University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz� welcomes Indigenous Performance Productions to Hawaiʻi for a special Halloween presentation of The Land Has Spoken on Saturday, October 31 at 4 p.m. at ������Ƶ ����ԴDz�’s Orvis Auditorium.

The Land Has Spoken provides audiences with a memorable way to spend Halloween while discovering the work of exceptional Indigenous artists.

The live radio-style production brings Indigenous dark fiction to life through stories of monsters, omens, shapeshifters, tricksters, and the supernatural. A blend of live performance, foley sound design, original music, and atmospheric sound design creates a suspenseful Halloween experience centered on contemporary Indigenous storytelling.

The production is led by writers Shane Hawk, Andrea L. Rogers, and Kyla “Tucaya” García, who also directs and performs in the production. Andre Bouchard serves as producer, director, and assistant writer.

The cast also includes Kalani Queypo, Lorna Bowen, and Andrew Roa, joining García in an all-Indigenous ensemble of experienced theater, television, and film performers. Original music is composed by Chantil Dukart, with foley and sound design by Ed Littlefield.

Families are welcome, but please note that the performance includes mature themes and some frightening content. Parental discretion is encouraged.

Tickets are available at . For more information, contact or (808) 956-8246.

A new free digital textbook designed to promote child health across the Pacific Region has been published by the University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz�’s (CHL). features nine chapters examining the region’s agricultural landscape, food environment, and consumer behavior.

The resource draws on Indigenous culture and regional lived experiences and includes case studies from Hawaiʻi, Alaska, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam.

CHL is a program of the ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� (CTAHR).

Trainees from the Children’s Healthy Living Food Systems program served as lead content writers for their respective jurisdictions.

The book is a collaboration among the University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz�, University of Alaska Fairbanks, American Samoa Community College, Northern Marianas College, and the University of Guam. It serves as an educational tool to build local capacity and train future leaders using systems science and community engagement to prevent nutrition-related chronic conditions.

An accompanying free Instructor Resource Website offering lecture slides, assignments and question banks will be available to faculty and instructors in early 2027. .

Support for the project was provided by the , CTAHR, , and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, alongside additional grant and scholarship sponsors.

In celebration of 100 years of Summer Sessions at the University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz�, the , an initiative of ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� Community Programs, presents (“To Be As One Lei Adorned”), a special restaging of this year’s Merrie Monarch Hōʻike by the EO LEI ʻILIAHI Foundation. The performance will take place on Friday, May 22 at 7:30 p.m. at John F. Kennedy Theatre.

“He Lei Hoʻokahi” serves as a stirring tribute to the late Kumu Hula Darrell Lupenui and celebrates a significant milestone—50 years of kāne hula at Merrie Monarch. The evening invites the community to experience the strength and artistry of kāne hula and the richness of moʻolelo (stories) that define Hawaiian cultural practice.

A legacy of culture and education

This concert represents more than a performance. It honors the enduring legacy carried forward by kumu, dancers and hālau, while celebrating a century of educational excellence at ������Ƶ ����ԴDz�. ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� embraces its kuleana—its responsibility and duty—to honor the host culture by serving as a vital space where Hawaiian cultural knowledge and practices are showcased, uplifted and perpetuated.

Through Outreach College’s Community Programs, ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� welcomes the broader community onto campus and extends its educational mission beyond traditional academic settings. Within this distinctive role, programs such as the Asia Pacific Dance Festival create spaces where cultural knowledge, artistic practice and community engagement come together in meaningful ways.

The event marks a significant convergence of institutional and cultural milestones, recognizing ������Ƶ ����ԴDz�’s commitment as a place of Hawaiian learning and its unique role in preserving and celebrating Hawaiian cultural heritage through extended education, community partnerships and outreach initiatives.

For more information and to view performance details, visit: .

As higher education evolves, the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa is actively adapting to the rising demand for skill-based learning and flexible academic pathways. In fall 2026, ������Ƶ Mānoa will officially launch its to support modern learners. Offered through ������Ƶ ��ā�ԴDz�’s , micro-credentials provide a vital alternative and complement for degree and non-degree seeking students.

“The expansion of our micro-credentials reflects our deep commitment to meeting learners where they are,” said ������Ƶ President Wendy Hensel. “By providing flexible, skill-based pathways, we are empowering current students to gain the in-demand competencies they need to thrive in Hawaiʻi’s dynamic workforce.”

Building skills, advancing careers

Designed to bridge the gap between academic theory and workforce demands, ������Ƶ ��ā�ԴDz�’s micro-credentials are short, career-focused programs. Each credential consists of two to four courses specifically tailored to build immediate, in-demand skills aligned with workforce needs. These micro-credentials will be offered both online and in-person.

Current ������Ƶ Mānoa micro-credentials include: AI for business, innovative problem solving, applied economics & statistics, remote sensing, criminology and criminal justice, mixed-methods educational research and philosophy for children Hawaiʻi. Up to 10 additional micro-credentials are planned for release by fall 2026, with more to come.

Upon completing a micro-credential, students receive a shareable digital badge. This tool can be added to résumés, online professional profiles and shared directly with prospective employers to verify specialized competencies. The initiative reflects a growing national trend, as institutions across the U.S. are increasingly adopting these verified credentials to meet employer preference for skill-based certifications.

