Hawaiian stories of supernatural beings, love and family come to life in Kupua, a play by University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 Tammy Hailiʻōpua Baker returning to Kumu Kahua Theatre for its 25th anniversary.

Opening October 29, the production brings together 糖心视频 students, alumni and faculty to reimagine the work Baker wrote on commission for Kumu Kahua in 2001. Baker is the founder and director of 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 .

Kupua weaves together two traditional Hawaiian moʻolelo ka鈥榓o (stories), “Ka ʻEnuhe” and “Ka Puhi a me Ka Loli,” from Kaʻū on Hawaiʻi Island. At the center are kupua, supernatural shapeshifters whose appetites threaten the families around them. The stories blend suspense and humor while exploring how people recognize danger and protect those they love.

“I鈥檝e always been interested in the fantastical, so having these stories from our past that have a hint of magic, a hint of something beyond us, were a natural choice to explore when thinking about what magic can happen in the theatrical space,” Baker said.

New mele, dance

This staging features three new mele (songs) composed by Baker and arranged by 糖心视频 M膩noa Assistant Professor Joshua ‘Baba’ Kamoaniʻala Tavares. William Kealiʻinohopono Kāhele and Reyn Afaga co-direct the production that includes movement ranging from hula to breakdancing.

The production draws students, alumni and faculty from four 糖心视频 campuses: M膩noa, Kapiʻolani, Windward and Leeward. Scenic designer Antonio Hernandez earned his master of fine arts (MFA) at 糖心视频 M膩noa in May. Three cast members are current Windward Community College students or recent graduates. Artistic director Harry Wong III of Kumu Kahua Theatre earned his MFA in directing at 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补.

For Baker, the anniversary also carries personal meaning. Her daughter, Kaʻiukapu Baker, had not been born when Kupua premiered. Now, she is helping bring her mother鈥檚 play to life as a costume designer.

For audiences, Baker hopes the laughter and suspense spark a deeper interest in Hawaiian stories and the places they come from.

“I hope they enjoy and laugh and all of that good stuff. But I also hope that the play might stir people鈥檚 interest to learn more,” Baker said.

Performance information

Kupua runs October 29–November 29, with performances Thursdays鈥揝aturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Student tickets are $8 on Thursdays and Fridays and $13 on weekends. Purchase tickets at .

University of Hawaiʻi at M膩noa Professor was elected a (AGU). Lucey, a professor at the (HIGP), has been with the since its founding in 1988 and is known for his extensive contributions in the field of planetary science and remote sensing.

AGU is an international non-profit scientific association with 60,000 members in 137 countries. Since 1962, it annually elects fellows whose visionary leadership and scientific excellence have fundamentally advanced research in their respective fields. It is an honor bestowed on no more than 0.1% of the AGU membership.

“Through the course of his distinguished career, Paul has made groundbreaking innovations in remote sensing methodologies and instrumentation that have led to great strides in our understanding of the composition and nature of the Moon,” said Sarah Fagents, HIGP director.

Lucey has made pioneering contributions to understanding the composition, evolution, and physical properties of the Moon and other planets through the development and application of remote sensing techniques. Having published extensively in journals, Lucey鈥檚 research has advanced global mapping of planetary mineralogy and chemistry, revealed important aspects of the Moon鈥檚 crust and interior, and contributed to the discovery and characterization of water and ice on the lunar surface. He has also played a leading role in developing innovative instruments for planetary exploration.

“This award is a great and humbling honor,” Lucey shared. “My work is deeply collaborative and I receive it on behalf of my students, colleagues and mentors who all contributed hugely to my work.”

Honorees will be celebrated at the AGU 2026 Fall Meeting in San Francisco, California in December.

The University of Hawaiʻi at M膩noa celebrated its 2026 糖心视频 M膩noa Award winners during the Rainbow Warriors homecoming football game against New Mexico on October 17 at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex.

The annual awards recognize outstanding faculty, staff and students for their contributions to teaching, research, service and the university’s mission of excellence. Ten of this year’s 33 recipients took the field during halftime in what has become a university tradition.

“Recognizing this year’s award winners in front of a sold-out crowd is a wonderful way to bring academics and athletics together,” 糖心视频 M膩noa Chancellor Vassilis L. Syrmos said. “It was an opportunity for our entire 糖心视频 驶ohana to celebrate the outstanding faculty, staff and students whose work makes 糖心视频 M膩noa one of the world’s leading universities.”

