A novel wastewater treatment solution currently undergoing evaluation at the Wahiawā Wastewater Treatment Plant on Oʻahu could offer a crucial, cost-effective path forward as Hawaiʻi faces a massive statewide infrastructure overhaul.

The Hawaiʻi Onsite Wastewater Technology Evaluation Program (HOWTEP) was officially launched during the Wastewater Innovation Tech Showcase on August 26, at the Wahiawā Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Executed by the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (WRRC), HOWTEP is a three-year pilot testing program funded by companion bills and . WRRC evaluates innovative systems and provides evaluation reports to the Hawaiʻi Department of Health to support their decision-making and certification process. This directly accelerates the commercialization and approval of affordable wastewater technologies.

The initiative advances accessible, decentralized wastewater solutions to help property owners meet the mandate requiring the replacement, conversion or closure of nearly 88,000 cesspools across the state by January 1, 2050. Beyond system certification, HOWTEP serves as a multi-purpose hub for WRRC to conduct research, offer hands-on student training and perform community outreach.

Honu Hub

Honu Hub, which is supported by a $5 million National Science Foundation grant, is the first technology to be evaluated under the HOWTEP platform. It is led by Assistant Professor Zhiyue Wang (WRRC and Department of Civil, Environmental and Construction Engineering), Professor and Director Tao Yan (WRRC and Department of Civil, Environmental and Construction Engineering) and Professor Daniel Yeh (University of South Florida).

Honu Hub is a decentralized wastewater treatment system designed to process sewage completely above ground. By packing its technology into a compact 52-square-foot space—roughly the size of a standard garden shed—the unit eliminates the need for expensive heavy machinery, extensive excavation and costly landscape restoration.

For many homeowners, replacing a cesspool with a conventional septic system costs between $30,000 and $50,000—a financial burden amplified by difficult terrain, high water tables and tight lot boundaries. Honu Hub was engineered as an affordable alternative designed to drastically lower these conversion costs.

“The WRRC team鈥檚 role in this is to help with research and development to improve the technology and study the fate and transport of emerging contaminants in this system,” Wang said.

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The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa has received a $2 million award from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to lead a multi-institutional effort to develop artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled tools that can help detect environmental threats to food production systems before they become major problems. The effort comes as public health officials continue to investigate foodborne illness outbreaks tied to cyclospora, underscoring the need for faster, more proactive approaches to identifying potential threats in the food supply.

The $4 million NSF Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) Track II Focused EPSCoR Collaboration (FEC) award is led by 糖心视频 Mānoa in partnership with the University of Nebraska鈥揕incoln. 糖心视频鈥檚 portion of the award is $2 million, with the four-year project starting September 1, 2026. This marks only the second time 糖心视频 has received an NSF EPSCoR Track II FEC award.

Team of experts to cross variety of fields

The project will combine AI, environmental sampling, advanced genetic analysis and high-resolution chemical analysis to identify and monitor potential risks to aquaculture, livestock and agricultural systems.

Led by principal investigator Tao Yan, director of the (WRRC) and professor in the , the project brings together researchers from across 糖心视频, including WRRC, College of Engineering, 糖心视频 Cancer Center, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology and College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience.

“Food production systems are increasingly challenged by microbial pathogens and chemical contaminants that can threaten animal health, food safety and economic sustainability,” Yan said. “By combining environmental surveillance with AI, we aim to develop early-warning technologies that can identify emerging risks before they reach critical levels. This collaboration will strengthen Hawaiʻi鈥檚 and Nebraska鈥檚 research capacity while preparing the next generation of scientists and engineers to address complex challenges in food security.”

Creating a proactive approach

Current monitoring methods often identify problems only after disease outbreaks occur or contaminants have reached harmful levels. The project aims to create a proactive approach by continuously analyzing environmental data to detect warning signs earlier.

Researchers will develop new AI models capable of interpreting complex biological and chemical data, including information from metagenomics (the study of genetic material collected from environmental samples) and high-resolution mass spectrometry, which identifies chemical compounds.

The research team will test the technologies in aquaculture and beef cattle production systems, with the goal of improving food safety, protecting animal health and increasing the resilience of food production systems.

The collaboration will support STEM education and workforce development by providing research opportunities for junior faculty members, graduate and undergraduate students, and K–12 participants. Outreach efforts will engage industry partners, regulators and communities to encourage adoption of new technologies.

The partnership builds research capacity in two EPSCoR jurisdictions (Hawaiʻi and Nebraska) while establishing a long-term collaboration focused on using AI and biotechnology to address food system challenges.

A new project led by the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 will use artificial intelligence (AI) to help predict how rising seas and stronger storms could threaten coastal freshwater supplies and ecosystems.

Associate Professor Jonghyun “Harry” Lee of the 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 and has been awarded a under its Collaborations in Artificial Intelligence and Geosciences program. 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 will serve as the lead institution on a three-year, nearly $1 million collaborative project, alongside the University of Texas at Austin, to advance AI applications in geoscience.

