SOEST student’s love of math supports Hawai‘i’s renewable energy goals
Mattox Telwar beginning field work.
Mattox Telwar’s love of math is enabling her to contribute to research projects at the University of Hawai‘i (UH) at Mānoa School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST) that are supporting Hawai‘i’s renewable energy goal of 100 percent clean energy by the year 2045. She is working with the Hawai‘i Groundwater and Geothermal Resources Center (HGGRC), led by Nicole Lautze, in SOEST to better understand the potential for geothermal energy across the State.
Born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, Telwar moved to Hawai‘i and joined SOEST just after graduating high school. She found a passion for research and earth sciences during her first semester at SOEST and is now pursuing a bachelor’s of science degree in the Department of Earth Sciences with a concentration in geophysics and tectonics and a minor in mathematics.
“I chose to pursue a minor in mathematics simply because I love it, and I believe that a strong mathematical background would help me in my research efforts,” said Telwar. “In January of 2022, I had an opportunity to be a field assistant for a research project on Lānaʻi with HGGRC. It was through my work with Dr. Lautze and her postdoctoral researcher, Xavier Bolos, that I found interest in geophysics.”
HGGRC’s research explores the geologic structures in Hawaiian volcanoes and how those structures influence groundwater storage and flow. On Lānaʻi Island, HGGRC is exploring Palawai Basin’s groundwater system, an important factor for geothermal energy production.
“Because of Hawai‘i’s active volcanoes and the presence of subsurface heat, the use of geothermal energy can prove to be a viable option to solve some of the state’s energy woes,” said Lautze. “We’re exploring the potential for harnessing this energy across the State.”
After the field project, Telwar asked to assist with data processing and translating the group’s data into results. To continue Telwar’s work with the researchers, Lautze offered her a position as an undergraduate research assistant in HGGRC.
“I have had the opportunity to participate in many fieldwork projects, including surveys to map groundwater flow, collecting gravity measurements, working in 3D modeling, and participating in presentations about our work,” said Telwar. “One of the largest contributions I have is the upcoming publication of the research that was conducted on Lānaʻi. The paper is soon being submitted for review, and I am one of the co-authors for my participation in the data collection, figure creation, reference research, data processing, and editing of the manuscript.”
“During our first meeting regarding the Lānaʻi fieldwork, Mattox’s energetic, kind, and hard-working nature shined through,” said Lautze. “These aspects proved to be true during three HGGRC geophysical field campaigns (to Lanai, Kauai, and Oahu) that she participated in. Through her additional contributions in terms of data-processing, writing, and co-delivery of presentations, I can gladly add passionate, articulate and intelligent. Mattox is truly a gem.”
When asked about her research experience with HGGRC, Telwar said, “The most purposeful thing I get to do is assist Dr. Lautze on her geothermal efforts. Any work I do to assist her on these projects is in support of finding a sustainable solution to Hawai‘i energy demands.” Telwar intends to graduate in Spring 2025, and pursue a doctorate degree in Geophysics or Planetary Science in hopes of creating a research career focused on sustainability and discovery efforts.