The University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 (JABSOM) recently hosted its two-day “Aloha Begins with Us” symposium and open house, bringing together faculty, staff, students and community members to explore how Native Hawaiian values, wellbeing and resilience can be integrated into everyday work and learning.

The event highlighted several JABSOM initiatives focused on belonging, professionalism and wellness, while creating opportunities for collaboration across the 东精影业 System.

“Positive relationships and meaningful work are core to preventing burnout and improving learning and working environments so that everyone can thrive,” said JABSOM Dean Sam Shomaker. “While JABSOM and the other health science units at 东精影业 have been collaborating through research and education, we will all serve our students and communities better by pursuing some strategic collaborative initiatives.”

“For me, ‘Aloha Begins with Us’ was an invitation to be inspired by the many ways that JABSOM is integrating Native Hawaiian Place of Learning across its curriculum and in collaboration with other parts of our campus, work that can be about providing space to recount the academic, professional and familial genealogies that shape us individually, or about how Hawaiian concepts can ground us as we create learning and work environments that promote rather than undermine the health of everything that lives on this ʻāina said Laura Lyons, interim vice provost for academic excellence.

The symposium also emphasized JABSOM‘s ongoing work to support the 东精影业’s goal of becoming a Native Hawaiian Place of Learning.

Kaiwipunikauikaw膿kiu Punihei Lipe, director of 东精影业 Hawaiʻi Papa O Ke Ao, noted that the symposium demonstrated how JABSOM has successfully integrated Native Hawaiian principles into their own action plans and mission.

Organizers said the event aimed to increase awareness of available wellbeing resources while encouraging participants to bring their “whole selves” into their work, teaching and learning.

The second day’s open house expanded those conversations to a broader audience, offering faculty, staff, students, residents and community members opportunities to learn more about programs and ways to get involved.

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The University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 (NROTC) recognized excellence in leadership, academics and service during its 2026 Annual Awards Ceremony held April 28. The event honored outstanding midshipmen, civilian staff and active-duty personnel whose contributions supported the battalion鈥檚 success throughout the academic year.

Among the key honorees, Lt. Liam Gregory received the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for exceptional instruction and mentorship as the unit鈥檚 Navy instructor.

Civilian staff Jaime Silva Velez and Alexander Mangiliman were recognized with Civilian Service Achievement Medals. Silva Velez was named Junior Civilian of the Year for his dedication to supporting a 100% commissioning rate, while Mangiliman earned Senior Civilian of the Year for overseeing supply and logistics operations supporting more than 100 midshipmen.

Midshipmen received a range of national and local awards recognizing leadership, academic excellence, military aptitude, community service and commitment to Navy and Marine Corps values. Top honors included the Chief of Naval Operations Distinguished Midshipman Graduate Award, presented to Midshipman Ethan Dome, and the Navy League Honolulu Council Midshipman of the Year Award, presented to Midshipman Megan Foreman along with a $1,500 scholarship.

The ceremony concluded with remarks from Commanding Officer Capt. P. V. Bandini and the traditional playing of “Anchors Aweigh” and the Marines’ Hymn.

The University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 (JABSOM) celebrated 79 new locally trained physicians during its 2026 Convocation Ceremony at Kennedy Theatre on May 17. The event marked a major milestone for graduates preparing to serve communities across the state and beyond.

As Hawaiʻi continues to face a physician shortage, more than half of the graduates are entering critical primary care specialties including internal medicine, family medicine, pediatrics and obstetrics and gynecology.

The ceremony included the recitation of the Oath of Hippocrates, formally welcoming the graduates into the medical profession.

‘I feel so grateful’

Among the graduates staying in Hawaiʻi are Joseph Li and Juyoung Chong, both eager to give back to the communities they now call home.

“To just be able to serve the community that I grew up in, so many people pouring in to me and my family, helping to support me to get where I am today,” Li said. “Couldn’t have done it without any of them, so to be able to stay in Hawaiʻi, and support the people of Hawaiʻi, is just an incredible honor and I feel so grateful to have this opportunity.”