For Dhvanil Desai, a doctoral candidate at the 糖心视频 M膩noa Institute for Astronomy and recipient of the Student Excellence in Research Award, the halftime ceremony was especially meaningful as he prepares to graduate in spring 2027.

“It feels special to be recognized on the field for all the work that students do, and all of us put into making our work special and advancing research at 糖心视频 M膩noa,” Desai said. “糖心视频 M膩noa is a special place, especially for astronomy. We get to do amazing research at a lovely place.“

The 2026 award recipients were previously honored at a ceremony in May at Kennedy Theatre. Learn more about the honorees and their achievements in the 2026 糖心视频 M膩noa Awards story.

As people with HIV live longer, how can they also age well? University of Hawaiʻi at M膩noa researcher Chase Bryer was selected for a national program advancing aging research exploring that question, with a focus on improving care for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander k奴puna aging with HIV.

Bryer, a citizen of the Chickasaw Nation, is an assistant professor and gerontologist at the in the . He will join the third cohort of the .

“HIV is no longer a death sentence, and that means we must begin asking different questions about not just how people with HIV can live longer, but how they can thrive later in life,” said Bryer. “Through the CHANGE program, I hope to center the lived experiences and cultural knowledge of k奴puna to help reimagine what HIV and aging care can look like in Hawaiʻi.”

The 18-month national program, supported by the National Institute on Aging, provides mentorship and specialized training in Native aging research. Bryer will receive $50,000 in pilot funding to support community-engaged research on HIV and aging.

Findings could help inform healthcare approaches that support the health and well-being of k奴puna and those aging with HIV.

Centering k奴puna experiences

In partnership with the Hawaiʻi Health & Harm Reduction Center and Lei Pua 驶Ala Queer Histories of Hawaiʻi, Bryer will explore pathways to aging well with HIV and culturally grounded approaches to care.

The research team includes Thompson School co-investigators Miquela Ibrao and David Stupplebeen. Together with community partners, they aim to better understand the experiences, needs and priorities of k奴puna aging with HIV.

“What drew me to Hawaiʻi was the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with communities and learn from the knowledge and experiences of k奴puna,” Bryer said. “I look forward to deepening those relationships and conducting research that is responsive to community priorities, with the hope of contributing to more culturally grounded approaches to HIV and aging care here in Hawaiʻi.”

Luzviminda Miguel is taking her push for safer hospital staffing to the world stage. The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo associate professor of has been named a 2026 Most Influential Filipina Woman in the World by the .

“This award is a profound honor,” said Miguel. “I am incredibly proud to represent our island, our school, our community, the nursing profession, Filipinas, and all women on this platform.”

Miguel is being honored with the “Builder: Architect of Change” award from the Foundation for Filipina Women鈥檚 Network. As part of the award, she will develop a two-year project benefiting Filipina women and girls in her local community.

Her proposed “Pinay Policy Powerhouse” project would mobilize Filipina students in 糖心视频 贬颈濒辞鈥檚 to advocate for safer hospital staffing. Students would draft testimony and push for legislation establishing minimum nurse-to-patient staffing requirements.

Miguel will pitch the initiative and officially accept her award at the Filipina Leadership Global Summit in Monaco in November.

“By turning our clinical experience into policy action, we can ensure our nurses are no longer invisible in the decisions that shape our healthcare system.”

—Susan Enright

University of Hawaiʻi at 惭ā苍辞补鈥檚 Michael S. Bruno has been elected Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Bishop Museum. Selected and voted on by members of the board, Bruno鈥檚 appointment is for a one-year term with the option to renew for an additional year.

Bruno currently serves as a professor in the Department of Ocean & Resources Engineering and senior advisor for international research partnerships in the Office of the Provost. He previously served as 糖心视频 Mānoa provost starting in April 2019 and as vice chancellor for research prior to that.

“It is a privilege to step into the role of Board Chair at the Bishop Museum,” said Bruno. “This position creates a vital opportunity for our institutions to deepen collaboration in education, research and community outreach, while advancing our shared commitment to understand, preserve, and share the stories of the people and places of Hawaiʻi and the Pacific.”

