2025 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, volunteering, and spending time with friends and family. Her favorite part of Maile Mentoring is hearing stories and experiences from her mentor and everyone else in the program.
Mahina is a graduate student in Earth Science and grew up in Washington State and Virginia, and her family is from Oʻahu 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 O‘ahu as well as photography. Her favorite part of Maile Mentoring is getting free food.
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 & Kalena
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.
Kalena is a PhD student in Chemical Oceanography from Louisville, Kentucky. She grew up in an environment where her career path was not clearly laid out for her and faced certain challenges, which drove her passion for realizing her own dreams. Kalena studied Geophysical Science at the University of Chicago in undergrad, developing a background in Earth sciences which have inspired to seek a deeper understanding of Earth and ocean systems. Her research focus is in trace element oceanography, specifically how phosphate, dust, and iron links in subtropical gyres. No matter where life takes her after graduation, she hopes to be happy in whatever she does and to use her experiences to educate others with non-linear career paths. Outside of school, she enjoys making jewelry, surfing, and writing – but is always searching for new hobbies.
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. His favorite parts of Maile Mentoring are getting free food and the opportunity to network with other local scientists.
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. His favorite things about Maile mentoring are that it gives mentors and mentees alike a space to openly share their passions, and himself a sense of purpose as a mentor.
Trent & Sean
Trent is a Global Environmental Science (GES) major and is from West O‘ahu 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. His favorite part of Maile Mentoring is the energy and inspiration that comes from being in the program and working with and supporting undergrads.
Micah & Nic
Micah is a GES student from Pearl City, Oahu. 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. His favorite part of being a student at UH is the great access to hands-on research opportunities in the lab and in the field.
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. His favorite part of being a student at UH is the great access to hands-on research opportunities in the lab and in the field.
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, photography, and going to the beach. His favorite parts of going to school at UH are the sense of community and access to professional development opportunities.
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. His favorite parts of going to school at UH are the Aloha spirit, access to research, and ability to learn from the community.
Sean & Raffi
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.
Raffi is a PhD student in Oceanography, studying coral reef biogeochemistry. Heʻs originally from the Philippines, and is interested in Filipino culture and dance. Looking forward, he hopes to make a career in research, building on knowledge and skills heʻs gaining as a student in SOEST. In his free time, he enjoys learning to play the kulintang, climbing, surfing, and cooking.
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.
Koko & Hope
Koko is an undergraduate student from Mililani majoring in Global Environmental Science, with broad interests in freshwater science and conservation. This summer, she built on these interests by working at a loko iʻa focused on propagating coconut trees. Koko hopes to build on her interests as she looks towards a career, becoming a field researcher in freshwater ecology. Outside of school, she enjoys hanging out with friends and going to the beach.
Hope is a Masters student in Earth Science from Kailua. With a love for the ocean, her research is in hydrology, studying how microplastics from the beach infiltrate into groundwater. Looking forward, she hopes to expand on her skills and knowledge into a career as a scientist, with a focus in hydrology fieldwork. Outside of academics, she enjoys spending time with friends and going to the beach.
Kyoko & Annie
Kyoko is an undergraduate student majoring in Global Environmental Science. Originally from Japan, she came to UH to study oceanography and conduct research at HIMB. Her research interest is in the Hawaiian anchovy (Encrasicholina purpurea), or nehu. Her career aspirations are to become a researcher, and possibly attend graduate school. Outside of academics, Kyoko enjoys sailing and diving.
Annie is a graduate student from Chicago, Illinois studying Marine Biology. Her research interests are in microbiology, specifically bacteria and marine microbes. After graduation, she hopes to become a professor or politician, sharing her skills and knowledge of science with students and the wider community. Outside of school, she enjoys SCUBA diving, hiking, and going to the beach.
Brandon & Jake
Brandon is an undergraduate student in Global Environmental Science. Originally from the Windward side of Oahu, he spent his most recent summer working at the Hoʻokuaʻāina lo‘i to refertilize and revitalize nutrients in the soil — work he hopes to expand on for his senior thesis. After his undergrad, he hopes to attend the Richardson School of Law here at UH, and make a career in environmental law with a focus on local policy. Outside of school, he enjoys going to the beach and gardening.
Jake is a PhD student from Pennsylvania studying Marine Biology. A graduate of the NOAA Hollings Scholarship Program and UN Ocean Ambassador, he has always had a passion and interest in marine science. His current work is primarily based at HIMB, where his research focus is in sediments and nutrient modeling. After graduation, he hopes to make a career in policy doing congressional committee work. When heʻs not doing work, Jake enjoys snorkeling and painting.
Alex & Paige
Alex is an undergraduate student in Earth Science from Kailua, Oahu. His research interests are broadly in coastal geology and hydrology. During his undergrad and beyond, he hopes to gain experience through internships and lab opportunities related to his research interests. Outside of school, he enjoys ballroom dancing, sailing, and surfing.
Paige is a Masters student in Biological Oceanography, who is originally from Cleveland, OH and grew up in the Great Lakes region. Her research interests are in plankton ecology and satellite remote sensing. Often at sea, sheʻs the face behind videos recorded for HOT cruises on Instagram! Outside of academics, she enjoys crocheting, attending community workdays, and snorkeling.
Reese & Kacie
Reese is an undergraduate student in Global Environmental Science and is from Mililani. Her current research interests are in the environment and how it affects human health. Aspiring to obtain a Masters in Public Health and possibly become an epidemiologist, her goal is to improve the health of local communities in Hawaiʻi through research and science. Reese enjoys cooking, trying new foods, and dancing in her free time.
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 here in Hawaiʻi, Kacie is committed to leveraging her skills for impactful scientific work. In her free time, Kacie enjoys cooking, spending time with dogs, and trying different types of crafts.
Quinn & Brandon
Brandon is a graduate student in Biological Oceanography. Originally from Hawai’i, his research interests are in understanding how nutrients are naturally distributed, transported/transformed, and regulated throughout an ecosystem. After graduation, he hopes to continue doing research in the field as an oceanographer. Outside of school, he enjoys photography, hiking, surfing, and snorkeling.
Quinn is an undergraduate student in Earth Sciences. Born and raised in Pearl City, Hawai‘i. His research interests include nuclear radiochemistry and climate remediation. After graduation he hopes to get a monitoring job at Pearl Harbour. Outside of school, he enjoys video gaming, watching tv shows, and reading manga.