University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 graduate student Emily Heintzelman is using lessons learned as a Division I beach volleyball student–athlete to shape her future in public health.

Originally from Sydney, Australia, Heintzelman is pursuing a Master of Public Health degree in the while completing her final collegiate athletic season. Her volleyball career has taken her around the world, including competitions in Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Japan, New Zealand and Germany.

“Being an athlete has taught me discipline, resilience, and how to work within a team,” said Heintzelman. “These skills don鈥檛 apply just to sports, but are also just as important when tackling complex public health challenges.”

Heintzelman earned her bachelor鈥檚 degree in in spring 2025, with minors in public health and health and wellness. She now specializes in Health Policy and Management, focusing on health equity, access to care.

From athletics to advocacy

“As an athlete, I鈥檝e seen firsthand how access to care, communication within healthcare systems, and advocacy can impact outcomes,” she said. “Those experiences have reinforced my interest in pursuing policy work that improves access and ensures that individuals feel heard and supported within healthcare systems.”

In fall 2025, Heintzelman was one of only two student–athletes selected to represent 东精影业 at the American Volleyball Coaches Association Collegiate Beach Pairs National Championship.

“You鈥檙e not just playing for yourself—you鈥檙e representing your teammates, your coaches and the whole university,” she said.

Heintzelman hopes to use data and policy to expand healthcare access, particularly in women驶s health.

“Being a student–athlete has taught me that success is rarely about individual performance, it鈥檚 about teamwork, communication, and showing up consistently, even when it鈥檚 hard,” she said. “In public health, those same principles apply. You鈥檙e working with diverse groups of people, often across disciplines, to solve complex problems. The ability to listen, adapt and stay committed to a shared goal is critical.”

Heintzelman said she is grateful for the support she has received along the way.

“My teammates have become like family, along with the coaches who have believed in me, my parents and sister who have supported me at each step along my journey, and for the opportunities sport has given me,” she said. “Volleyball has shaped who I am in so many ways, and I carry those lessons with me as I move forward into a career in public health.”

An important pilot program is helping Hawaiʻi鈥檚 future public health professionals overcome financial barriers to completing required fieldwork. Based at the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 , the program provides paid field experiences that are traditionally unpaid despite significant time and workload demands.

Through the , and supported by the (DOH), the project coordinates funding so students can be compensated for required fieldwork that was completed at DOH. The pilot aligns with broader efforts to close this gap and expand equitable access to education and training.

“This has been a team effort with many partners at 东精影业 and DOH and for that we are grateful,” said Becky Rodericks, a faculty member of the Department of Public Health Sciences (DPHS) and a key collaborator on this project across all pilot years.

Efforts started in summer of 2022 and expanded in 2024 and 2025. In 2024, the pilot supported 10 students completing their (APLE) and .

Students said the funding made it possible to complete their practicums while balancing work and family responsibilities. One student said the support allowed her to finish her practicum without taking several weeks off work. “As a single mother, I don’t have the flexibility to complete my practicum on a full-time basis,” she said. “I appreciate the opportunity that this program provided. Truly, it made it possible to get my practicum completed.”

The program also helped offset transportation and parking costs, easing additional financial pressure for students commuting to field sites.

Expanding access to hands-on learning

APLE and master鈥檚-level practicums allow students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world public health and social work through interdisciplinary projects with community and government partners.

The paid placements allowed students to shift focus away from multiple jobs or other financial obligations and dedicate more time and energy to their practicum projects, strengthening hands-on learning experiences.

“We are honored and grateful to work with our partners at DOH and our fellow Department of Public Health Science and DSW faculty and staff on this important effort,” said Rodericks. “Our long-term and ongoing collaborations within UH and at DOH are vital to our program successes.”

As climate change intensifies extreme weather and environmental conditions across the country, about 65% of U.S. adults are concerned that climate change will negatively affect their personal health, according to a new study published in .

The study, a collaboration between the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 and the , analyzed responses from 6,888 adults who participated in the Health Information National Trends Survey.

The study’s co-authors include Alex Ortega, dean of the Thompson school, and Jim Stimpson, a professor at UT Southwestern Medical Center.

How Americans view climate risks

Researchers found that trust in science, political views and personal environmental experiences shape how people perceive the health risks of climate change.

“This study shows that concern about the health impacts of climate change is driven less by who people are and more by how they think and what they experience,” said Ortega. “Trust in science, political perspectives and lived experiences like extreme weather shape whether people recognize climate change as a health threat, which in turn influences public support for environmental and health policies.”

How we communicate about climate and health affects everyone.
—Jim Stimpson

Individuals who reported higher trust in science were more likely to express concern about climate-related health impacts than those with lower levels of trust.

Political views also influenced responses. Compared to respondents who identified as politically liberal, moderates and conservatives were less likely to report concern about climate change harming their health.

Personal environmental experiences further shaped perceptions. Respondents who experienced extreme weather in their neighborhoods were more likely to express concern. Similarly, those worried about outdoor air quality were more likely to perceive climate-related health risks.

The findings suggest public health messaging should focus on building trust in science, reaching people across political perspectives and connecting climate change to local conditions people can directly experience. Researchers said that approach could help public health agencies and policymakers keep communities informed and engaged as climate policies evolve.

“How we communicate about climate and health affects everyone,” said Stimpson. “When messages don’t build trust or feel personally relevant, people are less likely to recognize these risks or support policies that protect public health.”

“Aloha from Puʻunui!” “Joining from Alaska.” “Tagio tumas, Wantok!”

These greetings reflected the global reach of a recent interdisciplinary webinar hosted in part by the (DPHS) at the , bringing together more than 115 participants to explore how sport and culture support health across Pacific communities.

