From South Dakota to the deep sea: Meet Hayden Niles

Hayden Niles is set to graduate from UH Hilo in Spring 2026 with a bachelor’s of science degree in marine science, a minor in chemistry, and a marine option program (MOP) certificate.

Hayden Niles grew up 1,500 miles from the nearest ocean, in Waubay, South Dakota — a landlocked town of 500 where the closest thing to the deep sea was a swimming pool. This spring, he graduates from UH Hilo with a bachelor's in Marine Science, a minor in chemistry, a Marine Option Program certificate, and his sights set on hydrothermal vents two miles below the surface. The pull, he’ll tell you, was always there — he just couldn’t explain it.

Niles’ fascination began early, sparked by a video game called Endless Ocean: Blue World. “I was all about that game. I played that game way too much as a kid,” he laughed. That digital curiosity translated into real-world action when he got SCUBA certified in a local pool at just 12 years old.

When it came time for college, Niles, who graduated high school with a class of eight students, initially considered a practical path in nursing. But the ocean’s pull was undeniable. He chose UH Hilo, recognizing it as a realistic option that offered an incredible, accessible marine science program.

“The opportunities here genuinely are shocking,” Niles says, noting the constant stream of emails about internships and jobs. By his freshman year, he had already earned his scientific diving certification, diving headfirst into his passion. He praises UH Hilo’s intimate class sizes, which allowed for hands-on learning and tight-knit relationships with professors. “You get a chance to really, really get to know your professors, and that helps a ton,” he explained.

Niles didn’t just study the ocean; he actively engaged with it. Before his senior year, he secured a highly competitive deep-sea exploration internship aboard the research vessel Nautilus, an opportunity with only a 2% acceptance rate. This experience, which included crossing the equator and studying unmapped seamounts, solidified his desire to pursue deep-sea microbiology. He specifically hopes to research hydrothermal vent bacteria, noting that “there’s a lot of potential… specifically in the deep sea,” particularly for discoveries that could lead to treatments for diseases such as cancer.

But his ambitions extend beyond research. Niles is dedicated to giving back, currently working with the Bonner Program to manage hydroponic food baskets, aiming to bring sustainable agriculture models back to rural communities like his hometown in South Dakota. He believes in the power of agricultural change, stating, “We can make a difference by shaping people’s perspectives.”

As he looks toward graduation, Niles acknowledges the immense value of his UH Hilo education. “I didn’t just do this because I thought I could, but because I thought I couldn’t,” he reflects. “I value this degree a lot because of where I came from and what it took to get here.”

For Niles, crossing the stage won’t just be the culmination of a college career; it will be the realization of a lifelong dream. “It’s going to mean a lot,” he said, reflecting on his experience. “It could be straight joy, it could be straight tears — I’m not sure. But it’s going to be something else,” he laughed.

Recognizing his commitment to the university community, Niles was honored with a leadership certificate for his work in higher education and student mentorship.

His journey is a testament to the fact that at UH Hilo, students are not just given an education; they are given the tools to change their own worlds, and the world at large.