As the economy rapidly evolves through artificial intelligence (AI), the Pacific Center for Advanced Technology Training (PCATT) is bolstering local workforce readiness. The University of Hawaiʻi Community College consortium hosted the PCATT AI Summit 2026: AI for Action and Impact at the Ala Moana Hotel June 4–5, bringing together industry leaders, educators and ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ professionals to tackle the evolving technological landscape.

Celebrating PCATT‘s 25th anniversary, the summit focused on four core pillars: Trust in AI, AI & The Future of Work, Public/Social Interest in AI, and The Mechanics of AI. The event emphasized the necessity of collaboration between local businesses and schools to advance AI literacy and create stable economic pathways in the islands.

ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ System Senior Advisor to the President Kim Siegenthaler opened the gathering, emphasizing how artificial intelligence is actively reshaping Hawaiʻi‘s economy and workforce alignment.

Keynote speakers included Chris Barton, creator of Shazam (a breakthrough music recognition mobile application), and Dave Free of the Cisco Networking Academy, who offered strategies for innovation and adapting education training to rapid technological change.

Building a resilient workforce

“I was inspired by the discussions on finding the balance between leveraging AI‘s power while maintaining ethical standards and human connection,” said attendee Alexi Drouin. “As AI continues to change how we learn and work, it’s clear that our adaptability and human insights are more valuable than ever.”

For industry experts, the summit highlighted the necessity of bridging the gap between classroom training and real-world application.

“Attending the PCATT AI Summit was an incredible opportunity to engage with Hawaiʻi‘s tech educators and industry leaders,” noted Branden Baker of Intech Hawaiʻi. “Discussing how we can safely leverage AI to build a resilient workforce and diversify Hawaiʻi‘s economy is vital to our collective future.”

Lakshanya Krishnarajan, a healthcare IT professional, added, “The sessions provided deep insights into how AI is transforming education, cybersecurity and workforce development. From learning about trust in AI models to seeing real-world demos of how we can build practical digital prototypes, this summit provided actionable steps to bring back to our community.”

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (ICS) students showcased innovative solutions to real-world challenges during their Spring 2026 Capstone Project Day in May 2026.

The event featured poster presentations and demonstrations from undergraduate and graduate students who spent the semester collaborating with government agencies, private industry, nonprofit organizations and ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ departments on projects designed to address practical needs across Hawaiʻi and beyond.

Projects ranged from integrating artificial intelligence (AI) tools for legislative operations and developing cybersecurity training platforms for critical infrastructure systems to creating immersive educational experiences, analyzing environmental and fisheries data, tracking coffee provenance through blockchain technology and applying AI to agricultural research.

Capstone teams partnered with organizations including the Hawaiʻi State House of Representatives, Department of Defense, MITRE, Business Solution Technologies, Pacific Economics, Kahuku Apps, Blockchain in Paradise and the Waikīkī Aquarium. Additional collaborations involved ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Mānoa’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience, Shidler College of Business, College of Engineering and College of Natural Sciences.

“Technology evolves quickly, but curiosity, creativity and collaboration remain essential skills,” said ICS Department Chair Guylaine Poisson. “These projects give students an opportunity to explore emerging technologies while developing the judgment and leadership abilities that will help them make meaningful contributions throughout their careers.”

Classroom knowledge, professional workplaces

The gives students opportunities to work directly with clients, define project requirements, develop software solutions and present their results to stakeholders. The experience mirrors professional workplace environments while allowing students to apply classroom knowledge to meaningful community, industry and government challenges.

Project Day also featured presentations from the Naval Information Warfare Center internship program at Kapiʻolani Community College and video games developed by students in the department’s Video Game Design courses.

The capstone program continues to serve as a bridge between the university and industry partners, providing organizations with innovative solutions while helping students build technical, communication and project management skills through hands-on experience.

The Department of Information and Computer Sciences is housed in ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Mānoa .

A University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa research team has received advanced computing hardware through the to support work on artificial intelligence (AI) and next-generation wireless communication technologies.

Led by Assistant Professor in collaboration with Associate Professor , the team was selected to receive four NVIDIA RTX PRO 6000 Blackwell graphics processing units. The high-performance computer processors will support research on AI, next-generation wireless networks, cybersecurity and other emerging communication technologies. The computing resources will strengthen ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Mānoa’s research capabilities while expanding opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in AI and wireless networking technologies.

“Our goal is to build wireless systems that are not only faster but also smarter and more adaptable to real-world environments,” Xue said. “These new computing resources will accelerate our research while giving students valuable experience with the tools that are shaping the future of communications and AI.”

