March is Women鈥檚 History Month. But for Lisa M. Vallin, every month is Women鈥檚 History Month. That鈥檚 because the full-time instructor and academic advisor in the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa 鈥� (WGSS) teaches one of the most in-demand courses at 糖心视频 Mānoa, regularly drawing more than 700 registrants every semester.

Vallin leads WGSS 350 Sex Differences in the Life Cycle, which is cross-listed as BIOL 350. She credits a small but effective army of learning assistants, dedicated guest speakers, multiple internships and volunteer opportunities, and the ability to study sexuality in evidence-based, nuanced conversations that move beyond myths and binaries.

The course鈥檚 popularity is partly because it fulfills a general education requirement; is listed as a DB (diversification of biological sciences) course for aspiring doctors and science majors; and has earned an E (ethics) focus. But that鈥檚 not the only reason seats are snapped up as soon as registration opens. WGSS Chair Lani Teves said one of the department鈥檚 oldest courses is among its most popular because of the teaching ability, energy and enthusiasm of Vallin herself.

“Lisa is an invaluable member of our WGSS faculty and community. Students—both in person and online—regularly note that she is the best professor they鈥檝e ever had, describing her as open minded, knowledgeable and inspiring,” said Teves.

Global perspectives, human geography

Vallin was born and raised in Sweden and, as a youngster, dreamed of working for the United Nations. Driven by a deep interest in global cultures and social justice, she pursued higher education in the U.S., earning a bachelor鈥檚 degree in geography with an emphasis on the human environment.

After earning a master鈥檚 in the field at San Francisco State University and with the intent of earning a PhD, Vallin moved to Hawaiʻi to study with Michael Salzman, a 糖心视频 Mānoa educational psychology professor whose specialty was cultural trauma. She became particularly interested in how cultural trauma and structural inequality helped shape sexual identities and lived experiences.

Then Vallin learned about a lecturer opening in WGSS, and successfully applied in 2011. Her first course, WGSS/BIOL 350, enrolled 45 students in a standard-size classroom. Over the years, student demand grew dramatically. In spring 2026, she is teaching two sections that meet twice a week, serving 533 students online and 201 students in person. Vallin estimates that, over the past 15 years, she has taught more than 10,000 students in a single course.

“I鈥檓 incredibly proud of that large number,” said Vallin. “The fact that so many students have shown a shared interest in learning about the body and its diversity is deeply encouraging. It reminds me that these conversations matter.”

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The University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 celebrated the legacy of renowned alumna Alice Augusta Ball at the annual recognition ceremony on February 26. This year鈥檚 event was especially meaningful, as her discovery dubbed the “Ball Method” treatment for Hansen鈥檚 disease has been designated a National Historic Chemical Landmark by the American Chemical Society (ACS).

Spearheaded by the 糖心视频 Office of the President and the 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 Office of the Provost with support from various campus and community partners, the ceremony invited the campus community to the chaulmoogra tree on the ma uka side of Bachman Hall, where a plaque honors Ball鈥檚 legacy.

The event began with an oli led by the Hawaiʻi Papa o ke Ao Native Hawaiian Place of Learning Advancement Office and the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience鈥檚 Native Hawaiian Place of Learning Coordinator.

Emcee LaJoya Shelly, a lecturer in ethnic studies and educational administration, led the event. 糖心视频 President Wendy Hensel was among several distinguished speakers who commemorated Ball.

“She鈥檚 a true role model for all of us,” said Hensel, “Every year is exciting because she鈥檚 such an incredible trailblazer, and to be able to recognize her repeatedly for those contributions is always really special.”

Hensel also read Gov. Josh Green鈥檚 official proclamation declaring February 28, 2026, as Alice Augusta Ball Day.

Long-awaited official recognition

Katrina-Ann Kap膩 Oliveira, Interim Vice Provost for Student Success, presented the National Historic Chemical Landmark Designation on behalf of ACS President Rigoberto Hernandez.

“This landmark dedication reflects ACS‘s commitment to honoring chemists like Ball whose discoveries have improved countless lives,” read Oliveira. “The National Historic Chemical Landmarks program preserves and promotes these histories so that present and future generations can understand the transformative power of chemistry.”

In 2024, the American Chemical Society approved the nomination—submitted by David Lassner, 糖心视频 president emeritus, and Paul Wermager, retired department head of science and technology at Hamilton Library—to award the National Historic Chemical Landmark designation to Ball for her technique of isolating ethyl esterification from the fatty acids of chaulmoogra oil so it could be effectively administered to Hansen鈥檚 disease patients by injection.

• Related 糖心视频 News story: Sculpture honors pioneering scientist Alice Ball

This isolation technique, later called the “Ball Method,” was the first successful treatment for Hansen鈥檚 disease that was used on thousands of patients around the world until the introduction of sulfone drugs in the mid-1940s.

The Ball Method was used to treat patients in Kalaupapa, permitting them to return to their families after being banished to isolation facilities on the remote Molokaʻi peninsula. This treatment was the difference between a life of discomfort and isolation, and a life of fulfillment and connection with family and community.

Inspiring future generations of scientists

Ball was the first woman and first African-American to graduate from the College of Hawaiʻi—now known as the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补—with a master鈥檚 degree in chemistry. Ball had also become the first African American female chemistry instructor and department head.

“What inspires me really, especially during Black History Month, is her being a black woman in STEM,” said Raven Kelley, the student speaker for the Black Student Association, “When we look at U.S. history, women in STEM, in general, rarely ever get the recognition that they truly deserve.”

Ball died on December 31, 1916, at the age of 24, before publishing her groundbreaking work. More than a century later, the university remains committed to honoring her legacy.

“As a black woman in STEM myself, it gives me a sense of pride and honor to see her truly recognized for her work,” said Kelley.

Other program speakers included Phillip Williams, interim dean and professor of chemistry at the 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 College of Natural Sciences; Diana Felton, chief of the Communicable Disease and Public Health Nursing Division at the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health; and DeGray Vanderbilt of Ka ʻOhana O Kalaupapa.