As chairman of the board, Bruno will preside over all meetings of the Board of Directors and meetings of the Executive Committee. He will exercise the powers and perform the duties customarily incident to the office of chairman, along with specific powers assigned by the board. The board currently consists of 23 members and two directors emeritus.

Bringing extensive administrative leadership experience, Bruno previously served as dean of the School of Engineering and Science and professor of ocean engineering at the Stevens Institute of Technology. He also served as director of the Center for Maritime Security, a Department of Homeland Security National Center of Excellence, and is a visiting professor in mechanical engineering at University College London.

A Fulbright Scholar and fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers, Bruno鈥檚 research and teaching interests center on ocean observation systems, climate change and community resilience. He has authored more than 100 publications, including the book The Urban Ocean, and served on advisory bodies including the Marine Board of the National Academies, the Ocean Research Advisory Panel, and the Naval Research Advisory Committee.

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Associate Professor has been recognized as a . The award honors the community鈥檚 most impactful educators, leaders, and changemakers across Hawaiʻi.

A 2015 graduate of the 糖心视频 law school, Pettit-Toledo is celebrated for her unwavering dedication to inspiring the next generation of lawyers and developing ethical professionals in public service.

At the 糖心视频 law school, Pettit-Toledo teaches courses on civil procedure, legal writing, and reparations and reconciliation and centers her scholarship on critical civil procedure and reparative justice for transgenerational trauma after historic injustices. She strives to ensure her students gain the confidence, courage, competence, and compassion needed to think critically about the law and recognize its real-world impact.

“When I decided to become a law professor, Richardson Law was the only place I wanted to teach,” Pettit-Toledo said. “Its mission of advancing justice, the rule of law, and public service resonates deeply with me. I am continually inspired by our graduates, who serve Hawaiʻi, the Asia-Pacific region and beyond, as judges, legislators, advocates, educators and community leaders.”

糖心视频 惭ā苍辞补鈥檚 William S. Richardson School of Law Dean Camille Nelson commended Pettit-Toledo for her meaningful contributions to legal education, scholarship, and public service.

“Professor Pettit-Toledo embodies the very best of Richardson Law. A distinguished alumna and gifted educator, she brings a deep commitment to legal scholarship, public service, and mentorship, inspiring the next generation of legal advocates to serve our community with skill, integrity, and compassion,” said Nelson. “It is a joy to see her honored among 贬补飞补颈ʻ颈鈥檚 outstanding wāhine leaders.”

Pettit-Toledo attended the award celebration alongside her spouse, Silas Oliveira de Toledo, and 1L Civil Procedure Teaching Assistants Scott Welder, Ua Alencastre-Galimba, Cierra Duran, and Hannah Hawley. Guided by Chief Justice William S. Richardson鈥檚 enduring vision, Pettit-Toledo urges her students to use their legal training in service of vulnerable communities and to never lose sight of “the little guy downstream.”

In 1985, University of Hawaiʻi at M膩noa (JABSOM) emeritus professor of psychiatry William “Bill” Haning remembers a stark reality for physicians struggling with substance use disorders.

“They were fired,” Haning said. “That was the standard of care.”

Haning, who also served on the 糖心视频 Board of Regents from 2021 to 2026, helped establish what became Puʻulu Lapaʻau, Hawaiʻi鈥檚 physician health program. He was among a small group of physicians seeking a different approach—one that treated addiction as an illness and gave physicians a path to recovery.

“If this illness of addiction can affect everybody then it certainly is going to include doctors,” Haning reflected.

The physicians began meeting weekly in Haning鈥檚 home, using principles of Alcoholics Anonymous to openly discuss addiction, recovery and challenges unique to their profession. Those kitchen-table conversations eventually helped give rise to Puʻulu Lapaʻau, which supports healthcare professionals while promoting patient safety.

Bringing change into medical education

Haning also brought that evolving understanding of substance use disorders into medical education at JABSOM, teaching future physicians to view addiction as a medical illness rather than a personal failing.

If this illness of addiction can affect everybody then it certainly is going to include doctors
—William Haning

“The students are hungry to learn,” Haning said. “They want to recognize these illnesses and know what they can do to help.”

Over the decades, Puʻulu Lapaʻau expanded beyond substance use disorders to assist healthcare professionals experiencing mental illness, burnout, work-life imbalance and other behavioral health concerns.