Practical solutions, wireless networks

The project is part of ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Mānoa’s growing efforts in communications, cyber-physical systems and networked infrastructure. Through collaborations with academic and industry partners, the research team aims to develop practical solutions for future wireless networks while addressing challenges relevant to Hawaiʻi’s transportation, logistics and critical infrastructure sectors.

Part of the team’s research focuses on creating digital models of smart ports that combine wireless sensing, AI-powered radio access networks and real-time infrastructure monitoring. The technology could help improve operations at ports and other large transportation hubs, where moving vehicles, shipping containers and changing conditions can interfere with wireless signals.

The research also supports broader efforts to improve connected infrastructure with potential applications in transportation systems, logistics and other environments that rely on dependable communication networks.

Beyond advancing research, the NVIDIA award will provide new opportunities for workforce development by allowing students to work directly with cutting-edge computing technology used in industry and academia.

A data scientist at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo has launched a year-long project to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) can help scientists, students, emergency managers, and the public better understand natural hazards such as volcanic activity, wildfires, tsunamis, and other disasters. The main idea of the project, named VULCAN-AI, is to use AI as a support tool for hazard intelligence and public communication.

“During a disaster, there is often a huge amount of information coming in at once: live camera feeds, satellite images, sensor readings, weather data, maps and scientific reports,” said Sukhwa Hong, ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Hilo associate professor of and who specializes in AI for business analytics. “VULCAN-AI is designed to help organize that information and turn it into clear, plain-language summaries that people can understand.”

With funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF)’s throughout the next year, Hong plans to build and test the AI-agent system using live Hawaiʻi Island volcano feeds, environmental data, and example volcanic and wildfire scenarios.

He emphasizes that the goal of the project is not to replace scientists or official emergency alerts. Instead, the goal is to show how AI can responsibly support human experts by helping detect changes, organize information, and explain what is happening more clearly to the public.

“What excites me most is that this project shows a positive use of AI,” said Hong. “AI is often discussed as a threat, but when used carefully and responsibly, it can help communities, support science, improve emergency communication, respect local knowledge, and give students hands-on experience with technology that serves the public good.”

He plans to hire ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Hilo students through NSF’s undergraduate research program to work with him on AI testing, live-feed monitoring, data preparation, visualization and public communication.

—By Susan Enright, ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Hilo Stories

As artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly reshapes the global job market, the University of Hawaiʻi is taking a leading role in preparing the state’s workers for an evolving economy. ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ has officially partnered with the State Workforce Development Council and Imua ʻOnipaʻa (a Hawaiʻi-based non-profit) for a four-part symposium series titled, “The AI Transformation: Preparing Hawaiʻi’s Workforce for the Future.”

The second event of the series, “The AI transformation: Preparing Hawaiʻi’s workforce for the future ” is tentatively scheduled for June 25, 2026, at Honolulu Community College from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. “Building an AI ready workforce in Hawaiʻi” will focus on the business case for responsible AI adoption, including industry-specific opportunities and risks, workforce impacts, and recommendations for Hawaiʻi’s education and training providers. Attendance is capped at 100 and ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ faculty, staff and administrators are encouraged to attend.

ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ‘s participation alongside partners such as the Hawaiʻi Department of Education, the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, and Department of Accounting and General Services underscores the university’s vital function as the engine of Hawaiʻi‘s workforce development.

“The University of Hawaiʻi is proud to partner with the State Workforce Development Council on this critical initiative,” ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ President Wendy Hensel said. “Preparing our local workforce for the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence is essential for Hawaiʻi’s economic resilience. As the state’s primary provider of higher education, ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ plays a central role in ensuring our training programs equip residents with the skills and AI literacy needed to thrive in an AI-driven economy.”

Bennette E. Misalucha, executive director of the State Workforce Development Council within the Hawaiʻi Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, highlighted the necessity of cross-agency collaboration.

“Hawaiʻi has an opportunity not simply to react to the AI transformation, but to thoughtfully prepare our workforce, institutions, and communities to harness AI in ways that strengthen economic resilience and preserve our shared values,” Misalucha said. “The AI Symposium Series was created to bring together our relevant stakeholders to better understand this moment of change, and to ensure that Hawaiʻi is prepared not only for the future of technology, but for the future of its people.”

The first session “Where is AI and where is it going” was held in April at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol. Experts from the guided attendees through the complex landscape of AI data and policy challenges, privacy frameworks, and AI‘s projected impacts on daily life, work, and sociopolitical power dynamics.

ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ System Director of Workforce Development Christine Beaule said, “The State Workforce Development Council’s AI Workforce Readiness series addresses some of the most pressing challenges and promising opportunities to our communities and state. AI will impact us all in ways we can only imagine at the moment; it is our kuleana to prepare our students for the future of work, lifelong learning and ethical, engaged citizenship.”

An innovative University of Hawaiʻi research team is using trail cameras and artificial intelligence (AI) to better understand how much fog contributes water to native ecosystems and groundwater recharge. Led in part by Honolulu Community College Professor John DeLay, the project focuses on Mount Kaʻala, °¿ʻ²¹³ó³Ü’s highest peak and an essential watershed.

“If we can keep the project going long enough, we might be able to detect a change in the lifting condensation level—affecting the extent of cloud and fog at the canopy level,” DeLay said.

Recharging the aquifer

Supported by the ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Office of Innovation and Commercialization, the system has achieved up to 93% accuracy in identifying fog conditions across different sites in both day and night conditions. This allows researchers to build long-term records of fog frequency and examine how moisture patterns vary.

“Not only is it really important for these ecosystems, which have fragile native species that need a lot of moisture and water, it’s also recharging out water budgets and our aquifer,” said Joel Nicolow, a ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ graduate research assistant in the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology.

Turning to AI

Historically, measuring this critical moisture required highly specialized personnel and expensive, complex equipment. The team turned to technology for a solution.

“We wanted to look at using cameras as a much more scalable, cost-effective approach,” explained researcher Dylan Giardana of the ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ Water Resources Research Center. “We use a machine learning model to classify all the images that we’re getting from these trail cameras.”

Their analysis shows that fog frequency jumps dramatically from about 10% at an elevation of 600 meters to 70% at the 1,200-meter summit. Understanding these patterns is essential as climate change and invasive species threaten natural watersheds. Long-term data may also help land managers in adapting conservation strategies.

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa introduced : a free, comprehensive call-for-papers (CFP) aggregator tailored for the legal academy. It offers real-time information on CFPs for conferences, symposia, workshops, law reviews and scholarly blogs. By leveraging a tiered system of artificial intelligence (AI) agents,

The Docket indexes more than 500 active sources—continuously discovering, classifying and triaging opportunities under expert human supervision. Legal scholars from around the world can now search the site, subscribe to filtered email digests, and export deadlines directly to their calendars.

“The Docket reflects the kind of work we strive to cultivate at Richardson,” ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ law school Dean Camille Nelson said. “By expanding access to opportunities for legal scholars, this initiative strengthens the exchange of ideas that is essential to advancing justice.”

Law Professor Guy Rubinstein identified the need for a centralized legal CFP aggregator and initiated the project.

“There have never been more opportunities for law professors to present, share and publish their work,” said Rubinstein. “However, due to the abundance of listservs, blogs and social media platforms, it is becoming increasingly difficult for scholars to track every opportunity. I wanted to create a tool that would bridge that gap by bringing everything into one view.”

Institutional growth

After a successful trial period and feedback from ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ law school faculty, the platform was officially launched to the community. Professor Brian Huffman, ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ law school’s electronic services librarian and director of faculty development, sees the tool as a vital resource for institutional growth.

“The Docket uniquely supports faculty development and scholarship by spotlighting publishing and presentation opportunities, enabling faculty to engage quickly and strategically with the broader academic community,” said Huffman. “The library supports this project in its effort to help faculty research and promote their scholarship as well as improve professional development. Other peer institutions will also certainly benefit from The Docket as this site is free and open to all.”

Collaboration brings project to life

To bring the vision to life, Rubinstein collaborated with Benjamin Leider, the innovation fellow at the ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ law school. A ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ law school alumnus whose background bridges the gap between academic scholarship and technical development, Leider built the platform from the ground up.

“Surprisingly, getting AI to do real work was much more like management than dealing with technology,” Leider said. “AI agents need clearly defined jobs, and they need the right tools to do them. When they fail, it’s almost always because job expectations are unclear, or because the tools provide a bad user experience—a bad experience for the agents themselves—or because you’re expecting one agent to have the expertise of three specialists.”

The University of Hawaiʻi community gathered for a virtual keynote exploring the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) on April 27. The event drew interest across the system, hosting nearly 500 attendees online.

Microsoft’s AI Innovation Officer Michael J. Jabbour led the session, focusing on human-centered organizational transformation and the intersection of human and AI in education and healthcare.

ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ President Wendy Hensel opened the webinar stating: “At the University of Hawaiʻi, we recognize the question is not whether we will embrace AI, but how we will do so. As you know, we’ve been setting up a systemwide AI initiative and conversation that we launched last year that we will scale significantly in the year ahead to educate our community on AI. As an example of this you may know we recently launched artificial intelligence for Hawaiʻi course which is a free 12-chapter interactive course accessible through the .”

A central theme of Jabbour’s presentation was the importance of maintaining human direction as AI capabilities rapidly expand. He warned that while AI can generate an infinite amount of output, humans must stay driven by actual outcomes. To foster critical thinking, especially among students, Jabbour shared how he encourages his own children to interact with AI models by instructing them to “teach me, don’t tell me,” ensuring that users maintain active agency.

“The only thing I ask you to consider, whether it’s with an AI or it’s with a human, is to think before you ask,” Jabbour said. “Because if you’re throwing ideas out there and asking the AI before you’ve thought, the AI‘s thinking now becomes your thinking and you don’t get a choice.”

Looking ahead, Jabbour noted that up to 70% of every hour worked could soon be automated, and that models are quickly matching human intelligence in specific tasks. With more than 60% of employers indicating they will not hire individuals lacking AI skills, he stated that educational institutions must adapt to avoid a big skills gap in training the up and coming workforce.

When asked how students can prepare for a workforce heavily impacted by AI, Jabbour highlighted adaptability, curiosity and human connection. He advised that the future of work will rely less on manual tasks and more on the human ability to clearly express goals and direct outcomes alongside AI.

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Garret Yoshimi, vice president for information technology and chief information officer at the University of Hawaiʻi System, will retire effective June 1, 2026, following more than a decade in the role and a long career in information technology serving Hawaiʻi. His final day in the office will be May 22.

Yoshimi returned to ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ in January 2015 and has played a central role in guiding the university’s information technology strategy across its 10 campuses. He previously served as telecommunications manager and director of technology infrastructure for the university system.

“Garret is not only exceptionally knowledgeable and widely respected in his field, but also one of the kindest and most thoughtful colleagues you could ever hope to work with, and he will be greatly missed across the University of Hawaiʻi,” said ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ President Wendy Hensel in a message to university leadership. “Please join me in thanking Garret for his many contributions to ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ and in wishing him all the best in his retirement.”

“It has been my privilege to work with such a dedicated team, including going beyond the call for multiple high-profile efforts,” Yoshimi said in a message to ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ ITS employees. “I am proud of the work we have accomplished together, that made a material difference for our ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ community, and our global community of institutional peers and partners.”

Leading systemwide innovation and connectivity

During his leadership, Yoshimi oversaw systemwide efforts to modernize information technology services, strengthen cybersecurity protections and expand digital tools supporting teaching, learning and operations across the university.

Among his recent initiatives, Yoshimi helped lead efforts to position Hawaiʻi as a global connectivity hub. In 2025, the University of Hawaiʻi System advanced a partnership with Google on a proposed trans-Pacific subsea fiber optic system, including a cable landing station at ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ West Oʻahu aimed at expanding international connectivity and improving network resilience across Hawaiʻi and the Pacific region.

He also supported a collaboration with Google Public Sector to develop artificial intelligence tools to support student career pathways, connecting academic programs with workforce opportunities in Hawaiʻi.

Yoshimi and colleagues have been recognized for their longstanding contributions to global research and education networking. In 2026, he was part of a ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ team honored with the CENIC Innovations in Networking Award for Network Partner, recognizing more than 35 years of work connecting Hawaiʻi and the Pacific to global research networks.

He received the ACUTA Bill D. Morris Award for individual leadership from the Association for College and University Technology Advancement and remains active in national higher education IT organizations, including EDUCAUSE and Internet2.

A Honolulu native, Yoshimi has nearly five decades of experience in information technology leadership across higher education, government and the private sector. He was appointed vice president for information technology and chief information officer in 2015, succeeding David Lassner, who went on to serve as ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ president. In addition to his time at the ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ, Yoshimi’s career includes leadership roles with the Hawaiʻi State Judiciary—where he served as its first chief information officer—the East-West Center and DTRIC Insurance.

Yoshimi earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Purdue University and a graduate certificate in telecommunications and information resource management from the ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹.

During the transition, Brad Christ, associate vice president and deputy chief information officer, will serve as interim vice president for information technology and chief information officer.

The University of Hawaiʻi community is invited to a virtual keynote exploring the intersection of technology and human potential, featuring Microsoft’s AI Innovation Officer Michael J. Jabbour. The session will dive into the rapidly evolving landscape of AI and its transformative implications for the future of education and healthcare.