These programs are built on a flexible, “stackable” framework. This means that while each micro-credential provides standalone value to help professionals advance their careers, they can also count toward achievement of a higher certificate or degree. Students can start small, earning individual micro-credentials, and use their earned credits toward higher credentials or larger goals over time.

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The University of Hawaiʻi marked the success of a first-of-its-kind pilot program designed to strengthen the next generation of conservation leaders in Hawaiʻi by blending academic training with hands-on professional development.

The inaugural Conservation Program Management Intensive over two weeks in August 2025, collaboratively offered by the ������Ƶ Mānoa and ’s (NREM), with support from the ������Ƶ System and , brought together 22 participants: seven ������Ƶ Mānoa conservation-focused graduate students and 15 conservation professionals, many from the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources’ (DLNR) Divisions of Aquatic Resources and Forestry and Wildlife, one from The Nature Conservancy and several from across the ������Ƶ System. Students represented all four counties in Hawaiʻi.

Participants learned directly from more than two dozen expert instructors and professionals representing agencies and organizations across the Hawaiʻi conservation landscape, including ������Ƶ Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit, ������Ƶ Hilo, ������Ƶ Mānoa NREM, Hālau ʻŌhiʻa, Heʻeia Ahupuaʻa Kākoʻo ʻŌiwi, Paepae o Heʻeia and National Estuarine Research Reserve, The Nature Conservancy, DLNR Chair’s Office and the Divisions of Aquatic Resources, Forestry and Wildlife, and Conservation and Resources Enforcement, the Hawaiʻi Attorney General’s Office, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Congressman Ed Case, Kupu, and ������Ƶ ��ā�ԴDz�’s Lyon Arboretum, among others.

The course covered a wide range of topics essential to conservation program leadership and management, including:

• Cohort building, ʻāina-based learning and Hawaiian life pathways
• Community engagement and co-stewardship management
• Strategic planning and decision analysis
• Administrative procedure and state/federal government functions
• Human resource management, budgeting, grant writing and management
• Public meeting facilitation, environmental law and congressional processes
• Project management, communications and leadership development

“This course was created to directly address needs expressed by statewide public and non-profit organizations working in conservation,” said ������Ƶ Director of Land and Ocean Conservation Futures Director and Course Co-instructor Suzanne Case. “While early-career professionals often bring strong disciplinary expertise, many organizations identified a critical need for training in program administration and leadership. It looks like the course hit this need spot-on.”

Co-instructor Linden Schneider reflected on the real, lasting impact, saying, “This program not only delivered practical knowledge, but also created a powerful cohort-based learning community where participants shared their own challenges and created solutions, collaboratively, in real time.”

Alan Hunley of the ������Ƶ Outreach College praised the program’s collaborative design.

“Our goal was to make this course accessible and impactful for both students and working professionals,” Hunley said. “We were thrilled to see the energy and dedication of the participants, and the positive feedback confirms this model is working.”

Participants also expressed high praise:

• “Such a great course, filled with knowledge from many knowledgeable speakers, very informative and fun excursions to actually go to different entities and see their facilities and hear from their work experiences. I would recommend this class and take it again every five years to revitalize and remember why I love my job.”
• “I feel incredibly grateful for the relationships I built with the kumu, fellow students and presenters throughout this experience. The thoughtful balance between classroom learning and site visits made the program truly unique.”

Encouraged by the pilot’s success, Case and Schneider anticipate offering the course again in summer 2026 to a mix of graduate students and early-career professionals in conservation-related fields. Tuition is expected to be $1,000 for 80 hours of instruction, with applications opening in early spring 2026. Applicants will be selected based on their ability to immediately apply the course content to their work. For more information about the course, .

After completing an intensive kabuki workshop at the University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz� this summer, students stepped into the spotlight on Monday, August 18 at the Earle Ernst Laboratory Theatre. Their performance brought to life the movement, music and artistry passed down to them by a world-renowned, eighth-generation kabuki master.

This August, Ichikawa Monnosuke VIII led a kabuki masterclass at ������Ƶ ����ԴDz�, offering rare, hands-on training in this vibrant classical Japanese art form.

“This opportunity to train in kabuki with a professional is truly unique,” said ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� theatre professor Julie Iezzi. “Nowhere else in the world, not even in Japan, can those outside of the tradition train under a kabuki actor.”

Spirit of kabuki

The two-week workshop, offered Mondays through Fridays through ������Ƶ ����ԴDz�’s and , was filled with students, alumni and community members, and focuses on kabuki movement and vocal training.

“In thinking about the future, I feel that this is a really good opportunity to help spread knowledge about kabuki to more and more people around the world,” Monnosuke said through a translator.

Among the students who studied under Monnosuke is Karese Kaw-uh, who earned an MFA in at ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� and starred in the university’s kabuki production in 2024.

“What I love about kabuki is that you have to hear the rhythm and the sound. And so the pieces that we’re working on really deal with music and movement. So we have to listen to cues and say the words in a rhythmic pattern,” Kaw-������Ƶ said.

For 19-year-old Zumi Guillermo-Togawa, a student at Kapiʻolani Community College, the best part was exploring the different ways kabuki characters can move and express themselves.

“My most favorite part is learning about the different characteristics and personality for just the walks, not even just the voices, the walks, the mie and how it differs depending on the character and character type,” said Guillermo-Togawa.

