2024 MENTORING PAIRS
Kelsey & Mahina
Kelsey is an undergraduate student majoring in Global Environmental Science with a minor in Anthropology. She is originally from Nu‘uanu, O‘ahu but has also lived in Washington State and Upstate New York. She is interested in everything but has a particular affinity for ocean science, indigenous knowledge, and the confluence of environment and culture. In her free time, she enjoys reading, baking, as well as spending time with friends and family.
Mahina is a graduate student in Earth Science and grew up in Washington State and Virginia, and her family is from O‘ahu and the Big Island. Her research focuses on volcanoes and igneous geochemistry, exploring the processes that shape our planet. With a career goal of becoming a researcher, Mahina is dedicated to further understanding geological phenomena through Western and Indigenous lenses, and to sharing her experience in STEM with local keiki. Outside of her academic work, Mahina enjoys making leis and taking time to relax.
Maggie & Petra
Maggie is currently an undergraduate majoring in Global Environmental Science (GES). Originally from Mililani, O‘ahu, she is passionate about marine and wildlife biology, focusing her current research on gathering life history data for the sustainable management of bottom fish fisheries in the Northern Marianas. With a goal of working with NOAA, Maggie aims to contribute to the management and preservation of fisheries around the Pacific Islands. Outside of her studies, she enjoys hiking the many trails of Oahu as well as photography.
Petra is an oceanography student hailing from Nashville. Her current research focuses on the fascinating interactions between algae and their viruses, contributing to our understanding of marine ecosystems. With aspirations to work as a post-doctorate abroad, Petra aims to expand her scientific knowledge and expertise on a global scale. In her downtime, Petra enjoys watching anime, surfing, and cooking.
Snpaqsin & Savannah
Snpaqsin is an Environmental Earth Science (EES) major originally from western Montana. With a deep interest in land-based knowledge and cultural environmentalism, he is dedicated to integrating traditional wisdom with modern ecological practices. Aspiring to become a smokejumper, Snpaqsin aims to create community opportunities that emphasize the importance of land stewardship. Outside of his academic pursuits, he enjoys dancing and immersing himself in all things music.
Savannah is a PhD student in Marine Biology and originally from Dallas, Texas. Her current research involves conducting innovative drone studies on whales and dolphins in both Hawaiʻi and the Gulf of Mexico. With a career goal of becoming a lead researcher at the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, Savannah is passionate about marine conservation. Outside of academic endeavors, Savannah loves exploring the island, snorkeling, and spending time with her pets.
Ken & Justin
Ken is an Earth Science major from Waipahu, O‘ahu. His current research interests include paleoclimate, paleoecology, and atmospheric science. Ken aims to enter the workforce after graduation, with plans to eventually pursue graduate studies in either paleoclimate or atmospheric science. His dream job involves research that utilizes the skills he’s developed during his undergraduate studies. In his free time, Ken enjoys diving into video games and honing his baking skills.
Justin is a postdoc in Earth Science and originally from Aiea, O‘ahu. His research focuses on geomorphology and landslides, where he explores the processes shaping our landscapes. With a goal of building diverse skills in field work, remote sensing and GIS technologies, Justin aims to continue his career in geology through research or industry. Outside of his academic pursuits, he enjoys hiking and spending time fishing.
MJ & Keanu
MJ is a Global Environmental Science (GES) major originally from American Samoa. Their current research focuses on freshwater ecology and coral reefs. With aspirations to specialize in entomology, particularly within freshwater environments, MJ is passionate about contributing to ecological research and conservation. In their free time, MJ enjoys hiking and snorkeling around the island.
Keanu is a master’s student in Biological Oceanography. Originally from Tahiti, his current research focuses on coastal oceanography where he studies the dynamics of marine environments. With a passion for marine conservation, Keanu aims to forge a career that contributes to the protection and sustainability of ocean ecosystems. Outside of his studies, he enjoys exploring the culinary arts and snorkeling.
Trent & Sean
Trent is a Global Environmental Science (GES) major and is from West Oahu where he attended Pearl City High School. His current research delves into physical oceanography while he also has an interest in urban planning. With aspirations to shape environmental policy, Trent aims to contribute to sustainable practices that benefit both communities and ecosystems. In his free time, Trent enjoys participating in Bon Dance, playing tennis, and cooking.
Sean is a PhD Biology student from upcountry Maui. His research focuses on marine microorganisms, dissolved organic matter, and the connections between ridges and reefs, aiming to uncover the intricate relationships within marine ecosystems. With a goal of staying in Hawaiʻi to produce cutting-edge research, Sean is dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge while preserving the unique environments of his home. Sean enjoys spending quality time with family, surfing, and embracing the outdoors in his free time.