The virtual event, “Activating Ties Across the Tides,” connected professionals and students in public health, social work and community programs from places including Papua New Guinea, Guam and the continental U.S.

Culturally grounded approaches

The discussion centered on culturally grounded sport and movement programs, with presenters sharing research, youth initiatives and lived experiences from Fiji, the Solomon Islands and Chuukese communities in Guam. Speakers included athletes, educators and public health practitioners working across the region.

The event was co-hosted by the Public Health Resonance Project, in collaboration with the Thompson School , the and the . DPHS graduate students in the spring 2026 course also helped to host the event, strengthening knowledge and leadership skills.

“It is great to see how communities are using sports/functional movement to support their communities to be healthier or find healthier ways to interact and to live,” said one participant.

“Integrating culture and physical activity is an innovative way to create intersections between culture and health and a great way to strengthen communities socially and in health and wellbeing, thank you all for sharing what you do!” said another participant.

Organizers announced a related call for papers through the Hawaiʻi Journal of Health & Social Welfare, with , to further expand scholarship in this area.

“Having worked collaboratively across the Pacific for more than 20 years to engage Pacific communities through social work and interdisciplinary public health initiatives at 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补, it was incredibly meaningful to see this interdisciplinary scholarly forum highlight efforts that center community and individual well-being through sport,” said Theresa Kreif, faculty director of .

amplifies the unique attributes and deep connections across regionally and culturally relevant physical activities for health promotion. This was the second collaborative webinar supported by the Chin Sik & Hyun Sook Chung Endowed Chair in Public Health Studies and Tetine Sentell, Professor in DPHS, in collaboration with local and international experts and partners.

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University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 Associate Professor Denise Nelson-Hurwitz has been named the 2026 recipient of the . Nelson-Hurwitz was honored at the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH) Annual Meeting Awards Luncheon in March in Arlington, Virginia.

A faculty member in the at the , she was recognized for her outstanding contributions to undergraduate public health education, including innovation in teaching, leadership in program development and student engagement.

“It’s wonderful to see the work being done by 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补’蝉 undergraduate program and students highlighted in this way and a tremendous honor to have been nominated by my students and peers,” Nelson-Hurwitz said.

Expanding access, supporting success

An 东精影业 alumna and first-generation college graduate, Nelson-Hurwitz is deeply rooted in her community. She has focused her career on expanding access to higher education and supporting student success by building inclusive pathways into public health, and increasing diversity in the field. She co-developed and co-led the Community Health Scholars program, which engages diverse high school students in immersive research and practice experiences.

For more than a decade, she served as chair of 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补’蝉 , overseeing curriculum development, course sequencing and program assessment. She also helped create a public health minor, expanding access for students across disciplines.

Students praised Nelson-Hurwitz for her supportive teaching, mentorship and dedication to preparing future public health professionals. She is known for going above and beyond inside and outside the classroom.

“Winning this national award from the ASPPH highlights Denise Nelson-Hurwitz驶s extraordinary ability to inspire students and her tireless work in ensuring our curriculum remains both innovative and impactful,” said Jane Chung-Do, department chair. “We are honored to have such a dedicated leader on our faculty.”

Ten graduate programs at the are in the nation鈥檚 top 50, and an additional 17 programs are in the top 100, according to the 2026 , released on April 7.

东精影业 Mānoa鈥檚 (JABSOM) also placed in the nation鈥檚 top tier (tier 1) for best medical schools for primary care, and 东精影业 贬颈濒辞鈥檚 ranked in a in the nation.

The highest ranked 东精影业 Mānoa programs were in the , ranking No. 18 (tied) for best environmental law programs and law schools with most grads in federal clerkships, No. 24 for best part-time law programs, No. 41 (tied) for best international law programs, No. 47 (tied) for best dispute resolution programs and No. 48 (tied) for best legal writing programs.

The ranked No. 22 (tied) for best international programs, and the (SOEST) placed No. 40 (tied) for best Earth sciences programs. JABSOM ranked No. 42 for most graduates practicing in rural areas and No. 45 for most graduates practicing in primary care.

“东精影业 Mānoa鈥檚 strong showing in the latest U.S. News and World Report rankings underscores our commitment to excellence in teaching, research and student success,” said 东精影业 Mānoa Interim Provost Vassilis L. Syrmos. “These results reflect the talent and dedication of our faculty, students and staff, and Hawaiʻi can take pride in knowing their university is preparing the next generation of leaders and changemakers for our community and the world.”

Rankings were based on multiple factors, including research activity (such as publications and citations), student and alumni outcomes (employment and earnings), quality assessments (from peers and recruiters), student selectivity (GPA and test scores), and faculty resources (doctoral degrees awarded and student-to-faculty ratios).

Note: not all programs are ranked every year. See these 东精影业 News stories on previous years鈥� rankings: 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020 and 2019.

Jump to program rankings:
William S. Richardson School of Law  |  John A. Burns School of Medicine  |  Shidler College of Business  |  School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology  |  School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene  |  College of Education  |  Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health  |  College of Social Sciences  |  College of Engineering  |  College of Natural Sciences  |  College of Arts, Languages & Letters

William S. Richardson School of Law

The William S. Richardson School of Law was ranked in 16 categories by U.S. News and World Report. In addition to its ranking of No. 18 (tied) for best environmental law programs and law schools with most grads in federal clerkships, No. 24 for best part-time law programs, No. 41 (tied) for best international law programs, No. 47 (tied) for best dispute resolution programs and No. 48 (tied) for best legal writing programs, the UH law school placed No. 91 (tied) among the top law schools in the nation.

