Mentors and Volunteers

I am a current first-year medical student at the John A. Burns School of Medicine. While I am not set on a trajectory, I am very interested in neurology/neurosurgery. Before starting medical school, I was a Cancer Research Fellow at the National Institutes of Health (National Cancer Institute) where my research centered on characterizing the dendritic complexity of neurons in mouse models of disease and development. After spending two years there, I moved home to join Dr. Alika Maunakea's lab where I worked closely with community-based organizations like Ma'o Farms to measure the bio/social impact of these organizations' programs on interns. I am very passionate about understanding the role of socioeconomic factors on health outcomes for historically subjugated populations, and in my time at Dartmouth I published a paper looking at the biological outcomes of historical trauma (especially in Native Hawaiians). With Dr. Maunakea, I also managed an NSF grant to build an app for Covid-19 prognosis, tying technology into increasing access to screening. When I am not in the lab or at school, I enjoy exercising, going to the beach, baking and eating!

I am a Kanaka ʻŌiwi PhD student in the social sciences and comparative education program at UCLA's School of Education. My current research applies Kanaka ʻŌiwi methodologies, epistemologies, and theories to disrupt societal oppression in Hawai'i's K–12 schools and to elevate students' critical consciousness levels primarily through Native Hawaiian culture-based education. Previously, I worked as a secondary English teacher at Kea'au High School and served as a volunteer coach for its track and field team.

I am a master's student in Tropical Plant Pathology (TPP) at University of Hawaii at Manoa in the Department of Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences (PEPS). Currently, my research encompasses plant pathogenic fungi/oomycetes, their molecular interactions, and gene editing (e.g. CRISPR) of such. As a native Hawaiian, I have a major interest in Hawaii's food security and preservation of native species. I've worked a variety of jobs throughout my life, from dining halls to law offices, so hopefully my experiences can help others!

I'm a master's student in Earth and Planetary Sciences at UH Mānoa, studying the evolution of young dwarf stars and the planetary systems around them. I work closely with the Institute for Astronomy and Mauna Kea Observatories to obtain and analyze stellar spectra. I was a peer math tutor in high school, middle school tutor in college, and have been a teaching assistant for physics and chemistry laboratories, intro to advanced astronomy courses, and a cognitive science laboratory. I'm also a mentor for the HI-STAR program at the Institute for Astronomy. In my free time, I'm usually reading, going for a hike, or just lazing around at home with some ice cream.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rena-aerey-lee/

While in high school, I was involved with the Honors Science Research program at Kamehameha. Since then, I've moved into the communications field. I am currently a graduate student pursuing a Master's Degree in Communications and Digital Media at Pace University. I am proficient in graphic design, public relations tactics, and strategizing content across multi-platform social media. At this time, I am working at Pace University as a graduate assistant for the Athletic Communications Department in addition to coaching the Pace University Women's Softball team.

My name is Makana Castillo-Martin and I am a software engineer with Amazon Web Services in Reston, VA. I have TA'd and tutored mathematics and computer science both as an undergrad at Reed College and as a graduate assistant at the University of Maryland. In my free time I work out and spend time with my cats!

I am a mechanical engineer at MITRE and recently became the Task Lead for our in-house Fabrication Facility. I support R&D projects for government sponsors and internal research efforts. These projects vary widely and cut across different domains, but I often provide support in design, fabrication (conventional & additive), and analysis (structural, thermal, SWAP, etc). I graduated from Olin College of Engineering in 2018; they had an experimental approach to engineering education with mostly project-based courses. In my free time, I like to do personal engineering/design projects, knit, and draw.

I am a PhD candidate in Bioengineering at Stanford. My current research uses ultrasound to modulate brain activity. Previously, I was a teaching assistant for biomechanics at Georgia Tech and for image-based anatomy at Stanford.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mi-hyun-choi-a85198127/

I’m an incoming doctoral student at the University of Rhode Island studying Clinical Psychology. My research interests include studying health disparities in Native Hawaiian and indigenous populations, with a special focus on adapting substance use treatment protocols to better fit indigenous cultural paradigms. I dedicate my free time to dog rescue and podcasts.