Chong, who was born and raised in Busan, South Korea, said Hawaiʻi became his second home after moving to the islands for high school.

“This is just the perfect environment for me because I was able to start my family, have a child, and with the ʻohana and aloha and all the love that I may not be able to have outside of Hawaiʻi,” Chong said. “I’m so happy to share my experience with the soon-to-be mothers who may be very nervous for upcoming life-changing events.”

Thirty-three percent of JABSOM’s Class of 2026 will continue their residency training in Hawaiʻi, helping strengthen the state’s future healthcare workforce.

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa students can now complete their general education course requirements fully online.

For students starting their first freshmen semester, as well as continuing students planning their schedules in anticipation of committing to their majors, 东精影业 Mānoa offers a guaranteed, fully asynchronous course schedule that accommodates completion of general education. These courses will be offered with at least 60 seats available in asynchronous format.

“We know today’s students are balancing academics with work, family responsibilities and many other commitments,” said Interim Provost Vassilis Syrmos. “By guaranteeing that students can complete their general education requirements online, 东精影业 Mānoa is creating greater flexibility while maintaining the quality and rigor of a Mānoa education. This is about meeting students where they are and helping them stay on track to graduation.”

Students should check with their academic advisors to best plan for both general education and major courses. While in-person general education classes will still be available, the guaranteed ability to complete general education courses online allows students more flexibility and control over their education.

The online coordination of the general education classes is another step 东精影业 is taking to utilize technology to meet students where they are and support them in their academic journeys.

“General education courses help students build the critical thinking, communication and cultural understanding that are foundational to a 东精影业 Mānoa education,” said Paul McKimmy, 东精影业 Mānoa interim associate vice provost for academic excellence, whose office spearheaded the initiative. “Making these courses consistently available online ensures more students can access that experience in a way that fits their lives and helps them succeed.”

More on 东精影业 Mānoa’s general education curriculum

General Education at 东精影业 Mānoa involves flexible and diverse multi-disciplinary classes that students usually take during their first two years at 东精影业. Through these courses, students are exposed to different domains of knowledge and modes of scholarly inquiry.

Students develop skills in written and oral communication, ethical and quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and information literacy that are transferable across the curriculum. The coursework also fosters a deeper understanding of, and appreciation for, Hawaiian culture and history.

The University of Hawaiʻi at 惭ā苍辞补鈥檚 Fashion Design and Merchandising (FDM) program reached its diamond jubilee with its 60th annual fashion exhibition, “Kaleido: Fragmented Illusions.” Held at the 东精影业 惭ā苍辞补鈥檚 Campus Center Ballroom, the event showcased the technical skill and creative vision of student designers from the , emphasizing a future built on collaborative innovation and collective action.

Seven senior designers created their MINI collections, along with their videographies, and small, box-like, decorative booths to present their collections before walking the Kaleidoscopic runway.

Student to leader

Leading the production was senior designer Latisha Tong, whose personal journey mirrors the transformations on the runway. She served as production lead and president of the FDM student club, Stole Society, managing the progress of her peers while developing her own senior collection. Her designs, inspired by botanical growth, transitioned from “seed and soil” to a “sprout” and finally an “upside-down flower.”

This four-look progression served as a metaphor for her evolution from a student who knew nothing of sewing to a confident leader. Through this high-pressure role, Tong learned that true leadership involves advocating for others and accepting that sometimes, things don鈥檛 go as planned.

Technical rigor

The exhibition also showed the technical rigor required to move from concept to garment. Senior designer Roshini Joshua Monkin created a collection about the elegance of a wedding day by elevating simple garments into sophisticated wedding attire.

