy
• Excellence in Building and Grounds Maintenance Award: Richard Okamura, Building Maintenance Worker I
• Excellence in Service Award: Francis Cristobal, Junior Specialist in Computer Science.
• Pūlama ʻIke Award: Patsy Iwasaki, Assistant Professor of English
• Distinguished Service Award for Improving Student Life: Lissa Tsutsumi, Assistant Professor of Applied Agricultural Science

Electrician Shannon Asejo is honored with the UH System President’s Award for Excellence in Buildings and Grounds Maintenance in February 2024.

Other awards

Computer scientist Travis Mandel’s paper about his development of artificial intelligence applications for fish tracking wins an editor’s choice award. The paper, “Detection confidence driven multi-object tracking to recover reliable tracks from unreliable detections” is published in Pattern Recognition, Volume 135, March 2023.

Associate Professor of English Francis Dumanig receives 2023 Filipino American Heritage Month Community Recognition Award.

Tenure and Promotion

• Leanne P. Day — College of Arts and Sciences
• Bryce Tatsuo Park Fukunaga — Daniel K Inouye College of Pharmacy
• Sukhwa Hong — College of Business and Economics
• Michelle S. Kim — Daniel K Inouye College of Pharmacy
• Christopher Storr Knudson — College of Arts and Sciences
• Rachel Hualani Loo — Student Affairs
• Kananinohea Makaimoku — Ka Haka ʻUla O Keʻelikolani College of Hawaiian Language
• Aryn Sakue Meguro — Daniel K Inouye College of Pharmacy
• Amirhossein Mohammadian — College of Business and Economics
• Rayna Kehaulani Morel — College of Arts and Sciences

Tenure

• Francis Ray Mandreza Cristobal — College of Natural and Health Sciences

Promotion

• Joseph H. Genz — College of Arts and Sciences
• Takehiro Iwatsuki — College of Natural and Health Sciences
• Su-Mi Lee — College of Arts and Sciences
• Rene Pierre Martin — College of Natural and Health Sciences
• Julie Ann Mowrer — Academic Affairs
• Li Tao — College of Natural and Health Sciences

Faculty Research (selected)

UH Hilo biologist Li Tao (at right) and postdoc Brandt Warecki in the lab. In their research into cell division, the two investigators have discovered another clue in the quest to find a cure for cancer. Findings are published in the journal Science Signaling. (Courtesy photo)

Biochemist Li Tao finds new cellular clue for cancer treatment. Associate Professor of Biology Tao and postdoc Brandt Warecki discover a motor complex implicated in cell division that has great promise for anti-cancer drug designs.

Biologist Jon Price and team of researchers examine plants in 500 locations on one of the Canary Islands and find comparatively high functional diversity. The volcanic island plants may help predict climate change impacts.

A collaborative team of UH environmental scientists publish online maps showing cattle, pigs spread Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death. The maps stem from research first released in 2021 led by UH Hilo environmental scientist Ryan Perroy, director of the Spatial Data Analysis and Visualization research laboratory based at the university.

In a study of UH Hilo athletes who repetitively fly east for games, kinesiologist Linc Gotshalk investigates the way stress hormones affect athletes’ bodies and brains.

Marine mammal scientist Adam Pack co-authors study on humpback whale movement and singing near Maui during the winter months. Pack’s Marine Mammal Lab also contributes to milestone humpback whale study.

For 2024 Peace Corps Week, political scientist Su-Mi Lee and her students produce a series of five talk-story interviews, recorded on video, with members of the Hawaiʻi Island community who served in the Peace Corps and then settled down on the island.

Geologist Ryan Perroy and aeronautical scientist Roberto Rodriguez with the Spatial Data Analysis and Visualization Laboratory develop a process to collect and analyze aerial footage of Maui’s forests to identify the invasive species miconia.

Psychologist Chris Frueh publishes book, Operator Syndrome, on medical-psych injuries in former military special operators. In related research, Frueh co-authors an article on the profound lack of medical research examining firefighters’ health risks.

Astronomer Pierre Martin and international research team discover extremely rare property in star.

Fundraising

On April 10, 2024, the University of Hawaiʻi Foundation holds the first Giving Day, an opportunity for the UH community, alumni, and friends to come together and support all 10 campuses of the UH System. UH Hilo Giving Day total is $31,862.