The organization recently earned national recognition through the Federation of State Physician Health Programs鈥� PEER review, a milestone Haning sees as affirmation of decades of changing attitudes toward physician health.

For Haning, the larger accomplishment is the cultural shift since those first meetings.

“When the program began, physicians often feared asking for help,” he said. “Today, we鈥檙e being recognized nationally as a model for how healthcare professionals can be supported with compassion, accountability and hope and that transformation has been the greatest reward of all for me.”

A University of Hawaiʻi at M膩noa researcher has received three years of National Institutes of Health (NIH) support to establish his own laboratory at the (JABSOM), following six months without a paycheck amid disruptions to federal research funding.

Jonathan Yap was awarded a two-part grant designed to help researchers transition from mentored training to running an independent lab. This funding will enable Yap to continue studying novel strategies to help the heart recover following a heart attack.

“It was a battle really. It was a hard-fought battle,” Yap said. “We just didn’t stop, and I think that’s what got us here today.”

Yap initially received the K99 phase while working under JABSOM Professor William Boisvert to study tristetraprolin (TTP), a protein that may reduce post-heart attack inflammation. The grant allows him to expand this research in his own lab.

Finding a path forward

Yap was originally awarded funding in 2023. However, 2025 federal policy changes disrupted that pathway, preventing a smooth transition to the independent phase when his original grant ended in May.

“For about six months I was unemployed,” Yap said. “I kinda just hung in there and kinda just kept going with what minimal things I could do in the lab at the time.”

Any achievement that I’ve reached in my life has never been done alone.
—Jonathan Yap

Determined not to let his research stall, JABSOM and 糖心视频 M膩noa leaders worked to support his transition. Yap was hired as a JABSOM faculty member in February, enabling him to officially submit his successful grant application.

As a Native Hawaiian scientist, this perseverance has long defined Yap’s journey. After a body-surfing accident left him quadriplegic years before entering research, he originally joined JABSOM as a volunteer, gradually working his way up to postdoctoral researcher and now faculty member.

Today, Yap is preparing his laboratory in JABSOM‘s Biomedical Sciences Building, where he will continue his heart research while mentoring the next generation of scientists.

“There will always be adversity,” Yap said. “I feel like that’s one constant, and that one constant that accompanies achievement is adversity. Any achievement that I’ve reached in my life has never been done alone. It鈥檚 always been facilitated and required the assistance and really selflessness of others. And for that, I’m eternally grateful.”

Two researchers at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (SOEST) have been selected to receive National Science Foundation (NSF) EPSCoR Research Fellows awards.

The awards will support Helen Janiszewski of the and Lenore Pipes of the (PBRC) as they develop new directions in fiber-optic geophysical sensing and reconstructing ancient marine ecosystems.

“What鈥檚 exciting about these fellowships is that they give Helen and Lenore the opportunity to take their research in new directions and build on that work at SOEST,” said Rebecca Chung, SOEST director of research development, who worked with Janiszewski and Pipes on developing their fellowship proposals.

Turning submarine cables into seismic sensors

Janiszewski, an associate professor of earth sciences, will lead a project focused on distributed acoustic sensing (DAS)—a technology that enables telecommunications fiber-optic cables to function as dense, continuous arrays of seismic sensors. This work has potential applications for earthquake and tsunami hazard research in Hawaiʻi.

Despite Hawaiʻi sitting at the nexus of the Pacific submarine cable network, local DAS infrastructure and expertise remain limited. Janiszewski aims to establish the technical and collaborative foundation necessary to develop DAS capability at 糖心视频 M膩noa, enabling her to lead fiber-optic sensing research and education in Hawaiʻi and the broader Pacific. Janiszewski will use the pilot data to build an initial seismic event catalog for the Hawaiʻi region, establishing workflows that can be expanded to additional cable systems as they become available.

Unlocking biological history from ancient marine sediments

Pipes, an assistant professor in PBRC, will develop computational methods to recover biological information from ancient DNA preserved in seafloor sediments, helping to reconstruct past marine communities and build historical baselines for understanding how ocean biodiversity responds to climate change.

In standard marine environments, ancient DNA preserved in deep-sea sediments degrades into extremely short, damaged fragments. Current methods can mistake that damage for evolutionary change, making it difficult to accurately identify the organisms represented in the samples. Pipes will develop new computational methods that account for ancient DNA damage. The approach could recover highly degraded genetic material.