Senior designer Elliana Abcede highlighted four princess looks as her own dreams inspired by her cultural roots in the Philippines. With dual roles as a senior designer and the exhibition鈥檚 audio-visual manager, she managed venue logistics, noting that the road to the final show is paved with trial and error. Reflecting on her growth since 2023, Elliana shared that the program taught her to embrace failure as a necessary step toward success. Her advice to future students is to stay focused, as the technical demands of the exhibition prepare them for the professional world.

Kapiʻolani Community College鈥檚 2026 , held May 4鈥�6, brought together more than 750 attendees. SURF 2026 featured 350 students delivering more than 230 presentations across disciplines such as healthcare, Native Hawaiian studies, sustainability and STEM, highlighting undergraduate research and creative works.

“Presenting at SURF gave me the opportunity to show others how research broadens your perspective and helps you build your own framework for approaching complex problems,” said Kapiʻolani CC Natural Science major Sophia Kihei. “I was able to socialize and connect with others from different disciplines and gain insights I wouldn’t have developed without this event.”

She added that SURF helped her to earn scholarships and led her to present at national conferences.

Developing kuleana

According to Chancellor Misaki Takabayashi, SURF also reflects Kapiʻolani CC鈥檚 strength as a Hawaiian place of learning.

“We are proud to see students across disciplines developing the confidence, critical thinking and sense of kuleana (responsibility) needed to contribute meaningfully to their communities, Hawaiʻi, and the world,” Takabayashi said. “As we establish the Māunulau Office of Experiential Learning and Workforce Development, Kapiʻolani CC is also intentionally strengthening the connection between experiential learning and workforce preparation, ensuring students can translate these meaningful academic experiences into future career and community impact.”

The research fair has become one of Kapiʻolani CC鈥檚 signature academic events, helping students build professional skills while opening pathways to internships, scholarships, transfer opportunities and conference presentations.

“SURF demonstrates that undergraduate research can happen across every discipline and at every stage of a student鈥檚 academic journey,” said Director of Undergraduate Research Experiences Li-Anne Delavega. “Students gain confidence in their ideas, strengthen communication and critical thinking skills, and discover their values and strengths and how they want to contribute to their communities.”

Before the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭ā苍辞补鈥檚 became a fixture of the state’s legal landscape, it began as an experiment in the early 1970s. As the school prepares to graduate its 50th class on May 17, the 东精影业 community is looking back at the trailblazing students who built the foundation of legal education in the islands.

Founded in 1973, the law school鈥檚 first class of 53 students famously attended lessons in old wooden buildings in the Quarry at 东精影业 Mānoa. Prior to the school鈥檚 opening, Hawaiʻi residents seeking a law degree were forced to travel to the continental U.S., a barrier that often made legal training inaccessible for many.

Chief Justice William S. Richardson, the school鈥檚 namesake and a primary advocate for its founding, told the inaugural class in 1973 that they represented “no less than the realization of a dream.” The mission was clear: to produce lawyers equipped to handle the unique legal needs of 贬补飞补颈ʻ颈鈥檚 communities and to serve as a source of independent leadership within the state government.

Innovation through necessity

The inaugural class, which included future leaders such as former Hawaiʻi Gov. John D. Waiheʻe, navigated their education with resourcefulness. Alumni recall learning from “photocopied tomes” and using card catalogs for research in an era long before digital databases.

“We started with nothing,” said 东精影业 alumnus Allen Hoe. “We had no textbooks and everything we did or had was provided via Xerox.”

This “analog” environment fostered a culture of cooperation rather than competition. Class members emphasize that their success was rooted in supporting one another, a trait that has become a hallmark of the “Richardson” experience over the last five decades.

A lasting legacy

The Class of 1976 didn’t just graduate; they went on to reshape the state. From environmental advocacy to the establishment of the Ka Huli Ao Center for Excellence in Native Hawaiian Law, the first graduates set a precedent for public service and community responsibility.

As the school celebrates its 50th graduating class, the legacy of that first group remains the heartbeat of the institution.

