2020 News Article
Shark Bites December 2020
#SharkBites: As we look forward to the New Year, we salute the HPU 'Ohana's accomplishments and achievements in 2020.
Student Messages: COVID-19 Updates
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Nursing Professor Named 2020 Teacher of the Year
Associate Professor of Nursing Hazel Downing, RN, MN, Ed.D., is the 2020 HPU Teacher of the Year.
International Business Professor Invited to Participate in US Department of State Meeting of Experts
Harm-Jan Steenhuis, Ph.D., College of Business Associate Dean and Professor of Management, International Business, participated in the virtual two-day meeting organized by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
Graduate Sustainability Students Collaborate with Environmental Communication Students in Galapagos
The HPU students, partnering with USF Galapagos campus students, analyzed management approaches to key sustainability issues in Hawaii and Galapagos.
Shark Bites November 2020
#SharkBites: We're rounding out the month of giving thanks with some of our favorite November events! We're thankful for our 'ohana who have created such a strong sense of community during these socially distanced times.
Undergraduate Valedictory Speaker Named for Fall 2020 Commencement Ceremony
Vanessa Wong named Fall 2020 Undergraduate Valedictory Speaker
Graduate Valedictory Speaker Named for Fall 2020 Commencement Ceremony
Anita Harrington named Fall 2020 Graduate Valedictory Speaker
Where Are They Now? Four Alumni Nancy Foster Scholarship Recipients
The NOAA scholarship program allows graduate marine science students to undertake applied research.
HPU’s Inaugural Class of Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Students Started the Rigorous Course of Study This Fall
The University Is Accepting Applications for the Next PsyD Program Cohort
Student Messages: COVID-19 Updates
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Information Systems Faculty Member Presents on ‘Big Data and Analytics’
Ghazwan Hassna, Ph.D., was invited as a featured speaker to the Rotary Club of Metropolitan Honolulu.
College of Business Co-sponsors Virtual Project Management Exam Preparation Workshop
Associate Professor Larry Rowland, Ed.D., PMP, led this workshop in conjunction with the Project Management Institute Honolulu Chapter.
Chemistry Professor Co-publishes a Review of a Potential New Therapeutic Strategy for Treating Stroke and Similar Diseases in Adults and Newborns
David Horgen, Ph.D., and fellow scientists had their paper published in the journal Acta Pharmalogica Sinica.
Student Messages: COVID-19 Updates
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Shark Bites October 2020
#SharkBites: This month, we marked the start of our fall 8B semester, President Gotanda hosted a virtual talk story session about the supreme court with a professor from Villanova University, and we had faculty members called upon for media commentary regarding the 2020 election! Check out the roundup for all of our favorite highlights!
Science Outreach Director Serves As a Panelist on Aquaculture Webinar
HPU's Gary Karr joined representatives from NOAA and Waianae High School Marine Science Learning Center to present a webinar in celebration of Seafood Month.
Lorraine Marais: The Heart of a Social Worker
A tribute to Lorraine Marais, former Director of the School of Social Work.
Faculty Member Publishes Article on Ecotourism and Sustainable Development in Galapagos
The paper of Adam Burke, Ph.D., provides a critique of Galapagos' land-sea binary, path dependency on ecotourism, economic leakage, and ways ecotourism practices dissociate Galapaguenos from marine species.
Business Faculty Publish Article on Advertising and Consumer Rights Under Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act
The paper of Michelle Alarcon, J.D., and Joseph Ha, Ph.D., is published in the Journal of Applied Business Research.
School of Social Work Alumni Updates
See what the School of Social Work Alumni are doing in service of the community and the profession.
College of Health and Society Holds White Coat Ceremony for the Class of 2022
The September 28 ceremony was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including approximately 40 students and their family and friends and faculty.
Faculty Member Publishes Article on Ecosystem Resilience and Climate Change in Galapagos
Regina Ostergaard-Klem, Ph.D., recently co-authored an article, focusing on research results from an interdisciplinary workshop.
HPU and Tokyo Women’s Medical University (TWMU) Take Part in a Virtual Exchange Class
MSN students of Professor Patricia Burrell, PhD, and TWMU students present and dialogue on the theme, "Healthcare Policy Issues and COVID-19"
Marine Science Graduate Student Publishes Thesis Research, Working with Collaborators
HPU's Pelagicos Lab, working with collaborators, published the first paper from Sara Donahue's MS thesis.
