The limited edition Moore Aloha Surfboard tin and decal—designed by University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu student Harper Okamoto—are now available for purchase, with 100% of net proceeds being donated to the and the Moore Aloha Foundation. The art was inspired by pro surfer and Olympic gold medalist Carissa Moore’s .

The products launched in September with a celebration at Honolulu Cookie Company’s Hyatt Regency Waikiki location. The special signing event featured both Okamoto—a spring 2024 graduate who earned her bachelor of arts in creative media with a concentration in design and media—and Moore—surfing’s first Olympic gold medalist and five-time world surfing champion. The cookie tin and decal can be found in or .

“I was inspired by the bright colors that are associated with Carissa’s brand and I wanted to incorporate some of those because they are so fun and friendly,” Okamoto said. “For Honolulu Cookie Company, I used simple shapes to represent their message to warmly welcome anyone that comes to the islands and buys their product. I wanted to use something that gave the impression of the aloha spirit, but in a way that would get the message across to anyone even if they don’t speak the languages here.”

Okamoto’s winning design was the result of Honolulu Cookie Company teaming up with the UH West Oʻahu Creative Media program for a student packaging design contest.

For more visit .

—By Zenaida Serrano Arvman

The University of Hawaiʻi at ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹â€™s (JABSOM) welcomes Karan Chavis as its new chief of staff. Chavis will work closely with Dean Sam Shomaker, bringing nearly 40 years of higher education experience, most of it at Texas A&M University. Her extensive expertise and strong partnership with Shomaker mark a valuable leadership addition to the JABSOM ʻohana.

“Dean Shomaker designs a vision very well,” Chavis said. “He’s committed to creating the path to success and lets professionals do their work while offering guidance when needed.”

She added, “I’m excited to immerse myself in the rich diversity and culture of Hawaiʻi while supporting JABSOM’s goals for the future.”

Chavis shared her insights on the chief of staff role, her history with Shomaker, and her vision to help advance UH’s medical school. .

Four University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges received funding for technology projects that include equipping testing centers, upgrading computer labs and leveraging advanced technologies to engage community members in non-credit financial literacy and entrepreneurship programs. The (PCATT) awarded technology grants totaling $75,000 to Hawaiʻi CC, Kauaʻi CC, Leeward CC and Windward CC.

“These grants will support non-credit technology courses across the state and bolster the great work that is already being done by the continuing education divisions at the UH Community College System,” says Dan Doerger, PCATT director. “Our goal is to continue to provide learning opportunities that empower our non-credit students to achieve their career goals.”

Campus initiatives include:

• : iPads and innovative apps to enhance educational opportunities. These tools will support programs in 3D modeling and hands-on learning for middle and high school students, while also providing professional development for Hawai‘i Department of Education teachers to incorporate these technologies into future courses.
• : Apple product classes, refreshing computer labs, and offering Geographic Information Systems (GIS) courses, ensuring the campus can better serve a diverse community.
• : Expanding CompTIA instruction by certifying a Pearson Vue testing facility and upgrading classroom instructional resources.
• : Enhancing and expanding its successful entrepreneurship and financial literacy program targeting K–12 students. With updated equipment and increased group work center capacity, the campus will aim to double their outreach, providing students with hands-on experience in creating and marketing their own products, while learning valuable business skills.

PCATT is a consortium of the seven UH Community Colleges dedicated to advancing technology education. It offers a wide array of training programs and resources designed to empower students and professionals to keep pace with the ever-evolving tech industry. PCATT fosters innovation and skill development, preparing individuals for successful careers in technology-driven fields across the Pacific region and beyond.

An international engineering award given to a faculty member who has made a lasting impact on both the educational experience and professional performance of their students was presented to University of Hawaiʻi at ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ Professor Boris Murmann.

Murmann accepted the award on September 10 from the at TECHCON 2024 in Austin, Texas.

“I am deeply honored by this recognition and it came as a big surprise,” Murmann said. “The nomination came from a group of former students and junior faculty, which makes it even more gratifying and motivating for my future endeavors in semiconductor mentorship.”

• Related UH News story: UH professor aims to develop microchips for future, diversify economy, March 25, 2024

An internationally renowned expert in microchip and semiconductor development, Murmann wants to make the once secretive field of chip design more publicly available. He also wants to connect with leaders in the industry to help establish a pipeline to help get UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ graduates into well-paying and impactful jobs in Hawaiʻi.

Over his career, Murmann has guided more than 50 PhD students through the often-difficult path to graduation, with many going on to distinguished careers. Since 2004, he has been a trusted consultant to Silicon Valley companies, lending his expertise in circuit design to shape products that have become integral to daily life, from smartphones to edge devices.