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A University of Hawaiʻi at M膩noa nursing professor is helping shape how the next generation of health care providers learns about reproductive health.

Molly Altman, associate professor and PhD Program director at the (SONDH), is the lead editor of the fifth edition of Gynecologic Health Care: With an Introduction to Prenatal and Postpartum Care, a widely used textbook for nurse-midwives, nurse practitioners and other health care professionals.

The new edition adds expanded coverage of abortion, early pregnancy loss, trauma-informed care (prioritizes patient safety and support) and reproductive justice (the right to control one’s own reproductive health decisions). It also examines the history of nursing and midwifery and how inequities in health care have shaped patient experiences.

Altman brings more than 20 years of experience as a certified nurse-midwife and more than a decade of teaching experience. Her research focuses on reducing inequities in reproductive health care, including racism and bias in clinical settings.

She joined 糖心视频 M膩noa in 2024 and has continued her work to strengthen nursing education and research. She recently helped relaunch SONDH‘s PhD program, which prepares nurse scientists to address health challenges in Hawaiʻi and beyond.

Altman edited the new edition with Ellen Solis, associate professor and Nurse Midwifery DNP Program director at the University of Washington. The textbook is published by Jones & Bartlett Learning.

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As one of the most influential scientists in tropical climate dynamics worldwide, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Professor Tim Li was by the American Meteorological Society. Fellows are elected based on “outstanding contributions to the atmospheric or related oceanic or hydrologic sciences or their applications during a substantial period of years.”

“It is meaningful to be recognized by the scientific community for hard work and research accomplishments,” said Li, who is also with the (IPRC) in the .

Li鈥檚 research focuses on various aspects of tropical meteorology and climate dynamics, including the dynamics of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation, Madden-Julian Oscillation, tropical cyclones, Asian-Australian monsoon, climate change and more.

His recent studies focus on understanding the onset diversity of El Niño and La Niña, super El Niño and multi-year La Niña formation, and extreme weather events. In his research he utilizes observational data analyses alongside theory, numerical model experiments and climate model simulations.

Li has published 470 professionally referred research papers and a book, with 28,000 citations and a h-index of 91. In recognition of scholarly contributions that expand the boundaries of knowledge and enrich the lives of students and the community, he received 糖心视频 Board of Regents Excellence in Research Award in 2019. He was of the Asia-Oceania Geoscience Society in 2025.

“Tim Li has made many significant contributions in tropical meteorology and climate dynamics, and he exemplifies excellence in research and education at 糖心视频,” said Malte Stuecker, director of IPRC.

University of Hawaiʻi at M膩noa gerontologist Christy Nishita of the in the Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health has been selected as a by the Eisner Foundation, earning national recognition for her work advancing intergenerational connections and strengthening Hawaiʻi’s communities.

Nishita coordinates and co-founded the , a statewide network of more than 300 organizations dedicated to engaging older adults as contributors, mentors and community leaders. Her work focuses on aging, workforce development and intergenerational programs that strengthen Hawaiʻi‘s communities.

“I am deeply honored to join this inspiring cohort of Eisner Prize Fellows and look forward to creating meaningful intergenerational opportunities that make a lasting difference in Hawaiʻi‘s communities,” said Nishita.

Preparing Hawaiʻi’s future workforce

As part of the fellowship, Nishita will launch her project, Intergenerational Resilience Corps: Wisdom to Workforce, which will bring together k奴puna (older adults) and high school and university students to develop a curriculum and microcredential in aging and community resilience.

By combining the lived experiences of k奴puna with student learning, the initiative will prepare future professionals to better support k奴puna and Hawaiʻi’s communities before, during and after natural disasters.

The project builds on Nishita’s Youth Leaders in K奴puna Health (YLKH) microcredential program which gave seven high school students hands-on experience working with nursing and activities staff at Arcadia Senior Living this summer. Students learned about aging through a strengths-based approach, created service-learning projects that benefited k奴puna at Arcadia, and earned a 糖心视频 issued . YKLH provides early proof of concept for the intergenerational, workforce-building model Nishita will expand through her Eisner Prize project.

“This cohort reflects just how far the idea of intergenerational connection can stretch: into dance, radio, civic life, disaster resilience, and even role-playing games,” said Trent Stamp, CEO of The Eisner Foundation. “Each of these Fellows is building something rooted in their own community, and we’re proud to support their efforts to bring their vision to life.”