Rising seas, stronger storms, saltwater contamination of freshwater resources and coastal ecosystem degradation pose increasing threats to coastal communities. These environmental pressures impact drinking water supplies, agriculture, infrastructure, local economies and daily life for millions of people.

To address these challenges, the joint project will develop fast, accessible AI models to better understand how water exchanges between coastal aquifers and the ocean. By combining recent advances in AI with traditional environmental modeling, the team aims to predict critical coastal risks鈥攕uch as seawater intrusion into freshwater aquifers and freshwater flowing from land into the ocean鈥攆aster and more accurately.

“This project will improve our understanding and prediction of how groundwater and the ocean interact in Hawaiʻi鈥檚 coastal aquifers, helping communities better protect freshwater resources and coastal ecosystems from challenges, such as seawater intrusion and coastal inundation,” principal investigator Lee said.

Advancing coastal science through next-gen AI

The researchers will develop a new system that combines AI with proven physics models to better understand coastal water systems. This approach creates high-speed 鈥渟urrogate models鈥� capable of running complex simulations of groundwater and ocean interactions at a fraction of the cost, while preserving essential physics laws at the land-sea boundary.

Key features and goals of the project include:

• Flexible AI architecture: Combining different AI tools to analyze both long-term ocean patterns and short-term events, such as storm surges.
• Real-world testing: Validating models on benchmark applications in Hawaiʻi and Texas coastal systems.
• Near-real-time forecasts: Enabling rapid assessments of seawater intrusion and coastal groundwater discharge to support digital twin models of complex ecosystems.
• Practical decision tools: Providing actionable insights to guide water management, infrastructure planning and long-term coastal resilience.
• Open science and education: Developing open-source software, interactive visualization tools, and interdisciplinary training for students and early-career researchers.

“Students and postdocs working on this project will be supported by hands-on research and training at the intersection of groundwater hydrology, coastal science, computational modeling, and artificial intelligence, preparing them for careers addressing Hawaiʻi鈥檚 water and environmental challenges,” Lee stated.

The University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 has reached the highest undergraduate enrollment in its history, with 525 students registered for fall 2026. As of the first day of classes of the semester, enrollment had increased by 106 students from 419 in fall 2025—a 25.3% increase in a single year.

The record enrollment represents a major milestone in a growth strategy adopted by the department in November 2022. The department鈥檚 strategic plan established a five-year goal of more than 450 undergraduate students and a 10-year goal of more than 600. With 525 students enrolled for fall 2026, the department has already exceeded the five-year goal.

“We are excited to welcome so many students to the educational experiences in our program,” said Joseph J. Brown, chair of the 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 Department of Mechanical Engineering. “We are working to help our faculty, courses, laboratories, shops and student-support resources step up to that demand.”

Growing national interest in mechanical engineering

Mechanical engineering growth at 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 comes amid evidence of rising national interest in the field. National Student Clearinghouse data shows that undergraduate mechanical engineering enrollment at four-year institutions increased approximately 11.4% in fall 2025.

Mechanical engineers design, build and maintain physical systems that keep the world working, contributing to fields that include aerospace, robotics, advanced manufacturing, energy, transportation and biomedical technologies.

In Hawaiʻi, mechanical engineering contributes to power generation and storage, water and wastewater management, ports and shipyard operations, aircraft and spacecraft maintenance and design, medical devices, and other manufacturing technologies.

“Mechanical engineering has always been a highly adaptable discipline, and I think that this is becoming even more important,” Brown said. “As artificial intelligence, computation, and automation advance, the world needs people who can bridge the digital world and the physical world. Mechanical engineers use models, algorithms, and data to create machines, materials, structures, devices and systems that work safely and effectively.”

Investing to support demand

The department has been expanding its educational capacity as enrollment has grown. Since January 2023, mechanical engineering has hired six new faculty members, adding expertise in computational modeling and data science, experimental aerospace engineering, robotics, materials and manufacturing. The department has also expanded teaching assistant support, increased capacity in existing courses, increased summer course offerings and invested in expanding ME 213, its hands-on sophomore engineering design course.

A 17-year-old Pepeʻekeo teen living with leukemia is preparing to begin his first semester at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo after Make-A-Wish® Hawaiʻi and the university celebrated his wish for college tuition assistance.

During a special wish reveal on the 糖心视频 Hilo campus on July 22, Rancin presented a $10,000 check from Make-A-Wish Hawaii to the university’s cashier’s office, taking an inspiring step toward his future. Rancin was recently accepted into a new pre-engineering pathway between 糖心视频 Hilo and 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补, where students begin their engineering studies at the Hilo campus before transferring to 惭腻苍辞补 to complete a bachelor’s degree.

“We are so honored to welcome Rancin into our Vulcan ʻohana. His resilience, curiosity, and unwavering determination perfectly embody the spirit of the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo,” said 糖心视频 Hilo Chancellor Bonnie Irwin. “It is our privilege to play a part in his journey, and we look forward to supporting him every step of the way as he strives for success in our pre-engineering program and beyond.”