Prior to joining UH, Murmann spent 20 years as an assistant, associate and full professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering at Stanford University.

Between 59 million to 51 million years ago, Earth experienced dramatic warming periods of both gradual warming that stretched over millions of years and sudden warming events. In a study in the , University of Utah and University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa geoscientists revealed sea surface temperatures were closely linked with levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) during sudden warming periods known as hyperthermals.

Further, the gradual warming was linked to CO2 from volcanic sources, whereas organic or methane-derived CO2 was linked to rapid warming.

“Volcanic sources of CO2 are usually smaller and act over long time scales (millions of years), whereas methanogenic or organic sources can have higher rates of input and act over shorter time scales (decades to millennia),” said Richard Zeebe, study co-author and professor in the UH Mānoa . “The higher rates are relevant to our future because human activities are releasing carbon at unprecedented rates compared to natural sources over the past 56 million years or more.”

Today, human activities associated with fossil fuels are releasing carbon four to 10 times more rapidly than occurred during these ancient hyperthermal events. However, the total amount of carbon released during the ancient events is similar to the range projected for human emissions, giving researchers a glimpse of what could be in store for us and future generations.

Learning from the past

The study suggests emissions during two ancient hyperthermals are similar enough to today’s anthropogenic climate change to help scientists forecast its consequences. The findings further provide case studies to test carbon cycle feedback mechanisms and sensitivities critical for predicting anthropogenic climate change as humans continue pouring greenhouse gases into the atmosphere on an unprecedented scale in the planet’s history.

The research team analyzed microscopic fossils—recovered in drilling cores taken from an undersea plateau in the Pacific—to characterize surface ocean chemistry at the time the shelled single-cell organisms were alive. Using a statistical model, they reconstructed sea surface temperatures and atmospheric CO2 levels over a 6-million-year period that covered two hyperthermals, the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (56 million years ago) and Eocene Thermal Maximum 2 (54 million years ago).

“These events might represent a mid- to worst-case scenario kind of case study,” said lead author Dustin Harper, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Utah. “We can investigate them to answer what’s the environmental change that happens due to this carbon release?”

The findings indicate that as atmospheric levels of CO2 rose, so too did global temperatures. During the hyperthermals, no ice sheets covered the poles and ocean surface temperatures were in the mid-90s degrees Fahrenheit.

Portions of this content are courtesy of the .

Kikuchi Center, which honors the late archaeologist and Emeritus Professor William “Pila” Kikuchi, is inviting the public to the center’s first artist showcase. Carol Araki Wyban, will present her book and artwork Tide and Current: Fishponds of Hawaiʻi at 4 p.m. on September 19 in the Learning Resource Center.

The Kikuchi Center’s opening event will showcase efforts to preserve the legacy of Kikuchi’s work with fishponds. The art inspired by Kikuchi’s research has been exhibited at the Bishop Museum and the Volcano Art Center and will now find a permanent home at the Kikuchi Center.

The Kikuchi Collection

Kikuchi’s career in archaeology and anthropology spanned five decades. Kauaʻi CC Archivist Jason Ford has been leading the efforts to archive and digitize the Kikuchi Collection since 2022. The collection is now partially available online at . These include copies of Kikuchi’s Archeology on Kauaʻi newsletter and fishpond notes. Ford said his team has been prioritizing materials that are most beneficial to local and Pacific Region researchers, and materials with digital display quality.

“With the Kikuchi Collection containing a variety of multimedia materials, there remains a lot of items to be digitized for inclusion in the online repository,” Ford said. “We have made great progress in getting some of Kikuchi’s famous and lesser known research online, thus, making the online repository available to the public sooner rather than later. I know the community has been waiting on the repository, in some cases for decades, and so we are excited to be able to offer this now at this time.”

Inspired by Kikuchi

Wyban’s art highlights the importance of Hawaiian fishponds, which she describes as a vital link to ancient Hawaiian practices of sustainable land and water use. She has worked at maintaining and reviving ancient fishponds across the state, using Kikuchi’s research as a guidebook.

“Fishponds are a window into ancient Hawaiʻi and how the Hawaiians developed the land and water in a conscious, sustainable manner,” Wyban said. “They are a resource for the future because they can still be revived and used for food production, education and to teach people the importance of working with nature.”

The opening of the Kikuchi Center marks a significant step in making Kikuchi’s work accessible to the public and promoting ongoing education and research on Hawaiian fishponds.

Throughout her academic career, Natalia Gauer Pasqualon has had a passion for understanding the dynamics of volcanic systems and their implications for hazard assessment and mitigation. As a graduate student at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (SOEST), she studies volcanic deposits and active eruptions, and develops methodologies that improve prediction and response to volcanic hazards.

