Pacific Internship Programs for Exploring Science (PIPES)

Pacific Internship Programs for Exploring Science

A large group of PIPES participants

Welina mai kākou!

The Pacific Internship Programs for Exploring Science (PIPES) is a paid undergraduate summer internship program housed within the Office of Research & Community Partnerships at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo.

Our Mission-

Growing, strengthening, and investing into the next generation of aloha ʻāina leaders throughout Hawaiʻi and the Pacific with transformative place-based internships and mentorship, innovative programming, pathways, and partnerships.

Illustration of progression between 4 pillars of the Moʻo ʻĀina framework -  Naʻau, ʻĀina, Kaiāulu, and KaʻaoThere is a progression between 4 pillars of the Moʻo ʻĀina framework - Naʻau, ʻĀina, Kaiāulu, and Kaʻao The PIPES Moʻo ʻĀina framework is the culmination of years of aloha ʻāina experiences, efforts, partnerships, and programming. This iterative place-based framework is grounded in pilina (connection/relation) focusing on 4 foundational pillars: Naʻau, ʻĀina, Kaiāulu, and Kaʻao. These four core pillars are the anchor and guide to PIPES program experiences.

4 Foundational Pillars

Naʻau:
We define this relationship as the connection to self, to passion/function, and our connection to intuition.

ʻĀina:
We define this relationship as the connection to place, connection to creation, and our connection to elemental sources.

Kaiāulu:
We define this relationship as the connection to community, connection to pathways, and our connection to reciprocity.

Kaʻao:
We define this relationship as the connection to expression, connection to stories, and our connection to growth (the next kaʻao)

View intern presentations from the 2023 PIPES Symposium

PIPES Staff Receives Outstanding Leadership Award

A group of PIPES leaders at the Conservation AwardsPIPES staff receiving award. Photo Credit - F. Schmutzer

PIPES staff receiving award. PC - F. SchmutzerPIPES staff at the HCA awards ceremony. Photo Credit - F. Schmutzer

Read more about the PIPES Leadership award.