Nishita is one of six fellows selected from a highly competitive national applicant pool for yearlong fellowship, which supports leaders developing innovative approaches to fostering intergenerational connection. Each fellow receives a $10,000 stipend and up to $40,000 in project funding.

The Eisner Prize Fellowship recognizes leaders developing innovative, community-based solutions that foster meaningful connections across generations. Nishita’s project reflects that mission by helping equip the next generation of community professionals with the knowledge and skills to build a more resilient Hawaiʻi.

Assistant Professor of Biology Jennifer Sims has been awarded a for the 2026–27 academic year. She will teach and conduct research at the .

Sims鈥� research focuses on microplastic pollution, plastic degradation and artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled environmental monitoring, drawing connections between the shared environmental challenges facing island communities in Malta and Hawaiʻi. Beginning in October 2026, Sims will spend nine months co-teaching biological oceanography and contributing to AI-driven citizen science programs and curriculum to expand undergraduate research opportunities.

“I’m honored to represent Hawaiʻi Community College through the Fulbright Program and to connect what we’re learning here in Hawaiʻi with global efforts to protect our oceans,” said Sims. “Microplastic pollution and ocean health are global challenges, but island communities often experience them first and most deeply. Collaborating with researchers in Malta gives us a powerful opportunity to share knowledge, compare ecosystems and work toward solutions that will benefit island communities around the world.”

Continued Fulbright success

Sims is the fifth Fulbright Scholar selected from Hawaiʻi CC since 2010, continuing the college’s success in the competitive academic exchange program. The college was also recognized as a Top Producing Fulbright Institution in 2023 and 2024.

“One of the reasons Hawaiʻi CC has had such success with producing Fulbright Scholars is our kauhale (village)-wide commitment to supporting international collaboration,” said Professor Pamela Scheffler, a two-time awardee and Hawaiʻi CC鈥檚 Fulbright liaison. “Having a Fulbright liaison on campus means that faculty and staff are supported from before they even make the decision to apply.”

Related stories:

• Turtle tagging: Hands-on research for Hawaiʻi CC Marine Option Program students
• Hawaiʻi CC recognized as top Fulbright producing institution
• Stingless bees focus of Hawaiʻi CC Fulbright Scholar research

Fulbright Scholar awards for the 2027–28 academic year are until September 15, 2026, and the award cycle for the 2028–29 academic year will open in February 2027.

—By Katie Young Yamanaka

Kanesa Duncan Seraphin, host and producer of the University of Hawaiʻi Sea Grant College Program鈥檚 television series and director of its , raced to a first place victory in the 2026 Molokaʻi 2 Oʻahu (M2O) Paddleboard World Championships on July 27, winning her ninth prone paddleboard race across the Kaʻiwi Channel—a decade after her last race in 2016.

In the fastest race of her career, with a personal best time of 5 hours, 40 minutes and 13 seconds, this year鈥檚 effort put her back in the women鈥檚 top 10 overall fastest times, 12th overall, and fourth among all competitors in the unlimited division.

‘Draw of the open ocean’

“This year I felt the draw of the open ocean and a need to cross the channel,” said Seraphin. “Enough years had gone by that just being able to paddle in the event was satisfying. So, getting a best time is really icing on the cake, especially as our overall speeds are largely determined by the conditions on the given race day! I am extremely grateful to have been out there this year and to have had real, challenging channel conditions with wind and swell! Mahalo to my family, friends, coworkers, and supporters who got me there. It鈥檚 a solo sport, but it really takes a whole community to make it happen!”

With strong northeast tradewinds, the remnants of Hurricane Fausta, and a high-surf advisory south swell, conditions across the Kaʻiwi Channel were extremely challenging. However, an afternoon incoming tide contributed to good downwind conditions for experienced paddlers, and the competitors finished with some of the fastest performances ever recorded at M2O.

Seraphin held the women鈥檚 stock board record for 15 years (2004–2019), was inducted into the 2024 Hawaiʻi Waterman Hall of Fame, and has inspired countless athletes through her determination and excellence. She has dedicated her career to furthering the understanding of ocean and coastal ecosystems and the importance of marine conservation, and by successfully merging world-class ocean athleticism with her passion for ocean education and stewardship, she has become a beacon of education and environmental stewardship in Hawaiʻi and beyond.