Other law school rankings include:

• Tax law: No. 80 (tied)
• Criminal law: No. 88 (tied)
• Contracts/commercial law: No. 92 (tied)
• Health care law: No. 92 (tied)
• Constitutional law: No. 95 (tied)
• Business/corporate law: No. 101 (tied)
• Clinical training: No. 102 (tied)
• Intellectual property law: No. 127 (tied)
• Trial advocacy: No. 175 (tied)

John A. Burns School of Medicine

JABSOM was one of 16 schools that placed in the nation鈥檚 top tier (tier 1) for best medical schools for primary care. JABSOM also placed in tier 3 for best medical schools for research.
In addition, JABSOM ranked No. 42 for most graduates practicing in rural areas, No. 45 for most graduates practicing in primary care, No. 139 for speech language pathology and No. 171 for most graduates practicing in medically underserved areas. .

Shidler College of Business

The Shidler College of Business placed in nine subject areas. Leading the way were international programs at No. 22 (tied), accounting programs at No. 68 (tied), information systems programs at No. 72 (tied) and marketing programs at No. 91 (tied). In addition, Shidler ranked at No. 104 (tied) for best management programs, No. 113 (tied) for best executive programs, No. 123 (tied) for best finance programs, No. 125 (tied) for best entrepreneurship programs and No. 142 (tied) for best part-time MBA programs.

School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology

SOEST placed No. 40 (tied) among the nation鈥檚 best Earth sciences programs.

School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene

The School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene placed No. 55 (tied) for best nursing school–master鈥檚 and No. 62 (tied) for best nursing school–doctor of nursing practice (DNP). Both were the only programs in Hawaiʻi to be ranked by U.S. News and World Report.

College of Education

The College of Education ranked No. 57 (tied) in the U.S., the 21st straight year the college has been listed as one of the nation鈥檚 top 100 education programs. Nationally accredited since 2000, the College of Education continues to be recognized for its award-winning programs and people.

Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health

The ranked No. 89 (tied) among the nation鈥檚 top public health schools and programs in the U.S. accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health. The Department of Public Health Sciences offers a ; a , with specializations in , , and , and a , as well as PhD program in , specializing in community-based and translational research and a PhD in . The Department of Public Health Sciences is also home to an online master of public health program to meet workforce demands.

College of Social Sciences

The College of Social Sciences placed among the nation鈥檚 best in at No. 90 (tied) and at No. 92 (tied).

College of Engineering

The ranked among the nation鈥檚 best in at No. 91 (tied), at No. 92 (tied), and at No. 128 (tied). The College of Engineering overall ranked No. 164 (tied) among the top engineering schools in the U.S. that grant doctoral degrees.

College of Natural Sciences

The placed among the nation鈥檚 best in at No. 97 (tied), and at No. 115 (tied), and at No. 125 (tied).

College of Arts, Languages & Letters

东精影业 Mānoa placed No. 106 (tied) among the nation’s best for fine arts programs.

Other rankings

东精影业 Mānoa also received these notable rankings:

• 2026 Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings by Subject, March 25, 2026
• 2025 U.S. News and World Report best online programs, January 27, 2026
• 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject, January 21, 2026

Graduate students in the (DPHS) at the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 enrolled in are helping tackle some of Hawaiʻi鈥檚 most pressing health challenges, including issues related to maternal health, cultural responsiveness in data collection and fall prevention. Their community-engaged research was recently highlighted at the department鈥檚 annual Hōʻike (exhibit) in December.

Modeled after a professional academic conference, the Hōʻike, now in its 10th year, highlights student projects developed through partnerships with community organizations. Students work in teams to translate health promotion theory into practice鈥攂uilding relationships, conducting interviews, analyzing qualitative data and sharing findings grounded in community perspectives.

Guided by faculty Jane Chung-Do and David Stupplebeen, students collaborate directly with local partners to address pressing public health priorities.

“Student projects like these help connect students with the community, provide meaningful contributions to the work of community-based organizations, and help perpetuate the vision and mission of the Department of Public Health Sciences,” said Stupplebeen.

Partnerships that make an impact

The community partners of the Fall 2025 semester included ,, , and . Student projects examined a wide range of topics from factors related to delayed prenatal care among Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander women to coalition engagement in fall prevention efforts and expanding training pathways for Native Hawaiian healthcare practitioners.

For many students, the Hōʻike marked their first formal research presentation, strengthening skills in collaboration, analysis and professional dissemination.

“Having the opportunity to work so closely with a community of practice allowed me to uplift their values during this project, all while reflecting on my own position as a researcher,” said Shanda Shamela Delos Reyes, a graduate student in the course. “The hōʻike itself was a practice of reciprocation, allowing us to share the community’s data back to them.”

“This invaluable learning opportunity is made possible by the dedication of our community partners. We are deeply grateful for their tireless service to Hawaiʻi and for welcoming our students into their vital work,” said Chung-Do.

“The students approached the project with diligence and professionalism, and delivered valuable data that will guide us in designing and implementing effective interventions for our members and the broader community,” said Lucie Tam, clinical coordinator, Quality & Performance Improvement, Quality Management at HMSA. “We look forward to partnering again on future initiatives!”

The Hōʻike reflects DPHS鈥� continued commitment to experiential learning, community engagement and advancing health equity statewide.

Challenging the traditional approach to pregnancy care which focuses solely on mothers’ behaviors, new research from the 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 and international partners highlights the significant and often underrecognized role of fathers’ health and well-being in shaping pregnancy and child outcomes. The study was recently published in .

“The more we look, the more we find important contributions from fathers, including many factors traditionally believed to be solely the responsibility of the pregnant person, such as weight status, substance use or being an older parent,” said Jonathan Huang, lead author of the study and assistant professor at the in the . “In some cases, paternal contributions are even larger than their maternal counterparts and several are related intergenerationally to the fathers’ own upbringing.”