A University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa researcher is developing a new kind of flying robot that could one day explore caves on Saturn鈥檚 largest moon.

Assistant Professor Daniel Drew from 糖心视频 Mānoa鈥檚 Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering has received a NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Phase I award to study the idea. His project is one of 18 innovative concepts selected by NASA for early stage research. The project, called SPARK (Solid-state Propulsion for Autonomous Reconnaissance of Karst), envisions small, roughly 3-foot-wide flying robots that could enter caves and other difficult-to-reach areas on Titan.

Titan is one of the most intriguing places in the solar system. It has a thick atmosphere, a landscape shaped by methane and other chemicals, and features that may include caves and underground formations. Exploring those areas could give scientists new clues about Titan鈥檚 geology and climate history.

Moving without moving parts

The SPARK robots would be designed to float and maneuver through Titan鈥檚 atmosphere without traditional propellers. Instead, they would use electric fields and charged particles to create thrust. The propulsion system has no moving parts and could allow the robots to move in different directions with very little disturbance to their surroundings. Conditions on Titan are uniquely beneficial for this type of propulsion; preliminary calculations show that it could drastically outperform alternatives. Unlike conventional ion thrusters, it does not require carrying propellant gas onboard, as the air itself is ionized during operation.

“If we can make this technology work, it could open up an entirely new way to explore places on Titan that are too difficult or risky for a larger spacecraft,” Drew said. “It鈥檚 exciting to see our university and our state contributing to the future of space exploration and showing that important ideas for exploring other worlds can come from right here in Hawaiʻi.”

Next steps

The $175,000 award will support a nine-month initial investigation. Drew鈥檚 team will test the propulsion system under conditions similar to Titan鈥檚 atmosphere, study the robot鈥檚 potential performance, and explore the overall system design. The project is being conducted in partnership with researchers at NASA鈥檚 Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Blue Marble Space.

Four University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 students put their skills to work this summer, developing solutions to challenges ranging from invasive species to disaster response through .

The students were among eight interns who completed the 12-week program, which culminated in the 2026 Oceanit Intern Innovation Summit on August 12 in Honolulu. Each intern presented an individual project and received feedback from judges Jeff Hui, entrepreneur-in-residence at 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 (PACE), and Sherry Menor, president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi.

Representing 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 were engineering students:

• Jacob Bergeron
• Kristen Chang
• Jason Yee
• Shelby Dixon

Engineering solutions to real-world challenges

Dixon developed TRACE-CRB, a low-cost acoustic sensing system designed to detect coconut rhinoceros beetle activity hidden inside mulch. The project explores whether contact vibrations and signal processing could help field crews narrow down where beetle larvae may be located before digging.

“The most rewarding part was watching an idea go from something I was sketching out and questioning to an actual working prototype that I could put in front of people and explain,” Dixon said.

Chang developed MITE, a concept for a swarm of small devices that could be deployed into inaccessible rubble following disasters. The devices could help search-and-rescue teams detect signs of life, map voids and relay information back to rescuers.

“The experience changed my perspective on what I鈥檓 capable of contributing as a young engineer and made me much more confident to keep pursuing ideas of my own,” Chang said.

Bergeron, a mechanical engineering graduate student, developed a new type of jack stand designed to address stress caused by uneven surfaces during home vehicle repairs.

Yee developed a water-bottle filtration concept for humanitarian aid.

Building skills beyond the classroom

Both Chang and Dixon credited their experiences at 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 with preparing them for the internship. Chang pointed to her technical background, involvement in projects and clubs, and conversations with professors. Dixon said her coursework helped her work across hardware and software while learning how to approach unfamiliar problems.

“One of the biggest things I learned is that engineering is not just about getting something to work, but it is about understanding why it works well enough to explain it, defend your decisions, test your assumptions, and improve it,” Dixon said.

University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 researchers are working to determine whether Hawaiʻi-grown eucalyptus could become a reliable source of lumber for construction, helping reduce the state鈥檚 reliance on imported building materials while supporting healthier forests.

The project, led by Jun Wang, an assistant professor in the , received a $300,000 USDA Forest Service Wood Innovation Grant to establish the engineering standards needed for eucalyptus to be used in structural applications.

Establishing construction possibilities

Although Hawaiʻi has more than 34,000 acres of managed eucalyptus plantations, the wood is rarely used in construction because engineers and builders lack the design data needed to certify it for structural use. If successful, the research could create new opportunities for Hawaiʻi鈥檚 forestry and wood products industries while reducing shipping costs, supply chain risks and carbon emissions associated with importing lumber. Researchers also say putting more eucalyptus to use could encourage better forest management by reducing excess wood that can contribute to wildfire fuel.

The research team will work with state agencies, forest landowners and industry partners to harvest trees, produce lumber and test its strength and durability. The findings will help establish engineering design values needed for commercial construction and could lay the groundwork for future engineered wood products made in Hawaiʻi.