Shark Bites September 2020
September #SharkBites Roundup: This month, our HPU 'ohana announced the launch of a new student research center, participated in a virtual concert with Josh Tatofi, and helped clear two tons of ghost nets in Kailua Bay!
Faculty Researchers to Lead the Creation of the HPU Undergraduate Infrastructure Student Research Center
National Institutes of Health and National Institute on General Medical Sciences granted $750,000 to HPU to launch the HUISRC.
HPU, Chaminade, and Windward Community College Collaborate on Research Study
Associate Professor of Chemistry Lei Wang, Ph.D., and fellow researchers' paper has been accepted for publication by the PLOS ONE journal.
Cinematic Multimedia Arts Students on the Front Line of the New Normal
Multimedia 3600 students of Associate Professor Peter Britos, Ph.D., are in class adhering to best practices for cinematic and creative crews.
‘Going Above and Beyond,’ HPU’s Summer Guides
Nearly 80 faculty and staff volunteered to serve as Summer Guides, helping incoming first-year students.
Political Science Professor Presents at the 2020 American Political Science Association Meeting
Assistant Professor of Political Science Ngoc Phan, Ph.D., presented her paper, The Political Legacy of US Occupation on Native Hawaiian Identity
Student Messages: COVID-19 Updates
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Master's in Sustainability Faculty Publishes Article on Indigenous Urban Geographies
Serge Marek, Ph.D., recently published an article, which is an offshoot of his Ph.D. research and explores ways that Māōri were adapting the city to their cultural ways of life and world views.
International Vocal Ensemble (IVE) Studies The Seven Last Words of the Unarmed
Civil rights activist DeRay Mckesson joined the IVE for a discussion as they prepare for their performance.
Economics Faculty Member's Award-Winning Book Published in Thai
The Freidrich Naumann Foundation in Bangkok published in Thai The Adventures of Jonathan Gullible by Associate Professor of Economics Ken Schoolland.
Shark Bites August 2020
August #SharkBites roundup: We can't believe August has already come to an end! We're proud of all of our ʻohana members for making a positive mark on our community this month. Check out the highlights!
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Candidates Defend Their Theses
Five DNP candidates presented their theses at a virtual event hosted by the College of Health and Society on August 14.
HPU Senior Vice President Selected As an Omidyar Fellow
Jan Boivin joins 15 other community leaders in Cohort VIII of the Omidyar Fellows.
Oceanic Institute of HPU Researcher Receives Grant to Study Shrimp Genomics
Dustin Moss, Ph.D., has been awarded a two-year $310,000 National Institute of Food and Agriculture grant.
Update on a Play and a Screenplay by HPU Professor of English
The Bad Woman of Chinatown, a play by Mark Tjarks, Ph.D., will be presented at the 2020 online PlayBuilders Festival. His co-written screenplay Hard Courts was selected as a semi-finalist in the 2020 Creative Screenwriting Screenplay Competition.
Shark Bites July 2020
Check out our Shark Bites highlights as we say goodbye to July & hello to August! This past month we developed a COVID-19 contact tracers’ course, hosted the Advanced Placement Summer Institute online, introduced basic Hawaiian words in one of our #VirtualHPU sessions, & installed thermal scanning kiosks throughout campus!
Facilities Department Recognized As Ke Kaukahi Award Winner
The Facilities Department has put in place enhanced health and safety measures as HPU looks forward to welcoming our students to an in-person, on-campus Fall semester.
Melissa Matsubara Honored As Ke Kaukahi Award Winner
Melissa Matsubara, Director of Study Abroad and International Exchange Programs, helps students have life-changing, eye-opening experiences.
HPU Libraries Honored with Ke Kaukahi Award Honorable Mention
The Libraries already robust digital infrastructure made for a smooth transition during changes necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Academic Advising Presented with Ke Kaukahi Award Honorable Mention
Academic Advising serves as a crucial nexus between students and the University.
Darlene Ramos Recognized with Ke Kaukahi Award Honorable Mention
Darlene Ramos, Coordinator and Advisor, Dual-Credit Programs, consistently reaches out to see if she can help her coworkers with tasks.