Eighth-generation master

Monnosuke, whose family’s kabuki lineage dates back to 1713, is no stranger to ������Ƶ. In spring 2024, he and his apprentices trained student actors for ������Ƶ ����ԴDz�’s English-language kabuki production, The Maiden Benten and the Bandits of the White Waves. That production not only sold out performances but also received a first-ever invitation to perform in Japan, where it was enthusiastically received.

Kabuki has deep roots in Hawaiʻi. In fact, the university staged the first known English-language kabuki production in the islands 100 years ago. Today, ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� is helping keep that legacy alive.

Kabuki legacy

With guidance from Iezzi, ������Ƶ ����ԴDz�’s Department of Theatre and Dance is breathing new life into English-language kabuki, an art form that flourished on the Kennedy Theatre stage under the leadership of late ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� Professor James R. Brandon and master kabuki actor Nakamura Matagorō II, with vital support from community artists Onoe Kikunobu (dance), Yamada Chie (music) and Joji Wago (wigs and makeup).

Monnosuke and his wife, Yukika, first met Iezzi in 2016, already aware of the university’s rich kabuki traditions and eager to support its continuation.

“They were wondering about future plans for kabuki, and actually came at the perfect time, since I, too, was searching for artists interested in helping to rebuild the complex infrastructure of knowledge necessary to continue doing kabuki productions,” Iezzi said.

Hamilton: Honoring kabuki

This fall, will open a new exhibit in the Asia Reading Room honoring kabuki. Crafted by Japan’s Shōchiku Company and gifted to ������Ƶ in 1939, the intricate kabuki theatre model has been in storage for nearly 90 years in different places. In partnership with the theatre and dance department, a new exhibit case will allow the model to be permanently displayed, alongside other performing and exploring kabuki at ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� exhibits.

A world-renowned kabuki actor is bringing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to Hawaiʻi this summer. Ichikawa Monnosuke VIII, an eighth-generation kabuki master, will lead an intensive workshop at the University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz� August 1–18, offering rare, hands-on training in this vibrant classical Japanese art form.

“This opportunity to train in kabuki with a professional is truly unique,” said ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� theatre professor Julie Iezzi. “Nowhere else in the world, not even in Japan, can those outside of the tradition train under a kabuki actor.”

Spirit of kabuki

The two-week workshop, offered Mondays through Fridays through ������Ƶ ����ԴDz�’s and Department of , is open to students, alumni, and community members, and will focus on Kabuki movement and vocal training. Two course tracks, credit and non-credit, are available for and for $1,350 (non-credit) and $1,500 (credit). The program ends with a recital showcasing students’ work on August 18th at 4 p.m. in the Earle Ernst Laboratory Theatre.

“Different from the realism of Western theatre, I hope students will learn the unique performance techniques of kabuki, which express the spirit of a character while also valuing the beauty of form,” Monnosuke said.

Eighth-generation master

Monnosuke, whose family’s kabuki lineage dates back to 1713, is no stranger to ������Ƶ. In 2024, he and his apprentices trained student actors for ������Ƶ ����ԴDz�’s English-language kabuki production, The Maiden Benten and the Bandits of the White Waves. That production not only sold out performances but also received a first-ever invitation to perform in Japan, where it was enthusiastically received.

Kabuki has deep roots in Hawaiʻi. In fact, the university staged the first known English-language kabuki production in the islands 100 years ago. Today, ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� is helping keep that legacy alive.

• Related ������Ƶ News story: 100 years of Hawaiʻi Kabuki in English: Masters from Japan train ������Ƶ actors, December 10, 2023

Kabuki legacy

With guidance from Iezzi, ������Ƶ ����ԴDz�’s theatre and dance department is breathing new life into English-language kabuki, an art form that flourished on the Kennedy Theatre stage under the leadership of late ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� Professor James R. Brandon and master kabuki actor Nakamura Matagorō II, with vital support from community artists Onoe Kikunobu (dance) Yamada Chie (music) and Joji Wago (wigs and makeup).

Monnosuke and his wife, Yukika, first met Iezzi in 2016, already aware of the university’s rich kabuki traditions and eager to support its continuation.

“They were wondering about future plans for kabuki, and actually
came at the perfect time, since I, too, was searching for artists interested in helping to rebuild the complex infrastructure of knowledge necessary to continue doing kabuki productions,” Iezzi said.

, or contact iezzi@hawaii.edu, (808) 956-4377.

The (APDF) is moving ahead—despite a last-minute loss of major funding. Just two weeks before its May 19 return to the University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz�, the National Endowment for the Arts withdrew its $25,000 grant to support the festival’s programming.

“While this loss poses a significant challenge, the APDF team remains committed to delivering an inspiring celebration of dance, culture and connection, and this only strengthens our resolve,” said SheenRu Yong, associate director of APDF. “We’re not canceling—we’re coming together. The show will go on. If anything, this challenge is a call to gather for what matters, so come through.”

Hosted by ������Ƶ ����ԴDz�’s , the festival runs through June 1, and brings together artists and dance traditions from across Asia, the Pacific and Hawaiʻi. Participants can take part in immersive workshops, attend performances and explore the cultural roots behind each movement.

The festival happens every two years and offers a deep, hands-on dive into storytelling through dance.

or by phone (808) 956-8246.

Festival highlights

Residents Artists

, under the direction of Kumu Hula Vicky Holt Takamine

from India/Canada, directed by Deepti Gupta

from Rotuma, Fiji, led by Letila Mitchell

Living the Art of Hula
Hālau Kilipohe Nā Lei Lehua
Thursday, May 22 at 7:30 p.m.