Total Fundraising Current Fiscal Year (FY24)

$8,316,760 (total gifts 1,717; total donors 1,472)

Total Fundraising Last Fiscal Year (FY23)

$7,484,479 (total gifts 2,250; total donors 2,015)

Grants and Contracts

Over the summer in 2023, a National Science Foundation-supported class worked on research problems in human-in-the-loop artificial intelligence and its connections with natural science. From left, students Sharmin Zaman, Gus Coffey, Kalani Perry, Rodel Tagalicud, Associate Professor of Computer Science Travis Mandel who teaches the class, and students Marcelino Bautista Jr., Ryp Ring, and Ryan Foley. (Courtesy photo)

Most research activity supported by grants at UH Hilo focuses on high impact projects that have meaning for the island and state. Many projects are done in collaboration with county, state, and federal agencies. Research at UH Hilo advances the university’s teaching mission and incorporates both undergraduate and graduate students, with niche graduate programs creating areas of excellence.

Much of the research activity at UH Hilo has environmental impact around Hawaiʻi Island, and economic impact in local communities. Non-research contract activity is most often for improving student services.

Current Fiscal Year (FY24)

• Research
  • $6,514,031, with a total of 58 awards.
• Non-Research
  • $16,083,669, with a total of 63 awards.
• Overall 2024 Totals
  • $22,597,700, with a total of 121 awards.

Last Fiscal Year (FY23)

• Research
  • $5,610,831, with a total of 46 awards.
• Non-Research
  • $12,171,469, with a total of 54 awards.
• Overall FY 2023 Totals
  • $17,782,300, with a total of 100 awards.

Infrastructure

Photos show the decommissioning of UH Hilo’s Hōkū Keʻa Observatory [at left] atop Maunakea. The first observatory on the summit has been completely removed and the site restored [at right]. (Photos: UH System News)

Completed

• Mookini Library: Renovations include student spaces at the Hawaiian Collection, creating a 24/7 space on the second floor, re-designing the art/media space as high technology and multi-service location, modernization of interior and exterior structures, new roof materials, new and upgraded mechanical and electrical systems. Started September 2022, completed March 2024.
• Hale Kehau Food Service: Equipment replacement of walk-in refrigerators and fresh air supply. Letter to proceed Feb. 2023, completed Jan. 2024.
• ʻImiloa Astronomy Center: Maintenance to skylight and renovation of display area in lobby. Started April 2023, completed Dec. 2023.
• Student Life Center: Pool renovations. Started March 2023, new pump system completed. Conversion to saltwater system is pending.
• Hōkū Keʻa Observatory (Maunakea): Decommissioned. Removal of UH observatory is completed, site fully restored. Started March 2024, completed June 2024.

Underway

• Campus Center: Major renovations to building and infrastructure including kitchen, offices and conference rooms, equipment, painting, roofs, walls, doors, electrical/mechanical systems and pedestrian pathways. Started March 2023, completion set for August 2024.
• Agricultural Farm Laboratory (Panaʻewa): 1,400-square-foot workshop construction. Started May 2023, estimated completion Dec. 2024.
• Life Science Biology Building: Renovations of two biology classrooms. Started June 2023, estimated completion within 2025.
• Nurse Laboratory. Renovations started May 2024, estimated completion Dec. 2024.

Design work completed

• Edith Kanakaʻole Hall: Renovations. Interior and exterior paint, electrical equipment and LED light upgrades, card key lock system, fire protection system. Design completed. To commence in summer 2025.
• Psychology Lab: Renovations. Painting, flooring, lighting, fume hoods, eye wash station, biosafety cabinet, freezers, card key lock system. Design completed. Notice to proceed April 2024, estimated completion April 2025.
• Student Life Center: New air conditioning system. Design completed. Construction bid close July 2024. Pending award and notice to proceed.
• Performing Arts Center: Renovations. New air conditioning system. Install dehumidifier in costume storage room. Design completed. Timeline pending.
• Administration Building: Replace exterior soffits and gutters. Notice to proceed June 2024.

Design work underway

• East Hawaiʻi Historic Preservation Center: Repository for native Hawaiʻi and other artifacts from the state in perpetuity. Classrooms, offices, conference rooms, outdoor lānai for students, employees, and visitors. Design work underway.
• Sciences and Technology Building: HVAC system upgrades and replacements. Design work underway.
• College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Natural Resource Management: HVAC system upgrades. Design work underway. Estimated completion Oct. 2025.
• Chiller Building: Replacement design underway.