“Our goal is to determine whether a resource that鈥檚 already growing in Hawaiʻi can safely be used to build the homes, schools and infrastructure our communities need,” Wang said. “If we can provide the engineering data the construction industry needs, we can help create a more resilient local building supply while giving our students the opportunity to solve real challenges facing Hawaiʻi.”

Student involvement

The research also will benefit students. Wang鈥檚 team received an $8,000 American Society for Engineering Education grant to incorporate Hawaiʻi-grown eucalyptus into civil engineering courses. The new curriculum will give students hands-on experience evaluating sustainable building materials by comparing locally grown eucalyptus with conventional construction materials.

Students will examine factors such as structural performance, carbon emissions and local sourcing while participating in research that addresses Hawaiʻi鈥檚 unique environmental and construction challenges. Many members of the research team are 糖心视频 students from Hawaiʻi who are helping develop solutions that could benefit the state鈥檚 future infrastructure and economy.

The University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补’s (RoSE) is celebrating one of the most successful years in the student engineering organization’s history after earning international recognition, competing on the world stage and expanding its portfolio of aerospace projects.

Over the past spring and summer, the student-led team represented 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 at several 2026 events:

• University Rover Challenge World Finals (27th out of 116 teams) International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE) Foundation Excellence in Systems Engineering Award (finalist)
• Project PETAL at NASA’s Revolutionary Aerospace Systems Concepts鈥揂cademic Linkage (RASC-AL) Forum

“Our team has grown tremendously in size, number of projects and student ambition throughout the past year,” said Micah Tajiri, project manager for the University Rover Challenge team. “We’re proud to represent 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 and excited to keep building on this momentum.”

Competing among the world’s best

From May 27 to 30, Team RoSE competed at the University Rover Challenge World Finals at the Mars Desert Research Station in Hanksville, Utah.

The team’s rover featured a robotic arm, autonomous navigation system, science payload and communications platform designed and built by students.

The rover team’s work also earned recognition beyond the competition. Team RoSE was named one of just 13 finalists from more than 100 teams worldwide for the inaugural INCOSE Foundation Excellence in Systems Engineering Award, recognizing its systems engineering approach and performance during the competition.

Building Beyond the Rover

Team RoSE‘s success extended beyond the rover program.

Project PETAL was selected as one of 14 finalists from more than 150 applicants nationwide for NASA‘s RASC-AL Forum, where students presented a scalable lunar power management and distribution system to NASA engineers and industry professionals.

Project PETAL became the first multi-campus student-led engineering project involving students from 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 and 糖心视频 Hilo, while the organization established new business and marketing training opportunities for students.

Team RoSE also completed the latest iteration of the 糖心视频 Advanced Balloon Satellite, which now features autonomous recovery capabilities, and launched CapM74, a new student project focused on developing a low-cost astrophotography telescope in partnership with the Institute for Astronomy.

Team RoSE is one of more than 20 (VIP) housed in the . VIPs connect undergraduate students with faculty-led research teams, giving students hands-on experience through long-term, project-based work alongside graduate researchers and faculty mentors.

The team’s work is supported by the College of Engineering and the , whose support helps provide students with opportunities to design, build and compete on national and international stages.

Two University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa research projects have been selected for the inaugural , placing 糖心视频鈥檚 flagship research campus among a select group of universities and research institutions nationwide using artificial intelligence (AI) to accelerate scientific breakthroughs.

In the , the DOE said the projects were selected to develop and demonstrate AI-enabled tools and workflows designed to accelerate breakthroughs in energy, science and national security. Each project is eligible for Phase I awards of $500,000–$750,000 over nine months, providing investigators with the opportunity to develop innovative AI-driven research while positioning them to compete for future Phase II awards of up to $15 million.

“The selection of not one, but two 糖心视频 Mānoa projects for this highly competitive DOE mission reflects the strength of the 糖心视频 research community and the creativity of our faculty in pursuing solutions to some of the most complex challenges facing society,” said 糖心视频 Interim Vice President for Research and Innovation Chad B. Walton. “At 糖心视频, we are committed to fostering an environment where bold ideas, interdisciplinary collaboration and emerging technologies can come together to create meaningful impact not only in Hawaiʻi, but across the nation, and around the world.”

The two 糖心视频 Mānoa projects selected are led by researchers in the and the .

AI security for critical infrastructure

One project, led by Assistant Professor Liuwan Zhu from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, focuses on improving the security and reliability of AI systems used in critical infrastructure. The project, called STRATOS (Security and Trust Runtime Architecture for Time-critical Operational Science), will develop an AI security platform designed to detect and respond to cyber threats targeting AI systems used in real-time operations, such as electrical grid management and forecasting.

The research team will test the technology using a dual-site platform that includes the 糖心视频 Mānoa campus microgrid and real-time computing systems at Argonne National Laboratory. The project includes collaborators from Old Dominion University and Argonne National Laboratory.