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Event details:

• Speaker: Michael J. Jabbour (AI Innovation Officer, Microsoft, Office of the CTO)
• Date: Monday, April 27
• Time: 12–1:30 p.m.

About the keynote:

Jabbour leads research in human-AI collaboration, biologically inspired AI, and the future of work. A recognized leader in large-scale organizational transformation, he previously served as CIO/CTO for several New York City agencies, including the Department of Education. He is a regular guest lecturer at top universities.

What you will discover:

• AI fundamentals: Explore the transformative world of Artificial Intelligence, including its uncharted propensity to “hallucinate.”
• Revolutionizing education: Learn how AI can revolutionize education by enhancing teaching and learning experiences with cutting-edge tools and personalized methodologies.
• Practical integration: Dive into the potential of AI to automate routine tasks, stimulate collaborative learning, and foster bespoke educational journeys.
• Actionable insights: Equip yourself with practical use cases and insights on seamlessly integrating AI into your classroom or institution, paving the way for a future where education is intuitively tailored, engaging, and impactful.

The ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ community is encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to hear from a national leader in AI innovation and explore how these emerging technologies are shaping the future of education and healthcare.

The University of Hawaiʻi accounted for more than $61.2 million—92% of all federal biomedical research funding awarded in the state from the (NIH)—in fiscal year 2025.

Hawaiʻi received $66.7 million overall in NIH funding, according to a new report from . The investment supported 902 jobs and generated $188.7 million in economic activity statewide.

NIH funding supports a wide range of research across ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ, from improving disease detection and treatment to addressing health disparities and strengthening public health systems that serve island communities, reinforcing the university’s role in advancing health research and innovation in Hawaiʻi.

had the largest share, with 72 awards totaling $60.7 million, while the received two awards totaling $468,391. While overall funding remained strong, NIH’s shift to multi-year funding—which obligates the full grant value upfront—resulted in 5,564 fewer grants being funded in FY2025 compared to FY2024.

“Even in a highly competitive and uncertain federal funding environment, University of Hawaiʻi researchers continue to deliver work that improves lives here at home and beyond,” said Chad Walton, ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ interim vice president for research and innovation. “These investments fuel discoveries, support high-quality jobs and strengthen our local economy. Every dollar makes a difference for our communities.”

Research highlights

Recent awards reflect the diversity of NIH-funded research at ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ:

• $322,891 from the National Cancer Institute supports Shugeng Zhao Cao, professor at the at ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Hilo. The project, Discovery of novel natural TEAD inhibitors for the chemoprevention of liver tumors, explores natural compounds from Hawaiian microorganisms to develop the first preventive therapy for liver cancer.



• $2,039,744 from the National Human Genome Research Institute supports Lang Wu, associate professor at the at the ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Cancer Center. The research advances genomic tools and approaches to better understand complex diseases and support precision health applications. (Related ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ News story)
• $459,287 from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases supports Youping Deng, professor at the . The project, Hawaii Advanced Training in Artificial Intelligence for Precision Nutrition Science Research, strengthens training in the use of artificial intelligence for nutrition and metabolic health research. (Related ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ News story)

, an assistant professor in the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa , has received the Career Development Award from the to advance medical research and technology for vascular and heart health. The three-year, $230,727 award supports promising early-career investigators working on innovative solutions in cardiovascular and related biomedical research.

“I am very honored to receive this award,” Wang said. “This support allows us to explore bold ideas that could change how we approach medical treatment inside the human body, while building a strong network of collaborators who bring different expertise to the table. It’s a great opportunity to train the next generation of engineers and create technologies that could one day make procedures safer and less invasive.”

Wang’s project focuses on developing miniature soft robotics combined with artificial intelligence to create new medical devices that can navigate hard-to-reach areas of the body and enhance the function of cardiovascular and neurovascular systems. The work builds on Wang’s previous research on soft robotics inspired by diverse marine life. By studying how small aquatic animals move efficiently through complex environments, his team designs flexible robots that can safely operate in delicate spaces, such as inside the human body.

Related ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ News stories:

• Bio-inspired breakthroughs: Engineering solutions from nature, August 26, 2025
• Team of microscopic soft robots could transform medical care, November 10, 2024
• Robot tech to clean oceans wows international summit, February 6, 2024

The award also supports collaboration and mentorship with scientists from ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Mānoa’s , The Queen’s Medical Center, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. These partnerships aim to strengthen research and expand real-world applications of miniature soft robotics in healthcare.

Wang also serves as an adjunct assistant professor at The Queen’s Medical Center and a cooperating faculty in ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Mānoa’s .