Local Motion!: A Tribute to H. Wayne Mendoza
A celebration of traditional Filipino dance by Mendoza’s former apprentices
Sunday, May 25 at 2 p.m.

ʻIke Hana I & II
Two dynamic performances showcasing different works by this year’s resident artists
Saturday, May 31 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, June 1 at 2 p.m.

“The public is warmly encouraged to attend this year’s performances, share the festival with others,” said Yong. “Every ticket, every social share, and every gesture of support helps sustain this work.”

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The University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz� has launched two new graduate-level programs to prepare students and working professionals for high-demand careers in artificial intelligence (AI) and data science:

Both programs offer flexible formats to meet the needs of working professionals and students across the ������Ƶ System.

“Our goal is to make computing education more accessible, especially for those who need flexibility to upskill, or may have never seen themselves in this field before,” said (ICS) Chair and Professor Guylaine Poisson. “These programs respond directly to the growing demand for tech-literate professionals in Hawaiʻi and beyond.”

Both programs are administered through ������Ƶ ����ԴDz�’s and taught by faculty in the ICS department housed in ������Ƶ ����ԴDz�’s .

“These programs provide much-needed pathways for students of all skill levels to deepen their AI knowledge and gain industry experience at a time when this technology is rapidly transforming every sector of our economy and society,” said College of Natural Sciences Acting Dean Philip Williams. “We have seen tremendous interest from our community and industry partners, who recognize the essential role that AI expertise will play in the future of Hawaiʻi. These new offerings are a direct response to that need, and we are proud to help prepare Hawaiʻi‘s students and workforce for the opportunities ahead.”

“These new graduate programs are a powerful example of how ������Ƶ is preparing Hawaiʻi’s workforce for the future,” ������Ƶ President Wendy Hensel said. “Artificial intelligence and data science are transforming every field, and we’re committed to ensuring our students and working professionals have the skills to lead in this rapidly evolving landscape.”

Graduate Certificate in Applied Computing: Artificial Intelligence and Data Science Track

The GCERT is the first in the state and is designed for students from non-computer science backgrounds. The 15-credit certificate is offered in an online-first format, can be completed in one year, and equips students with practical, career-focused AI and data science skills. Courses emphasize real-world applications, including local case studies that address Hawaiʻi’s unique challenges in healthcare, environmental science, digital marketing and cybersecurity.

The GCERT is open to anyone with a bachelor’s degree and working professionals seeking to upskill or transition into tech roles. Students who excel in the GCERT program may apply to the new PMCS degree, with applicable credits transferring upon admission. To be eligible for the GCERT, applicants must demonstrate foundational programming experience in a primary modern programming language such as Python or Java. Students should have successfully completed an introductory programming course in Python or Java at an accredited two or four-year college or university, or have at least three years of work or project experience that reflects competency in Python or Java.

Professional Master’s in Computer Science: Artificial Intelligence and Data Science Track

The professional master’s in computer science builds on the graduate certificate in applied computing foundation and offers a deeper dive into AI and data science. Designed for those with a background in computer science or those who have completed the GCERT with strong academic performance, the two-year PMCS provides advanced technical training and the opportunity to build a competitive portfolio. The program’s hybrid, flexible design supports students balancing careers and other commitments. The ������Ƶ Board of Regents Committee on Student Success on April 17 approved the provisional status for this professional master’s in computer science.

Career outcomes for graduates of either program include roles as AI specialists and data scientists. Students will also have access to a strong network of local employers and internship opportunities supporting pathways into remote and Hawaiʻi-based tech careers.

“By offering multiple entry points and stackable credentials, we’re expanding educational access beyond traditional pathways,” said Outreach College Interim Dean Timothy Slaughter. “These programs create new bridges between the university and the broader community.”

Applications for both programs are now open, with the first classes beginning in fall 2025. The application deadline is August 1, 2025.

Learn more and apply at the .

The University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz� summer sessions are . Summer sessions includes three terms for undergraduate and graduate students to choose from:

• Summer 1: May 27–July 3
• Summer 2: July 7–August 14
• Midsummer: June 16–July 25

“Our Summer sessions are a wonderful opportunity for students to further their education on a condensed time frame,” said Nikki Chun, vice provost for enrollment management. “The flexibility of the sessions means students can work toward graduating on time alongside jobs, internships, travel or other summer activities.”

������Ƶ ����ԴDz�’s Summer sessions annually attract students and faculty worldwide and offer more than 900 courses in 100 subject areas. More than 650 online courses are offered in various schedules during the 12-week summer term.

All students pay resident tuition, and for current ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� students.

The 2025 (APDF) is set to return to the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa from May 19 to June 1, offering a rare opportunity to experience the rich dance traditions of Asia and the Pacific.

The immersive two-week experience offers workshop participants and performance attendees a deep dive into movement, music, history, language and cultural traditions.

Festival highlights

• Residents Artists:
1. Hālau Pua Aliʻi ʻIlima, under the direction of Kumu Hula Vicky Holt Takamine
2. Arzoo Dance Theatre from India/Canada, directed by Deepti Gupta
3. Rako Pasefika from Rotuma, Fiji, led by Letila Mitchell
• Special Tribute: A Filipino dance performance honoring the legacy of the late H. Wayne Mendoza
• Hālau Kilipohe Nā Lei Lehua, featured in a full-length evening concert

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) recently awarded APDF a $25,000 grant, recognizing its role in preserving and sharing these dynamic traditions.