At phases of consultant selection

• Agricultural Farm Laboratory (Panaʻewa): Renovations to horse barn to meet equine program needs. Consultant is selected.
• College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Natural Resource Management: Replace roofs and gutters. Consultant is selected.
• Athletics: Demolition to walls and ceilings, replace lockers, renovate restrooms, replace HVAC, and other improvements. Consultant selection phase.
• Portables 5-7: Architectural revisions and construction. Consultant selection phase.
• Marine Science Building: Reinsulating air conditioning. Consultant selection phase.
• University Classroom Building: Card key security system and painting. Consultant selection to start shortly.
• Mookini Library: HVAC replacement. Consultant selection to start shortly.

Office of Equal Opportunity

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Book Club, headed by the Office of Equal Opportunity, is an on-going group whose members read selected books from biographies to popular fiction and hold sessions to discuss the various topics. All UH Hilo employees are welcome to participate. The group read and discussed the novel Hula by Jasmin Iolani Hakes in August 2023. (Image from book cover)

The Office of Equal Opportunity marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October 2023 with a library display of books and other information about domestic violence, as well as a community resource fair.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day is celebrated in October 2023 with the “Healing Through Culture and Arts” Symposium sponsored by the UH Hilo Waiolama Center. The events include lei making, stamping, gardening, and poetry workshops.

In December 2023, the office shares a library display about Patsy T. Mink, co-author of the Title IX Education Amendments of 1972, to celebrate her birthday (December 6, 1927), and to celebrate the release of the Patsy T. Mink quarter.

Also in December 2023, the office sponsors a screening and discussion around the movie Barbie.

The Office of Equal Opportunity again hosts a community resource fair in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April 2024. The focus is to provide information on off-campus resources available to students, employees, and community members who experience gender-based violence. Resources, giveaways and information are provided to attendees.

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Book Club is on-going. Members read selected books from biographies to popular fiction and hold sessions to discuss the various topics. All UH Hilo employees are welcome to participate.

Students

Graduate students in the UH Hilo School of Education’s master of arts in teaching program celebrate completion of their first year of studies in the two-year program, May 5, 2024, at the Campus Center Plaza. Front row from left: Ashlynn Shiraishi, Nawaiʻoluokealoha Makua, Shayli Lim, Amanda Duyao, Asia Castillo, Kylee Kubojiri, Tiphani Kainoa, Kailey Scanlon, David Freund, and Courtney Yamaguchi. Back row from left: Arianna Cocallas, Allan Simeon Jr, Megan Kimura, Tori Hironaga, Lucas Tesfai, Travis Siebert, Brandon Nguyen, and Caley “Kai” Coloma. (Photo: School of Education/UH Hilo)

Academic (selected)

• College of Natural and Health Sciences holds its 2024 Student Awards Celebration in April 2024.
• The School of Education celebrates 19 graduate students on their way to becoming teachers. Having just completed their first year of graduate school, each member of the master of arts in teaching cohort are ready to apply for teacher licensure.
• The nursing program holds pinning ceremony for 2024 graduates. The Nursing Class of 2024 includes 28 graduates in the Hilo cohort and nine in the Waiʻanae cohort.
• The pharmacy college’s Class of 2024 gathers in May 2024 to celebrate the completion of their pharmacy doctorate degrees and to recognize students for extraordinary achievements.
• The College of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resource Management honors spring 2024 graduates at Senior Awards Recognition Night. Eighteen students are honored for earning baccalaureate degrees and/or subject certificates. Four receive awards for outstanding academic or service achievements.
• 100+ UH Hilo student-athletes are honored for academic excellence.
• Two women’s softball players earn Academic All-District Team honors by the College Sports Communicators.
• Three menʻs baseball players garner Academic All-District Team honors by College Sports Communicators.
• Four golfers earn Academic All-District At-Large Team honors by College Sports Communicators.
• Vulcan student-athletes once again set new academic marks.
• Three women’s golfers earn distinction on 2023-24 Women’s Golf Coaches Association All-American Scholar Team.
• Five men’s basketball players named to 2023-24 National Association of Basketball Coaches Honors Court.

