About

Our Goal: to support all high school students into science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields through a year-long, strength-based and work-based program. Project Hōkūlani is available to high school students on Oʻahu, Lanaʻi, Kauaʻi and Hawaiʻi islands.

The Hōkūlani Program Model

The Hōkūlani program is a 5-component program, consisting of:

Academic Enrichment in Science
Students will gain an in-depth introduction to 6 different areas of science (health science, agricultural science, astronomy, creative/digital media, computer science, and sustainability). Each lesson will include hands-on activities.
Mentoring
The focus of these lessons will be to showcase the connection between science and local culture and practices. In addition, professionals in science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) careers will share the knowledge they gained on their journeys with our student participants.
College Transition Support
These lessons are designed to prepare students for college in STEM fields. Topics include: examples of STEM majors and classes, essay writing practice, scholarship program, helpful educational technology, and a college campus tour (if permitted).
STEM Internships
Students will have a real-world, firsthand experience working at a STEM workplace in their community. During their internship, students will be guided by their mentor to develop introductory skills and gain foundational knowledge in this particular career field.
ʻOhana Gatherings
Parents/Guardians/Kupuna of participating students will be invited to join our parent workshop series. In these workshops, parents/guardians will learn how to support their child(ren) in science learning and college transition at home, participate in STEM hands-on activities, and learn more about resources for college (such as early college/dual enrollment programs, scholarships/financial aid, and more!). Siblings of student participants are welcome to join the in-person activities too!

The Team

Project Hōkūlani Leads

Dr. Hye Jin Park
Principal Investigator
parkhye@hawaii.edu

Has over 20 years of experience working with various students. For about two decades, her research has brought multi-million dollar federal grants to Hawaiʻi’s education system. Currently, Dr. Park is a principal investigator and co-principal investigator of five STEM research projects. Dr. Park’s research interests include education for exceptional students and evaluation.

Dr. Kiriko Takahashi
Co-Principal Investigator
kiriko@hawaii.edu

Along with Dr. Park, Dr. Takahashi has directed numerous educational research and demonstration projects aimed to improve the STEM outcomes. She has over 20 years of experience working with children, youth and adults with various abilities and backgrounds. For Project Hōkūlani, she will provide guidance and expertise on how to support each student’s educational endeavors. Dr. Takahashi is passionate in seeing all students become excited about science and mathematics.

Jerrik Feliciano
Project Coordinator/ STEM Specialist
jerrik@hawaii.edu

He has over 10 years of experience working on federally funded grants aimed to provide STEM education for various students. For Project Hōkūlani, he provides specialization in teaching and developing science curriculum. Jerrik is passionate in providing opportunities for students to learn through fun hands-on lessons.

Dr. Kendra Nip
Data Coordinator
kendraw@hawaii.edu

For over a decade, she has worked on providing educational programs for various student populations. For Project Hōkūlani, she brings her expertise in data analysis. Kendra’s research interests also include educational and neuropsychological assessment and educational program evaluation.

Educators

Jerica Mānoa
Native Hawaiian Cultural Specialist
jmanoa@hawaii.edu

For over a decade, she has developed curriculum and programming for K-12 students addressing academic skills in math, reading, writing, communication and social skills. In addition, she has bridged student programming to parents, teachers, mentors and community members.

Robert Young
STEM Specialist
rgyoung@hawaii.edu

He has 13 years of experience in math and science education, including outreach projects, curriculum development, and teaching middle school, high school, and college throughout Hawaiʻi. Robert has over 7 years of extensive experience in scientific research in neuroscience and mathematical modeling.

Site Coordinators

(alphabetical by last name)

Dr. Lisa Galloway
Lanaʻi Island Project Coordinator
lgallowa@hawaii.edu

She has been an educator for 30+ years and most recently taught biology & environmental sciences at Lānaʻi High and Elementary School for 6 years. She also was the principal author of 2 Native Hawaiian Education curricula at the Center on Disability Studies over a period of 5 years.

Staff

(alphabetical by last name)

Dalen Kahiapo
Digital Media Specialist
dkahiapo@hawaii.edu

He has 20+ years of experience in digital media, visual communications, and incorporating technology into the development of curricula, learning management systems (LMS) and academic programs. In addition, he is a Nā Hōkū Hanohano award-winning graphic artist who has used his experience in digital technology and learning design to create innovative educational opportunities for all ages. He is also a board member of I Ola Lāhui – an organization tasked with responding to the urgent needs of Native Hawaiian and rural communities for mental health services.

Davin Takahashi
Educational Specialist
davinkt@hawaii.edu

A year out of graduating from the University of Hawai’i at Manoa, he has brought his computer science background in providing IT support and assistance with various STEM education projects at the Center on Disability Studies. He hopes to further explore ways in which technology can contribute to the improvement of education and other areas of life.

Science Instructors

(alphabetical by last name)

Douglas Weidman

He has extensive years of experience in teaching and mentoring in his area of interest: science, career & technical education. His greatest life tip to pass on to students is to “listen to the teachers as some of them have gone to college.”

Communities of Practice (COP) Members

Kelli Ching
Native Hawaiian Science and Engineering Mentorship Program, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

Jared Galeai
Center on Disability Studies, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

Jared Galeai is a Junior Specialist at the University of Hawaiʻi, Center on Disability Studies. He works as the Principal Investigator with the DVR Transition Education & Benefits Planning Project and the Work Incentives Planning & Assistance Project. He completed his MEd in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Hawaii, Manoa. He worked as a Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor in the State of California working with College and High school students. He is a Community Work Incentives Coordinator. His interests are working with individuals with disabilities to achieve work goals and live independently.

David Kekaulike Sing, Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus, University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo
Managing Partner, Educational Prism, LLC

Designed an education model and directed programs at K-12 (Na Pua No’eau) and in higher education (Ke Ola Mau Health Pathways, Hawaiian Leadership Development Program) that raise achievement and aspirations through a pedagogy that integrates native perspective, history, language, culture and values. Mobilized native Hawaiian education caucus groups creating a voice for native Hawaiian education to be heard through grass roots venues (Native Hawaiian Education Association and Hawaiian Leadership Conference). Dr. Sing was awarded the National Indian Education Association Educator of the Year Award in 2008 and Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021. In 1991 and 2009 he received the Native Hawaiian Education Award recognized as the outstanding educator for contributing to the achievement and educational enrichment of Native Hawaiian children.

Dr. Sing received his master’s and doctorate degrees from Claremont University in California.

Dr. Kamuela Yong
Department of Math and Natural Sciences, University of Hawaiʻi at West Oʻahu

Dr. Kamuela Yong is the first Native Hawaiian to earn a Ph.D. in applied mathematics and is a co-founder of Indigenous Mathematicians. Dr. Yong is an Associate Professor of Mathematics at the University of Hawaii – West Oahu. His research interests include mathematical modeling of biological, ecological, and epidemiological systems using diffusion. Currently Dr. Yong is writing an OER textbook on trigonometry through Polynesian navigation. Dr. Yong is the 2019 recipient of the Frances Davis Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching and the 2020 recipient of the University of Hawai‘i Regents’ Medal for Excellence in Teaching.

Digital Media Policy

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