“We are honored to receive support from the NEA for the Asia Pacific Dance Festival,” said Tim Slaughter, interim dean of ������Ƶ Mānoa . “This grant acknowledges the festival’s significant impact on the dance culture of Asia and the Pacific, as well as its role in fostering cultural exchange.”

The NEA grant will directly support the artists performing at the festival.

For more go to the .

The University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz� has completed a full relocation back to the ����ԴDz� campus—a strategic move to enhance accessibility for students and the wider community. This academic unit offers various paths to pursue a degree, along with professional development initiatives and outreach programs spanning fields such as business, social work, nursing and medicine.

The recent relocation places Outreach College in the Biomedical Sciences, Keller, and Bilger buildings on the ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� campus.

“Since all of our courses are offered in conjunction with one of ����ԴDz�’s academic departments, being on campus allows us to have a better relationship with these departments,” said Tim Slaughter, interim dean of the college. “Outreach provides an array of summer classes that can help students get ahead and graduate faster or explore areas they may not have time to during the regular school year.”

The college’s programs include online courses, non-credit courses, workshops, flexible degree programs, conferences and various educational activities.

Outreach College Programs

“For our degree completion programs, many are career professionals looking to improve their credentials or obtain an advanced degree,” said Slaughter.

Outreach College is a result of the 1998 merger of the campus Summer Sessions and the College of Continuing Education and Community Services. The move back to the ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� campus aims to create a central hub for diverse educational opportunities, strengthening ties with academic departments and fostering collaboration for both students and the community.

For more go to the website.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Janice Yonamine, like many, was working from home and found her 15-year career as a state auditor was no longer fulfilling—she needed to make a change.

Through her job search, she discovered a position for a clinical trials support specialist at the . Although she did not have clinical research or medical experience, Yonamine decided to take a chance—she applied and got the job.

To train and supplement her transition into the position, her hiring manager recommended she register for the inaugural , which provides foundational clinical trial knowledge, including oncology clinical trial coordination, basic statistical and epidemiologic methods, ethical and regulatory aspects of human subjects research and protocol development. Yonamine was part of the first cohort of this program in 2020.

The field of clinical research is thriving in Hawaiʻi. In fact, upon the successful completion of the three-month certificate program, students enter one of the fastest growing fields in the U.S. (currently 14% annually).

“The certificate program is the perfect starting point for anyone, whether you already have some background or experience, or if you’re brand new to the field,” said Yonamine. “Clinical research is so dynamic and you will never go stagnant. There’s always something new to learn and the science and research is always evolving and advancing. It is an exciting and meaningful career and you will never stop learning.”

Yonamine was promoted to a clinical research associate (CRA) in 2022 and served as a course instructor for the program last fall, teaching data management and cooperative group registration. She now sees patients at The Queen’s Medical Center, the Cancer Center of Hawaii and Hawaiʻi Cancer Care.

The certificate program is designed to train those interested in becoming a CRA at the ������Ƶ Cancer Center, its affiliated hospitals or at other academic centers in support of clinical trials.

Enroll in the program

The program is offered online by the ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� Outreach College. The accelerated three-month program runs from August 23 to November 15, 2023. The deadline to apply is August 21, 2023.

Learn more and register for the Clinical Research Professional Certificate Program on the .

A new three-month virtual certificate program will prepare participants for a thriving career in clinical research to better serve cancer patients. The (CRPCP), offered by University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz�’s , is designed to train clinical research associates to support clinical trials efforts at the , affiliated hospitals and the pharmaceutical industry.

Students who complete the certificate program will have the credentials to enter one of the fastest growing fields in the U.S. The field of clinical research is thriving in Hawaiʻi. Jobs in clinical research are expected to grow by 13% by 2026. The average salary range for a clinical research associate is $85,999 and can go as high as $136,000 depending on experience.

The Clinical Research Professional Certificate Program runs from August 24 to November 16. Space is limited. To register, . For more information, contact Lance Haga at hagal@hawaii.edu or call (808) 956-7221.

Current or future biomedical and research scientists, public health professionals, nurses and allied health professionals, and professionals with a natural science background considering a career change should consider applying. The program will equip participants with skills to coordinate cancer clinical trials, manage clinical trials data and to understand research ethics. Courses within the program include an introduction to cancer, clinical research and human subjects protection.

• Related ������Ƶ News story: Better cancer care experiences with clinical research professionals, May 6, 2022

Kristl Nakamura, a graduate of the certificate program, was immediately hired by the ������Ƶ Cancer Center to serve as a clinical research associate. Nakamura highly recommends registering for CRPCP if individuals wish to pursue a career in clinical research.

“I enrolled in the CRPCP not knowing much about the clinical research field and wanted to learn more about it,” Nakamura said. “Taking the course gave me insight into what it would be like working in the industry and that furthered my interest to pursue clinical research as a career.”

Jonathan Cho, medical director of the ������Ƶ Cancer Center’s Clinical Trials Office, said, “The Clinical Research Professional Program will be entering its third year, and the ������Ƶ Cancer Center is already reaping the fruits of its success. It has been a boon to our Clinical Trials Program. Clinical trials and clinical research are an integral part of the cancer center’s mission to reduce the burden of cancer and to improve the lives of cancer patients and their caregivers.”

