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Labs & Facilities
ʻElala Biodiversity Lab
The ʻElala Biodiversity Lab investigates the genetic ecology and evolution of biological communities in order to address anthropogenic change. Its research aims to protect Hawaiian ecosystems and species while contributing to solutions for human health consequences of global change.
Principal Investigator: Dr.
Research scope includes:
- Studying how species, ecosystems, and climate change interact in Hawaiʻi’s forests
- Investigating Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death (ROD) and the ecology of ʻōhiʻa lehua
- Examining how invasive species reshape ecosystems and community structure
- Using molecular ecology and eDNA to track biodiversity and adaptation
- Bridging science, community, and Indigenous knowledge to guide conservation
Lab Location:
Listening Observatory for Hawaiian Ecosystems (LOHE) Lab
The LOHE Lab researches the ecology and conservation of native Hawaiian forests and birds, and in partnership with Google’s Bioacoustics Research Group, has developed advanced machine learning tools—like the Google Perch vocalization classifier—to accurately identify rare bird calls and estimate species call densities. These tools help monitor population trends and guide conservation strategies to protect Hawaiʻi’s endangered avifauna.
Principal Investigator: Dr.
Research scope includes:
- Behavioral ecology of forest birds
- Distribution, abundance, & demography of Hawaiian forest birds
- Hawaiian forest ecology & conservation
- Disease and foraging ecology of Hawaiian forest birds
- Using ornithological radar to survey the nighttime use of airspace by birds and bats
Lab Location:
MEGA Lab
The MEGA Lab specializes in studying the marine life and developing innovative tools to protect and research coral reefs and nearshore marine habitats. Their advanced techniques allow for interpreting the chemical and geophysical characteristics that support healthy ecosystems.
Principal Investigator: Dr.
Services include:
- Geological analysis
- Molecular profiling of coral communities
- Quantitative ecology
- 3D modeling of reef systems
- Video production
Lab Location:
Pacific Aquaculture and Coastal Resources Center (PACRC)
PACRC advances sustainable use and conservation of coastal areas through aquaculture and resource management. The Center promotes excellence in interdisciplinary research, public policy, outreach, and education.
Principal Investigator: Dr.
Facilities and resources include:
- Research space for students and faculty
- Filtered seawater systems for experiments and classes
- Saltwater, brackish, and freshwater aquaculture systems
- Water quality and pathology laboratories
- Quarantine facilities
- A freshwater fish hatchery
- An operational oyster hatchery
- Growth and holding facilities for aquatic projects
Lab Location: 1079 Kalanianaole St, Hilo, HI 96720
Spatial Data Analysis and Visualization (SDAV) Labs
The SDAV Labs are a cyber-geo-eco informatics center providing resources for faculty, students, and agencies. It offers access to advanced Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing (RS), and Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment. The facility also provides airborne digital imagery and satellite imagery via the Hawaiʻi IKONOS Consortium. SDAV offers training in visualization, modeling, and supercomputing, and provides access to Hawaiʻi-based weather, climate, hydrologic, and soils data. Services include data collection, analysis, mapping, and technical support for designing and maintaining field sensor networks and communication systems.
Principal Investigator: Dr.
Field equipment includes:
- Differential and handheld GPS units
- Spectroradiometer
- Laser-locator binoculars
- Tablet PCs
Lab Location: PB-22
SDAV Teaching Lab:
The SDAV Lab includes a computer lab equipped with geospatial data analysis software such as ArcGIS Pro, Pix4D, MATLAB, and ENVI. It serves both as a classroom and a resource for students who need high-performance computers for their projects.
Teaching Lab Location: K274
UH Hilo Agricultural Farm Laboratory
Located five miles from campus in Panaʻewa, the 110-acre UH Hilo Farm Laboratory provides hands-on learning opportunities for students, supports applied research, and engages the community through outreach. Facilities and programs emphasize experiential education in animal science, beekeeping, and horticulture/agroecology.
Principal Investigator: Dr.