Twitter: twitter.com/AlanaEganLeong

I am a PhD student in Environmental Science and Management at UCSB's Bren School. My research uses remote sensing to study revegetation patterns on unmanaged former agricultural lands, particularly sugarcane and pineapple fields in Hawai'i. I aim to improve our understanding of what drives succession patterns to guid conservation efforts and land management plans. I am also interested in analyzing how adaptations of Native Hawaiian food systems could enhance local food production and have additional social benefits for Hawai‘i today.

I'm a PhD candidate at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa and a Research Assistant at the Hawai'i Institute for Geophysics & Planetology. I am currently studying the behavior of volatiles on the Moon and remote sensing instrumentation. My past work experiences include planetary imaging research, tutoring, outreach, volunteer work, dance, and graphic design. In my free time, I teach dance at Queen Emma Ballet School & enjoy hiking, yoga, and hanging out with my cat.

Website: www.cmferrariwong.com
Instagram: @chiarameakalia
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/cferrariwong/

I am a first-year M.D. Candidate and am also interested in studying the impact of health policy on patient outcomes and behavior. I have some experience doing econometric studies and worked as an economic analyst at Pfizer for two years before starting medical school. In my free time I enjoy playing video games, doing YouTube exercise videos, and relaxing in NYC parks.

I am a medical student at University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine. I graduated from Harvard, where I majored in English and minored in Chemistry. I completed pre-med requirements and authored a creative fiction thesis. I am passionate about integration of the humanities into compassionate medical care. I have eight years of tutoring experience, in the sciences and writing. In my free time, I enjoy reading and baking.

I am a recent graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, where I was a teaching assistant for Mechanical Engineering Design Laboratory. I helped improve the hands-on design learning experience for mechanical engineering junior undergraduate projects, such as wind turbine, bungee jump, and water tower, and I helped students parse through design decisions. I am interested in innovative design for sustainability. As an Energy Data Analyst at Power & Systems Inspection Group, I evaluate and verify the energy use and efficiency of HVAC systems to provide informed recommendations. Some quarantine hobbies that I picked up are weekday morning workouts with my mom and succulent gardening.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaylin-marn/

I am a Software Engineer at JPMorgan Chase & Co., currently based out of New York City. I primarily work in a backend environment, utilizing Java and SQL to build out technical services for the bank. Previously, I was in school at Amherst College in Massachusetts, studying Computer Science and Native and Indigenous Studies. In my free time I enjoy biking and reading, as well as exploring the city from a socially distanced vantage point.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lehuamatsumoto/

Aloha, my name is Kealohi and I am a MS student in Civil and Environmental Engineering at UC Davis.

Brialyn Onodera was born and raised on the Big Island of Hawaii. She graduated from University of Hawaii at Manoa in 2017 with her bachelor's degree in mechanical engineer and is currently working towards an MBA from the Shidler College of Business. She works for the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope as a mechanical engineer supporting both the facility thermal systems, and integration testing and commissioning activities. In her free time, she enjoys exercising, doing yoga, playing video games and watching The Office.

My name is Kevin Shani and I am a PhD student at the Harvard University School of Engineering, where I work with organs-on-chips. My research particularly focuses on understanding cardiac disease pathophysiology and developing in vitro platforms for drug testing. I have been a tutor for more than a year now, and I really enjoy working with students and helping them understand whatever with which they have issues. In my free time, I love reading, taking long walks, and cooking traditional Albanian food.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-shani-8a0659117/

Aloha my name is Makana and I am from Waiʻanae, Oʻahu. I am a PhD candidate in Astrophysics at The Ohio State University. My research focuses on cosmology and astrophysics. So far, I have worked on escaping atmospheres on exoplanets, lensing of primordial black holes, and weak lensing of halos with dust. I have tutored at the University of Hawaiʻi in physics and math. One of my passions and motivations for my career choice is advancing and perpetuating educational opportunities for nā keiki of Hawaiʻi by expanding the horizons of oneʻs imagination through STEM.