The (NICE) at the University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz� Outreach College has been reaffirmed for a full 10-year accreditation by the (CEA) from April 2022 through April 2032.

NICE centers on oral communication and cultural competence, as well as innovative methods for teaching and practicing real-world listening and speaking tasks.

NICE offers English courses throughout the year for students with a variety of goals. Study options include rigorous intensive English for academic, professional and general purposes, as well as short conversation courses that expose students to life in the U.S. and Hawaiʻi. TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication) and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) preparation classes are also offered.

“CEA accreditation means that external reviewers have thoroughly assessed our NICE program offerings to ensure that they meet rigorous academic standards that help to ensure student success. This formal recognition from one of the leading organizations overseeing English language teaching and administration helps students know that the courses they take in the NICE program are of the highest quality,” said Stephanie Vie, acting dean of ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� Outreach College.

Cultural immersion

Originally from Chile, NICE program student Mitzi Angelina Labrin Vargas graduated from the University of Chile with a degree in civil engineering and worked as a civil engineer project manager for 11 years before quitting her job to come to ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� to study English.

“I have always wanted to study abroad and practice my English skills in an English country. I feel English is a universal language and I consider it a personal challenge,” said Labrin. “Hawaiʻi is the perfect place where you can find the perfect mix of studies and nature.”

“Mitzi has been studying in our program since July 2021. She is an outstanding student and recipient of numerous awards for three terms in a row and continues to work hard in the current term,” said Lisa Nakandakari, Outreach College international programs student services specialist. “NICE has really helped her improve her English, especially her confidence in speaking it. This is a testament to the high caliber of teachers and curriculum.”

“When I first came to Hawaiʻi I was able to understand but wasn’t able to speak fluently, now I’m doing better. I made friends and immersed myself in English,” said Labrin.

Labrin had the opportunity to be one of the interviewees during a site visit of the CEA accreditation, and was happy to contribute to the process. “I know how important the CEA accreditation is because in Chile having a professional license or accreditation is also very important,” she said.

More on the CEA

The University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz� New Intensive Courses in English (NICE) Program is accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation for the period April 2022 through April 2032 and agrees to uphold the CEA Standards for English Language Programs and Institutions. CEA is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency for English language programs and institutions in the U.S.. For further information about this accreditation, please contact CEA, 1001 N. Fairfax Street, Suite 630, Alexandria, VA 22314, (703) 665-3400, .

A new study led by researchers found that Hawaiʻi patients with cancer who were enrolled in therapeutic clinical trials had significantly more positive care coordination experiences. This is attributed to the care clinical research professionals (CRPs) at the ������Ƶ Cancer Center provide for patients during their cancer clinical trials. The study was published in .

The study was led by ������Ƶ Cancer Center junior researcher Izumi Okado, with co-investigators Ian Pagano, Kevin Cassel, Jefferey Berenberg, Jessica Rhee, Anamalia Suʻesuʻe, and former ������Ƶ Cancer Center Director Randall Holcombe.

Care coordination refers to how a patient’s medical care activities are organized. For patients with cancer, care coordination is often complex as cancer treatment. It typically involves numerous health providers, multiple specialists and different care settings. Although care coordination is a vital component of cancer care, many patients still receive care that is poorly coordinated.

Participants in this study were cancer patients receiving treatment and enrolled in clinical trials offered through the ������Ƶ Cancer Center’s Hawaiʻi Minority/Underserved National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program. The ������Ƶ Cancer Center provides access to about 150 cancer clinical trials for patients in Hawaiʻi. Clinical trials offer patients access to emerging new treatments and provide the highest level of care. CRPs are a vital part of ������Ƶ Cancer Center’s clinical trial care team.

Care coordinators are key

Okado and collaborators found that the care coordination support provided by CRPs is an added benefit for patients in clinical trials. Patients who participated in this study often referred to CRPs as their “care coordinators,” illustrating the important role that they play in their care. Having CRPs’ help patients with navigating their cancer journey makes the process easier; as a patient described, “you really felt like someone was there fighting with you and for you every step of the way.”

“CRPs play a key role in coordinating care for clinical trial participants,” said Okado. “Their role in coordinating care is often unrecognized; yet, for patients on clinical trials, the presence of and support provided by CRPs have a positive impact on their clinical trial and cancer care experience.”

Findings from this study highlight the positive impact of the ������Ƶ Cancer Center’s CRPs for patients receiving cancer treatment enrolled on cancer clinical trials. The publication will provide increased awareness of improved care coordination and support provided by CRPs as a value-added benefit of participating in cancer clinical trials.

“This study was conducted by Dr. Okado and colleagues underscore the important role clinical research professionals play in the lives of clinical trial participants,” said Jonathan Cho, ������Ƶ Cancer Center Clinical Trials Office medical director. “The cancer research community firmly believes clinical trial participation offers many potential benefits and this study is an affirmation of this.”

Certificate program offered at Outreach College

The field of clinical research is thriving in Hawaiʻi. Upon successful completion of the Clinical Research Professional Certificate Program offered at ������Ƶ ����ԴDz�’s , (22 90-minute lectures), individuals enter one of the fastest growing fields in the U.S. (13% growth by 2026), with average salaries in Hawaiʻi ranging from $45,000 to $85,000.

A free informational webinar hosted by Joe Ramos, interim director of the ������Ƶ Cancer Center, will be held on May 25, 2022. .