The ceremony was followed by the annual Alice Augusta Ball Remembrance Walk, led by Sister Circle at 惭腻苍辞补 and Native Hawaiian Student Services, which included a trip to Hamilton Library to see the life-sized bronze bust of Alice Ball. The walk ended at the Queen Liliʻuokalani Center for Student Services for a screening of The Ball Method film.

鈥攂y Josslyn Rose

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa alumna Lauryn Hansen can pinpoint the moment she realized she could turn her passion for the environment into a career, beginning a journey that would eventually lead her to dive deep into the intricate links between ocean and human health.

“My high school history teacher showed our class a clip of a late-night talk show where lobbyists in powerful positions chatted about their stance on climate regulation,” said Hansen. “It was the first time I really thought about how the world worked—and how often people making the biggest decisions may not act in the public’s best interest. That was an ‘aha’ moment for me: realizing that I could channel my deep care and interest in the environment into a career.”

That realization led Hansen, who grew up in California and the Pacific Northwest, to 糖心视频 Mānoa. She enrolled in the (GES) bachelor’s degree program in the (SOEST).

For her GES senior thesis, Hansen worked with Robert Richmond at the Kewalo Marine Laboratory to investigate how exposure to PFAS, a type of “forever chemical,” influenced different phases of the coral life cycle. This project sparked a strong interest in toxicology and contamination, which ultimately steered her toward pursuing a bachelor’s and master’s (BAM) combined degree in public health at 糖心视频 Mānoa.

“The transition to public health ended up being a really natural fit,” Hansen said.

Linking research and community

Now, as an with the 糖心视频 Sea Grant College Program (Hawaiʻi Sea Grant), Hansen is focusing on coastal marine resource management related to contaminants of emerging concern, such as forever chemicals, pesticides and microplastics. She collaborates with researchers, water quality managers and government agencies to improve local monitoring and management of these contaminants.

In addition to her research, Hansen contributes to 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补’s efforts to become a Native Hawaiian Place of Learning. After completing Cohort Kaulua, a professional development program, she became a trained Pilina Circle co-facilitator to support spaces for reflection and connection among the campus community.

Looking ahead, Hansen plans to continue working in environmental health with a focus on outreach.

“What matters most to me is being in a role where I can take research beyond the ‘ivory tower’—working with people, shaping conversations, and helping create solutions that make a real difference,” Hansen said.

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University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 alumna Kiana Yamat is back at her alma mater. This time, the graduate and Miss Hawaiʻi USA 2022 is serving as a project engineer for the construction transformation at the heart of the 惭腻苍辞补 campus.

Yamat runs the office team for Hensel Phelps, the construction company in charge of the 惭腻苍辞补 Mini Master Plan.

She plays a key role managing contracts, ordering materials and handling finances in order to make these major upgrades to McCarthy Mall possible.

“It’s surreal and it鈥檚 an honor,” said Yamat. “Using the talent and experience gained from school, we are building something that impacts more than just the campus itself.”

Giving back for future generations

A major part of the project is the construction of a modern building for interdisciplinary learning, which will replace Snyder Hall as the home of the .

Being a part of this opportunity is especially meaningful to Yamat, whose mother is a retired public school teacher with a special education background.

“Knowing that there are people like my mom that will one day influence the whole community, that驶s a big deal,” said Yamat.

Paving her path

During her time at 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补, Yamat was grateful for the many resources and partnering programs that the College of Engineering had to offer. It was through the , which she was president of, that Yamat landed her current engineering role.

When Hensel Phelps presented to ASCE at one of their club meetings, it opened her eyes to civil engineering, a path she had not previously considered. Yamat connected with 糖心视频 alumni at Hensel Phelps, who encouraged her to join the team.

Now, Yamat is on the other end, inspiring future engineers. Her company continues to partner with the ASCE student chapter.

“I want students to realize that no job is too small to be impactful,” said Yamat. “From the interns that we have on site all the way to the higher-ups, all of us are a piece of shaping something the public gets to see.”

鈥擝y Josslyn Rose

More than a dozen leaders with University of Hawaiʻi ties were named to Honolulu Magazine鈥檚 inaugural , which recognize women across the state for their impactful contributions in fields ranging from education and health care to sports, business and the arts.

Chancellor Maenette Benham and Head Coach Laura Beeman were among the honorees at an event at Mariposa at Neiman Marcus on September 10.

A Kanaka ʻŌiwi (Native Hawaiian) scholar and educator, Benham became 糖心视频 West Oʻahu鈥檚 chancellor in 2017 after serving as the first dean of . She began her teaching career in 1978 and has been recognized nationally and internationally for her work in leadership, education and community building. Benham has authored several books, served on major community boards, and continues to advance Native Hawaiian knowledge and collective leadership initiatives. Benham will step down from her role at the end of 2025. .

“E ola ka ʻāina, e ola ka naʻauao, e ola ke aloha. To be part of this inaugural cohort of Celebrating Wāhine honorees is both humbling and inspiring,” Benham said. “This is an extraordinary circle of women who are shaping Hawaiʻi with brilliance, compassion and courage. This recognition reminds me that leadership is always shared—rooted in aloha, guided by kuleana and lived through service to community.”

Entering her 14th season at the helm of the program, Beeman is a four-time Big West Coach of the Year who has led the Rainbow Wāhine to three Big West Championship titles, four regular-season crowns, and nine postseason appearances, including three NCAA Tournaments. Under her leadership, 糖心视频 women鈥檚 basketball has reached historic milestones, including back-to-back NCAA berths and consecutive regular-season titles. Beeman is the second-winningest coach in program history and a driving force behind the sustained success of the 鈥楤ows.

“It is an honor to be recognized among so many remarkable leaders in our state,” Beeman said. “Thank you to AIO group, Pacific Business News and Honolulu Magazine for supporting women throughout the state and cultivating a continued environment of growth and positive leadership.”