The project highlights ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Mānoa’s growing role in robotics and biomedical engineering, with a focus on developing technologies that can improve patient care and address complex health challenges such as sudden cardiac arrest.

The University of Hawaiʻi is taking its AI chatbot strategy a step further, with students sending more than 100,000 messages since the start of the academic year—data that is now being used to identify when students may need help, often before they ask for it.

New data from the first quarter of 2026 report shows the scale of that impact. Since the beginning of the academic year, 51% of ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ students engaged with their chatbot, sending more than 100,000 text messages, approximately an additional 30,000 messages since last recorded in December 2025.

Additionally, since August 2025, ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ saw some of the highest number of text exchanges with more than 32,000 student messages received by their chatbot ‘Bow, while ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ West Oʻahu’s Pueo and Honolulu Community College’s Niu saw the highest student engagement with 61% and 60% respectively.

Early signals, faster support

Those interactions are doing more than providing quick answers. Since January 2026, more than 3,000 automatic interventions were completed, connecting students with specific and targeted resources, while 1,924 students were flagged for a staff follow-up. More than 1,900 student questions were answered without direct human interaction.

“This technology is helping us shift from reactive to proactive support,” said Kim Siegenthaler, senior advisor to the ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ president. “By listening to students in real time, we’re creating a more responsive system that provides students the support they need to succeed.”

The Q1 data also underscores the system’s efficiency. The AI chatbots handled thousands of routine questions independently, saving staff 165 hours while still delivering immediate responses to students.

Understanding the student experience

Beyond individual interactions, ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ is using chatbot data to track broader trends. The report highlights areas of attention and potential stressors through regular temperature checks. These insights are helping campuses adjust outreach strategies and better align resources with student needs systemwide.

At the start of the semester, 47%of ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ community college students said they feel good about the term and 33% said they feel nervous or overwhelmed, while 39% ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ four-year college students said they feel good about the semester and 33% said they feel nervous or overwhelmed.

40% of four-year and community college students said they need the most support in academics, followed by finances, wellness and engagement.

These interactions are part of a growing data-driven system designed to make sure that no student slips through the cracks, ensuring a proactive approach to student support.

—By Grant Nakasone

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa has received a $50,000 research gift from Google to support artificial intelligence and robotics work led by Assistant Professor .

The gift will fund Chen’s research in robotic perception, a field focused on helping machines better understand and interact with the physical world. The research includes applications in health-related human-robot interaction, tactile sensing and agriculture.

“This support allows us to explore bold ideas at the intersection of perception and real-world environments, while creating hands-on opportunities for students to work on technologies that could shape the future of robotics,” Chen said.

Human-robot interaction, tactile sensing, outdoor environments

One area of the research focuses on health-related human-robot interaction, including embodied interaction systems designed to support older adults with mild cognitive impairment. By combining 3D vision, perception and adaptive robotic behavior, the work aims to help machines respond more naturally and effectively in real-world assistive settings. This work builds on Chen’s earlier Hawaiʻi Community Foundation-supported research on digital biomarkers for early screening of Alzheimer’s disease using computer vision and artificial intelligence.

Another component explores 3D tactile sensing, allowing robots to gather information through touch. This approach aims to improve how machines detect shape, movement and contact, particularly in tasks that require delicate handling or physical interaction.

The project also targets agricultural use, where robots must navigate complex outdoor environments. The research seeks to improve how machines navigate in fields, identify crops, interpret terrain, and operate under changing lighting and weather conditions.

Funding will support graduate and undergraduate student researchers, as well as equipment, computing resources and experimental testing. The project also provides opportunities for student training in robotics, computer vision and artificial intelligence.

The Department of Information and Computer Sciences is housed in ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Mānoa’s .

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to rapidly transform higher education, the University of Hawaiʻi has officially launched its course, a free interactive 12-chapter program designed for ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ ʻohana and communities across Hawaiʻi. The first chapter of the course, which serves as a gateway for professional development and exploration, launched on March 29.

Hosted on the new , the course invites participants to demystify AI by trying new tools and discovering real-world applications that support work, learning and daily life. New chapters will be released on a weekly basis over the next 12 weeks.

“This course empowers our ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ campuses and local communities to actively shape how we use AI to make our island home better,” said Gloria Niles, ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ chief academic technology innovation officer. “By ensuring our exploration of these tools includes critical conversations about transparency and responsible deployment in a Hawaiʻi context, we can thoughtfully integrate these technologies while honoring our foundational values.”