Jeff Harris Presented with Ke Kaukahi Award Honorable Mention
Jeff Harris, Manager of Maintenance and Security for Oceanic Institute, works tirelessly to ensure the OI facility operates efficiently and effectively.
$4,000 Scholarship for HPU Alumni to Pursue a Graduate-level Degree
$4,000 Scholarship for HPU Alumni to Pursue a Graduate-level Degree
Look Closer: Breakthroughs in Aquaculture at Oceanic Institute
Yellow tang, the top aquarium fish collected from Hawai‘i’s reefs, is also one of the world’s most popular. A series of breakthroughs in the feeding and nurturing of the fish in captivity now enables their production through aquaculture to help alleviate the stress on Hawaii’s marine ecosystem.
HPU Responses to American Civil Unrest
Amid the recent events that have underscored the nation’s challenges related to racial injustice and violence, HPU’s leadership responded with communications across our ‘Ohana. Please read the following messages, first from President Gotanda on June 2, followed by a message from Provost Walsh on June 11.
Smitten, First in Hawai‘i Named a Fellow of the Society for Simulation in Healthcare Academy
Jayne Smitten, PhD, Director for HPU’s College of Health and Society Simulation Center, is among 13 individuals selected for the Class of 2020 Fellows of the SSH Academy and is one of only 73 honored globally with the SSH Academy Fellow distinction.
HPU Receives International Awards for Communications and Marketing
HPU Receives International Awards for Communications and Marketing
Oceanic Institute (OI) Yellow Tang Research Strides Are Important to Protecting Our Environment
OI's research breakthrough is noted in a recent Civil Beat podcast, "Can Aquarium Fishing Be Sustainable?"
Natural Science Faculty and Alumni and Fellow Scientists Publish Research on Box Jellyfish Venom
Professors Berger and Horgen and their former students collaborated with scientists at UH and institutions in Japan.
Coming Together as a Community: A Q and A with Our Student Retention Specialist
Coming Together as a Community: A Q and A with Our Student Retention Specialist
Hawaiʻi Pacific University Professor Wins 2020 Kenneth W. Baldridge Prize
Hawaiʻi Pacific University Professor Wins 2020 Kenneth W. Baldridge Prize
HPU 2020 Online Capstone Symposium: An Unprecedented Accomplishment
After a few days of launching the Capstone Symposium YouTube channel, it had gathered 3,500 views from more than 900 unique viewers from across the globe.
By-the-Numbers: A Story of HPU Libraries Resources and Services
Highlighting the 2019-2020 Academic Year
Political Science Professor Presents Native Hawaiian Survey at Association’s Virtual Meeting
Ngoc Phan, Ph.D., presented her preliminary research findings at the 2020 Western Political Science Association virtual meeting.
Silver Linings: A Q and A with Career Instructional Faculty Member AnnMarie Manzulli
Silver Linings: A Q and A with Career Instructional Faculty Member AnnMarie Manzulli
New Microplastic Pollution Research Reporting Guidelines Released
Researchers from Hawai‘i Pacific University and NIST and other organizations produce easy-to-use documents for scientists
Announcing the HPU 2020 First Look Mixed-Media Festival Award Winners
The program held simultaneously on ZOOM, Facebook Live, and Facebook Watch Party was screened fully online.
HPU Board Member Receives Japan’s Order of the Rising Sun
HPU Board Member Receives Japan’s Order of the Rising Sun
Staying Engaged with Students Virtually: A Q and A with the Assistant Director of Student Activities
Chez Neilson said she looks forward to resuming in-person campus activities.
MA TESOL Graduates Present Their Capstone Portfolios and Theses at a Virtual Celebration
The Friday, May 1, event also recognized graduating BA TESOL and TESOL Certificate students.
Acknowledging Her Professors: A Q and A with a Marine Biology and Environmental Studies Major
Angelianne Recinto credits her professors in helping her transition to online instruction in March.
Royal Anthropological Institute (RAI) Names Professor of Anthropology Honorary Fellow
The RAI Council elected Professor of Anthropology Robert Borofsky, Ph.D., an Honorary Fellow of its institute.