A framework for preconception health

This transdisciplinary review uses evidence from biological, behavioral and social sciences to create a framework for men’s role in preconception health. The findings show that a man’s early life experiences—including stress, physical and mental health, environment and education—influence his health during reproductive years. These factors can, in turn, affect his partner’s health and health behaviors (such as prenatal care) before and during pregnancy, as well as having direct biological effects on the developing infant.

The research addresses ethical concerns, noting that placing all responsibility for a child’s future health on the birthing parent reinforces gender biases. Furthermore, the researchers emphasize that racism and colonialism have disrupted family and community roles for many Black and brown men, creating barriers to addressing their health needs. This disruption underscores the need for culturally grounded approaches, which are particularly effective for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander men.

“Policies and programs are needed to strengthen family and community bonds while centering the health and well-being of 办腻苍别 [men] within their cultural roles. Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander men are less likely to engage in Western-based health interventions than their female counterparts, but are more responsive to culturally grounded approaches,” said Keaweʻaimoku Kaholokula, co-author and chair of the Department of Native Hawaiian Health in the .

Improving the health of Hawaiian 办腻苍别

Kaholokula stated that the traditional concept of Hale Mua—a cultural space for men—offers a blueprint for improving the health of Hawaiian 办腻苍别 by creating safe spaces for mentorship, life instruction, emotional regulation and the transmission of cultural values, which reinforces their kuleana (responsibility) to family and community.

The researchers emphasize that policymakers, public health agencies, clinicians, researchers and men themselves all have a role in improving preconception health. Investing in the wellbeing of boys and young men is key to reducing health disparities and improving outcomes for future generations.

Huang added, “Raising awareness about the importance of men’s health does not diminish the critical importance of women and pregnant persons’ well-being. Rather it serves as a collective call-in to ensure that men and partners are equipped to be supportive partners, allies and caretakers before, during, and long after pregnancy.”

The research team includes collaborators from the continental U.S., the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Singapore. A companion study highlights the work of the international Core Indicators for Preconception Health and Equity (iCIPHE) Alliance in improving how preconception health is measured and monitored.

A University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 study confirms that outrigger canoe paddling is far more than a state team sport. It’s a way of life that supports physical, emotional, cultural and spiritual health for paddlers in Hawaiʻi.

Related 东精影业 News story: High canoe-paddling rates among NHPI could help health outcomes

The study, published in , examines paddling through a public health perspective. It was led by Simone Schmid, a former postdoctoral fellow and current adjunct assistant professor in the Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health’s (DPHS), as well as the director of strategy, impact and research at AccesSurf Hawaiʻi in collaboration with other DPHS authors, the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health and AccesSurf Hawaiʻi.

While previous 东精影业 research documented paddling’s physical benefits and participation patterns among Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities, this study uniquely centers paddlers’ voices to explore the cultural, spiritual and community meaning that sustains long-term participation.

Centering paddlers’ voices

“As a paddler myself, having benefited from this physical and cultural activity and community in more ways than I can express, we did this work to capture what is already known in the community,” Schmid said. “It is just one piece in the puzzle of overall efforts and goals to support past, current and future paddlers. And one step in my journey of getting canoe club membership covered by health insurance.”

The research team analyzed open-ended survey responses from 362 paddlers statewide who answered: “What does outrigger canoe paddling mean to you?” Almost half (47%) identified as Native Hawaiian; 65% were female. Responses revealed multiple layers of meaning, from physical health, stress relief and teamwork to family traditions, pride, connection to the ocean and ʻāina, cultural heritage and spirituality. Researchers adapted a social-ecological model to include a spiritual perspective.

Many paddlers reflected on ancestry and traditions. Ann Yoshida, paddler and community author with AccesSurf Hawaiʻi said, “Paddling across the world representing Hawaiʻi and the U.S., I felt connected to my island home and culture because my ancestors knew through navigation that the water was our highway to connect with the world. I knew if I was in water, I was home and I never felt alone. This power pushed me to live my extraordinary life.”

Cultural ties drive long-term participation

The study found cultural ties, rather than health goals alone, might motivate long-term participation. Paddling connects people to their health, ancestors, environment and sense of purpose. Findings have been shared with canoe clubs and public health partners to explore how paddling can support chronic disease prevention and community-based activity programs.

Related 东精影业 News story: Measuring outrigger canoe paddling intensity

The study also received international recognition, with Schmid and co-authors named finalists for the , ranking among the top five Early Career Research papers of 2025.

“We are very proud to see the global dissemination of this important work from Hawaiʻi around strengths-based public health promotion, relevant to our communities,” said Tetine Sentell, DPHS professor and study co-author. Other DPHS authors include Carrie Soo Hoo, Catherine Pirkle, Michael Phillips and Mika Thompson.

With Hawaiʻi facing a critical shortage of public health professionals, the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 is strengthening the public health workforce pathway—starting in high school classrooms.

Lightbulbs go off when participants realize how much public health shapes their daily lives.
—Yuka Polovina

The Hawaiʻi State Department of Education (DOE) offers a Career and Technical Education (CTE) Health Services pathway that includes a focus in public health, but only five schools statewide currently offer it. Limited awareness of public health careers among students—and limited familiarity with foundational public health concepts among teachers—have slowed expansion.

To help address this gap and increase the number of schools offering the pathway, Yuka Polovina, a faculty member in the (DPHS) at the Thompson school, developed “” (PH101-CTE). The workshop builds awareness of public health careers and equips educators with foundational concepts and classroom strategies, showing how public health principles can be integrated into lessons, activities and assessments.