This research is an example of ������Ƶ ��ā�ԴDz�’s goal of (PDF), one of four goals identified in the (PDF), updated in December 2020.

The , presented by the at University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz�, is back after a two year break due to COVID-19 restrictions. The virtual 14th ������Ƶ KIDS FIRST! Film Festival will stream more than 100 films made by student, indie and seasoned filmmakers from 25 nations for kids ages 2–18+. This family fun event is free of charge and will run February 12–21.

Curated locally, and part of the 30th anniversary celebration of the national KIDS FIRST! organization, the 10-day festival offers age appropriate programs focusing on climate change and the environment, space and technology, social justice and tolerance.

The animated and live-action shorts, features and documentaries from around the world are free of gratuitous violence; race, gender or religious bias; inappropriate content; and condescension toward children.

For details and to reserve free tickets, check out the .

Festival highlights

Saturday, February 12

• Toons for Tots to Tweens
  12 films, ages 2+
  Adorable animated shorts from five countries, including films by students.
• Global Imagination Animation
  12 films, varied age groups
  Award-winning animation from the U.S., U.K., Bulgaria, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Canada, Spain, Korea and Japan.
• World Premiere: DreamWorks Madagascar: A Little Wild (Gloria’s Got ‘Em All episode)
  Episode features a “sign over” performance by deaf actress Shaylee Mansfield.
  Live stream Interview/Q&A, February 12, 12–12:30 p.m. HST
  • Johanna Stein, executive producer and showrunner
  • T.J. Sullivan, supervising director
  • Justin Maurer, ASL consultant
  • Delbert Whetter, ASL consultant
  • Jevon Whetter, ASL consultant



• Laura Margulies: Hand-Painted Animation
  3 films, ages 5–18
  Hand-painted animated shorts: Blue Cooler, Hepa and Rolling Down Like Pele
  Live stream: A Conversation with Laura Margulies, February 12, 1–1:30 p.m. HST
  Margulies combines motion, color, texture, live action, rhythm and sound to create award-winning, expressive films. She often animates with paint in a stop-motion style. She currently is an assistant professor of animation at the Academy of Creative Media at ������Ƶ ����ԴDz�.

Sunday, February 13

• Kids to the Rescue
  11 films, ages 3+
  Animation and live-action shorts for kids who care about our planet from the U.S., U.K., Germany, Malta, Turkey and China.
• Care to Change
  15 films, ages 5+
  Empowering animation, live-action and music video shorts focus on the impact of kids on contemporary issues.
• Enviro/Adventure Feature: The Sentries of the Delta
  Ages 10–18
  Adventures of children at an environmental camp in the Danube Delta Natural Reserve between Romania and the Ukraine.

Monday, February 14

• Matters of the Heart
  10 films, varied age groups
  A Valentine to silly, sweet, deep and unconditional love from the U.S., U.K., Canada, Argentina, Germany, Italy, Japan, China and Iran.

Tuesday, February 15

• Animation feature: Louisa, an Amazing Adventure
  Ages 8+
  State-of-the-art technology brings to life the true story an astonishing lifeboat rescue during Britain’s wild 1899 storm at sea.

Wednesday, February 16

• You Do You No Matter Who (Part 1)
  9 films, ages 8+
  With artistry and humor, short films about building bridges and finding common ground across differences.

Thursday, February 17

• Music Moves
  2 films, ages 8+
  Pops is Tops—a musical journey through the home of Louis Armstrong and Quaranteened: A Virtual Musical—written and performed by teens trying to stay connected in a world where they must self-isolate.

Friday, February 18

• All Kine Kids
  9 films, varied age groups
  Delightful tales of kids being kids, everywhere—from the U.S., Canada, Belgium, Iran and Mongolia.

Saturday, February 19

• You Do You No Matter Who (Part 2)
  9 films, varied age groups
  Rabbits, bears, aliens, artists and others portray and reveal our shared humanity.
• Culture[s] 8 films, varied age groups
  The healing power of arts and culture, legends and folktales, traditions and cultural identity.
• The Bum Family Films
  4 films, ages 7+
  The Bum Family collective of six cousins and their moms have been writing and animating films since 2010. The trademark character is Lilly, a 10-foot tall orange monster.
  Live stream chat with the Bum Family, February 19, 11:30 a.m.–12 p.m. HST
• Madcap Movie: Hotel Paraíso (Hotel Paradise)
  Ages 9–15
  At a resort in the Peruvian desert, a boy confronts his insecurities and the school bully to win the heart of the girl of his dreams.

Sunday, February 20

• Clever Kids: Robots, Rockets and Technology
  8 films, varied age groups
  Animation, live-action, and documentary shorts about tech-savvy inner and outer space exploring kids.



• Adventures on Land and Sea
  2 films, ages 6–18
  Two films feature three kids devoted to their passions: hiking the Grand Canyon and wing foiling across the ʻAlenuihāhā Channel.
  Live stream interview/Q&A with Bobo Gallagher and Deveraux Gallagher (A Boyʻs Journey: Crossing the ʻAlenuihāhā Channel), February 20 11:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
  Eleven-year-old Bobo Gallagher is the youngest person to cross the ʻAlenuihāhā Channel via wing foil. His sister, Deveraux directed and edited the documentary.
• Girls Rule: Robotics and Astronomy
  2 films, ages 9–18
  The Missfits—an all-girls robotics team competes to smash stereotypes and prove themselves in a male-dominated field. Clarita’s Universe—a spunky 12-year-old girl explores the universe.