AI advances the search for extremely rare decay processes

The second project, led by Professor Zepeng Li from the Department of Physics and Astronomy, will develop an AI foundation model to support searches for neutrinoless double beta decay, one of the most important unanswered questions in nuclear and particle physics. Neutrinoless double beta decay is an extremely rare nuclear process that, if observed, could help scientists better understand the nature of neutrinos, the mysterious “ghost particles” that are abundant in the universe and are constantly passing through us without interacting. In particular, this rare decay process could tell us whether the neutrino is its own anti-particle.

Researchers around the world are searching for this phenomenon using different types of detectors, but each experiment typically relies on its own specialized software and analysis methods. Li鈥檚 project aims to create a shared AI framework that can learn from data across multiple detector technologies, helping researchers identify patterns, analyze results and improve collaboration among experiments studying this rare event. The project will develop a unified AI framework that streamlines data analysis across the diverse detector technologies used in neutrinoless double-beta decay experiments, accelerating the search for this rare process.

The Genesis Mission brings together DOE laboratories and universities to combine advanced AI, high-performance computing and scientific expertise. 糖心视频 Mānoa was among 168 universities selected for the first round of Genesis Mission projects, which included a total of 278 research efforts involving more than 340 institutions across the country. Through these projects, 糖心视频 researchers will contribute to emerging applications of AI in fundamental physics, energy systems and national security, while strengthening Hawaiʻi鈥檚 role in cutting-edge scientific research.

A team of seven students from the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College recently proved their mettle in aerospace engineering. Competing under the name “Team Hoʻomau,” the students traveled to Virginia in June to participate in the 2026 International CanSat Competition, organized by the American Astronautical Society.

The event challenged participants to design, build and operate a small-sized satellite capable of surviving a rocket launch to a peak altitude of approximately 735 meters. Out of 81 university teams and 700 students worldwide, 糖心视频 Maui College was one of only 36 teams invited to the final competition. Team Hoʻomau was also the only squad composed entirely of two-year college students, competing alongside four-year universities and graduate-level programs.

A high-stakes free fall

The 2026 mission was complex: the CanSat was designed to separate mid-air, navigate via a paraglider guidance system, and safely deliver an intact, egg-shaped instrument to the ground, all while recording video and transmitting live data.

Team Hoʻomau faced major hurdles during the launch process. Communication with the ground station was lost on the launch pad, and a parachute deployment failure sent the satellite container into a 2,400-foot free fall. The drop resulted in the total destruction of the payload, and added a moment of intense stress as the falling satellite narrowly missed a parking area during its descent.

Educational payoff

Despite the dramatic finish, the educational payoff of the mission was a success.

“Although the final launch results were not favorable, this project provided invaluable, real-world learning opportunities in mechatronics, mission operations and aerospace system design,” said Jung Park, professor of electronic and computer engineering technology. “Our team faced immense technical constraints, yet their advancement to the finals proves unequivocally that community college students can compete successfully on an international engineering stage.”

Led by team captain Forrest Stolmeier, who sacrificed sleep to support his peers until the very end, the students walked away with valuable systems engineering experience and a newly expanded global professional network.

A University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa faculty member has received a $660,000 National Science Foundation (NSF) Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Award to study how fuel contamination can affect drinking water during the treatment process.

Emily Marron, an assistant specialist in the and cooperating graduate faculty and instructor in the , will lead the five-year project, which runs through June 2031.

The research focuses on what happens when chlorine—commonly used to disinfect drinking water—reacts with fuel that has entered water supplies after spills or leaks. While chlorine is regularly added to drinking water systems to help control bacterial growth and eliminate harmful pathogens, it can also react with fuel-related chemicals to create unintended byproducts that may pose health risks.

Marron and her research team will use advanced analytical chemistry techniques, such as high-resolution mass spectrometry, to identify the compounds formed during these reactions, measure how quickly they develop and better understand how fuel changes over time affect water treatment. The findings could improve how contaminated drinking water systems are evaluated and treated following fuel releases.

Clean drinking water, complex contamination

“Clean drinking water is something every community depends on,” Marron said. “I hope this research gives scientists and water professionals better tools to understand complex contamination events and make informed decisions that help protect public health.”

The project could also provide new insight into the types of chemical compounds people might have been exposed to in drinking water following the Red Hill fuel contamination in 2021. Rather than recreating the specific conditions of the Red Hill incident, the research will use controlled laboratory experiments to build a scientific framework for studying fuel-contaminated water. The research could also help inform public health decisions and improve response strategies during contamination events.

In addition to the research, the project includes education and community outreach. Marron will develop an undergraduate teaching module in partnership with local water professionals, including the Honolulu Board of Water Supply, to give students hands-on learning opportunities in environmental chemistry and drinking water treatment.

The project will also establish a community-centered laboratory that expands access to low-cost drinking water testing. The effort is designed to help residents better understand water quality, environmental chemistry and the science behind keeping drinking water safe.