Billy Mayer Relives Churchillian History
Hawaiʻi Pacific University graduate student William “Billy” Mayer received a National Churchill Library Center Graduate Fellowship which funded his thesis research on the legendary leader Winston Churchill.
HPU Research Center Awarded Grant to Protect Reefs from Plastic Pollution
HPU Research Center Awarded Grant to Protect Reefs from Plastic Pollution
Oceanic Institute (OI) of HPU Engages in Project, Studying Three Ancient Hawaiian Fishponds
The OI Finfish Department, led by Director Chad Callan, Ph.D., completed a three-year project in collaboration with Conservation International.
Embracing Online Learning: A Q and A with a Professor of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
In this Q&A with Hanh thi Nguyen, Ph.D., she reflects on how her online course lesson preparation has adjusted and how her class uses audio, chat, screen sharing, and video, maintaining engaging discussions.
Certified Associate of Project Management (CAPM) Certification Exam Prep Course Held at HPU
In February, HPU student and alumni participated in a six-week exam preparation course on the Project Management Institute’s Project Management Body of Knowledge.
The HPU Short Script Contest Winners Announced
Congratulations to all the winners in the Best Original Script and Best Adapted Script categories.
HPU Alumni Profile - Celina Barrios
Alumni Celina Barrios earned her undergraduate and graduate degree at HPU then went on to get her doctoral degree. See more of her story here.
Public Health Professor Says Students Are Superheroes - HPU
Public Health Department Chair Christian T. Gloria, Ph.D., finds great reward in mentoring society's future Public Health professionals, who will dedicate their lives to protecting others, preventing diseases, promoting health, and saving lives.
First-generation student Ashlynn Wells - Hawaii Pacific University
First-generation college student, Ashlynn Wells, is paving the way for fellow Cambodian Americans to succeed through her educational journey studying abroad, creating content for HPU’s Communications and Marketing team, and being a leader on-campus.
Continuing in Unity and Caring about Our Community: A Q and A with a Nursing Major
Brielle Hudik shares what she is up to with her courses, extracurricular activities, and work, since shifting to studying and working remotely.
The Learning Commons Is Open, and the Libraries’ Services and Resources Are Available Virtually
The team is fully committed to providing full support to the campus community in this time of uncertainty.
HPU Celebrates Student Achievement Online: All Are Invited
Top student talent will be on display at Hawai’i Pacific University’s 8th Annual Capstone Symposium, slated for Thursday, April 23, starting at 1 p.m., HST. An array of student research, project, creative work, and internship/practicum experience will be presented this year in an online setting, open to campus and the public alike.
Shifting to Online Instruction: A Q and A with Assistant Professor, Instructional Designer
Han Nee Chong, Ed.D., shares how she helped to prepare the HPU campus community for the transition to online instruction.
HPU Conducts Virtual Admitted Student Receptions (ASRs)
Due to the evolving COVID-19 situation, HPU refocused its plans for ASRs, shifting from in-person receptions to virtual events.
Professor of Chemistry and Fellow Scientists Publish Research
Professor of Chemistry David Horgen, Ph.D., and research colleagues from the University of Massachusetts and The Queen’s Medical Center authored a paper that will be published in the journal Cell Calcium, Vol 87, May 2020.
Oceanic Institute (OI) Researchers and Graduate Students Present at Aquaculture Conference
Ten individuals conducting research at OI of HPU gave six presentations at the Feb. 9 through 12 Aquaculture America 2020 conference, sponsored by the World Aquaculture Society, and held in Honolulu.
Men’s Basketball Team Engages with Youth in the Community
The Sharks represented HPU at the Maemae Elementary School Fitness Day and Makalapa Elementary School’s annual Read Aloud and Career Day.
Arts Instructor and Scientists Exhibit Work at Bishop Museum
Denise Karabinus, who instructs Sustainable Art and Design, ARTS 1003, recently collaborated with scientists at the Bishop Museum studying shipworms.
Student Services Center Manager Named
HPU has appointed Kelly Lucero for this new role where she will collaboratively partner with key stakeholders.
HPU Supports Hawai‘i High Schoolers’ LifeSmarts Competition
HPU provided scholarships to the 20 student competitors, representing the four semifinalist teams of the competition.