“When I meet students who are interested in health fields, more often than not they say it鈥檚 because they want to help their communities,” said Polovina, who also serves as a workshop instructor. “It then surprises me when they say they want to become a nurse or doctor. Few know that public health is another powerful way to make an impact, and once students learn about it, they get excited.”

Real-world learning in action

The first PH 101 training, held in October 2025, brought together Windward District teachers in health services and agriculture pathways. Organized by Windward District CTE Resource Teacher Trisha Kim, the workshop highlighted connections between sustainability, food systems and public health.

“This is the best form of teacher professional development,” said Kim. “We are grateful for our partnership and the positive impact for our Windward District students.”

The day included a session at Kailua High School, facilitated by Polovina, and a site visit to the . The visit was led by Jane Chung-Do, acting chair of DPHS, along with Ilima Ho-Lastimoa and Ted Radovich from the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience (CTAHR). Participants learned about the , offering a hands-on and place-based example of public health in practice.

“Lightbulbs go off when participants realize how much public health shapes their daily lives––from the clean air we breathe to the simple fact that we don鈥檛 have to boil water before drinking it,” said Polovina. “They immediately see how their students will connect to it too.”

The PH 101 training is open to DOE CTE teachers statewide, with another session tentatively planned for this spring. Teachers interested in participating can request a workshop by emailing hiphwork@hawaii.edu.

This initiative builds on efforts from the and is supported through collaboration with the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health鈥檚 Public Health Infrastructure Grant.

Kauilaon膩lani Tengan is inspired to encourage greater participation from Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander and Filipino communities in diabetes clinical trials to ensure research better reflects the populations most affected by the disease.

Leave your assumptions and biases at the door and engage these communities with aloha.
—Kauilaon膩lani Tengan

He is translating that goal into practice through applied research. A master of science student in epidemiology at the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 , Tengan was part of a study team at The Queen鈥檚 Health Systems (QHS) whose findings were published in in the study Exploring Diabetes Clinical Trial Participation: A Diverse Group Interview Study.

“I have a family history of cardiometabolic diseases and I remember visiting extended family who had to fly from Moloka驶i just to receive quality care here on Oʻahu,” he said. “This [experience] instilled in me a desire to learn more about health issues so prevalent in our islands and contribute to innovative solutions.”

Research findings and lessons learned

While at QHS, Tengan split his time between health equity research and clinical data management, utilizing electronic medical records to address research questions. He helped conduct interviews with 56 hospitalized patients to explore what motivates—or prevents—patients from joining diabetes clinical trials.

Although 84% expressed willingness to participate, most had never been asked. Barriers included mistrust, concerns about medication risks, and lack of understanding, while many Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander participants cited family and community benefit as key motivators.

“Engaging face-to-face with people in a clinical setting humanized health data for me,” Tengan said. “It reminded me that these are people, not statistics. I realized that my work has a lasting impact, so it is my responsibility to do things in a pono manner.”

Tengan hopes to carry these lessons forward. “Leave your assumptions and biases at the door and engage these communities with aloha,” he said. “It is vital that we do work in an ethically and culturally nuanced way because there are real world impacts in the data that we publish.”

The study was part of an Food and Drug Administration-funded project at The Queen驶s Medical Center, in collaboration with the 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 , and clinical partners. also found that Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander participants are consistently underrepresented in U.S. clinical trials.

“Kauilaon膩lani鈥檚 perspectives and real-life application from quantitative analyses are so important to building collective public health,” said Tetine Sentell, public health professor and study co-author.

Hawaiʻi faces a significant public health workforce shortage that far exceeds the national average, leaving rural communities especially affected by limited public health resources and academic pathways into the field.

To help fill this gap, a three-course public health certificate offered by was developed and launched in fall 2020 in partnership with the University of Hawaiʻi鈥檚 (DPHS) and the Department of Health鈥檚 Kauaʻi District Health Office (KDHO). Nearly six years later, 72 students—including high school early college participants—have completed the program, gaining foundational knowledge and credits transferable to a at 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补.

Early college credits, pathway to a degree

The certificate introduces foundational concepts through PH201: Introduction to Public Health, PH202: Public Health in Hawaiʻi, and PH203: Introduction to Global Public Health. Kauaʻi CC students who complete the program get a head start on a four-year degree and strengthen a seamless 东精影业 System pipeline.

The program is also offered to students at Waimea High School and Kapaāa High School through early college partnerships, allowing them to earn college credits that count toward both Kauaʻi CC and 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补.

“It鈥檚 so awesome to see high school students grapple with college material and make those important connections to public health,” said Yuka Polovina, a DPHS faculty member who currently teaches PH201. “This certificate and partnership with Kauaʻi CC is a fantastic model for other community colleges across our state and other campuses to follow.”

This program is a wonderful showcase of the collaborative academic pathway across the university system…
—Tetine Sentell

KDHO staff serve as guest lecturers, covering topics such as epidemiology, public health emergency preparedness, public health communications and outbreak control.

“We love the opportunity for our staff to share real-world local examples and make the work of public health come alive for Kauaʻi CC students,” said Janet Berreman, KDHO officer. “We get to see their excitement as they learn about the field.”

By introducing students to the field earlier, the program aims to increase local capacity and cultivate a future public health workforce drawn from the communities it serves. The initiative also supports 东精影业 President Wendy Hensel鈥檚 efforts to strengthen connections across the 东精影业 System.

The certificate by DPHS faculty Denise Nelson-Hurwitz, Lisa Kehl and Michelle Tagorda-Kama, with Tammie Napoleon and others at Kauaʻi CC. Yvette Amshoff, a DPHS master’s of public health graduate, taught the first cohorts and helped develop the program.