The NSF CAREER program is among the foundation鈥檚 most notable awards for early-career faculty, recognizing researchers who integrate innovative research with education and community engagement.

As the nation invests $52.7 billion to strengthen domestic semiconductor design and manufacturing, research and workforce development, University of Hawaiʻi students are gaining a direct pathway into one of the country鈥檚 fastest-growing and most strategically important technology sectors.

糖心视频 Mānoa has joined the (PINES), a regional coalition of 30 universities and colleges, industry partners and workforce organizations working together to prepare students for careers in semiconductor design, manufacturing and research. PINES is led by the SEMI Foundation and supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation in partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Semiconductors, often called the “brains” of modern electronics, power technologies used every day, including smartphones, computers and automobiles, as well as artificial intelligence, satellites, medical devices, renewable energy systems and national defense technologies.

professors Boris Murmann, Jeff Weldon and Jennifer Ott led 糖心视频鈥檚 successful effort to become part of the network, which spans nine western states and Hawaiʻi. The initiative aims to better connect students with educational opportunities, hands-on training, internships and industry partnerships while aligning university programs with the needs of employers.

“This partnership gives our students the chance to receive training in technologies that are shaping the future while building careers in a rapidly expanding industry,” said 糖心视频 Mānoa Dean Brennon Morioka. “By connecting Hawaiʻi with a broader regional ecosystem, we can help develop homegrown talent, strengthen innovation across the islands and ensure our graduates are prepared to make an impact wherever their careers take them.”

The effort comes as demand for skilled workers continues to outpace supply. A May 2026 analysis by the SEMI Foundation and McKinsey projected a shortage of between 127,000 and 157,000 semiconductor workers nationwide by 2030, highlighting the need for expanded education and workforce development programs.

糖心视频鈥檚 participation builds on its growing leadership in microelectronics. In 2024, the university joined a Stanford University and University of California, Berkeley-led initiative that gives students experience with the complete chip development process, from circuit design to manufacturing and testing. For more on 糖心视频鈥檚 microelectronics internship, .

By joining PINES, 糖心视频 students will have greater access to regional collaborations and career pathways while helping strengthen Hawaiʻi鈥檚 role in the nation鈥檚 expanding semiconductor ecosystem. The partnership will also give 糖心视频 faculty access to shared curriculum, educational resources and best practices developed by universities and industry leaders across the network.

Related 糖心视频 News stories:

• 糖心视频 microelectronics program builds pipeline of homegrown talent, October 9, 2025
• $15.3M funding fuels microelectronics innovation, August 27, 2024
• 糖心视频 professor aims to develop microchips for future, diversify economy, March 25, 2024

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 糖心视频 Mānoa鈥檚 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 糖心视频 Mānoa鈥檚 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鈥檚 transportation, logistics and critical infrastructure sectors.

Part of the team鈥檚 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.

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa graduate students across a wide range of disciplines took their research beyond the classroom this spring, translating complex ideas into hands-on experiences for Oʻahu middle school students through the inaugural Graduate Research Outreach Workshop (GROW).

The three-week program in April brought together a cohort of 10 students to strengthen their ability to communicate research in clear, engaging ways for non-specialist audiences. Participants learned to summarize their work in jargon-free language, discuss its real-world importance and create interactive exhibits that make research accessible to the public.

The workshop culminated in a research outreach fair at Waipahu Intermediate School, where approximately 60 students in career and technical student organization programs explored exhibits led by the graduate students. Waipahu Intermediate faculty advisers and school administrators also attended the event, which highlighted higher education opportunities and showcased the diverse research taking place at 糖心视频.

“Research has the greatest impact when people can understand it and connect it to their own lives,” 糖心视频 Mānoa Fellowships, Scholarships, and Professional Development Coordinator Kristen Connors said. “GROW gave our graduate students the opportunity to practice an essential professional skill while also building meaningful relationships with young learners who may one day pursue their own paths in higher education and research.”

The program was organized by the , and Interim Assistant Vice Provost for Student Academic Success Amy Hubbard, Hamilton Library and the .

Beyond developing communication skills, the program aimed to build stronger connections between the university and the community while encouraging younger students to see themselves as future researchers, innovators and problem-solvers.

A post-program evaluation found participants responded positively to the experience. All respondents said the workshop met their expectations and that they would recommend it to others. Most also reported feeling more prepared and confident explaining their research through writing, visuals and conversations with public audiences.

A University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa researcher has received a $600,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to help advance quantum technology, a fast-growing field that could improve everything from medical imaging to environmental monitoring.

The three-year project, led by Assistant Professor Bo-Han Wu in 糖心视频 Mānoa鈥檚 in the , will focus on building smarter quantum sensor networks. Quantum sensors are highly sensitive devices that can detect extremely small changes in signals, such as temperature, light or electromagnetic activity, with greater precision than many current technologies.

Tackling real-world situations

The research aims to combine quantum science with artificial intelligence and machine learning to help sensors work together more efficiently and adapt to changing conditions. The project begins June 1 and runs through May 2029.