HPU Provides College Campus Safety Training to Kamehameha High School Seniors
The training program includes street-smart safety tips and addresses the strong correlation between alcohol consumption and sex assault.
Federal Work-Study (FWS) Job Fair: Win-Win for Students and Colleges and Departments
The Career Development Center hosted an FWS Job Fair, bringing together students seeking employment and department with open FWS positions.
Corporate Data Management Expert Speaks to Information Systems’ Students
HMSA data management expert spoke to students in the Business Analytics for Big Data Revolution course of Ghazwan Hassna, Ph.D.
The Center for Marine Debris Research (CMDR) chairs Marine Debris and Microplastics session at Aquaculture Conference
CMDR co-director, Dr. Jennifer Lynch, and postdoctoral research associate, Dr. Katy Shaw, chaired a Marine Debris and Microplastics session at the Aquaculture America conference in Honolulu Hawaii on February 12, 2020. This session focused on the role plastics play in aquaculture and potential threats to environmental health from marine debris as a result from aquaculture activities. Scientists presented on topics including lost and abandoned fishing gear, the effects of microplastics in fish, and the threat of nanoplastics to aquatic life. Dr. Shaw presented research on the occurrence of aquaculture gear, specifically oyster spacers, found in marine debris in Hawaii.
UNIQLO Managers Present to Marketing Students
Managers of UNIQLO shared with the students how the corporation embeds the core concept of sustainability in its business operations.
HPU Nursing Hosts Its White Coat Ceremony
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing White Coat Ceremony celebrated the entry of 59 students into the Nursing school.
The Center for Marine Debris Research hosts their first beach cleanup educational booth
The Center for Marine Debris Research created a partnership with the Surfrider Foundation Oahu Chapter to host their first educational outreach booth at the Kahuku beach clean up. It was estimated that 135 people attended the event!
Thermo-Fisher Scientific provides the iN10MX Microscope FTIR to the Center for Marine Debris Research
Thermo-Fisher Scientific has donated the iN10MX Infrared Imaging Microscope to the Center for Marine Debris Research to answer some of the most complex and pressing questions of our time about plastic pollution. The iN10MX is capable of identifying intricate microplastic samples and features a mapping array function that enables the identification of thousands of particles in a few hours as opposed to single point analysis which can take days or weeks for the same amount of particles. As CMDR regularly processes thousands of plastic samples, this instrument will greatly enhance CMDR’s efficiency and capabilities in marine debris science.
Sophomores Invited to Halfway to Graduation Event
The Office of Student Activities launched this event to recognize the achievements of sophomores.
Staff Council Recognizes the Accounts Receivable Department
The Accounts Receivable team is the Fall 2019 Ke Kaukahi award recipient.
Staff Council Presents Award to Head Athletic Trainer
Kelly Wescott is the Fall 2019 Ke Kaukahi individual recipient honoree.
Math Professor and Student Present at the Joint Mathematics Meeting (JMM) in Denver
Tara Davis, Ph.D., and Alexxis De Lamere gave a talk at the JMM, a meeting attended by approximately 5,000 individuals.
Philosophy and Humanities Professor Invited to Deliver Speech for Think Tank in China
The Chinese Academy of Social Sciences invited Associate Professor Matthew LoPresti, Ph.D., to Jinan, China, to give a speech.
Biology Professor Receives National Science Foundation (NSF) Collaborative Research Grant
Assistant Professor of Biology Olivia Nigro, Ph.D., is a recipient of an NSF grant, which is a collaboration between HPU, the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa, and Hartwick College.
HPU Winter First Look Mixed-Media Festival Winners Announced
HPU’s Cinematic Multimedia Arts screened student mixed media projects at the Winter 2019 First Look Mixed-Media Festival.
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Working Paper Series Published
The TESOL Program published its 17th volume of its Working Paper Series, including research papers and essays by HPU students.
Oceanic Institute (OI) of HPU Scientists Co-author Research Article on Aquaculture in Hawai‘i
Chad Callan, Ph.D., Director of OI of HPU’s Finfish Department, and Shaun Moss, Ph.D., Executive Director of OI of HPU, co-authored an article with other aquaculture experts in Hawai‘i.