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The Kekūhaupiʻo Tech Mentorship Program (KTMP) at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa completed its spring 2026 program, pairing students from information and computer sciences, management information systems and engineering programs with technology professionals across Hawaiʻi鈥檚 tech sector.

The collaboration among the (ICS), (Association for Computing Machinery) and brought together 14 student mentees and 13 industry mentors in structured mentorship relationships focused on career readiness and professional development.

Hands-on opportunities for students

ICS led workshops covering résumé development, networking skills and workplace preparation, helping students build practical tools for internships and early career pathways.

“I had an excellent experience this semester with the Spring 2026 KTMP program,” said 东精影业 Mānoa student Isabella Mow. “This was almost entirely because of my mentor (Alan Ito), who helped me meet with people in different industries and guided me through choosing my major. He used his experience in life to give me advice that he would have wanted to hear at my age. He also helped connect me to various people who helped polish my app.”

Ito, 东精影业鈥檚 IT workforce development and regulated policy lead, said, “The CIO Council of Hawaiʻi is happy to support the KTMP Mentorship Program and work with our 东精影业 students to help prepare them to enter the tech workforce and provide them guidance regarding life skills in general. As a mentor, it’s always exciting to try to view our world today through a mentee’s eyes as they’re embarking on their careers. They represent our future, and it’s really a privilege to have the opportunity to provide some, hopefully meaningful, input. Isabella has been great, and I’m excited to continue to follow her career at 东精影业 and beyond.”

ACM at Mānoa and CIO Council of Hawaiʻi coordinated mentor matching and organized three networking mixers throughout the semester for students to engage directly with professionals, build connections and explore career paths in the industry. The program included regular mentor meetings, ongoing communication and monthly progress check-ins.

“It was awesome giving students like me the chance to get their own professional (mentor) to grow in a more personal way,” said ACM at Mānoa operations coordinator Christian Komo. “I feel like building connections is one of the best ways to develop your career, and it鈥檚 something they need to emphasize more in computer science classrooms. That鈥檚 why it felt great giving back with ACM and bridging the gap between students and the smartest leaders in the tech world.”

The program is expected to continue in future semesters with an emphasis on expanding student participation and strengthening connections between 东精影业 Mānoa students and Hawaiʻi鈥檚 tech industry.

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa has leveled up its commitment to a greener future, earning a (STARS) Silver rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education. This achievement recognize is publicly available on the STARS website.

“Earning a STARS Silver rating is a testament to the incredible collaboration across our campus to integrate sustainability into everything we do—from the classroom to our physical facilities,” said 东精影业 Mānoa (ISR) Director Makena Coffman. “This framework not only celebrates our current successes in teaching and research but provides us with a clear roadmap to further reduce our environmental footprint and enhance resilience both for our campus and island community.”

STARS is a transparent, self-reporting framework for colleges and universities to measure their sustainability performance. The rating marks a significant step forward from previous benchmarks, aligning 东精影业 Mānoa with top-tier peer institutions dedicated to environmental stewardship.

The successful reporting process was a joint effort between ISR and the 东精影业 Office of Sustainability with essential contributions from a range of departments and offices across campus. By documenting data ranging from energy-efficient infrastructure to sustainability-focused curriculum, the university has established a clear baseline for future growth.

“In the process of compiling data for this year鈥檚 STARS Report, I probably sent over 50 emails to individuals and departments across campus,” said Elisabeth Earley, administrative officer at ISR. “Everyone I reached out to was so kind and helpful and I am very thankful for their support in the reporting process. This Silver rating could not have been achieved without the wonderful folks from all corners of 东精影业 Mānoa.”

Leading by example

东精影业 already maintains the largest inventory of LEED-certified buildings in Hawaiʻi, including the recently awarded LEED Gold certification for historic Bachman Hall. University policy currently requires all new construction and major renovations to meet a minimum of LEED Silver standards.