More 糖心视频 alumni honorees:

• Kimberly Agas—general manager, Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
• Dani Aiu—executive vice president of consumer banking, American Savings Bank
• Tracy Camuso—principal, G70
• Erin Isa Donle—vice president and general manager, Neiman Marcus Honolulu
• Sherry Menor—president and chief executive officer, Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi
• Lisa Ontai—interim president and CEO, vice president of marketing and mission advancement, YMCA of Honolulu
• Teri Orton—general manager, Hawaiʻi Convention Center
• Stefanie Park—vice president and chief medical officer, HMSA
• Monica Salter—vice president, global communications and social responsibility, Outrigger Hospitality Group
• Sydney Shibuya—associate program manager, risk factor control, American Heart Association
• Susan Soken—vice president of advertising, First Hawaiian Bank
• Claire Tong—vice president, marketing and communications, Hawaiʻi Pacific Health
• Kumu Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu—Native Hawaiian community leader

Oʻahu native Erin Kanno Uehara, owner of Mānoa chocolate boutique always knew she wanted to study at the University of Hawaiʻi.

“I didn鈥檛 even apply anywhere else,” she said. “I loved my family, I loved my friends, and I just knew 糖心视频 Mānoa was where I wanted to be.”

But while her college choice was clear, her career path took a few turns. Uehara earned her bachelor鈥檚 degree in education in 2006 and spent a few years teaching before deciding to return to school to study business. In 2013, she completed her master of business administration at the 糖心视频 Mānoa .

“The MBA program challenged me in new ways,” she said. “It helped me figure out my strengths and realize I didn鈥檛 have to do everything alone. That teamwork mindset carried over into how I built Choco leʻa.”

Today, Uehara leads Choco leʻa rooted in community, creativity and collaboration.

“I always say chocolate is a universal language,” said Uehara. “People love it, they understand it, they crave it—and it鈥檚 been such a great way to connect with others. Some of the most special relationships in my life have been rekindled over sampling chocolate.”

A sweet partnership

Choco leʻa will return as an alumni vendor at the fourth annual 糖心视频 Alumni Makers鈥� Market on August 6 at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. This year, they鈥檒l debut a brand-new product, designed by students from the 糖心视频 Mānoa College of Engineering.

“The story of how we got involved with the College of Engineering is over one piece of chocolate,” Uehara said. “There was this one guy that would come in, he would buy one chocolate covered Oreo, and he would leave. We called him the Oreo guy.”

Eventually, Uehara introduced herself and discovered that the “Oreo guy” was Tyler Ray, an assistant professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department. That friendly interaction led to an impactful collaboration. Since 2022, 糖心视频 engineering students have been working directly with Choco leʻa to design custom chocolate molds, applying classroom knowledge to a real-world business.

Support from the College of Engineering

Knowing that Choco leʻa and other engineering alumni-owned businesses would be featured at this year鈥檚 Makers鈥� Market, 糖心视频 Mānoa Dean Brennon Morioka was eager for the college to support as a sponsor.

“What we’re looking for this year at Maker’s Market is really the products that come out of collaborations with innovation and entrepreneurship,” said Morioka. “That’s one of the reasons why we’re so excited about our work with Choco leʻa, it really brings our experience with engineering education to life and getting a part of real world problems with real businesses.”

Morioka sees the Makers鈥� Market as more than just a celebration, it鈥檚 a reflection of the university鈥檚 lasting impact.

“I’m super proud about being an alum from the University of Hawaiʻi because I understand what the university means to our community, our businesses, and the economic vitality here in Hawaiʻi. Go 鈥楤ows!”

糖心视频 Alumni Makers鈥� Market 2025 . General admission includes unlimited access to food and beverage stations.

Nearly 10 years ago, Renee Rivera traveled to Hawaiʻi Island looking for a fresh start. The Kauaʻi native had spent years drifting from state to state, unsure of her path. Today, the alumna is preparing to enter a doctoral program in fall 2026—proof of how far she鈥檚 come since finding a place to heal and grow.

“I was searching for a place to recover from trauma,” she said. “The trauma was considerable, stemming from a history of homelessness, sexual assault, domestic violence, substance addiction, drug trafficking and incarceration.”

While at a Head Start meeting for her son, Rivera learned about the Paneʻe Mua Project, a General Education Development or GED high school diploma equivalent program, based in Native Hawaiian practices. Rivera had been unable to complete high school, spending her teens mothering her three other children. She had tried several times to earn a GED, but had never been able to complete the program.

After completing her academic journey with the Paneʻe Mua Project and earning A鈥檚 across the board, she attended on a scholarship.

“They made me feel comfortable, made me believe that I was smart and important. They actually inspired me,” said Rivera.

At 糖心视频 Hilo she connected with sociology professors Marilyn Brown and Alton Okinaka who told Rivera to consider the campus鈥� sociology program.

Rivera earned her BA in sociology from 糖心视频 Hilo in 2020 and went on to complete a master鈥檚 in social work at 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 in 2023.

Paying it forward

Along the way, Rivera never stopped thinking about the lack of support for women facing the challenges she once endured. She turned that concern into action. With support from a formerly incarcerated friend, Rivera launched her own nonprofit, He Hoʻomaka Hou Ana O Puna, which offers peer mentorship, voluntary support groups, and counseling services to women in need.

“In my past, I haven鈥檛 had anyone in my life that fought for me, so my passion is to fight for other people who are less likely to have that,” she said. “I think that鈥檚 the thing missing for a lot of people with addiction or mental health issues like me. They want to feel loved, supported, and believed in.”

Into the future with gratitude

Rivera now teaches human services, sociology and psychology at Hawaiʻi CC. She is now preparing for her next chapter: a doctorate in sociology at Purdue Global this fall. She credits 糖心视频 Hilo with giving her the foundation to believe in herself.