“Science exists to solve problems within society, so it is a priority for me that our community is aware of what’s happening at the university,” said Pasqualon, who is pursuing her doctoral degree in the SOEST . “Engaging with community members demystifies the research process and makes science accessible to everyone.”

Pasqualon was selected for the semester-long SOEST outreach and communications trainee program, through which she shared her knowledge, curiosity and passion for volcanoes and Hawaiian geology with hundreds of students and community members. During the traineeship, she offered workshops, hands-on activities, and presentations at Oʻahu elementary and high schools, and the Waikīkī Aquarium’s Mauka to Makai community event.

“Making science enjoyable and relatable helps break down barriers and encourages learning,” Pasqualon said. “This transparency builds trust and allows the community to see the real-world applications of our work. And, by offering interesting activities and engaging with kids we spark their curiosity and enthusiasm for science, inspiring the next generation.”

Making science enjoyable and relatable helps break down barriers and encourages learning

Reciprocal learning

Pasqualon appreciates that learning and sharing goes two ways when interacting with students and community members.

“Building strong relationships with the community starts with these types of interactions,” she said. “Local knowledge and perspectives can provide valuable insights and incorporating community input into our research ensures that our work is relevant and beneficial to society.”

Another significant benefit, she said, is that she was invited to become more immersed in the local community.

“While waiting for other students to arrive at Nānākuli High School, I had a wonderful cultural exchange with one student,” Pasqualon shared. “They were preparing an ʻahu ʻula, a feathered cape traditionally worn by aliʻi royals and high chiefs, to welcome a teacher returning after a period away. I was amazed to learn from this local student about the ʻahu ʻula and how they put it together. It was definitely a highlight of my trainee experience.”

Funding for the SOEST Outreach and Communications Trainee program was provided by the National Science Foundation (NSF/GEO #2304691) through a Catalyst Award for Science Advancement.

–By Marcie Grabowski

The University of Hawaiʻi at ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ is expanding its (CAPA) initiative this fall, providing students with valuable skills and knowledge to pursue careers in government, education, business, and the nonprofit sector related to the Asia-Pacific region. Launched in October 2023 by the (SPAS), CAPA aims to bolster career readiness and professional development opportunities for UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ students.

• Related UH News story: New Asia-Pacific affairs career initiative in motion, October 10, 2023

This semester, CAPA is rolling out a new webinar speaker series, beginning with “International Education Careers: Nothing Adventured, Nothing Attained” on September 18 at 3 p.m. via Zoom. ()

“Our first CAPA talk of the fall series will feature UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ alumni who have teaching careers overseas,” said Teri Skillman, associate director at UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ (CSEAS). “They will speak about their process of obtaining a job, the value of the UH degree, and the importance of their language skills in their education career.”

Strategic grant funding

The CAPA initiative complements the Indo-Pacific Affairs Initiative in SPAS, supported by Congressionally-directed funding from 2022–25, which aims to strengthen UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹â€™s expertise in Asia and the Pacific Islands. This funding supports various components, including the newly established Center for Indo-Pacific Affairs, paid internships, visiting experts, and enhanced educational and professional development opportunities.

A key component of CAPA is a $1.13 million grant from the International Foreign Language and Area Studies Office of the U.S. Department of Education, which designates CSEAS as a National Resource Center (NRC). This funding aims to enhance career readiness using Southeast Asian languages and area studies expertise.

“The absolute priorities for the grant align with the UH system career readiness priorities and with the state’s ,” said Miriam Stark, director at CSEAS. “This is an effort to enhance career readiness using Southeast Asian languages and area studies expertise to succeed in the workplace and meet national needs.”

Inaugural course

This fall, CAPA also introduced its first course, ASAN 305: Career Pathways in Asian Studies, which explores various careers related to and helps students develop the skills needed to translate academic success into meaningful careers.

“It’s a hands-on course that draws on our recent research on Asia-related workforce needs and alumni placements, putting those research results to practical use for our students,” said Cathryn Clayton, an associate professor and chair of Asian studies who developed and teaches the course.

CAPA’s upcoming events include workshops on civic engagement, funding opportunities, and publication writing, providing students with comprehensive resources to navigate Asia-Pacific related careers.

This week’s UH News Image of the Week is from Shannon Fritz, an undergraduate in at Honolulu Community College.

Fritz shared, “Lunch Date at Building 27 Honolulu CC.”