I am a Master's Candidate in Marine Science at Hawaii Pacific University, focusing on marine viral ecology. My research focuses on comparing the viral communities of two different basaltic basement environments (aka the crust of the Earth at the bottom of the ocean) using various ‘omics tools. Previously, I was a biology and writing tutor at Hawaii Pacific University. In my free time, I love going snorkeling or hiking.

Ms. Stone is a Civil Engineer 2 at Black & Veatch’s Denver Water Group, who graduated in May of 2018 from Colorado State University with a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering and a minor in Business Administration. Ms. Stone started her career path at Black & Veatch in May of 2017 through an internship with the Denver Water Group and transitioned into working full-time in August of 2018. Ms. Stone has nearly three years of experience in planning, water system design, and construction phase services within the water industry. She has worked on water/wastewater treatment plants, hydraulic pipelines, and lift station projects.

I am currently completing my post-graduate year 2 pharmacy residency with Kaiser Permanente NorCal specializing in Medication-Use Safety & Policy. Previously, I was the PGY1 Pharmacy Resident w/ an emphasis in Geriatrics at Western University of Health Sciences and the Los Angeles Jewish Home. In my free time, I like to spend time with my family and friends, and I memorize the lyrics to 1 song every day.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelstone169/

My name is Keala Swafford. I am from Kahuku on the North Shore of O‘ahu. I am currently completing the Master of Science in Human Nutrition with Dietetic Internship (MSDI) at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, Oregon. My thesis is titled "Macronutrient content and glycemic control in adults with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus," specifically looking at the effects of fats and protein on postprandial glycemia. In my free time I like to bake and go beach.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kealaswafford/

I am a geospatial analyst in the Coastal Geology Group at UH Mānoa, SOEST. My research focuses on past, present, and future shoreline change in Hawaiʻi. In my free time, I like to be outdoors (mauka to makai), volunteer at mālama ʻāina events, and do a variety of art projects.

I am an undergraduate majoring in Product Design at Stanford University. Some of my extracurricular involvement includes working in the Collaborative Haptics and Robotics in Medicine Lab with research spanning soft robotics and haptic interfaces. Additionally, I am an aerodynamic/mechanical design engineer with Stanford Solar Car Project. I have no official teaching experience, but I love to help people with whatever the case may be – homework, applying for college, shooting a basketball, etc.

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/stevenhtrinh/

I am a PhD student in Mechanical Engineering at Northwestern University studying robotics. I recently graduated from Stanford with a MS in Mechanical Engineering where I worked in the Collaborative Haptics and Robotics in Medicine Lab, designing new soft manipulators for industrial tasks. At Stanford, I specialized in Manufacturing and Product Realization, Biomechanical Engineering, and Mechatronics, with a completed depth in Robotics. I also served as a course assistant in the Product Realization Lab and a teaching assistant for a course in additive manufacturing. My passions lay in the areas of rapid prototyping, product realization, and robotics, as well as how best to teach those areas.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-paul-trzpit-7aa66547/

I am a Family Nurse Practitioner starting a new job at the Tanana Chiefs Conference in Fairbanks, Alaska. I have previously served as a TA for Human Anatomy at UH Manoa and have held nursing positions at the US Department of Veterans Affairs, Nursefinders, Manoa Cottage, and the Aloha Free Clinic. I really enjoy spending time as a nurse and helping underserved communities. In my free time, I enjoy scrapbooking and eating KBBQ.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kara-yoshida-fnp/

I am a PhD Candidate in Mechanical Engineering at Stanford working in the Collaborative Haptics and Robotics in Medicine Lab. My current research spans soft robotics, neuroscience, and haptic interfaces. Previously, I was a teaching assistant for introductory physics courses at Harvard and a tutor with the Harvard Bureau of Study Council for multiple engineering courses (controls, mechanics, quantitative physiology, thermodynamics, etc.). In my free time, I like to write science fiction short stories and sing in the church choir.

Website: www.kyleyoshida.net

I am a first-year medical student at the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine.

I maintain and develop middleware (Mulesoft) and web applications (C#, .NET) for American Savings Bank. I will be maintaining the website, all our forms/surveys, and providing overall tech support. Please feel free to contact me with any issues or questions about the previous. In my free time I love to read and play video games.