• MeteoHeroes, Episode: Noise Pollution (U.S. premiere) and interview with Luigi Latini, creator/executive producer
  The Meteoheroes rescue a pod of dolphins in the Pacific Ocean who are disoriented by a shipʻs powerful sonar. MeteoHeroes airs in over 140 countries, and is dubbed in 20 languages. “MeteoHeroes was born precisely from our need to put kids first in education towards the need to recycle, consume better, fight pollution and tackle climate change…” – Luigi Latini
  Live stream Q&A with Kenn Viselman, showrunner/executive producer on February 20, 1–1:30 p.m. HST
  Kenn Viselman has created, produced, marketed and or consulted on dozens of family entertainment projects and is producing partner behind the Teletubbies in the Western Hemisphere. He is currently the showrunner and executive producer for MeteoHeroes, the definitive family series about climate change.

Presidents Day, Monday, February 21

• Last day to catch up on missed films and vote for your favorites!

The COVID-19 pandemic has magnified the importance of public health in Hawaiʻi, creating an uptick in demand from professionals of diverse backgrounds to change or upgrade their careers, and community leaders looking to fill critical positions. The University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz� has responded to that need with its new .

The application deadline has been extended with a priority deadline of March 1, for candidates interested in enrolling in the program’s inaugural fall 2022 semester. (PDF).

• Related ������Ƶ News story: New online master’s degree in public health for busy professionals, November 15, 2021

“There has been a growing demand in the community for public health jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Tetine Sentell, interim dean of the . “From professionals already in the health sector looking to improve their skills and credentials, to those wanting to pivot to a new job and serve their communities, to those who have always wanted to attain a master’s degree but had no time due to other priorities, this degree was created for you.”

Online degree provides option for busy professionals

Geared for busy professionals, the degree offered through the and is a new pathway to an MPH, and can be completed in as early as 21 months. Asynchronous classes offered online allow for flexible, year-round learning, and enables students to pursue a master’s degree at their own pace. Breaks are also built into the program calendar so students can take time needed away from coursework.

“Twenty years ago, I was both a full-time student in public health at ������Ƶ ����ԴDz� and a physician in Kalihi. The mixture of work and study was so rewarding, and I would highly recommend it!” said MPH alumnus David Derauf, who serves as executive director of Kōkua Kalihi Valley and is a member of the Thompson School dean’s advisory council. “The option to attend online with asynchronous classes makes doing so much more in reach of those who already have a career.”

Flexibility for students near and far

Associate Professor Elizabeth McFarlane, online MPH program director, said the new degree also benefits many prospective students to be able to attend classes at ������Ƶ ����ԴDz�.

“Because it’s also offered online, those on the neighbor islands, the U.S. mainland, and Guam, American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas, the Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of Palau and the Republic of the Marshall Islands can earn their degree, in most part, from the comfort of their own homes.”

Health policy and management is a diverse specialization that will prepare graduates for careers across the health services continuum—from policy development, program planning, implementation and management, program and policy evaluation, and health systems leadership to achieve intended health outcomes and address health challenges in the state of Hawaiʻi, the Asia-Pacific region and around the world.

(PDF).

This is an example of ������Ƶ ����ԴDz�’s goal of (PDF), one of four goals identified in the (PDF), updated in December 2020.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in public health is expected to grow faster than other occupations—health services management positions are expected to grow by 32%. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on public health underscored the importance of improving the development and delivery of health programs and support services for the well-being of Hawaiʻi’s diverse communities.

To address these challenges, the University of Hawaiʻi at ����ԴDz� has launched an online Master of Public Health (MPH) with a specialization in health policy and management. The (OPHS) program, offered through ������Ƶ ����ԴDz�’s Outreach College, can be completed in 21 months and provides asynchronous classes which allow for flexible, year-round learning. Interested students can .

“The pandemic has fueled a desire for some to upgrade their career skills or to pivot towards professions that offer growth as well as purpose and community engagement,” said Tetine Sentell, interim dean of the Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health. “Individuals from diverse professions and backgrounds will benefit from the online MPH program, and the asynchronous schedule allows for already busy personal and professional lives.”

Pathway to exciting health careers

The new program will prepare graduates for careers across the health services continuum—from policy development, program planning, implementation and management, and evaluation, as well as to conduct research and disseminate knowledge that will address health challenges in the state of Hawaiʻi, the Asia-Pacific region, and around the world.

The interdisciplinary courses leading to the MPH address health from a population perspective: instructors are experts in the fields of health disparities and applied health services research. All courses have a foundation in issues that impact population health and healthcare systems, including environmental health, disease prevention, health informatics, Indigenous health, ethics and behavioral and cultural issues.

Career outcomes afforded by the MPH include: emergency management directors, epidemiologists, public health educators, public health and medical services managers, environmental health specialists and public health program coordinators.

The online degree program specializing in health policy and management is a new pathway to an MPH at ������Ƶ ����ԴDz�. OPHS currently offers the MPH degree specializing in epidemiology, health policy and management, Native Hawaiian and Indigenous health, and social and behavioral health sciences.

The application deadline for the fall 2022 semester is February 1, 2022. For details and to apply, go to the .

This is an example of ������Ƶ ����ԴDz�’s goal of (PDF), one of four goals identified in the (PDF), updated in December 2020.