“The faculty at 糖心视频 Hilo helped me ignite myself so I could ignite my community,” she said. “糖心视频 Hilo and its faculty really set that foundation for me to be like let鈥檚 try it, let鈥檚 do it.”

For more go to
—By Sophia Kim-O鈥橲ullivan

For University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 alumna Qynn Nguyen, the journey from earning her master鈥檚 in business administration to now leading strategic initiatives at YouTube has been a story of adaptability, innovation and resilience.

As manager of video on demand for YouTube TV, Primetime Channels, FAST and NFL Sunday Ticket, Nguyen鈥檚 career showcases how core business skills and a passion for learning can propel success in dynamic industries. Nguyen says that earning her graduate degree with Shidler鈥檚 Vietnam Executive MBA program was helpful in advancing her career.

After she graduated in 2012, she took her first steps into the tech world by joining Google in Silicon Valley. Nguyen then moved to Singapore and then back to California where she began leading a team of account managers for small and medium business AdWords advertisers. Two years into her time at Google, she transitioned to the Google Play Movies and TV team. The division was eventually rebranded to Google TV, to include 3rd party content services and providers such as Amazon Prime, Netflix and Hulu.

“We successfully transitioned from a mobile first to a living room centric viewing experience as a product and I am very proud of these achievements,” she said.

Nguyen spent a total of 10 years at Google, and during her time, she spearheaded the global expansion of transactional video services, growing the reach from 16 to 117 territories, all while the team was reduced from 30 to four. In 2023, Nguyen took on a new challenge at YouTube, leading operations for subscription and ad-supported video services across YouTube, YouTube TV and NFL Sunday Ticket. She says that joining YouTube has allowed her to bring her expertise in digital video distribution to tackle operational and technical challenges within the ecosystem.

“I am looking forward to growing our video on demand products across YouTube and leveraging the inbuilt reach of our user base,” she said.

Since joining YouTube and taking on a new role, she鈥檚 leaned on the core business and operational skills acquired throughout her career, many of which were honed during her time at Shidler College. Reflecting on her journey from Shidler to YouTube, Nguyen holds that time of her life and friendships developed close to her heart.

“I always look back at my time in business school very fondly and admire the successes of my fellow classmates and alumni,” she said. “We still stay in contact and visit each other across the globe, including our professors.”

For the entire story and more stories like this, see the .

Noelle Fujii-Oride, a University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 alumna, has always been drawn to the impact journalism can have on a community. Now, as the editor of , she鈥檚 at the helm of a nonprofit publication designed to inform, inspire and drive meaningful change across Hawaiʻi.

Fujii-Oride, who previously covered issues such as affordable housing, climate change and education at Hawaiʻi Business Magazine, is no stranger to in-depth reporting. But with Overstory, she鈥檚 leading a different kind of storytelling鈥攐ne that moves beyond breaking news and instead highlights solutions to Hawaiʻi鈥檚 most pressing challenges.

“We鈥檙e not just looking at the problems or the challenges that Hawaiʻi is facing,” Fujii-Oride said. “We really want to know how folks are responding to these issues.”

Under her leadership, Overstory aims to add depth and context to the conversation rather than contribute to the overwhelming flood of daily news.

“We look at responses to challenges, using data and evidence to see what鈥檚 working and what can be replicated,” she explained.

糖心视频 impact on career

Fujii-Oride鈥檚 journey to this role began at 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补, where she earned a degree in in the . While in college, the Bay Area native gained hands-on experience writing for , the student newspaper, an opportunity she said was instrumental in shaping her career.

“Working at Ka Leo complemented what I learned in the classroom,” she said. “It teaches you to be brave, be curious and ask the important questions, all while learning how to build meaningful relationships with the community.”

After interning at the Honolulu Star-Advertiser and Honolulu Civil Beat, she joined Hawaiʻi Business Magazine in 2017, where she became a key voice in coverage on social and economic issues. But after years in the industry, she saw the need for a different type of reporting鈥攐ne that would connect communities with potential solutions to the issues that affect them.

At Overstory, Fujii-Oride is embracing that mission. The publication is an editorially independent program of , a nonprofit dedicated to increasing civic engagement. She believes the nonprofit model provides an advantage, allowing journalism to remain a public service rather than a business.

“With nonprofit journalism, it puts public service at the forefront of what we do,” she said. “It allows us to be intentional in our reporting and really focus on what the community needs.”

As Overstory grows, Fujii-Oride hopes to continue filling gaps in coverage, particularly in solutions-based reporting and neighbor island issues. Living on Kauaʻi, she understands firsthand how different the challenges can be outside of Oʻahu.

“We鈥檙e not trying to replicate what other newsrooms are already doing,” she said. “We saw a gap for more solutions coverage and for neighbor island stories.”

For aspiring journalists, Fujii-Oride has one key piece of advice: explore new avenues and be willing to innovate.

“It鈥檚 a really cool time to be a journalist,” she said. “There are so many new journalism organizations popping up, and it shows that we don鈥檛 have to do journalism the way it鈥檚 always been done.”

Taylor Ledgerwood, a 2023 University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 alumna, is a driving force behind regenerative tourism in Hawaiʻi through her role as manager of the Kahala Initiative for Sustainability, Culture and the Arts (KISCA). Her work draws on environmental sustainability, cultural preservation and community engagement to create thoughtful, purposeful experiences for guests and residents.

Ledgerwood creates platforms via events and guest activities that showcase and celebrate Hawaiian cultural practitioners, non-profit partners, local and Native artists and restoration projects in the area.

Her first role centered around sustainability projects and environmental education. She also taught coral education pop-ups, microplastic keiki art classes and the Sunset Seminar speaker series. Transitioning to her current role as manager allowed her to shape KISCA鈥檚 direction more strategically, expanding its reach and impact.

Under her leadership, KISCA has introduced transformative programs such as tree-planting initiatives where guests can sponsor or plant trees themselves. These activities offer a hands-on way for visitors to connect with Hawaiʻi鈥檚 environment while giving back to the land.

Additionally, partnerships with organizations such as M膩lama Maunalua have allowed KISCA to play a vital role in the Restore with Resilience Project, which focuses on ecosystem restoration from mountain to sea. One of her proudest accomplishments has been bridging the gap between cultural authenticity and luxury hospitality.

“I see sustainability and cultural initiatives continuing to evolve and becoming even more essential in Hawaiʻi鈥檚 hospitality industry,” she said. “What鈥檚 interesting, in my opinion, is that every property will likely develop its own unique ‘personality type’ when it comes to regenerative tourism.”

Sharing knowledge, encouraging persistence

Beyond her work at KISCA, Ledgerwood has shared her knowledge through returning to her alma mater to guest lecture and has given presentations at conferences on regenerative tourism. When asked for advice to current Shidler students, she emphasizes the importance of persistence and passion.

“Stay committed to what drives you, even if the path isn鈥檛 clear yet,” Ledgerwood said. “When I started, sustainable tourism wasn鈥檛 a widely recognized field, but I found ways to integrate my interests into my studies and career. Don鈥檛 be afraid to carve your own path—the opportunities will come.”

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The University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 honored the legacy of Alice Augusta Ball on February 28 with a moving ceremony at the chaulmoogra tree next to Bachman Hall. Held annually, Alice Ball Day serves as a powerful tribute to perseverance, innovation and the lasting impact of Ball鈥檚 contributions to science and history.

A 糖心视频 alumna and groundbreaking chemist, Ball developed the first effective treatment for Hansen鈥檚 disease (also known as leprosy), transforming countless lives. Ball died on December 31, 1916, at the age of 24, before publishing her groundbreaking work. Students, faculty and community members gathered to reflect on her achievements and the barriers she overcame.

Emcee LaJoya Shelly, a lecturer in ethnic studies and educational administration, led the event. Featured speakers included 糖心视频 President Wendy Hensel, 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 Provost Michael Bruno, Valerie Monson, executive director of Ka ʻOhana O Kalaupapa, and other distinguished guests. Shelly recited a poem about Ball by Kathryn Waddell Takara, emeritus professor of ethnic studies, who was unable to attend.

Former 糖心视频 President David Lassner, who established this annual event and helped elevate Ball鈥檚 legacy, was also in attendance. Lassner played a key role in supporting the installation of a life-sized bronze bust of Alice Ball at Hamilton Library in December 2024.

“Her contributions may have been overlooked for decades, but together, we stand here today to ensure that Alice Augusta Ball is remembered and celebrated,” Hensel said before reading Gov. Josh Green鈥檚 official proclamation declaring February 28, 2025, as Alice Augusta Ball Day.

Among the speakers was Naava Lee Simckes, a 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 undergraduate in mechanical engineering, who shared how Ball鈥檚 story has inspired her own academic journey.

“Alice Ball鈥檚 determination proves that we, too, can push boundaries and create change,” Simckes said. “Her legacy drives me to push myself further as a woman in STEM, appreciate the opportunities I have, and never take them for granted. She inspires me to follow in her footsteps.”

The ceremony also recognized Paul Wermager, a retired 糖心视频 science librarian who founded the Alice Augusta Ball Endowed Scholarship in 2017 and is finishing up a comprehensive biography of Ball. While Wermager was unable to attend, Bruno applauded his dedication.

“Paul has dedicated years to uplifting Alice鈥檚 story and ensuring future generations are inspired by her,” Bruno said, as current scholarship recipient Rachel Jun was presented with a lei.

The event concluded with an oli led by N艒weo Kai, campus arboretum curator, as attendees placed lei and flowers at Ball鈥檚 plaque beneath the chaulmoogra tree. Donated in 1931 by the King of Siam in gratitude for Hawaiʻi鈥檚 efforts in combating Hansen鈥檚 disease, the tree stands as a tribute to Ball, whose groundbreaking work continues to inspire students and researchers alike.

Expanding recognition for Ball鈥檚 contributions

Ball鈥檚 legacy also extends with the annual Remembrance Walk organized by the Black Student Association and Sister Circle at 惭腻苍辞补. Participants visited the bronze bust of Ball at Hamilton Library before gathering at the Queen Liliʻuokalani Center for Student Services for a screening of The Ball Method film.

Announced by Lassner at the 2024 event, the American Chemical Society had unanimously approved Alice Augusta Ball鈥檚 nomination for the National Historic Chemical Landmark designation in recognition of her groundbreaking treatment for Hansen鈥檚 Disease. Further details on the official recognition will be shared at a later date.

More 糖心视频 News stories on Alice Ball.

In high school, Maggie Chen realized she had the power to choose a career that allowed her to fight for the environment she grew up loving. After graduating from Mililani High School, that passion and care brought her to the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 (GES) bachelor鈥檚 program.

“I wanted to dedicate my career to caring for the land that has provided for me my whole life.” — Maggie Chen

Born on Oʻahu and raised in Central Oʻahu, Chen always had a great appreciation for the beauty of nature and wildlife, but learning about climate change and the detrimental environmental impacts of human activities cemented her commitment to protect what she loves.

“The concept of aloha ʻ腻颈苍补, or taking care of the land, was instilled in me throughout high school, and I decided that four-hour weekend work days with my environmental club weren鈥檛 going to cut it for me,” said Chen, who is in her second year of the GES program in the 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 (SOEST). “I wanted to dedicate my career to caring for the land that has provided for me my whole life. So, here I am in SOEST learning how to do just that.”

From land to sea

In summer 2024, Chen was selected for the Pacific Islands Climate Adaptation Science Center (PI-CASC) program. During the 10-week program, she worked at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration鈥檚 (NOAA) Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC) at the Inouye Regional Center on Ford Island, where she was introduced to fisheries science, specifically fish life history, which assesses fish age, growth and reproduction.

