Chaminade University of Honolulu

Faculty

Professor Participates in Interfaith Learning Seminar

Peter Steiger, Ph.D., a Religious Studies associate professor at Chaminade, joined scholars from around the country this summer for a prestigious seminar focused on deepening interfaith learning and cooperation across Council of Independent Colleges campuses.

The Teaching Interfaith Understanding seminar was held in Chicago, and included robust discussions on scholarly frameworks, reviews of syllabi and case studies, and special sessions on topics in higher education. Steiger said a key focus of the seminar was collaboration.

Selection for the interfaith seminar is competitive, and participants must be nominated.

Never miss a post! Follow Chaminade University on Facebook and Instagram.

Organizer Interfaith America said the gathering “provides a multidisciplinary space for participating faculty to explore the theoretical foundations and practical pedagogies of interfaith engagement in higher education.”

Peter Steiger, Ph.D., a professor of religion at Chaminade, participates in an Interfaith America seminar. (Photo Credit: Kelly Feldmiller/Courtesy of Interfaith America)

This was the program’s 11th year.

Steiger said what he appreciated most about the seminar was the opportunities for engaging dialogue. “Hearing the speakers and faculty participants at the seminar gave me greater hope for the future of religious pluralism and interfaith understanding in America,” Steiger said.

“University campuses, both public and private, small and large, should be committed to bringing about greater interfaith understanding and respect for the diversity of religion in the world.”

Faculty Recognized for Scholarship, Excellence

Three faculty members were honored this week for their outstanding contributions to the University and community.

The awards were presented at Chaminade’s Faculty Institute in preparation for the new academic year.

Jennifer Nafarrete, Ed.D., an assistant professor of nursing, was honored with Chaminade’s Excellence in Teaching Award. An award presentation announcement said Nafarrete not only incorporates innovation in the classroom, she provides transformative mentorship to each of her students and engages them through “real-world learning” and clinical opportunities.

“As faculty advisor for the Hawaiʻi Student Nurses Association, she has guided students to multiple awards while building a strong community of future nurses.” the announcement said.

“Her influence extends far beyond graduation, as former students continue to seek her guidance and share milestones. Dr. Nafarrete’s dedication embodies the spirit of excellence at Chaminade.”

Never miss a post! Follow Chaminade University on Facebook and Instagram.

Kelly Treece, Ph.D., who is director of the Criminology and Criminal Justice program at Chaminade, was honored with the Fr. John F. Bolin Excellence in Scholarship Award.

In announcing the honor, presenters noted Treece’s work in organizing the “Waves of Justice: Human Trafficking Awareness & Strategy Summit,” a three-day event held in Spring 2025. The summit convened experts, advocates and students to address human trafficking in Hawaiʻi and the Pacific.


Treece’s work serves to “exemplify impactful, community-engaged scholarship that bridges academic rigor with real-world application,” an award announcement said.

“Her commitment to involving students in meaningful professional experiences and sustaining partnerships with local organizations reflects her dedication to justice-oriented education and student success.”

The final honoree announced was Darren H. Iwamoto, Ed.D., associate dean of the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences, who was named recipient of the Dr. Joseph Allen Collegiality Award. The honor celebrates Iwamoto’s commitment to teamwork and collaboration.

An announcement detailing the award noted Iwamoto’s work to build “partnerships with community organizations” and his “dedication to program excellence.” Iwamoto was also praised for his work to strengthen Chaminade’s interdisciplinary partnerships, including with the Hawaiʻi Association of School Psychologists and state Department of Education.

Forensic Sciences Professor Recognized For Research on High-Profile Case

Carlos Gutiérrez Ayala, Ph.D., an assistant professor of Forensic Sciences at Chaminade, received the American Academy of Forensic Sciences’ prestigious Robert Gaffney Achievement Award at the 77th Annual Scientific Conference this spring.

carlos_gutierrez_headshot 136x200

Gutiérrez Ayala received the honor for his case research and oral presentation, “Forensic Reconstruction and Forensic Taphonomy: An Experiment for a High-Profile Case Conducted for the First Time in Chile.” His work was recognized for its innovation, scientific rigor, and global relevance, marking a significant contribution to the advancement of forensic science research and practice.

The Robert Gaffney Achievement Award aims to promote ongoing professional development in forensic sciences and support emerging leaders in the field.

Never miss a post! Follow Chaminade University on Facebook and Instagram.

“I feel very proud to receive this national award,” Gutiérrez Ayala said, adding that the research was linked to a high-profile case in Chile.

“Thanks to the forensic results of this case research, I was able to provide all the necessary answers for this case and present them to my colleagues at the AAFS Conference.”

Gail Grabowsky, Ph.D., dean of the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, said Ayala’s work “continues to inspire and elevate the field of forensic science.”

She added, “We are thrilled to see his case research receive the recognition it deserves.”

New Volume Explores Scottish Literature in the Pacific

Two English professors at Chaminade are celebrating the publication of a new volume, Scottish Literature of the South Seas: Critical Studies of Scotland and the Pacific, which grew out of a 2019 conference at the University aimed at spotlighting and celebrating Scottish literature.

Allison Francis, Ph.D. and Richard Hill, Ph.D. said the project was something of a labor of love.

The volume turns to an international group of academics and writers to “consider the Scottish presence in the Pacific Islands and Oceania during the 19th century,” Francis said.

Never miss a post! Follow Chaminade University on Facebook and Instagram.

The collection also includes “fascinating new scholarship” on the topic.

“Scots settled and married into Pacific cultures in a way that other British didn’t (especially English), and consequently there is a Scottish presence in modern Pacific life,” Hill said.

allison_francis_headshot 136x200
Allison Francis, Ph.D.
Richard Hill_136x200
Richard Hill, Ph.D.