“This project is about helping quantum technologies move from theory into tools that can solve real-world problems,” Wu said. “Hawaiʻi offers a unique real-world setting for quantum sensor research, where advanced sensors could help address island challenges in ocean monitoring, disaster preparedness and resilient communications.”

For Hawaiʻi residents, the technology could eventually support improvements in areas that directly affect daily life, including disaster monitoring, climate and ocean research, healthcare and communications systems. More advanced sensors could help scientists detect environmental changes earlier, improve the accuracy of medical scans and strengthen future wireless and satellite networks.

One major challenge in quantum technology is that quantum signals are extremely delicate and can easily be disrupted by noise or interference. Wu鈥檚 team will study ways to make these systems more stable, reliable and practical for real-world use.

The project will also help grow Hawaiʻi鈥檚 role in the emerging quantum technology field, which is expected to become an important part of future science and engineering industries. In addition to research, the grant will support education and workforce training through new courses, open-source software tools and outreach activities designed to introduce more students to quantum science and engineering.

The award was funded through the National Science Foundation鈥檚 Foundations of Emerging Technologies program, in collaboration with Professor Hyeongrak Choi from Stony Brook University, which supports research in cutting-edge technologies with potential long-term national impact.

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa has completed its inaugural Spring 2026 Professional Mentorship Program, connecting students with industry professionals in an effort to strengthen student success and career readiness.

The 14-week pilot program paired 20 engineering students with 20 mentors in individualized, one-on-one matches. Selected from more than 50 applicants, cohort students ranged from first-year undergraduates to graduate students.

Mentors brought diverse experience from across the engineering field, including leadership roles in renewable energy, aerospace and advanced technology. Participants included professionals affiliated with organizations such as NASA Ames Research Center, Lockheed Martin Space and Hawaiian Electric, as well as alumni who returned to support the next generation of engineers.

Student, alumni, professional, mentor

One of those professionals was Wendy McLain, a senior civil engineer and deputy manager at SSFM International, Inc. McLain mentored major Ashton Quichocho. She highlighted Quichocho鈥檚 willingness to step outside her comfort zone, explore different career paths and develop both technical and leadership skills along the way.

“It was really rewarding getting to give back,” McLain said. “There’s this sense of responsibility and kuleana to be able to do the same for others that have done for us, and especially now in our field and industry. We need more talent, so it’s really exciting to see all of the exciting new talent that’s up and coming.”

Quichocho, a graduating senior, called it a “full-circle moment” because she will soon be working full-time with McLain at SSFM International, Inc.

“I learned a lot about myself and the direction I want to go post-grad,” Quichocho said. “In the beginning, I wasn’t sure of what I wanted to do or what I was going to apply for, and I’m glad that this program was able to give me Wendy because she had so much career advice for me, but also life advice for me, too.”

Throughout the semester, mentors and mentees met at least twice monthly, engaging in conversations focused on academic planning, internships, career pathways and professional development. Many pairs expanded those interactions through workplace visits, job shadowing and collaborative activities that offered students direct exposure to real-world engineering environments.

Created by students for students

Members of the helped to run the pilot program.

“As students ourselves, we wanted to create something that reflected what we believed would be most beneficial, which led us to build a mentorship program,” said Dayza Otsuka-Cabodol, an ESA who was part of the planning committee. “Working closely with our committee and continuously adjusting based on feedback, we watched the vision come together week by week.”

Organizers plan to expand the program in fall 2026, building on lessons from the pilot to reach more students and mentors. The next cohort aims to further strengthen connections between the college and industry while continuing to support student success across all stages of the engineering pathway. Apply online as or for the fall 2026 program.

A common emergency room issue鈥攐bjects stuck in children鈥檚 ears鈥攊s driving innovation through the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 (MIND) Hawaiʻi competition.

(JABSOM) pediatric emergency physician Travis Hong said the problem is more frequent than many expect.

“You’d be surprised how often kids come in with things stuck in their ears鈥攂eads, food, small toy parts,” Hong said. “I see these cases at least every couple of weeks, if not more.”

Removing those objects safely can be challenging and sometimes requires improvisation.

“A lot of ER care involves figuring out what works in the moment,” Hong said. “In some cases, we use a small amount of medical-grade adhesive on a cotton swab to try to extract the object鈥攂ut it requires precision, and the child has to stay very still.”

Student-driven solution

That challenge inspired this year鈥檚 winning team in the MIND Hawaiʻi competition.

“We wanted to create something safer, more controlled and designed specifically for this problem,” said Aileen Ferrer, a JABSOM student and leader of the StickieEars team.

The team developed a hybrid suction-adhesive device to improve safety and control during removal.

“It鈥檚 a common issue, but there isn鈥檛 a standardized tool,” Ferrer said. “We saw an opportunity to improve that.”

Developing the prototype required collaboration across disciplines鈥攃entral to MIND鈥檚 mission. The annual competition brings together students from across campus, including JABSOM, the , the and the , to tackle real-world healthcare challenges.