“I was assigned to two amazing mentors, Dr. Eva Schemmel from NOAA and Dr. Eileen Nalley from Hawaiʻi Sea Grant,” Chen shared. “I was fascinated to learn how much work goes into managing our fisheries, because while I love eating fish, I never really thought about the work that goes on to keep our fisheries sustainable and well-documented.”

Through her fellowship research, Chen processed samples of otoliths, or fish ear bones, from gindai, one species of the , the seven most culturally important and highly valued of the deep-water bottomfish species in Hawaiian waters. She also helped process samples of billfish, such as blue marlin, striped marlin and swordfish, for the International Billfish Biological Sampling program. Working at the NOAA facilities afforded Chen a variety of other experiences, such as visiting a tuna auction, watching a turtle necropsy, participating in monk seal watches, touring the NOAA ships and networking opportunities.

“Maggie has become a valued member of our team and goes above and beyond to contribute to all types of lab tasks, including fish biosampling processing and participating in community and public engagement events,” said Schemmel. “Her attention to detail and passion has shown through in her work. In fact, she has become an expert otolith processor, perhaps the best on our team, and we hope to continue to work with her in the future.”

Progress on research and career path

Now, as an undergraduate fisheries research assistant with Nalley, Chen is continuing the gindai life history project she began during the internship.

Chen expects to graduate in the spring of 2027 and hopes to pursue graduate school, and then ultimately her dream position as a biologist at NOAA.

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—By Marcie Grabowski

A team of researchers from the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 has received a grant to help turn their innovative wound healing technology into a real-world solution for chronic wounds.

Associate Professor Ellinor Haglund, serving as the project鈥檚 technical lead, and graduate student Ivy Vo, the entrepreneurial lead, are developing their project, WoundWhiz: Genius Wound Healing Technology. The initiative focuses on using cutting-edge protein science to develop an enzyme-based therapeutic designed to accelerate the healing process of chronic wounds.

Chronic wounds affect approximately 6.5 million people in the U.S. each year, contributing to an estimated $25 billion in healthcare costs. A primary factor in delayed healing is an increase in oxidative stress and inflammation, which impede the body鈥檚 natural recovery processes. WoundWhiz aims to address this challenge by promoting faster and more effective wound healing.

“This project has the potential to transform wound care not only in Hawaiʻi but across the U.S. and globally, improving healing outcomes for millions suffering from chronic wounds,” Haglund said. “By advancing this technology, we aim to reduce healthcare costs and enhance the quality of life for patients worldwide.”

Nathan Friedman from W. L. Gore & Associates serves as the industry mentor, with over twenty years of leadership and product development experience within the medical device sector.

The NSF I-Corps program is an entrepreneurship training initiative designed to help researchers commercialize their scientific innovations. Through the program, Haglund and Vo will receive mentorship, hands-on training, and $50,000 in funding for customer discovery and market validation. The program will assist them in identifying key industry needs, refining their business strategy, and navigating the transition from research to commercialization.

The Department of Chemistry is housed in 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 .

• Related 糖心视频 News story: $1M award transforms world-class research into public-impact solutions, September 13, 2022

University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 fall 2024 graduate Sapphira Akins has been named a recipient of the 2024 .

Akins, who specializes in aerospace engineering, was selected for the John R. Sevier Memorial Scholarship, which comes with a $5,000 award. The scholarship honors Sevier鈥檚 contributions to aerospace engineering.

“This scholarship provided me with the support I needed in order to complete my bachelor’s degree this semester,” Akins said. “Receiving this award reinforces my goal to continue studying what I’m passionate about and to pursue my dream of becoming a pilot and astronaut.”

Akins was the Outstanding Graduating Senior for mechanical engineering at the fall 2024 convocation and is in the BAM (bachelor’s and master’s) program working on her master’s degree.

“Sapphira鈥檚 award is really a strong recognition of the importance of the University of Hawaiʻi鈥檚 role in the whole space science and engineering initiative, and engineering’s role in building a stronger economic sector in Hawaiʻi and the workforce necessary to support that ecosystem, whether it is in ground-based astronomy, sending satellites into space, or helping to lead space missions far beyond our current reaches,” 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 College of Engineering Dean Brennon Morioka said. “糖心视频 has a lot to offer in this area and students like Sapphira are sure to be leaders going forward.”

In June 2024, Akins was part of a student group that was selected to launch their satellite into space as early as 2025 through NASA鈥檚 CubeSat Launch Initiative. And in 2023, Akins earned an opportunity to travel to Switzerland to learn more about advanced scientific detectors that helped her team build their satellite.

“My takeaway is never underestimate the importance of persistence and collaboration,” Akins said. “All of the research projects I鈥檝e worked on have a strong team that is willing to work together to solve problems and generate solutions. Also, take opportunities that are new, exciting and outside your comfort zone. You鈥檒l either gain an unforgettable story or create cherished memories that will inspire new passions and perspectives on your future.”

USRA awards recognize undergraduate juniors and seniors who demonstrate exceptional potential in space science and engineering. This year, the organization received 89 applications from 54 universities nationwide. Akins was one of five students chosen through a competitive selection process that evaluated candidates on academic achievements, leadership qualities, community outreach and innovative problem-solving abilities.

A University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 alumna is believed to be the first person from Hawaiʻi to win a title at the Miss Asia USA pageant in its 36-year run.

Emily Smith, who graduated summa cum laude from 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 in 2022 with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in in the , was crowned Miss Asia USA America 2025 on November 16 at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center in California. Smith, who is half Japanese and half Welsh, represented Japan in the cultural pageant. Her national costume included a kimono designed by Sueko Oshimoto, who worked on the Emmy-awarded project Shogun.

“It shows that no matter where you鈥檙e from, even if you鈥檙e from a small town and you don’t have as many pageant resources in Hawaiʻi, as long as you work hard and you have a good team of people and you practice hard, you can achieve your dreams,” Smith said.