Hawaiʻi-based, hands-on

The course features a variety of learning materials, including instructional videos, Hawaiʻi-based stories and practical activities that allow participants to engage in hands-on tools. Throughout the modules, users will discover real-world uses for AI, learn the mechanics of machine learning, and explore critical concepts like bias, fairness, transparency and responsible AI deployment.

Participants who complete the program will be awarded an AI Foundations Badge. This digital credential demonstrates a foundational understanding of AI literacy, ethical practices and responsible use within the university system.

The course operates alongside other key ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ OneAI Hub initiatives, such as the and the , to support faculty, staff and students in navigating the future of AI.

Researchers at the University of Hawaiʻi at ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ are using artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) to better understand what improves outcomes for individuals receiving treatment for substance use disorders.

A recent study published in analyzed more than 7.9 million publicly available treatment records across the U.S. to identify patterns in services, recovery and outcomes. The research was led by Treena Becker, an assistant researcher with the , and Alberto Gonzalez-Martinez, a ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ computer scientist.

“We believe our research findings can help states and local organizations better understand how to support people in substance use disorder treatment and their long-term recovery journey at a time when drug overdose deaths continue to be a major public health concern across the U.S.,” Becker said.

Top predictors of positive treatment outcomes

“We developed and used an ensemble machine learning model called Random Forest Model with the aim to predict the 10 most important features that increase the likelihood of positive treatment outcomes,” Becker said.

The analysis found the most important factor associated with positive outcomes was how long an individual remains in treatment, regardless of setting. According to Becker, longer engagement significantly increases the likelihood of reducing or stopping substance use.

Other key factors included treatment accessibility, depending on clinical need, treatment type at entry and at discharge, housing status, participation in self-help groups, employment status and referral source.

Mapping disparities in treatment services

AI/ML tools also allowed researchers to map and visualize the data, revealing patterns difficult to detect using traditional methods. Using the Machine Learning Random Forest Model, the team found that states with the highest overdose death rates tend to have fewer clinically appropriate treatment services available.

“It would have been virtually impossible to analyze so many treatment records without AI/ML assistance,” Becker said.

Based on the findings, Becker recommends that state governments prioritize behavioral health services and work collaboratively to expand access to longer-duration, clinically appropriate treatment programs. Increasing availability—especially in states with limited treatment infrastructure—could significantly improve recovery outcomes nationwide.

Becker, who recently received a pilot project award from (Center for Pacific Innovations, Knowledge and Opportunities), plans to build on the research by examining local data on addiction treatment and recovery among Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to transform higher education, the University of Hawaiʻi has launched the , a central platform for integrating AI across its 10 campuses. This new website reflects the university’s commitment to shaping AI in a way that deepens knowledge and serves the community while honoring its mission as an Indigenous-serving institution.

A key feature of the website are the , designed to help peers collaborate and share resources across the 10-campus system. These specialized groups allow ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ faculty and staff to join discussions via Google Groups and share ideas on Padlet.

“The new ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ OneAI Hub and our Communities of Practice are vital steps in our strategic roadmap for AI integration,” said Gloria Niles, ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Chief Academic Technology Innovation Officer. “By collaborating across our campuses, we can thoughtfully implement these technologies to enhance our instructional environments and administrative operations, always ensuring our progress aligns with Native Hawaiian values.”

Communities of Practice:

• Teaching and Learning: For instructors, instructional designers and librarians to share practical strategies for the current semester.
• Research and Discovery: Focused on methods and tools to accelerate research for faculty, graduate students and lab staff.
• Student Support: Aimed at advisors, career services and tutoring centers to develop repeatable approaches that improve student-facing services.
• Operations and Administration: Designed for HR, finance and IT staff to create simple workflows that reduce friction in everyday work.
• Communications and Community Engagement: For outreach teams and media staff to develop clear, consistent AI messaging for ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ and its communities.
• Governance, Policy and Risk: For policy owners and leadership to establish shared guardrails that enable innovation while protecting people and data.

AI Foundations course, more

In addition, the website will serve as a gateway for professional development. The first chapter of the AI Foundations course, which will help users explore AI, will officially launch on March 29. A new chapter of the course will be released weekly over twelve weeks. Users who complete the AI Foundations course will receive an AI Foundations Badge, a digital credential that demonstrates a core understanding of AI literacy, ethics and responsible use within the ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ System.

ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ OneAI Hub also offers the , a hands-on professional development initiative offered by the to help ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ faculty and staff move beyond basic exploration by integrating AI into their teaching, research and professional activities.

The , in partnership with Google Cloud, will host a landmark full-day workshop on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, titled, “Accelerating Research in the Age of AI: A Synergistic Workshop with Google.” The event will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Sullivan Conference Center, ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Cancer Center, 701 Ilalo Street, Honolulu.

