Passion for Earth science, ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi guides undergraduate student
At an outreach event for Lyon Arboretum Greene shared information and activities to educate about the garden at the arboretum.
A deep-rooted passion for Earth science, ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language) and education is guiding one University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa undergraduate student toward a meaningful career that bridges culture and science. Born and raised in Hauʻula, Koʻolauloa on the north shore of Oʻahu, Cheyanne Kapulelehua Greene has found ways to connect her interests by pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Hawaiian Language and Environmental Earth Science at University of Hawai‘i (UH) at Mānoa.
“I have a strong interest in learning more about the environment and the geological processes that created the Earth we know today,” said Greene, who is a student in both the UH Mānoa School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology and Hawai’inuiākea School of Hawaiian Knowledge. “I’m also truly passionate about teaching and integrating ʻike Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian knowledge) and ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language) into what I share with others.”
Supporting education in Hawai‘i
Greene has pursued a variety of opportunities to educate Hawai‘i’s youth and promote education in Hawai‘i. For the past two years, she worked as an assistant for the Earth Planets ʻIke Kuleana summer program, a one-week experience for high school students and teachers that provides exposure to the geosciences, careers pathways, and the importance of geoscience within the community. Additionally, Greene works as an educational assistant at Lyon Arboretum in Mānoa Valley, where she teaches K-12 students through environmental science-based lessons.
“Our mission is to promote sustainability, conservation, and Hawaiian culture through indoor and outdoor activities,” Greene shared regarding her work at Lyon Arboretum. “I also lead students on hikes and garden work around the arboretum. It’s incredibly fulfilling to watch students discover new perspectives on the environment.”
On the UH Mānoa campus, Greene serves as a Teach for America Hawaiʻi campus ambassador. There, she promotes the organization’s mission of addressing educational inequity and expanding educational opportunities for all students.
“My role involves connecting with equity-oriented leaders who are passionate about making a positive impact in students’ lives as educators in Hawaiʻi,” she said.
ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi and Earth science
As a graduate of Kamehameha Schools Kapālama campus, Greene gained a solid foundation in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi. In the SOEST Department of Earth Sciences, she is putting those skills to use. As a research assistant with faculty member Alyssa Kamanu, Greene helps develop geology resources in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi. This past summer, she was also a teaching assistant for an undergraduate earth sciences course Moʻolelo Honua, which was the first Earth science course at UH Mānoa taught entirely in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi.
“Kapulelehua’s excellent work on this project helped provide opportunities for local students to engage in geoscience education grounded in Hawaiian language, knowledge, and culture,” said Kamanu.
Greene and Kamanu have been conducting research in historical Hawaiian newspapers (nūpepa), compiling lists of words that have been used to describe geological processes in Hawaiian. These terms are then used to create Earth science education resources in Hawaiian.
“In learning from and sharing the vast knowledge contained in the historical newspapers, we hope to support Hawaiian immersion programs and to develop more Earth sciences courses taught in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi at UH Mānoa,” said Greene.
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