Research is an excellent means for supplementing the undergraduate classroom experience. Conducting research allows the student to delve into areas of interest, practice the scientific method, and develop technical and analytical skills. Research experience is especially important for those students interested in attending graduate school. There are numerous opportunities for undergraduates to carry out research in the biological sciences at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo.
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Summer Programs
The Pacific Internships Programs for Exploring Science (PIPES) Program is an umbrella program encompassing several summer internship opportunities including UH-HIP, REU, and MASSIP. The UH-HIP program links kamaʻāina (local) undergraduates with ten-week, paid summer internships with host agencies and organizations throughout Hawaiʻi to work on environmental issues. REU is a ten-week summer internship program based at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo that centers on conservation biology. MASSIP links undergraduates from US-affiliated Pacific islands to ten-week summer internships with host agencies and organizations on their home islands for the purpose of working on environmental issues.
For more information on UH-HIP, REU, or MASSIP, click the above link or contact uhintern@hawaii.edu.
Academic Year Programs
Keaholoa Internship Program
The Keaholoa Program seeks to increase participation of Native Hawaiian students in math and science. Internships are available every semester and during the summer. See the website for information on availability and eligibility. Contact Kamaka Gunderson or Drew Kapp for more information.
Other Opportunities
Please contact individual faculty members for research opportunities in their respective laboratories.
Career Options
Environmental Sciences
Environmental Career Resources
Environmental scientists and specialists use their knowledge of the natural sciences to protect the environment and human health. Entry-level positions include field analysts, research assistants, and laboratory technicians. Students interested in a career in environmental science should look for opportunities to work with computer modeling, data analysis, and geographic information systems.
Allied Health Fields
Careers in health care and related professions
The bachelor’s degree in Biology from UH Hilo provides our graduates with solid preparation for professional programs in the Health and Allied Health Sciences. Specifically, the Biology Department’s Cell and Molecular Biology track provides a rigorous curriculum and exciting research opportunities for undergraduates interested in careers in the medical science and health care fields.
Health Professional Schools include Medicine, Dentistry, Optometry, Pharmacy, Veterinary, and related graduate programs.
The Allied Health Professions include technical and therapist/technologist occupations. For many of these occupations, further education beyond the bachelor’s degree is required to acquire specialized skills.
Examples of Allied Health Training Programs include: Dental Hygiene, Physical Therapy, Physician’s Assistant, Occupational Therapy, Athletic Training, Emergency Medical Sciences, Health Administration Research Technician/Technologist: Biomedical, Biotechnology, Clinical/Diagnostic, Phlebotomist, Radiological, Surgical Technologist, Veterinary Technician.
For more information on careers and internship opportunities in the Health and Allied Health Fields, please visit the Association of Schools of Allied Health Professions (ASAHP) and Health Career Connection (HCC).
Aspiring Doctors of Hilo Club
If you’d like to meet other UH Hilo students who are interested in the health professions, please contact one of the faculty advisors for the Aspiring Doctors of Hilo Club.