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The University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents (BOR) has named two finalists for the next president of the state’s 10-campus public higher education system:

• Wendy F. Hensel is currently the Executive Vice Chancellor and University Provost for The City University of New York (CUNY), where she oversees every aspect of the student and faculty experience across the 25 campus system. Prior to joining CUNY, Hensel held leadership positions at Georgia State University as Dean of the College of Law and later Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs. She is a cum laude graduate of Harvard Law School and earned a bachelor’s with highest honors from Michigan State University, where she was a Harry S. Truman Scholar ​​and an intern at the U.S. Supreme Court. Read Hensel’s full CV.
• Dr. Julian Vasquez Heilig is currently serving as Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs for Western Michigan University (WMU). Prior to joining WMU, Vasquez Heilig was the Dean of the College of Education at the University of Kentucky, part of his nearly two decades of leadership. His experience includes successful fundraising and financial management and spearheading strategic initiatives that bolstered research and educational innovation. Vasquez Heilig earned his PhD and master’s degrees from Stanford University and holds additional degrees from the University of Michigan Ann Arbor. Read Vasquez Heilig’s full CV.

The finalists will be introduced to the UH community and general public through a series of open houses (meet and greet opportunities) and public forums (question and answer sessions) scheduled for the weeks of September 23 and September 30 in each of the four counties: Maui, Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi and Honolulu (full schedule below).

“There was a tremendous amount of interest shown in the president’s position, and now we have two excellent candidates,” said BOR Chair Gabe Lee. “We are asking all members of the UH ʻohana and other stakeholders, along with the general public, to participate in the public events and provide feedback on our finalists. That input will be critical as the regents deliberate and select the next UH President.”

The two finalists will also meet with campus and system leadership teams and faculty, staff and student governance groups, including the Pūkoʻa Council, a group of UH Native Hawaiian leaders.

“It was very important to the regents that representatives from each campus and the various UH stakeholders have an opportunity to meet the finalists,” said Lee. “I know that all of these stakeholder groups will also provide valuable input to the regents.”

Information on how to provide feedback on each of the finalists will be announced prior to the open houses and public forums. The regents will interview each candidate after the public events and are scheduled to announce their decision in mid to late October.

There were 93 applicants for the position, a group that was then narrowed down by the Presidential Search Advisory Group. The Advisory Group interviewed 12 semifinalists in late August and then forwarded their recommendations for the finalists to regents for the final decision.

“On behalf of the Regents, I would like to personally thank the applicants for their interest and the Presidential Search Advisory Group for their time and expertise,” said Lee.

The new president will succeed David Lassner, who will retire by the end of the year after serving since 2014 as UH’s 15th president.

Public Event Schedule

View the live feed of each forum

Wendy F. Hensel

Monday, September 23—Maui and Kauaʻi

• Maui
  8–9 a.m.: Open House—UH Maui College, Kaʻaʻike Building Rooms 105 BCD
  9:30–10:30 a.m.: Campus Forum ( and recorded)—Kaʻaʻike Building Rooms 105 BCD
• Kauaʻi
  2–3 p.m.: Open House—Kauaʻi Community College, Fine Arts Auditorium
  3–4 p.m.: Campus Forum ( and recorded)—Fine Arts Auditorium

Tuesday, September 24—Hawaiʻi and Oʻahu

• Hawaiʻi Island
  8–9 a.m.: Open House—UH Hilo University Classroom Building Room 127 (Rose and Raymond Tseng Terrace)
  9:30–10:30 a.m.: Campus Forum ( and recorded)—UH Hilo Performing Arts Center
• Oʻahu
  4–5:30 p.m.: Oʻahu Â鶹ԭ´´ Forum ( and recorded)—UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ Art Auditorium

Wednesday, September 25—Oʻahu

• 8–9 a.m.: Oʻahu Â鶹ԭ´´ Open House—UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ Bachman Hall

Dr. Julian Vasquez Heilig

Monday, September 30—Maui and Kauaʻi

• Maui
  8–9 a.m.: Open House—UH Maui College, Kaʻaʻike Building Rooms 105 BCD
  9:30–10:30 a.m.: Campus Forum ( and recorded)—Kaʻaʻike Building Rooms 105 BCD
• Kauaʻi
  2–3 p.m.: Open House—Kauaʻi Community College, Fine Arts Auditorium
  3–4 p.m.: Campus Forum ( and recorded)—Fine Arts Auditorium

Tuesday, October 1—Hawaiʻi and Oʻahu

• Hawaiʻi Island
  8–9 a.m.: Open House—UH Hilo University Classroom Building Room 127 (Rose and Raymond Tseng Terrace)
  9:30–10:30 a.m.: Campus Forum ( and recorded)—UH Hilo Performing Arts Center
• Oʻahu
  4–5:30 p.m.: Oʻahu Â鶹ԭ´´ Forum ( and recorded)—UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ Art Auditorium

Wednesday, October 2—Oʻahu

• 8–9 a.m.: Oʻahu Â鶹ԭ´´ Open House—UH ²ÑÄå²Ô´Ç²¹ Bachman Hall

More information regarding the search process is available online.