Achievements (selected)

• National Honey Month: UH Hilo student beekeepers and Vulcan athletes team up for sweet game giveaways.
• Biology student Uʻi Barongan co-authors commentary on Asian Americans in STEM.
• Inktober: UH Hilo student club participates in worldwide art challenge, focusing on Hawaiʻi’s native plants and animal species.
• English major Braden Savage designs and teaches upper-division writing class.
• Award-winning film Mermaid’s Lament, filled with UH Hilo talent, debuts at Palace Theater.
• Political science student Amaya Hirata is selected to represent Hawaiʻi at the 2024 College Student Congress.
• Pharmacy students hold a series of free health screening events.
• Match Day: 12 from UH Hilo pharmacy program secure residencies.
• English major Katina Gronowski is accepted to Oxford.
• Men’s golf takes home Vulcan Team of the Year and Male Athlete of the Year at the Athletics 2023-24 All-Sports Banquet.
• Baseball player selected as one of 46 student-athletes to receive an NCAA Division II 50th Anniversary Scholarship.
• David Mayser serves as Division II National SAAC PacWest Conference Representative (2022-2024).

Internships (selected)

• Administration of justice major Kari Sochor interns at the Hawaiʻi State Legislature.
• Business major Nikki Jicha interns at Hilo accounting firm.
• Geography major Devin Brown interns at Zero Waste Hawaiʻi, plans sustainable tableware system for campus events.
• Marine science major Hayden Niles lands internship at The Food Basket.
• Communication major David Mayser interns jointly at press club and volcano education institute.

Research (selected)

• Graduate student Sofia Ferreira is lead author of a study published in July 2023 on predicting habitat complexity using a trait-based approach on coral reefs in Guam.
• Halemaʻumaʻu eruption: Hawaiian Volcano Observatory works closely with UH Hilo geology lab to quickly analyze eruption samples. Lava samples collected Sept. 11, 2023, were driven from the eruption to the lab, where undergraduate geology research assistants immediately started sample preparation and analysis.
• Students present their research at National Diversity in STEM Conference held in Portland, Oregon, on October 2023. Shania Tamagyongfal and Taecia Kukui Akana receive awards for their poster presentations in the Traditional Knowledge category.
• Students and alumni participate in Pacific expeditions aboard the exploration vessel Nautilus, a 68-meter research vessel equipped with remotely-operated vehicles.
• Three English majors present their analytical research at literary conference in San Francisco.
• Anthropology students (and faculty) present their research at conference in Santa Fe.
• Graduate student Ihilani Kamau researches current water quality conditions along the Kona Coast along with sea level rise predictions. The data will assist government agencies and communities to make appropriate plans for the future.
• Geography students (and faculty) present their research at American Association of Geographers conference in Honolulu.
• Students present their research at UH Hilo’s 14th Annual Tropical Conservation Biology and Environmental Science Symposium.
• Astronomy students present their research at UH systemwide symposium.
• Pharmacy students (and faculty) showcase their research at symposium.
• College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Natural Resource Management hosts 4th Student Symposium where 24 students from UH Hilo, Windward Community College, and Xavier University in the Philippines give oral and poster presentations of their research and projects.

Scholarships and Fellowships (Selected)

• The American Association of University Women, Hilo Branch, awards scholarships to three UH Hilo students.
• Olson Trust gifts $200K for agriculture, forestry scholarships.
• Hawaiian language graduate student Bruce Torres Fischer is awarded inaugural Makuakāne fellowship. His research focuses on phonological variations in the speech of mānaleo, native speakers of the Hawaiian language, through analyzing archival audio recordings.
• Zonta International and its member Zonta Club of Hilo give $6K in STEM scholarships to Sofia Ferreira who is researching the ecology of coral reefs.
• English major Katina Gronowski receives the 2024 Matthew Somchai Therrien Memorial Award.
• Beija Ramos-Phair-Langi and Macy Iliahi Park are each awarded $1,000 beekeeping scholarships.
• College of Business and Economics honors scholarship recipients in May 2024. See full list.
• Lichen Forster and David Mayser are each awarded scholarships from the Big Island Press Club to pursue a higher education degree in journalism or a related field.

Awards (Selected)

• Marine Option Program students earn awards at statewide MOP Symposium.
• UH Hilo Student Employee of the Year is Nawai Makua from Campus Center.
• The history department holds student symposium in May 2024, inducts members into honor society, celebrates annual awards.
• Ka Lama Kū Program honors top students with awards for their outstanding leadership on campus.

Annual Report compiled by Susan Enright, public information specialist, Office of the Chancellor. Comments and corrections are welcome.