Premiere paddleboarding event

Over the years, M2O has grown from a grassroots challenge for the Oʻahu lifeguards to the premiere event in the sport of paddleboarding that it is today. This year, men and women from more than 25 countries raced across the Kaʻiwi Channel, the “Channel of Bones,” that connects the islands of Molokaʻi and Oʻahu and is considered one of the most challenging and powerful bodies of water in the world.

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Jennifer D. Small Griswold, professor in the at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, was honored with the by the American Meteorological Society (AMS). The department is in the (SOEST). The award is given annually to an individual in recognition of sustained outstanding teaching and mentoring at the undergraduate and/or graduate or post-doctoral levels and the impact this individual has had on students.

The AMS announcement noted that with this award “for visionary, inclusive, innovative teaching that bridges atmospheric science with culture, place, and community, and for sustained mentorship that empowers students across disciplines and backgrounds.”

Griswold teaches undergraduate and graduate courses on weather, climate, Pacific climates, programming for meteorologists and satellite remote sensing, as well as seminar courses. She also mentors students through engaging research projects as they pursue bachelor鈥檚, master鈥檚 and doctoral degrees.

Teaching through place

“I believe students learn best when they can connect what they’re learning to the world around them,” Griswold said. “Living in Hawaiʻi provides an incredible opportunity to teach through place, so I also incorporate local and Pacific perspectives into my courses, helping students understand how weather and climate influence communities, cultures, and the environment.”

Griswold works to ensure her students feel seen and supported, whether in an introductory undergraduate course or a graduate seminar in meteorology.

“I enjoy teaching students with a wide range of backgrounds—from those taking their very first science course to graduate students preparing for research careers,” Griswold said. “I want all students to feel that they belong in science, so I’m constantly looking for new ways to engage different learning styles and help students build confidence alongside technical skills. My goal is to help every student develop the skills and confidence to understand the atmosphere and apply that knowledge to real-world challenges.”

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A physician wellness program founded by University of Hawaiʻi at M膩noa (JABSOM) emeritus professor of psychiatry William “Bill” Haning has earned national recognition for its work supporting Hawaiʻi’s healthcare professionals.

Puʻulu Lapaʻau, Hawaiʻi‘s physician health program, successfully completed the Federation of State Physician Health Programs’ (FSPHP) Performance Enhancement and Effectiveness Review (PEER™), becoming one of the first 10% of physician health programs nationwide—and only the fifth in the country—to achieve the distinction.

The recognition validates Puʻulu Lapaʻau‘s commitment to providing healthcare professionals, including 糖心视频 faculty and students, with nationally recognized support for their health, wellness and resiliency. The PEER™ review evaluates physician health programs against national best practices for clinical care, policies and organizational effectiveness, helping ensure healthcare professionals receive high-quality, confidential support while protecting patient safety.

“This recognition reflects years of dedication to building a program that supports Hawaiʻi’s healthcare professionals with compassion, confidentiality and accountability,” said Haning, who founded Puʻulu Lapaʻau in 2006. “There was no certainty whatsoever as to the potential for success—or for that matter, any longevity developing out of this. To see Puʻulu Lapaʻau recognized as one of the nation’s leading physician health programs is incredibly rewarding.”

Puʻulu Lapaʻau provides confidential support for physicians and other licensed healthcare professionals experiencing burnout, mental health challenges, substance use disorders and other concerns that may affect their well-being or ability to practice. The nonprofit also promotes wellness initiatives that help healthcare professionals remain healthy throughout their careers.

“If we have healthcare providers who are truly healthy themselves, that’s huge,” said Geri Young, assistant clinical professor of pediatrics at JABSOM and executive director of Puʻulu Lapaʻau. “Healthcare professionals are just as vulnerable to stress and burnout as anyone else—perhaps even more so. The PEER™ review will strengthen our ability to support Hawaiʻi’s healthcare professionals and, ultimately, the patients they serve.”

Haning brings decades of experience in medicine, education and military service. He recently served on the 糖心视频 Board of Regents from 2021–2026.

Puʻulu Lapaʻau stands ready to come alongside our local healthcare professionals experiencing burnout or struggling with work – life balance. If you or someone you know could benefit from Puʻulu Lapaʻau’s confidential services, visit the , or call (808) 593-7444.

