Office of Sponsored Programs

Can you please introduce yourself? 

My name is Guanlin Gao, and I am an Associate Professor of Economics in the School of Business. I am honored to serve as the inaugural Director of the Economic Education Center for Excellence (EECE) at Chaminade University. Our center’s mission is to advance prosperity and economic justice in Hawai‘i and the US-affiliated Pacific through integrated economic education, training, and community-based research. I have been a part of the Chaminade ohana since 2017, and I am deeply committed to contributing to our university’s vision of service, leadership, and positive impact on society.

You have recently won several grants, can you please tell us a little about your different projects? 

I have been fortunate to secure several grants to support my educational and research programs, which align closely with the mission and values of Chaminade University. Currently, my work focuses on three significant projects.

The first project involves building resilience and promoting vital equity in underserved Indigenous communities. Through this initiative, we aim to empower these communities with economic knowledge and tools that can foster economic growth and social well-being. The second project centers on providing accessible and sustainable economics and personal finance training for K-12 teachers and students in Hawai‘i. By equipping educators with the necessary skills and resources, we empower them to impart valuable economic and financial literacy to our future generations. The third project is dedicated to incorporating Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders’ cultures and values into economics education. By embracing diverse perspectives and integrating cultural elements into the curriculum, we create a more inclusive and culturally responsive learning environment and share the invaluable Indigenous wisdoms with the rest of the world.

In the upcoming academic year (AY23-24), my research and service focus will be on providing professional development opportunities for local K-12 educators, supporting students in economics and personal finance enrichment programs in local Title I schools, and promoting the provision and consumption of healthy, culturally appropriate foods within the food sovereignty framework. These projects represent my dedication to positively impact our community and align with Chaminade University’s core commitments.

How do you see your work impacting yourself and our community?

As an educator, I truly believe we make a difference. The privilege of serving our wonderful students and the community keeps me humble and motivated to move forward every day. I would like to see my programs provide quality economics and personal finance education and prepare our next generation for life, service, and successful careers. By engaging with Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders’ cultures and values, we foster a multicultural learning environment that draws on our unique Pacific Island location, enriching our educational community.

Witnessing the positive impact on our students and the community reaffirms my belief in the transformative power of education. It is a rewarding journey, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of shaping the future of our students and making a meaningful contribution to the community we serve.

How do you see your grant work aligning with the mission of our school?

I see my grant work as an integral part of Chaminade’s “mission in action,” particularly in the areas of community service and reflecting the character of our university. All my efforts are dedicated to supporting EECE’s mission on advancing prosperity and economic justice in Hawai‘i and the US-affiliated Pacific.

Moreover, all my programs involve Chaminade students. I take great pleasure in mentoring my students and witnessing their growth into holistic individuals. I believe in “laulima”, the Native Hawaiian phrase saying that many hands make light work. Through our collective efforts, we actively contribute to the creation of a more just and peaceful society while fulfilling Chaminade University’s mission to serve our students, communities, and the Pacific region.

Why do you apply for grants?

I may sound like an economist here. Simply, we cannot create something out of nothing. By securing external funding through grants, I can undertake initiatives that would be challenging with limited institutional resources alone. For instance, all my programs involve Chaminade students, and securing grants enables me to provide student stipends. This way, my students can pursue their academic goals and give back to the community without facing financial dilemmas.

Moreover, applying for grants has two positive spillover effects. Firstly, successfully securing grants enhances Chaminade reputation and demonstrates our commitment to scholarship and community service. Secondly, by obtaining grants, we actively contribute to the broader goals of the university, ensuring transformative educational experiences for our students and making a positive impact on our community. Grants are a vital resource that empowers us to achieve our mission of service and leadership in society.

How has the OSP helped to support your grant work?

The Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) has played a crucial role in supporting my grant work, including but not limited to, identifying funding opportunities, providing training and assistance on proposal development, budget preparation, and compliance with funding agency requirements, and mentorship on grant management and post-grant works. 

The OSP’s expertise and guidance have been instrumental in the successful acquisition of grants. I would strongly encourage my colleague to collaborate with OSP starting from the very beginning of their grant application stage and explore funding opportunities and how OSP can help.