2023 Fall Welcome: UH Hilo welcomes new faculty and staff

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“These are foremost experts in their fields, extraordinary educators and staff, and we’re proud to have them as part of our university ‘ohana.” -Chancellor Bonnie D. Irwin.

This is a collage of the profile photos of all the UH Hilo newcomers. At center is Elisabeth Gallant photographing an active volcano. UH Hilo logo/seal at center.

At an event held on campus September 14, 2023, new faculty and staff, including those who recently moved internally to a new position, were celebrated at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo.

“These are foremost experts in their fields, extraordinary educators and staff, and we’re proud to have them as part of our university ‘ohana,” says Chancellor Bonnie D. Irwin. “Mahalo to the search committees for a job well done.”

Office of the Chancellor

(Includes people from direct-report units)

    • Spencer Honda, Sports Information Director, Office of Intercollegiate Athletics.
    • Paul Regrutto, Athletics Compliance Coordinator.
    • Jena Shidaki, Administrative and Fiscal Support Specialist, Hawai‘i Small Business Development Center.
    • Brad Thiessen, Director of Institutional Research.
    • Jessica Yamamoto, Interim Executive Assistant to the Chancellor.

Division of Academic Affairs

(Includes faculty, staff, and graduate assistants)

    • Antonio Alvarez, Graduate Assistant, Biology.
    • Christian Andersen, Program Manager, Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems.
    • Clint Anderson, Assistant Professor of Education.
    • Anya Benevides, Graduate Assistant, Biology.
    • Kelly Campbell, Access Services, Mookini Library.
    • Frank Damas, Assistant Professor of Hawaiian Language.
    • Nicole Drakos, Assistant Professor of Physics and Astronomy.
    • Ilona Finkey, Administrative & Fiscal Support Specialist for Research.
    • Elisabeth Gallant, Assistant Professor of Geology.
    • Natalie Graham, Assistant Professor of Biology.
    • Faith Hicks, Instructor of Pharmacy Practice.
    • Eileen Huey, Assistant Professor of Administration of Justice.
    • Kea Kapahua, Instructor of Dance.
    • Simon Kattenhorn, Dean of the College of Natural and Health Sciences.
    • Elizabeth Lough, Graduate Assistant, Biology.
    • Catherine Marin, Assistant Professor of Nursing.
    • Judith McDonald, Instructor at the School of Education.
    • Lauren Moe, Graduate Assistant, Biology.
    • Ariel Patterson, Graduate Assistant, Biology.
    • Nohea Pua, Office Assistant, Library Administration Department, Mookini Library.
    • Roberto Rodriguez III, Assistant Professor of Aeronautical Science.
    • Mischell Vasquez Morales, Graduate Assistant, Biology.
    • Winston Wu, Assistant Professor of Computer Science.
    • Christopher Yoakum, Public Information Specialist, Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems.
    • Joshua Yung, Building & Grounds Custodian, Pacific Aquaculture and Coastal Resources Center.

Division of Student Affairs

    • Landon Ballesteros, Admissions Counselor, Office of Admissions.
    • Keola Callo, Admissions Counselor, Office of Admissions.
    • Dane “Malu” Dudoit, Educational Specialist, Kīpuka Native Hawaiian Student Center.
    • Kitty Hino, Admissions Coordinator, Office of Admissions.
    • Ramona Lefcourt, Student Services Specialist, Student Activities.
    • Chablis Mattos, Student Support Specialist, Office of the Registrar.
    • Austin Mayeda, Building Maintenance Worker, Housing.
    • Nikki Orevillo, Program Coordinator, Upward Bound Program.
    • Ethan Paguirigan, Student Organization Coordinator, Campus Center.
    • Marjie Retundo, Student Services Specialist, Upward Bound Program.
    • Lucille Walsh, Associate Director of Programming, Campus Recreation and Wellness

Division of Administrative Affairs

    • Steven Furtado, University Security Officer.
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