Smith entered 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 at age 16 after graduating early from 贬辞ʻ腻濒补 School in Wahiaw膩. Despite having some of her college years disrupted by COVID-19, she credits her university experience with teaching her valuable lessons about teamwork.

“I love how 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 really emphasizes teamwork, even during COVID, when we were having Zoom classes,” Smith said. “The fact that teachers were still emphasizing and putting importance on working with your peers really taught me the importance of having a good team.”

After earning her master鈥檚 degree in communication management from USC in 2023, Smith transitioned from her role as a digital media specialist at Hawaiʻi Magazine to focus full-time on her pageant coaching business, Elevated Pageant Coaching.

“We really don’t have the same resources as maybe girls in California or Texas have when it comes to pageantry,” Smith said. “I want our girls in Hawaiʻi to not only feel prepared when they鈥檙e joining pageants, but also have the same resources to grow themselves, to grow their confidence, to have good interview skills, to learn how to walk with grace.”

Katherine Ackerman, a fifth-year PhD candidate in , launched a writing group in the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (SOEST) aimed at fostering community and addressing academic inequities for women in STEM. The group brought together graduate students, post-docs, staff and researchers for focused writing and professional growth.

Each session began with “talk-story” followed by a targeted discussion on a writing-related topic. Topics ranged from how to set , to discussing issues such as in letters of recommendation for women. It was then followed by one to two hours of quiet, collaborative writing time.

Setting goals, establishing habits

Participants were encouraged to set semester, weekly and daily writing goals to help establish productive habits. The goal was to approach writing like a scientist—gather data on writing habits and assess what works best for your personal writing productivity.

“Starting grad school during the COVID-19 pandemic really impacted my ability to connect with others,” said Ackerman. “My goal is to create a space for women and non-gender-conforming individuals that will continue beyond my time here at 糖心视频. Community is crucial, especially for underrepresented groups in STEM.”

Ackerman, who served on the executive council for Graduate Women in Science Hawaiʻi for three years, has been a vocal advocate for addressing inequities in STEM and academia. Initially aiming to gather a few participants, the group attracted 20 members,—most of whom were women. Participants worked on a wide range of writing tasks, from master’s theses and PhD papers to National Science Foundation grants and job application materials. Many members expressed their gratitude for the support and camaraderie provided by the group, noting that they would not have achieved as much of their writing goals without it.

“I’ve had folks reach out about continuing the group in future semesters,” Ackerman said. “I feel strongly about creating spaces like this, and while I plan to apply for another round of CASA funding, I believe I will continue the group regardless of the funding outcome.”

For more information, see SOEST鈥檚 website.

A life-sized bust of Alice Augusta Ball, a trailblazing chemist and University of Hawaiʻi alumna, was unveiled December 20, at Hamilton Library on the 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 campus, commemorating her groundbreaking contributions to science and her enduring legacy.

In 1915, Ball became the first African-American and woman to graduate from both 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 and the U.S. with a master鈥檚 degree in chemistry. At the age of 23, she discovered an injectable form of oil from the Chaulmoogra tree, which became the most effective treatment for Hansen鈥檚 disease (leprosy) in the first half of the twentieth century. Sadly, Ball died on December 31, 1916, at the age of 24, before publishing her groundbreaking work.

The unveiling ceremony, attended by more than 75 guests, included remarks from 糖心视频 President David Lassner and local artist and 糖心视频 alumna Lynn Liverton, who sculpted the bust. Ten students participating in the Alice Ball Memorial Black Graduation earlier in the day were featured. Four students led the unveiling, draping a stole over the bust, symbolizing Ball鈥檚 academic and cultural achievements.

“When I think about her legacy and how I鈥檓 a part of it, it was because she was the first and so I鈥檓 really grateful to her,” said LaJoya Shelly, a fall 2024 PhD graduate in educational administration. “I have immense pride to be a Black woman attending the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补, immense pride to be a scholar that graduated from this institution because of Alice.”

“Bringing recognition to her as a 糖心视频 student, 糖心视频 instructor, Black woman at a time when this kind of achievement was unheard of just seemed so important for us as a university to honor someone really special,” Lassner said.

糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 Provost Michael Bruno followed by adorning the sculpture with a maile lei. The sculpture sits atop a custom plinth crafted by local woodworker Billy Jack Davis and both were funded through a 糖心视频 Foundation鈥檚 Special Projects Fund established by Lassner.

“The Faculty Senate said maybe we should think about a bust or a statue or something, and I just decided to run with the idea,” Lassner said. “I talked with Lynn Liverton and commissioned her to do this and it all has come together 10 days before I retire as president, so I couldn鈥檛 have been happier, especially that we were able to do this on the same day as the Alice Ball Black Graduation celebrated by our Black student graduates each year.”

Liverton added, “I’m just so grateful that she finally got her due. I wish that she was around. Hopefully her spirit is here, understanding what is happening and that she鈥檚 being honored. For me it was one of my favorite busts to work on.”

• Click here to see Alice Ball’s thesis.

Ball is celebrated for her groundbreaking “Ball Method,” a technique for isolating chaulmoogra oil compounds that became the first effective treatment for Hansen鈥檚 disease. Her work, posthumously credited, has been recognized globally, including a designation as a National Historic Chemical Landmark by the American Chemical Society.

For more about Alice Ball鈥檚 legacy, see this 糖心视频 News story.

Students from the University of Hawaiʻi captured first and second place in the 2024 (HACC), winning a combined $5,000.

HACC is an annual event that solicits challenges from state departments and community groups and asks student, amateur and professional coders to develop technology applications to help solve specific problems. This year鈥檚 challenges ranged from improving the state鈥檚 open data portal, better energy efficiency and creating a game to help identify bird species in Hawaiʻi. The 9th annual event was held November 16, at 糖心视频 West Oʻahu.

Gabrielle Dang won first place in the college category and the “people鈥檚 choice award” for her educational tool to help children learn about energy conservation and sustainability. The web application, developed for the Hawaiʻi Keiki Museum, allows children to manage household appliances on a virtual tropical island. Players must balance energy consumption strategically. Overuse causes the island to sink, therefore, it teaches environmental awareness through gameplay.