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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.

Darsh Davé, Darren Lerner and the Hawaiʻi Papa o ke Ao Native Hawaiian Place of Learning Advancement Office have been selected as the University of Hawaiʻi‘s nominees for the Governor’s Awards for Distinguished State Service. The award honors the state’s executive branch employees and managers who exemplify the highest caliber of public service and dedication to serving the people of Hawaiʻi. 糖心视频 President Wendy Hensel made the announcement during the (BOR) meeting on July 16 at 糖心视频 Mānoa.

“We never give enough appreciation for the hardworking faculty and staff around the university, and so it really is a pleasure for me to identify a few employees and a few groups whose dedication and achievements have earned well deserved recognition,” Hensel said at the BOR meeting.

Employee of the Year: Darsh Davé

Darsh Davé, human resources manager at , was named 糖心视频‘s 2026 Employee of the Year. He was recognized as a trusted resource who helps the campus navigate complex personnel matters while supporting effective operations. Davé has improved service delivery by addressing long-standing process challenges, streamlining faculty payment workflows and strengthening coordination across departments.

He was also recognized for his leadership during a high-risk campus incident, helping de-escalate the situation so a major campus event could continue safely. Through mentoring colleagues, supporting workforce initiatives and promoting professional development, Davé has made lasting contributions to the college community.

Manager of the Year: Darren Lerner

Darren Lerner, director of , consortium director of the and interim associate dean for research in 糖心视频 Mānoa‘s , was named the university’s 2026 Manager of the Year. He was recognized for transformational leadership that has strengthened Hawaiʻi Sea Grant and expanded its impact across the university and the state.

Lerner has overseen more than $100 million in extramurally funded projects focused on improving the resilience of Hawaiʻi‘s and the Pacific’s coastal ecosystems and communities. His leadership through periods of uncertainty has allowed the program to continue growing while supporting research, education and community partnerships that address critical environmental challenges.

Team of the Year: Hawaiʻi Papa o ke Ao Native Hawaiian Place of Learning Advancement Office

The Hawaiʻi Papa o ke Ao Native Hawaiian Place of Learning Advancement Office Team was recognized as 糖心视频‘s 2026 Team of the Year. The team was honored for advancing the university’s goal of becoming a Native Hawaiian Place of Learning through strategic planning and the Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation framework. By building strong relationships across campuses and breaking down institutional silos, the team has helped strengthen Indigenous-centered practices throughout the university.

Its efforts have contributed to major accomplishments, including securing a $68.5-million National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration award and advancing the “Aloha Begins with Us” movement, helping foster a more connected, resilient and culturally grounded university community.

University of Hawaiʻi at M膩noa nursing faculty member Cynthia Taylor Greywolf has been honored by the Western Institute of Nursing (WIN) with the 2026 Ann M. Voda American Indian/Alaska Native/First Nation Conference Award for her significant contributions to Indigenous health research.

This award supports Indigenous nurses, students and researchers attending WIN‘s annual Communicating Nursing Research Conference, aiming to increase visibility and representation within academia.

“For me, the award is not only an individual honor,” said Greywolf, assistant professor at the . “It affirms the importance of Indigenous-led nursing research and scholarship that is grounded in community, sovereignty and cultural accountability.”

Indigenous health and healing

Greywolf, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, focuses her research on Indigenous health, historical and intergenerational trauma, alcohol use, mental health disparities and culturally grounded healing approaches. At the conference, she presented the poster, “Weaponized Spirits: Alcohol as a Colonial Legacy and Its Impact on Trauma and Relational, Structural, and Epistemic Harms in a Rural Native Hawaiian Community.”

At 糖心视频 Manoa, Greywolf plans to continue strengthening Indigenous health research, mentoring students, and building partnerships that support Native Hawaiian and American Indian communities. Her work uses storytelling methods and historical trauma frameworks to inform early intervention efforts.

Indigenous nurse scientists remain underrepresented in research. Currently, there are only about 25 federally recognized tribal citizens with PhDs in nursing nationwide.

“For Cherokee people and other citizens of federally recognized tribes, citizenship is a political and legal relationship with a sovereign Tribal Nation,” Greywolf said. “My Cherokee citizenship is part of who I am, where I come from, and how I understand my responsibilities as a nurse scientist.”

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