Kayla & Kacie
Kayla is a Global Environmental Science (GES) student from Pearl City. Her past research focused on Remote Environmental Monitoring Systems (REMS) and conducting algal surveys around Moku o Loʻe, with a special interest in limu. Aspiring to earn a master’s degree, she plans to continue her studies on macroalgae and their ecological roles. Outside of her academic work, Kayla enjoys snorkeling and freediving to college algae, and she engages in a DIY herbarium project where she presses and categorizes algae by morphology.
Kacie is a graduate student in Marine Biology and is originally from Kaimuki, Oahu. Her research interests lie between microbes and data science, where she seeks to study marine bacterial genomes to better understand their ecology and evolution. With aspirations to become an environmental data scientist or a staff scientist at UH, Kacie is committed to leveraging her skills for impactful scientific work. In her free time, Kacie enjoys cooking, spending time with dogs, and playing bass guitar.
Micah & Nic
Micah is a GES student from Pearl City, O‘ahu. His current research interests are on trace metals and their effects on phytoplankton, contributing to our understanding of marine ecosystems. With aspirations to pursue a PhD in oceanography, marine biology, or epidemiology, Micah aims to advance his scientific knowledge across many fields. Outside of his studies, he enjoys working with ceramics, hiking, and spending time at the beach.
Nic is a PhD candidate in Oceanography. From Hilo, Hawaiʻi, Nic’s research focuses on coastal water quality and identifying sources of sewage pollution. With a career goal of teaching at the University of Hawaiʻi, Nic is passionate about sharing his knowledge and inspiring the next generation of scientists. In his free time, he enjoys slacklining, photography, and music.
Alex & Robert
Alex is an undergraduate student majoring in Atmospheric Science and is from Kalihi, O‘ahu. His research interests focus on the effects of severe weather on society, with a particular focus on hurricane studies. Aspiring to become a meteorologist for NOAA or the National Weather Service (NWS), Alex is dedicated to understanding and communicating the impacts of weather phenomena. Outside of his studies, he enjoys bowling, playing mini golf, and going to the beach.
Robert is a graduate student in Oceanography and originally from Charlotte, North Carolina. His research focuses on quantifying open ocean primary production and examining how processes influence carbon cycling in marine ecosystems. With a goal of becoming a research scientist, Robert seeks to contribute critical insights to marine biogeochemistry and ocean sustainability. In his free time, he enjoys hiking and fishing, embracing Hawaiʻi’s rich and diverse environment.
Sean & Prajna
Sean is a Global Environmental Science (GES) major with roots in Waipahu and Ilocos Norte in the Philippines. His research interests include toxoplasmosis, particularly its impact on monk seals, which he has studied in collaboration with NOAA, as well as microbial fuel cells and physical oceanography. Aspiring to become an environmental scientist or politician, Sean aims to make a meaningful impact on environmental policy and conservation efforts. Outside of his academic pursuits, he enjoys following Formula 1 racing, reading, and watching movies.
Prajna is an Ocean and Resources Engineering (ORE) student and is originally from Nagpur/Bangalore, India. Her research interests span robotic systems, ocean acoustics, and tomography, reflecting her passion for innovative solutions in ocean science. With aspirations to become a research scientist focused on robotics or explore opportunities in ocean science, Prajna is eager to contribute to advancements in these fields. Outside of academia, she enjoys reading, diving, cooking Indian cuisine, and caring for her pet bunny.
Makenna & Madi
Makenna is a fourth-year student majoring in Global Environmental Science (GES) and Hawaiian Studies and is from Mānoa, O‘ahu. Her research interests focus on natural adaptations to sea-level rise. With a career goal in local urban planning, Makenna aims to integrate environmental considerations into community development. Outside of her academic pursuits, she enjoys dancing hula, playing beach volleyball, and hiking.
Madi is a master’s student in Oceanography and is originally from Anaheim, California. Her research focuses on instrumentation for seawater chemical analysis, aiming to enhance our understanding of marine chemistry. With aspirations to pursue a PhD and teach at a community college or high school, Madi is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of scientists. Outside of her studies, she enjoys weaving lauhala, scuba diving, and spending quality time with her dog.
Kade & Shaun
Kade is an undergraduate majoring in Global Environmental Science (GES) and from Aiea, O‘ahu. His research interests focus on aquaculture, and sustainable fishery practices. With a career goal of working for the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) in the Division of Aquatic Resources or any aquaculture-related position, Kade also aims to possibly pursue a master’s degree in a related field. Outside of his academic pursuits, Kade enjoys playing video games and reading.
Shaun is a Research and Instrument Specialist for Pacific Islands Ocean Observing System, operating out of UHM’s Oceanography Department. Originally from Hilo, Hawaiʻi, and growing up in Kaimuki O‘ahu, he currently manages the PacIOOS Nearshore Sensor Group’s operations throughout the Hawaiian Islands and the Insular Pacific, monitoring coastal, physical water quality parameters. Aside from work, he enjoys being in the water, traveling, and spending time with friends, family, and his criminal cat, Timi.