“I was quite shocked and in disbelief. This was my first time participating in a hackathon, especially as a solo participant who switched careers from being in the medical field about a year ago,” Dang said. “I had gone through a lot of challenges throughout this process, and it was very rewarding to know that my solution had a positive impact and could potentially be put into production at the Hawaiʻi Keiki Museum in Kona.”

Dang graduated from 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 with a degree in molecular cell biology. She is now pursuing a computer science career after completing the Adobe Digital Academy program—an initiative that allows underrepresented students from non-traditional backgrounds to pursue a career in the tech industry. Dang is at Leeward Community College completing her prerequisites to attend 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补’s master’s in computer science program.

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Haum膩na Exchange, created by a team of 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 students, won second place in the college category. Haum膩na Exchange aims to empower student entrepreneurs by providing a supportive platform that bridges academic learning and real-world experience, fostering innovation, developing professional skills, and creating opportunities for student-led business growth at 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补.

The team includes Jarell Ballesteros, Lionel Derrick Roxas, Ralph Ramos, Ellie Ishii and Victor Hoang. .

糖心视频 President David Lassner told the competitors that the HACC is an opportunity to develop and share both their technical and soft skills.

“As the former VP for information technology and now president, I have spent a lot of time trying to help Hawaiʻi develop a stronger tech sector to diversify our economy,” Lassner said. “The HACC is a way we bring together those who want to develop technology solutions with public service providers who have challenges to address. This event shows off both your development skills as well as everything else you need to thrive in any workplace including communication, collaboration, initiative, and grit.”

Hawaiian vocalist Raiatea Helm, a two-time Grammy nominee and multiple N膩 H艒k奴 Hanohano Awards honoree, will bring her celebrated music and passion for music education to Palik奴 Theatre at Windward Community College on December 11, from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Proceeds from the Makana Mele concert will benefit the , supporting music students at Windward CC鈥檚 .

“This scholarship from the Henry Kapono Foundation provides an opportunity to students to learn from our own excellent local talent, many who are legendary artists, it is a connecting of the generations,” said Kamuela Kimokeo, director of the Hawaiʻi Music Institute. “Raiatea, one of our music lecturers for the Hawaiian music certificate, has had an incredible year, and we wanted to create a space to celebrate her achievements.”

are $30 general admission and $75 for VIP seating (includes meet and greet with the artists backstage). Online streaming tickets are $25. Students (with ID) are $15.

Preserving, sharing culture

The concert will also showcase Windward CC music lecturer Jeff Peterson and former Hawaiian music student Kapono Lopes, with performances featuring violin, steel guitar, upright bass, guitar, and ʻukulele—a tribute to the music that shaped Hawaiʻi‘s cultural landscape.

“In essence, this concert will feature the music of our k奴puna to raise scholarship funds that support students dedicated to preserving and sharing this cultural legacy with future generations,” Kimokeo said.

Innovative Hawaiian music certificate

Helm, Kimokeo and Peterson are among the instructors for , an innovative one-year online Hawaiian music certificate at Windward CC. This accelerated, cohort-based program offers eight-week classes led by renowned musicians, such as Kimokeo (Hawaiian music), Kawaikapuokalani Frank Hewett (Hawaiian language, hula), Peterson (slack key guitar), Helm (Hawaiian singing), and Kapena DeLima (digital music production).

“The purpose of this scholarship is to support students pursuing music education through the Hawaiian Music Certificate program, helping them improve their lives, uplift their families, and build sustainable careers in music,” said Lezlee Kaʻaihue, executive director of the Henry Kapono Foundation. “This year, we鈥檙e especially excited to have 40 teachers in the Windward CC music program. When you consider the number of students each of these teachers can impact and inspire with music, it鈥檚 clear that this scholarship is a valuable reinvestment in our community. Last year, the Windward CC music program raised nearly $200,000, allowing all 40 teachers to be in our one-year program tuition free!”

Those interested can donate directly to the to support music students.

Ater co-authoring a study showing that many kitchen staffers have come to view mistreatment and abuse as a mundane—and often inevitable—part of working in restaurants, University of Hawaiʻi Hilo Sociology Professor Ellen Meiser is the newly published author of .

“I鈥檝e written the book for a broad audience鈥攏ot just sociology nerds, like me—with the goal of it appealing to anyone interested in cooking and how the culinary industry works,” she said.

Originally from Alaska, Meiser arrived at 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 as a graduate student in 2012 and learned to DJ at KT糖心视频 before earning her PhD in Sociology in 2021. She applied her graduate research to Making It, flying across the country to interview more than 50 chefs and cooks.

“I grew up in restaurants. My first job was when I was 13 at a family friend鈥檚 Chinese buffet back home in Alaska, and I was hooked by the fast-paced environment and how hands-on the work was. After high school, I went to culinary school and my dream was always to open my own place—something I still dream about today,” Meiser said. “When it came to figuring out a setting to study to explore success, averageness and failure, my mind went to cooks and chefs because of how artistic, yet cut-throat the restaurant industry can be, as well as my connection to this group of workers.”

She designed her graduate study to make better sense of concepts of success, averageness and failure in creative industries that also have commercial pressures.

Meiser said, “This book looks at how chefs and cooks judge and perceive the success-failure spectrum within their profession, and the various elements that impact it.”

Meiser said many people at 糖心视频 have been hugely influential to her career. She credits her PhD advisor, Professor David Johnson, for encouraging her to “think big,” and for coming up with the name of her book. She has remained close to classmates Penn Pantumsinchai and Omar Bird.

“They are wonderful people, funny and so smart. Penn, Omar and I have a sociology-focused podcast together called The Social Breakdown that we created in 2017, and have had a fun time using it as an excuse to get together, gab and gossip,” Meiser said.

Learn more about Meiser and more .