Programs and resources include:
- Livestock facilities for horses, goats, cattle, and swine
- Training in safe animal handling, husbandry, and reproduction techniques
- One-acre bee garden, educational hive exhibits, and apiaries
- Courses in honey extraction, hive health, and value-added product development
- Greenhouses, orchards, and crop fields
- Training in composting, hydroponics, tropical crop production, and ornamental plant cultivation
Lab Location: 3551 Kanoelehua Ave, Hilo HI 96720
Rental Services
TCBES students have access to various physical resources to support their research and professional development. To request any TCBES equipment, please contact uhhtcbes@hawaii.edu and fill out our equipment rental form.
Lockers & Equipment
Lockers are available for student use in Wentworth Hall. To reserve a locker, please email tcbessup@hawaii.edu with a brief explanation of your need. Students can also rent equipment for projects and presentations at no cost. A list of available equipment is provided in this Google document.
Vehicles
The TCBES program has two four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles available for use by students, staff, and faculty (you must have a UH or RCUH affiliation). The vehicles may only be rented for school or research-related purposes. To request a vehicle rental please contact tcbescar@hawaii.edu.
2009 Toyota 4Runner
Price: $50/day
TCBES 4Runner Vehicle Rental Form ( PDF)
2019 Toyota Suburban
Price: $50/day
TCBES Suburban Vehicle Rental Form ( PDF)
Note: Suburban rentals relating to research in Kohala will be prioritized over non-Kohala based research rentals. Kohala-based Suburban rentals may be reserved up to six months out. Non-Kohala-based rentals may only be reserved within 30 days of the present date.
Room Reservation for Thesis Defense or Project Presentation
A key requirement of the TCBES program is delivering a public presentation of your work. To reserve a room for your Thesis Defense or Project Presentation, complete the Room Reservation Form at least 10 business days in advance. Be sure to include your name and your advisor’s under “Person Requesting Room,” your UH Hilo ID number, and list TCBES as your department affiliation.
Professional Internship students presenting as part of the annual group presentations do not need to reserve a room individually. However, if you plan to present on a separate day, consult with the Professional Internship Coordinator about submitting a room request.
Thesis track students must also submit the Thesis/Project/Dissertation Defense Schedule Form after securing a room and selecting a defense date. This form will be electronically signed by the Graduate Division Specialist (
To participate in commencement, this form must be fully approved by November 15 (Fall) or March 15 (Spring).
Other Notable Needs
Faculty
An up-to-date list of TCBES faculty members can be found on the Faculty page.
Funding
Looking for financial support during graduate school? Visit the Funding Opportunities page for available resources.
International Students
International students have additional considerations related to enrollment, employment, and finances. For more information, view the Policies for International Graduate Students ( PDF).
Laboratory Safety Training
Speak with your advisor to determine if training is required. Contact the
Library
The Edwin H. Mookini Library is a valuable resource for research and coursework, offering access to physical and digital books, articles, maps, theses, and more.
Program Curriculum
Course requirements for all M.S. TCBES students are listed in the UH Hilo Catalog.
You must follow the catalog from the year you began the program. Slight changes may occur each year; refer to back issues of the UH Hilo Catalog if needed
Room Keys
To request a room key, complete the form on the Auxiliary Services website, obtain the necessary signatures, and submit it to Auxiliary Services.
Salto Key Cards
Each student receives one Salto key card during orientation, which grants access to the TCBES Graduate Student Workroom in Wentworth Hall (W16). Card access is renewed every two years on August 15; if your card stops working, it may need reactivation. To access other labs or rooms, please contact your supervisor directly.
Return your Salto card at the end of your studies so it can be reused.
Student Life
Students in the TCBES program are actively encouraged to engage in both the university and local Hilo communities and participate in a rigorous curriculum alongside service, outreach, and professional development opportunities. Through the Kaiameaola Club, students organize sustainability initiatives and campus events with support from UH Hilo Student Association (UHHSA). Each year, students also present their research at the TCBES Student Symposium, gaining valuable experience for future professional conferences.
TCBES Email List
To be added to or removed from the TCBES student email lists, email: uhhtcbes@hawaii.edu.
We are now accepting applications for our next cohort.
Program Application Term: Fall 2026
Priority Deadline: December 1, 2025
Last day to submit an application: March 15, 2026