“We are incredibly proud of this milestone, which showcases that we are not just talking about sustainability, but actively measuring and improving our impact,” said Miles Topping, director of the 东精影业 Office of Sustainability. “Our goal is to continue pushing these ratings to the highest level possible. By tracking these metrics, we are better equipped to lead by example and ensure a sustainable legacy for the 东精影业 System and the state of Hawaiʻi.”

Cadena Ragsdale, founder of Kauaʻi Fresh Fish, experienced a turning point at the April 29 ʻĀina to Mākeke Cohort 7 Showcase at Leeward Community College’s (WVAPDC). She moved from supplying fresh fish catches to launching something new.

“Before ʻĀina to Mākeke, we were primarily focused on supplying fresh, locally caught fish to our community,” she said. “We hadn’t fully stepped into developing a branded, value-added product line yet.”

At the showcase, she introduced fish jerky under a new brand, Hook & Salt Co., inspired by the fishermen and daily catch behind her business.

“We wanted to honor that by creating a product that’s simple, flavorful, and rooted in Hawaiʻi… something people can enjoy anywhere,” she said.

The program, she added, provided the structure and support to turn the idea into a market-ready product, from refining recipes to developing packaging and branding.

“Now we’re not just selling fresh fish. We’re creating something shelf-stable that extends the life and story of our local catch,” she said. “A lot of people came in unsure about fish jerky, but their reactions completely shifted after tasting it.”

The event capped ʻĀina to Mākeke, a 12-week program presented by Leeward CC‘s , WVAPDC and the Hawaiʻi Ag and Culinary Alliance, helping entrepreneurs transform home recipes into retail-ready products.

About 150 attendees, including buyers, distributors, and food industry professionals, sampled locally sourced products from 15 local businesses.

University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel also attended the showcase.

“I was so impressed when I first visited the center and sampled these products, I knew I had to come back for more,” she said. “What’s happening here is a powerful example of how innovation, education and local agriculture come together.”

WVAPDC Manager Chris Bailey added, “It’s inspiring to see participants not only refine their concepts but also build the confidence and connections needed to move forward. This cohort reflects the creativity and resilience of Hawaiʻi’s food and product entrepreneurs.”

Other featured brands included Haliʻa Gold, Hawaiʻi’s Only, Honolulu Mochi, Kenny Boy Ice Cream, Mālama Bar, Myna Trading Co., Nā Kālai Waʻa, Nourish Your Soul, ReBran, Rōmu, SAVA Provisions, Shaka Butter, Shaka Mex and Sol Food Kitchen.

Cohort 7 joins a network of more than 100 ʻĀina to Mākeke entrepreneurs statewide.

—By Devon Bedoya

Faculty, staff and students from the University of Hawaiʻi Institute for Astronomy helped power AstroDay 2026, the Maunakea Observatories鈥檚 24th annual free community science festival held May 2 at Prince K奴hi艒 Plaza in Hilo. More than 30 organizations came together to offer hands-on astronomy, robotics and live science activities for Hawaiʻi Island families.

“AstroDay is one of my favorite days of the year because it belongs to everyone. This is our chance to bring world-class science into the heart of our community and inspire the next generation of scientists, explorers, and dreamers,” said Carolyn Kaichi, education and outreach specialist at IfA. “We do this especially for the keiki who may one day carry that legacy forward. Mahalo to every family on the island that came out to join us.”

东精影业ees packed the mid-mall stage for live science shows and award presentations, then made their way booth to booth collecting AstroDay coins for a shot at prizes like telescopes and skateboards.

A major draw was the return of the “Robot Rumble,” presented by the Hawaiʻi Science and Technology Museum, where 15 teams from across Hawaiʻi Island faced off in head-to-head matches. Local high schools also showcased their own robotics projects, highlighting the island鈥檚 growing pipeline of STEM talent.

The event also marked the announcement of the 2026 Maunakea Coin Contest winners. The statewide graphic design competition invites Hawaiʻi Island students in grades K–12 to compete for prizes and the chance to have their artwork featured on official AstroDay collector coins.