“This program is a wonderful showcase of the collaborative academic pathway across the university system, including our KDHO partners and DOE as well,” said Tetine Sentell, public health professor and DPHS department chair. “We are working to build more pathways like this to support public health across our islands and beyond.”

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A study co-led by researchers at the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 has found that exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—commonly known as “forever chemicals”—may significantly increase the risk of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in adolescents. MASLD affects about 10% of children and up to 40% of children with obesity and can increase long-term risk for type 2 diabetes, heart disease and liver cancer.

The findings were published in and is a collaboration with the .

PFAS are synthetic chemicals used in nonstick cookware, stain- and water-repellent fabrics, food packaging and some cleaning products. They persist in the environment and accumulate in the body over time. More than 99% of people in the U.S. have measurable PFAS in their blood, and at least one PFAS is present in roughly half of U.S. drinking water supplies.

“Adolescents are particularly more vulnerable to the health effects of PFAS as it is a critical period of development and growth,” said assistant professor Shiwen “Sherlock” Li of 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补’蝉 Department of Public Health Sciences in the , who served as lead and corresponding author. “In addition to liver disease, PFAS exposure has been associated with a range of adverse health outcomes, including several types of cancer.” ()

Linking PFAS, genetics and lifestyle

The research examined 284 adolescents and young adults in Southern California who were already at higher metabolic risk because their parents had type 2 diabetes or were overweight. PFAS levels were measured through blood tests, and liver fat was assessed using MRI.

Adolescents are particularly more vulnerable to the health effects of PFAS as it is a critical period of development and growth.
—Shiwen Li

Higher blood levels of two common PFAS chemicals—perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA)—were linked to a greater likelihood of MASLD. Adolescents with twice as much PFOA in their blood were nearly three times more likely to have MASLD. The risk was even higher for those with a genetic variant (PNPLA3 GG) known to influence liver fat. In young adults, smoking further amplified PFAS-related liver impacts.

“MASLD can progress silently for years before causing serious health problems,” said Lida Chatzi, professor of population and public health sciences and pediatrics and director of the . “When liver fat starts accumulating in adolescence, it may set the stage for a lifetime of metabolic and liver health challenges. If we reduce PFAS exposure early, we may help prevent liver disease later.”

Li noted that this is the first study to examine PFAS and MASLD in children using gold-standard diagnostic criteria and to explore how genetic and lifestyle factors may interact with PFAS exposure.

Reducing exposure

Exposure to PFAS can vary by location. Li recommends checking local Consumer Confidence Reports to see whether a water provider tests for PFAS, and using a water filter if PFAS are detected. Avoiding products or packaging made with PFAS may also help reduce exposure. Given rising rates of MASLD in young people worldwide, the researchers call for continued investigation and policies that reduce PFAS use in consumer products.

Other study partners also included the University of California Irvine, West Virginia University, Johns Hopkins University and Children鈥檚 Hospital Los Angeles.

While life expectancy across the U.S. declined significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, a new study led by researchers at the University of Hawaiʻi and the found that Hawaiʻi experienced a smaller decline compared to national trends.

Yan Yan Wu, Michael Phillips and Kathryn L. Braun from the 东精影业 惭氓苍辞补 , along with Lance Ching and Claire Prieto from the , found that life expectancy in Hawaiʻi declined by 1.4 years, from 82.1 in 2019 to 80.7 in 2021. Nationwide, the decline over the same period was 2.4 years, from 78.8 to 76.4. Their findings were published in the .

“The smaller magnitude and delayed timing of Hawaiʻi’s decline may reflect the state’s geographic isolation and early implementation of public health interventions,” said Wu, the study’s lead author. “In 2022, life expectancy partially rebounded by 0.5 years in Hawaiʻi and by 0.9 years nationally, with Hawaiʻi remaining about four years higher than the U.S. average throughout the pandemic.”

“Hawaiʻi ranks among the top U.S. states for COVID-19 vaccination coverage. By May 2023, data reported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed that more than 90% of residents received at least one dose and more than 80% were considered fully vaccinated with the primary COVID-19 vaccine series,” said Ching, epidemiologist with the DOH Chronic Disease Prevention & Health Promotion Division. “These high vaccination levels—reached over the course of the pandemic—helped delay the peak of COVID-19 mortality in Hawaiʻi by approximately six months compared to the national average and contributed to the state’s distinction of having the lowest age-adjusted COVID-19 death rate in the country.”

Key Findings

• Life expectancy in Hawaiʻi remained stable from 2018 to 2020 (82.3, 82.1, and 82.0 years, respectively).
• A decline occurred in 2021 to 80.7 years, followed by a partial rebound to 81.2 years in 2022.
• Among males, life expectancy fell from 79.2 years in 2018 to 77.5 years in 2021, then rose to 78.2 years in 2022.
• Among females, life expectancy fell from 85.4 years in 2018 to 84.0 years in 2021, rebounding to 84.4 years in 2022.
• The gap between female and male life expectancy widened to 6.5 years in 2021 before narrowing to 6.2 years in 2022—the same as in 2019.
• Despite these fluctuations, Hawaiʻi‘s overall decline in life expectancy remained less severe than the U.S. average throughout the pandemic.

Policy Implications

The researchers note that Hawaiʻi‘s better outcomes underscore the effectiveness of early public health interventions, strong community engagement, and high vaccine uptake. They recommend that future policies build on these strengths by investing in rapid-response infrastructure and maintaining high vaccination coverage to better protect vulnerable communities during future disease outbreaks.

Terence “Terry” Chan is in his final semester of the Master of Public Health (MPH) program at the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补, while his daughter, Cynthia Chan, has just started the same degree.