Working with students and mentors from different backgrounds changed how we approached the problem.
—Aileen Ferrer

“Working with students and mentors from different backgrounds changed how we approached the problem,” Ferrer said. “That collaboration was one of the most valuable parts of the experience.”

“Students are addressing real clinical needs, and the level of innovation in these projects is exciting to see,” said faculty advisor Peter Di Rocco, clinical assistant professor at JABSOM.

Ferrer hopes StickieEars will eventually reach clinical use.

“I think this could have a real impact in everyday practice and make a difference for patients,” she said.

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The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa has received nearly $1 million in new federal funding—including a National Science Foundation (NSF) Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) award—for research led by Assistant Professor Tianlu Wang to develop tiny, flexible robots designed to work in hard-to-reach environments, from coral reefs to the human body.

The funding includes a five-year, $659,613 CAREER award and a two-year, $299,997 Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) Research Fellows grant, both from NSF.

“By focusing on both performance and safety, we鈥檙e working to make miniature robots practical for real-world use in places that are difficult to reach,” said Wang from 糖心视频 Mānoa鈥檚 . “This research brings us closer to technologies that can better support healthcare and protect sensitive environments.”

The CAREER project focuses on improving how small “soft” robots move and function in fluids such as the ocean or inside the body. These robots, about the size of a few millimeters to centimeters, can adapt to their surroundings. However, they currently lack the speed, agility and manipulation capabilities as seen in small marine organisms. The research aims to change that by developing new ways for the robots to interact with fluids, helping them move faster, turn more easily and handle objects. Potential uses include exploring coral reefs and mangroves, monitoring aquaculture systems and reaching difficult areas of the body for medical diagnosis or treatment. The project also supports student learning through new courses, research opportunities and public outreach.

The CAREER program is the NSF鈥檚 flagship award for early-career faculty in the U.S., supporting those who show strong potential to lead in both research and education. CAREER awardees are also eligible for nomination to the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers, a White House honor recognizing innovative research and leadership.

Safety and environmentally friendly design

The EPSCoR fellowship focuses on safety and environmentally friendly design. In collaboration with the Mayo Clinic in Arizona, the project will develop miniature soft robots made from materials that are safer for natural environments and medical use. It will also establish methods for designing and testing these robots to ensure they can operate effectively without causing harm. The work is expected to expand research opportunities at 糖心视频, while training students in robotics, materials science and biomedical engineering.

Wang also serves as an adjunct assistant professor at The Queen鈥檚 Medical Center and a cooperating faculty in 糖心视频 Mānoa鈥檚 .

Related 糖心视频 News stories:

• Heart tech, mini medical robot breakthrough: 糖心视频 researcher earns $230K award, April 8, 2026
• 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

A University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa senior student has earned one of Stanford University鈥檚 most competitive graduate awards, underscoring the growing impact of 糖心视频 Mānoa鈥檚 engineering programs.

Andrea Murillo, who is graduating this spring, has been admitted to the PhD program in electrical engineering at Stanford and is believed to be the first 糖心视频 Mānoa recipient of the Stanford Graduate Fellowship, an award given annually to about 100 incoming doctoral students across the university. The fellowship provides up to three years of funding, including tuition and stipend support, to top scholars in science and engineering fields.

Murillo鈥檚 path at 糖心视频 Mānoa reflects a multidisciplinary journey shaped by hands-on research and mentorship. She began her undergraduate journey as a mechanical engineering major before transitioning to computer engineering and ultimately electrical engineering in the electrophysics track, where she found her passion in mixed-signal circuit design.

Through work in several research labs, including projects on embedded systems, TinyML (Tiny Machine Learning), and integrated circuit design, Murillo discovered a passion for building more efficient hardware. She plans to continue that work at Stanford, focusing on circuit design and new technologies that can make electronics faster and use less energy.

Meet more amazing 糖心视频 graduates

“My experiences at 糖心视频 helped me discover not just what I enjoy studying, but how I want to contribute to the field,” said Murillo, who is an international student from Mexico. “The support from faculty, mentors and my peers gave me the confidence to pursue graduate school and aim for opportunities like this.”

Community leadership

Beyond the classroom, Murillo has been active in the community as a leader in the FabLab maker space, a member of engineering student organizations and a leader who won an award at the 2024 Honolulu Tech Week hackathon.

Her achievement highlights the role of 糖心视频 Mānoa in preparing students for advanced study and contributing to innovation in high-demand fields such as electrical engineering and artificial intelligence hardware.

“By leveraging the full breadth of opportunities at 糖心视频, Andrea developed a profound understanding of the grand challenges facing contemporary hardware design. Reflecting her unwavering commitment to excellence, she has secured a place in one of the country鈥檚 most prestigious doctoral programs,” said 糖心视频 Mānoa Professor Boris Murmann, who mentored Murillo and was on the faculty at Stanford for 20 years.

Murillo is expected to begin her doctoral studies this fall.