Twenty 6th-12th grade students from across Oʻahu shared websites and coding projects they built during the spring 2026 semester at the annual ICSpark Spring Showcase on April 25 at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Campus Center Ballroom.

The student-led event, organized by student organization in the 东精影业 Mānoa Department of Information and Computer Sciences, featured final projects from students enrolled in the program鈥檚 free Intro to Web Development course, where participants spent four months learning HTML, CSS and JavaScript from 东精影业 Mānoa student mentors. Projects were presented in a science fair-style format, giving families, friends and community members a chance to explore the students鈥� work and hear directly from the young developers.

“This year was quite the challenge for sure,” said ICSpark President Cody Torres. “Our team faced numerous challenges, including limited access to technology, old practices we relied on breaking and the Kona Low storms. Despite all of that, we’ve managed to pull off yet another great year of ICSpark! Super proud of both our students and mentors for keeping the spark alive for yet another year, and looking forward to continuing this path for others to follow!”

This year鈥檚 showcase also included the second annual SWITCH x ICSpark Hackathon, where students collaborated on coding challenges and competed for awards presented during the event.

The spring program ran every Saturday from January through April and offered both in-person classes at 东精影业 Mānoa and online participation through Zoom. No prior coding experience was required, making the program accessible to students exploring computer science for the first time.

Founded in 2019, ICSpark is a registered independent organization at 东精影业 Mānoa and is part of Technology Outreach Hawaiʻi, a nonprofit focused on promoting technology education across the state. The organization鈥檚 mission is to provide motivated middle and high school students with a fun, supportive and nonintimidating environment to learn coding skills and connect with college mentors.

The Department of Information and Computer Sciences is housed in 东精影业 Mānoa鈥檚 .

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa has completed its inaugural Spring 2026 Professional Mentorship Program, connecting students with industry professionals in an effort to strengthen student success and career readiness.

The 14-week pilot program paired 20 engineering students with 20 mentors in individualized, one-on-one matches. Selected from more than 50 applicants, cohort students ranged from first-year undergraduates to graduate students.

Mentors brought diverse experience from across the engineering field, including leadership roles in renewable energy, aerospace and advanced technology. Participants included professionals affiliated with organizations such as NASA Ames Research Center, Lockheed Martin Space and Hawaiian Electric, as well as alumni who returned to support the next generation of engineers.

Student, alumni, professional, mentor

One of those professionals was Wendy McLain, a senior civil engineer and deputy manager at SSFM International, Inc. McLain mentored major Ashton Quichocho. She highlighted Quichocho鈥檚 willingness to step outside her comfort zone, explore different career paths and develop both technical and leadership skills along the way.

“It was really rewarding getting to give back,” McLain said. “There’s this sense of responsibility and kuleana to be able to do the same for others that have done for us, and especially now in our field and industry. We need more talent, so it’s really exciting to see all of the exciting new talent that’s up and coming.”

Quichocho, a graduating senior, called it a “full-circle moment” because she will soon be working full-time with McLain at SSFM International, Inc.

“I learned a lot about myself and the direction I want to go post-grad,” Quichocho said. “In the beginning, I wasn’t sure of what I wanted to do or what I was going to apply for, and I’m glad that this program was able to give me Wendy because she had so much career advice for me, but also life advice for me, too.”

Throughout the semester, mentors and mentees met at least twice monthly, engaging in conversations focused on academic planning, internships, career pathways and professional development. Many pairs expanded those interactions through workplace visits, job shadowing and collaborative activities that offered students direct exposure to real-world engineering environments.

Created by students for students

Members of the helped to run the pilot program.

“As students ourselves, we wanted to create something that reflected what we believed would be most beneficial, which led us to build a mentorship program,” said Dayza Otsuka-Cabodol, an ESA who was part of the planning committee. “Working closely with our committee and continuously adjusting based on feedback, we watched the vision come together week by week.”