“As a parent, it’s great and you can be supportive. Having gone through the classes prior, you can put things into perspective,” said Terry. “For example, biostatistics was tough so mentally I want to prepare her for that.”

Both are enrolled in the Department of Public Health Sciences at the , but from different places: Terry is earning his degree 5,000 miles away in Michigan through the Distance Education (DE) program, and Cynthia attends classes on the 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 campus.

Family commitment to keep community health

Terry, a pediatric dentist of 25 years, joined the inaugural DE cohort in 2022 to expand his understanding of health beyond clinical practice. Cynthia, who earned her BS in psychology at 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 in 2024, pursued the MPH to pair clinical knowledge with a population–level perspective.

He originally hoped to graduate alongside Cynthia, but the pandemic, his dental practice and securing a practicum site extended his timeline. He ultimately completed his practicum with the Pacific Institute of Hawaiʻi on the Big Island, examining oral health outcomes and the dental workforce.

Cynthia, still completing coursework, plans to focus her career on the intersections of clinical care and public health. Her year at the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health helped shape that interest, but watching her father advance through the program also strengthened her decision.

“It was motivating to see him do that and that I could do that too,” said Cynthia.

Despite holding multiple advanced degrees, Terry says the MPH broadened his understanding of the systems that keep communities healthy.

“The public health program has been eye opening,” he said. “A big takeaway is the need to work with legislators and being a voice in the community and a champion for causes… It’s pretty intense.”

Having attended three other higher education institutions, Terry also credits 东精影业 for providing his most meaningful academic experience. “People can say Hawaiʻi has the ʻohana spirit, but here at 惭腻苍辞补 you can really feel it,” he said.

Engaging in cultural and social activities is strongly linked to better mental health for Native Hawaiian, American Indian & Alaska Native elders, according to a new study from the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 published in .

Researchers from the analyzed survey data from more than 19,000 older adults who participated in a national assessment sponsored by the . Conducted every three years, the survey helps inform planning, long–term care discussions & grant applications for programs that support Indigenous elders.

Traditions linked to better mental health

“We found that frequent participation in traditional cultural practices & social activities was strongly associated with better mental health,” said Miquela Ibrao, assistant professor and one of the study鈥檚 lead authors from the . “In contrast, functional limitations—such as difficulties bathing, dressing, cooking & cleaning for oneself—and caregiver burden were associated with poorer mental health.”

Among the three groups studied, Native Hawaiian elders reported the highest average mental health score.

“This may be because Native Hawaiian elders were most likely to regularly participate in cultural activities, as Hawaiʻi traditions like hula & mele are celebrated across the islands,” said Kathryn Braun, professor of public health sciences. “Also, the Native Hawaiian sample had the highest proportion of retirees.”

Ibrao said the findings highlight the value of community programs that honor cultural traditions, helping Indigenous elders stay mentally & emotionally healthy.

The research was co-authored by Jane Lee, Yan Yan Wu & Jordan Lewis of the Thompson school, along with collaborators from the Center for Rural Health at the , the & Southcentral Foundation.

The COVID‑19 pandemic revealed just how vital Hawaiʻi’s public health workers are—from keeping water safe to tracking disease outbreaks. A new (HJH&SW) Special Issue maps out challenges, innovations, and opportunities shaping the future of public health in the islands.

Guest edited by University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 faculty members Tetine Sentell and Rebekah Rodericks from the in the , and Lola Irvin from the (DOH) along with many statewide partners, this special issue serves as a roadmap for sustaining and expanding Hawaiʻi’s diverse public health workforce. Conceived in response to the extraordinary efforts and capacity strains experienced during the pandemic, it highlights the urgency and opportunity to grow a workforce in ways that reflect and serve 贬补飞补颈ʻ颈鈥檚 communities.

Workforce challenges and urgent needs

Public health professionals help ensure clean air and water, safe food, and healthy environments for all residents. Yet, chronic underfunding, staff shortages, and burnout threaten this essential work. A recent DOH survey found that 43% of DOH employees (compared to 36% of other state employees) were considering leaving within a year. The department also reported a 30% vacancy rate, highlighting the ongoing workforce shortage. Nationally, public health and prevention make up less than 5% of all health spending and are often a target for budget cuts.

Areas of innovation and resilience

Despite these challenges, the special issue also provides solutions and successes:

• (PDF): providing policymakers with data to plan for future needs.
• (PDF): expanding career pathways and training for students in water, toxicology, and other areas of environmental health.
• (PDF): meeting the needs of k奴puna (elders) and caregivers.
• (PDF): social workers contributing through advocacy, disaster response, grief counseling, health promotion, and policy change to advance health equity.
• (PDF): the Department of Public Health Sciences strengthening workforce capacity, diversity, and connectedness by centering students and community.
• (PDF): integrating Indigenous knowledge in student training to support public health workforce diversity.
• (PDF): building future leaders through training and leadership opportunities.

“This issue articulates the multifaceted importance of this workforce in the state, as well as its size, needs, opportunities and areas of innovation and achievement,” said Sentell, professor and chair of the Department of Public Health Sciences. “We thank the journal, our amazing expert editorial board, and the reviewers and authors of the special issue for their time and expertise that made this possible.”

At the Hawaiʻi Health Workforce Summit on September 6, 2025, 东精影业 and DOH hosted a session on supporting Hawaiʻi’s public health workforce. A follow-up webinar on October 7, co-hosted with the Hawaiʻi Public Health Institute, continued the discussion and shared resources, including a .

More than 80 students, researchers, health professionals and community members gathered on October 18, at Palama Settlement for the 3rd annual Araw ng Saliksik: Health Research Report Back to the Filipino Community. The event was organized by , a group of Hawaiʻi鈥檚 Filipino health researchers, founded by the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 faculty, in partnership with the Hawaiʻi Public Health Institute (HIPHI).

