Kūkala Nūhou Faculty & Staff Spotlight

Outstanding Staff of the Month - Matt Kalahiki

From casual hire to campus cornerstone: Matt Kalahiki helps to make our UH Hilo ʻohana, truly ʻohana.

Featuring Professor Adam Pack

Adam Pack, Professor of Psychology and Biology, recently co-chaired special sessions and workshops on humpback whale acoustics and behavior at the 6th Joint Meeting of the Acoustical Society of America and the Japan Acoustical Society in Honolulu.

Featuring our Outstanding Staff of the Month - Chelsea Kay-Wong

From student assistant to campus advocate, Chelsea Kay-Wong’s transition from an Upward Bound participant to University Registrar is a testament to her dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to the UH Hilo ‘ohana.

Featuring John Burns & Kainoa Hauanio

From Oregon to Hilo, the arrival of the research vessel Kaiola marks a new era for UH Hilo Marine Science. Led by John Burns and Kainoa Hauanio, this vessel provides a dedicated platform for hands-on student learning and seafaring research.

Featuring our Outstanding Staff of the Month - Kolby Santiago

Twenty-eight years, one office, and a team she is thankful for every day — meet Acting Financial Aid Director Kolby Santiago.

Featuring Professor Michael Marshall

Prof. Michael Marshall's students didn't just study gallery prep — they curated a real public exhibition at Mookini Library.

Featuring our Outstanding Staff of the Month - Hollind Paiva

Potlucks, pride, and pristine spaces before 8 a.m. — meet Hollind Paiva, April’s Outstanding Staff of the Month.

Featuring Professor Chris Frueh

Combat, healing, and a mission across borders — meet Professor Chris Frueh, whose groundbreaking work on Operator Syndrome is going international.

Featuring Sunny Walker

Whether he’s troubleshooting a network crisis or supporting a colleague, Sunny Walker is the technical heart of our campus—discover why he’s being honored as the UH Hilo Outstanding Staff of the Month.

Faculty & Staff Spotlight: Master Printmaker Jon Goebel

Two juried exhibitions, two awards — one for the state, one national. Meet Master Printmaker Jon Goebel, UH Hilo’s May 2026 spotlight.