Organizers plan to expand the program in fall 2026, building on lessons from the pilot to reach more students and mentors. The next cohort aims to further strengthen connections between the college and industry while continuing to support student success across all stages of the engineering pathway. Apply online as or for the fall 2026 program.

Leeward Community College received a cultural box from the Philippine Consulate General鈥檚 Office in Honolulu, recognizing the college鈥檚 efforts to support Filipino culture through both academics and student life.

The Cultural Box Turnover Ceremony, held April 8 at the consulate, marked the official handoff of the materials. The collection includes Philippine flags, maps, posters, traditional textiles, dictionaries and selected writings by Jos茅 Rizal, a Filipino nationalist and writer of the late 19th century. The materials will be used in classes, student activities and cultural events.

Leeward CC is one of the few institutions in the state that offers both a Filipino Studies Academic Subject Certificate and an active Filipino student organization, Kailian. Both are open to students and community members interested in learning more about Filipino culture.

Jeff Acido, who teaches in the Filipino studies program, accepted the box along with his students and members of Kailian. Students attending the ceremony had the chance to meet Philippine Consulate General Arman Talbo and Congressman Angelo Marcos Barba. Their presence highlighted the ongoing connection between local schools and 贬补飞补颈ʻ颈鈥檚 Filipino community.

New resources deepen community ties and cultural pride

“The cultural box is a gift of the Philippine Consulate and the Filipino community to the Filipino-American students of Leeward Community College and other schools and universities in Hawaiʻi,” Talbo shared. “We should invest in programs like this that empower young Filipinos to take pride in their heritage.”

He added, “Our message to our Filipino students is clear: You are not alone鈥攜ou have a community behind you, ready to support you. The Philippine Consulate is your partner.”

For Leeward CC, the recognition reflects years of work to build a strong Filipino studies program and create opportunities for students to engage with culture in meaningful ways.

The new resources are expected to support both classroom learning and student-led efforts, giving more students the chance to explore Filipino history and identity while strengthening ties between the college and the broader community.

Learn more about the or contact Acido at (808) 455-0529, or acido@hawaii.edu.

A common emergency room issue鈥攐bjects stuck in children鈥檚 ears鈥攊s driving innovation through the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 (MIND) Hawaiʻi competition.

(JABSOM) pediatric emergency physician Travis Hong said the problem is more frequent than many expect.

“You’d be surprised how often kids come in with things stuck in their ears鈥攂eads, food, small toy parts,” Hong said. “I see these cases at least every couple of weeks, if not more.”

Removing those objects safely can be challenging and sometimes requires improvisation.

“A lot of ER care involves figuring out what works in the moment,” Hong said. “In some cases, we use a small amount of medical-grade adhesive on a cotton swab to try to extract the object鈥攂ut it requires precision, and the child has to stay very still.”

Student-driven solution

That challenge inspired this year鈥檚 winning team in the MIND Hawaiʻi competition.

“We wanted to create something safer, more controlled and designed specifically for this problem,” said Aileen Ferrer, a JABSOM student and leader of the StickieEars team.

The team developed a hybrid suction-adhesive device to improve safety and control during removal.

“It鈥檚 a common issue, but there isn鈥檛 a standardized tool,” Ferrer said. “We saw an opportunity to improve that.”

Developing the prototype required collaboration across disciplines鈥攃entral to MIND鈥檚 mission. The annual competition brings together students from across campus, including JABSOM, the , the and the , to tackle real-world healthcare challenges.

Working with students and mentors from different backgrounds changed how we approached the problem.
—Aileen Ferrer

“Working with students and mentors from different backgrounds changed how we approached the problem,” Ferrer said. “That collaboration was one of the most valuable parts of the experience.”

“Students are addressing real clinical needs, and the level of innovation in these projects is exciting to see,” said faculty advisor Peter Di Rocco, clinical assistant professor at JABSOM.

Ferrer hopes StickieEars will eventually reach clinical use.

“I think this could have a real impact in everyday practice and make a difference for patients,” she said.

.