Araw ng Saliksik—Tagalog for “Day of Research”—was created to share studies, stories and ideas that improve the health of Filipinos in Hawaiʻi. It also ensures that research involving Filipinos is conducted with the community and shared back in meaningful, accessible ways.

Honoring heritage through research

Research in the Filipino community is thriving with its own Filipino researchers.
—May Rose Dela Cruz

This year鈥檚 program coincided with the Filipino American History Month theme, “From Quotas to Communities: Filipino American Migration and Movement.” The theme honored the journeys of the first sakadas (Filipino plantation workers) who arrived in Hawaiʻi in 1906 and the continued stories of migration, identity and belonging among Filipino families today.

Photographs of ancestors were placed at the front of the room, inviting attendees to honor those who came before them. Reflective activities encouraged participants to map their families鈥� home provinces in the Philippines and share intergenerational memories and traditions.

The event included remarks from Clemen Montero of the 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 , and May Rose Dela Cruz, founder of Pinerds, director of community health research at HIPHI, and associate researcher with the 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 .

“Research in the Filipino community is thriving with its own Filipino researchers,” said Dela Cruz. “Conducting research with this community is important, but it鈥檚 just as important to share the data and stories back to them so they can see the fruits of their contributions and feel empowered to be part of the decisions that impact their health.”

Students leading the way in research

Students from Waipahu and Farrington high schools showcased projects on Filipino health and community, followed by undergraduate, graduate and medical students from the 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 Department of Public Health Sciences and the , who presented on mental health, caregiving and chronic disease.

Community organizations, including the Hawaiʻi Workers Center, Hawaiʻi Primary Care Association and , also shared resources and information.

An innovative classroom activity that uses artificial intelligence (AI) tools plus a card game is teaching University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 public health students how international trade and resource management affect population health.

Designed as an engaging trading card simulation for PH 203: Introduction to Global Health, the Global Health Trade Summit allows (DPHS) students to represent countries in a global summit, managing health-related resources and navigating trade negotiations, especially during real-world health emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Instructor Uday “AJ” Patil created the activity using AI tools such as ChatGPT. The game features trading cards with realistic imagery and historical economic data, offering a highly interactive way to understand global health systems.

Real-world challenges through gameplay

In the game, students play through several rounds of international trade, culminating in a pandemic scenario where access to vaccines, personal protective equipment (PPE), and expertise becomes increasingly limited.

“During the pandemic round, students quickly realized that they needed to store up on medicines, vaccines, PPE, lab and imaging technology and expertise鈥攁nd for those representing low- and middle-income countries, there was a large price tag or a long wait time, leading to devastating effects,” said Patil.

The activity aligns with Council on Education for Public Health standards, reinforcing essential skills such as ethical decision-making, collaboration and leadership. Early student feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many describing the game as an eye-opening experience.

The game was first introduced in fall 2024, enhanced with additional elements in spring 2025 and is scheduled to return to the curriculum in fall 2025.

Patil and his colleagues are now exploring the use of board and video games to simulate other public health scenarios, including disease outbreaks and migrant health.

“At a minimum, instructors should find opportunities to teach AI literacy because it鈥檚 not only a marketable skill but also an essential ability in an increasing number of jobs,” Patil said. “My dream is for all faculty to consider integrating AI tools into their teaching, equipping students to solve formidable interdisciplinary problems.”

Patil developed the project with support from recent Master of Social Work graduate Melissa Terada and guidance from Associate Professor Denise Nelson-Hurwitz.

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Two graduates from the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 were nationally honored for their leadership in maternal and child health. Renzymeir Baloran and Eden Sun received the Emerging Maternal and Child Health Professional Award from the at a ceremony in Washington, D.C.

The award recognizes professionals under 45 who have made significant contributions to the health of women, children and families. Baloran and Sun, who earned their master鈥檚 of public health (MPH) in spring 2022 and spring 2023 respectively, currently oversee the (PMHCA) program at the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health. The program supports pediatric providers with teleconsultation, training, technical assistance and care coordination to help diagnose, treat and refer children and youth with behavioral health needs.

Shaping the future of pediatric mental health

In collaboration with the Hawaii Community Foundation and The Queen鈥檚 Medical Center, the pair launched the Mental Health Pediatric Access Line, the state鈥檚 first support line dedicated to pediatric primary care providers. Their work has expanded into crisis response and workforce development, including mental health support during the Lahaina wildfires and statewide pediatric training.

“In public health, we are always learning and listening,” said Sun. “We have some knowledge and understanding, but to move forward with our work, we must also learn from and collaborate with others who are experts about their communities and fields.”

Mentorships that shaped their paths

Their interest in public health was shaped during their time in MPH program. Baloran, who specialized in , credits the program鈥檚 mentorship and hands-on experience for laying the foundation for her career.

“Dr. Elizabeth McFarlane has played a pivotal role in shaping my career path,” said Baloran. “Her support and motivation were constant throughout my entire graduate program. Everything I learned became incredibly relevant in my work, reinforcing how foundational Dr. McFarlane鈥檚 mentorship has been to my professional growth.”

Sun, who specialized in , said her commitment to community engagement was influenced by coursework in health promotion, theory and research methods. She credits Jane Chung-Do for her encouragement and support during and after the program. Sun also received guidance from McFarlane, who co-chaired her capstone and introduced her to Baloran, who later brought her onto the PMHCA team.

“As an advisor, Dr. Chung-Do was so supportive and really understood our experiences as students,” said Sun. “I鈥檓 truly grateful that even after finishing our graduate program, she continues to be an integral part of our public health journey.”

The Department of Public Health Sciences is housed in the .