Designed to reflect the ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ‘s unique geographic and cultural context, the workshop will highlight how academic-industry partnerships can strengthen research capacity by expanding access to advanced AI tools, high-performance computing and specialized technical expertise. The program is open to ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ faculty, investigators, trainees and students across biomedical, population, ocean, earth and computational sciences.

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“This workshop represents an exciting opportunity for ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ researchers to engage directly with Google’s leading AI scientists and tools,” said John Shepherd, chief scientific officer at the ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Cancer Center, who is organizing the workshop. “We are committed to building the infrastructure and partnerships that will propel our research into the next generation of discovery.”

Workshop highlights

The agenda features a lineup of renowned speakers and interactive sessions, including:

• Keynote: “AI Co-Scientist System and Gemini-Based Research Tools,” presented by Charlie Elliot, lead of rapid innovation, Google Public Sector;
• Flash Talks: Great Challenges Across Disciplines—featuring Peter Sadowski (associate professor, Department of Information and Computer Sciences, ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹), István Szapudi (theoretical cosmologist, Institute for Astronomy, ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ), and Justin Stopa (associate professor, Department of Ocean and Resources Engineering, ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹);
• Deep Dive Sessions covering your “Modern Research Toolkit” (Francisco Gonzalez, application modernization specialist architect, Google Public Sector) and “Federated Learning for Global Collaboration” (Tom Denton, research scientist, Google DeepMind/Google Research);
• Student Poster Competition, with Google-sponsored awards for the best presentations, judged during the Google-sponsored lunch break;
• Co-Designing Breakouts in which participants brainstorm high-impact solutions in three focus areas: AI for hypothesis generation, Google’s cloud tools and federated learning.

The workshop will conclude with a panel discussion and vision synthesis identifying a roadmap for future ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ-Google collaboration, along with the announcement of poster competition award winners.

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To introduce both undergraduate and graduate students to the rapidly evolving world of AI-driven architectural design, this spring the University of Hawaiʻi offered a new course on designing with artificial intelligence (AI), designed to integrate emerging technologies with human creativity.

The course requires no prior experience in AI, architecture or complex design software and is open to students from all majors.

Students are learning to incorporate modern AI tools into local design projects. A recent course assignment involved designing a single-family home on one of Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) scattered sites (units located at more than one location). Using AI-assisted workflows, the students successfully produced full presentation materials and architectural animations for the project.

AI as a tool, not a replacement

“Something interesting that I learned in the AI design course was that it isn’t necessarily a process where the AI is taking control of the work produced, but it has been a process of lots of guidance and decisions based on what the AI is producing,” Darci-Lyn Kaina, a second-year ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ architecture student, said. “It really took away the fear that I had before this semester, where I thought AI would be taking over architecture.”

Professor Hyoung-June Park designed the curriculum to focus on four core areas: AI program generation, spatial massing development, AI-assisted three-dimensional modeling, and the integration of AI workflows into architectural decision-making.

“Through a series of guided exercises and design explorations, students are learning how AI can support and augment architectural thinking rather than replace human authorship,” said Park. He concluded by invoking William Gibson’s observation: “The future is already here—it’s just not very evenly distributed.”

At the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, Winston Wu is helping shape how artificial intelligence (AI) is taught both in Hawaiʻi and across the country. Wu, a assistant professor, has been selected as one of 25 educators nationwide for the inaugural National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource AI Education Fellows program, led by the National Science Foundation. The cohort represents 23 states.

As a fellow, Wu will develop new AI courses, tools, and teaching materials that integrate NAIRR high performance computing resources. He will also support other faculty in bringing these materials into their classrooms and help guide the program’s national direction.

“This opportunity will help expand awareness of NAIRR’s resources across campus and support our growing AI initiatives,” said Wu. “I’m also excited to apply these resources to support locally impactful research, including my ongoing work to develop AI tools for the Hawaiian language.”

At ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Hilo, Wu’s work connects advanced technology with local needs. His research focuses on language and machine learning, with an emphasis on multilingual tools and support for language revitalization.

He teaches courses ranging from introductory programming to advanced topics in natural language processing and deep learning. He also coaches ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Hilo’s competitive programming teams.

Wu’s fellowship runs through early 2027 and includes a stipend and national visibility as an AI educator.

“These Fellows will serve as ambassadors for AI education across the country,” said Jeff Forbes, who leads the national program. “By elevating their leadership and connecting them nationally, we’re amplifying both their impact and the broader goals of the [program].”