“We have traced very early Scottish literary presence through to modern day parallels that has not been done before.”

The professors noted they are thankful to everyone who made the volume possible, including a number of Chaminade students who assisted with re-writing, compiling and editing for the book.

They also hope to continue exploring the subject. And in the fall, they plan to hold a reading and question-and-answer session on the volume for the Chaminade campus community.

Employee Milestones Celebrated

Chaminade employees were recognized for years of service milestones at a University luncheon this week.

Also honored were five team members retiring at the end of the academic year, including a philosophy professor who has taught at Chaminade for nearly six decades.

Three years of service honorees are celebrating a quarter century or more at Chaminade.

Huo Chen, a maintenance worker, marked 25 years with the University. Rui Huang, also in maintenance, was recognized for 30 years with Chaminade, and Caryn Callahan, a professor of Finance, is celebrating 35 years.

Meanwhile, Philosophy Professor Chitha Unni is marking his 58th year with Chaminade as he prepares for retirement. Other retirees include Psychology Professor Tracy Trevorrow, Communication Professor and Discipline Coordinator Clifford Bieberly, Communication Professor Eva Washburn-Repollo, and Emelda LaForteza (in Facilities).

Never miss a post! Follow Chaminade University on Facebook and Instagram.

The years of service honorees and retirees were celebrated at Chaminade’s annual End of Year Employee Luncheon on April 14. In all, 36 employees were recognized as they marked from five to 35 years of service with the University, including Provost Lance Askildson, Ph.D. (five years).

Tai Arakawa, Library Technical Services Supervisor
Lance Askildson, Provost & Senior VP for Academic Affairs
Jane Chang, Assistant to VP Mission and Rector
Katie Chun, Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology
Meghan Hazen, Assistant Teacher-L. Robert Allen Montessori
Jim Heller Sutton, Assistant Provost for Faculty Development
Amber Noguchi, Assistant Provost for Undergraduate Research & Pre-Professional Programs
Wera Panow-Loui, Senior Lecturer of Business
Lianne Philhower, Director of Clinical Training & Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology
Dustyn Ragasa, Assistant Professor of Religious Studies & Director MPT Program
Claire Reddy, Lead Montessori Teacher
Ariz Sanchez, Director of Student Success
Sean Scanlan, Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology and Director of Clinical Psychology
Jeff Stern, Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology
Joy Tanji, Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology
Lisa Trumbull, Assistant Vice President of Enrollment Management and Community Partnerships
Scott Wylie, Assistant Provost of Institutional Research and Effectiveness

Leiko Bedoya, Assistant to Vice President for Student Affairs
Mefleen Billy, Custodian
Maxine Nihei, Mail Specialist
Andrew Perez, Grant Specialist
Junghwa Suh, Associate Professor of Arts and Design
Michael Weaver, Lecturer of Historical and Political Science
Tina Yamamoto, Assistant to the President

Jolene Cogbill, Associate Professor of Biology
Seiko Kulliano, Custodian
Lori Shimoda, Research Associate
Justin Wyble, Assistant Professor of English

Tom Galli, Senior Lecturer of Communications
Allison Jerome, Vice President of Student Affairs
Choong Lim, Assistant Vice President and Controller
Cassandra Sakamoto, Program Manager for Chuuk Programs
Eva Washburn-Repollo, Professor of Communication

Huo Chen, Maintenance Worker

Rui Huang, Maintenance Worker

Caryn Callahan, Professor of Finance

Psychological Association Honors Chaminade Professor

Darren Iwamoto, Ed.D., a professor of Psychology and associate dean of the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences, was honored in January with the Hawai‘i Psychological Association’s (HPA) 2024 Outstanding Professor of Psychology Award.

In recognizing Iwamoto, HPA said the professor not only oversees Chaminade’s Counseling Psychology, School Psychology and Educational Psychology programs, but also serves on a long list of university committees and has published in over a dozen academic journals.

darren_iwamoto_headshot 136x200

His teaching experience includes more than 30 undergraduate and graduate courses.

“Dr. Iwamoto exemplifies the qualities of an exceptional teacher who deeply cares about his students and their learning experiences,” the Hawai‘i Psychological Association said.

“By getting to know each student individually, he creates a safe and welcoming space where students feel encouraged to participate and learn at their own pace. This dedication to his students is reflected consistently in course evaluations, where he is rated at the highest levels.”

Never miss a post! Follow Chaminade University on Facebook and Instagram.

Iwamoto said the award was “completely unexpected” and humbling.

“I find so much joy in teaching because being with students and watching them grow and develop into amazing scholars and professionals right before my eyes truly puts me in awe,” he said, adding he is grateful to his mentors in the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences.

“Without their insights and motivating words, I would not be where I am today.”

Iwamoto started at Chaminade in 2007 as the internship director for the Master’s in School Counseling program. He then served as an assistant professor and full professor, and became the associate dean of the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences in August 2024.

Iwamoto said his biggest joy in life is seeing Chaminade graduates become professionals and embrace the University’s mission of serving others. “I believe that Chaminade is not only an institute of higher education, but we also support our students’ transition into adulthood,” Iwamoto said, adding, “Being able to mentor and teach students is so much fun.”

The School of Education and Behavioral Sciences at Chaminade offers undergraduate programs in Psychology, Elementary Education, Criminology and Criminal Justice and more.

Graduate degrees offered through the school include the Master of Arts in Teaching, Master of Education, Master of Science in Counseling Psychology, Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology, Doctor of Education in Educational Psychology or Organizational Leadership for Adaptation and Change, and Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy.