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Team Explores ‘Data Suppression’ in Journal Article

Data analytics is increasingly being used as a key decisionmaking tool, including in Pacific communities. But a practice of statistical data suppression (SDS) aimed at privacy protection runs the risk of negatively impacting small island populations, leading to “statistical invisibility.”

In a new peer-reviewed paper published in the journal Pacific Health Dialog, the Chaminade/CIFAL Honolulu Data/AI Research Team (DART) explores the issue and seeks to provide Hawaiʻi and Pacific stakeholders with a framework to better navigate SDS. Importantly, “Navigating Protection and Presence: Trade-offs around data suppression for small Pacific populations” shines a light on data suppression practices in Census and CDC datasets.

The research was supported by National Science Foundation funding and conducted in partnership with the University of Hawaiʻi John A. Burns School of Medicine, the University of Waikato, and the UH Center for Indigenous Innovation and Health Equity.

Helen Turner, Ph.D., lead author for the article and research director at Chaminade’s UN CIFAL Honolulu, said she is proud of the research “because it surfaces an important and often hidden issue in science that may be specifically impacting our regional communities as they start to engage data analytics, AI and machine learning in their decision-making processes.”

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In the article, the authors recommend inclusive, transparent practices to prevent data suppression and propose alternative strategies grounded in “critical data theory” as a way to inform policies that balance the protection of individual privacy with representation of small populations.

Turner applauded the members of the DART team exploring the issue, including lead analyst Connor Flynn ’21, an author on the paper who started the work with his sister—co-author Lilliana Flynn ’21—when they were Chaminade undergraduates.

“It’s amazing to now see them as data professionals working on both the practice and policy issues that affect our communities,” Turner said.

Flynn note that the real-world projects he tackled while studying data science as an undergraduate inspired him to pursue a master’s degree in environmental data science at the University of California, Santa Barbara and then return to Chaminade to work with DART.

“Now that I mentor undergraduates in research experiences and teach data science classes myself, I’m bringing that same approach to my teaching,” he said.

“I’m hoping many more students can make these kinds of meaningful contributions by being involved in applied data science research for Hawaii and the Pacific region.”

Pacific Health Dialog is the Journal of Pacific Research for the Pacific region, and is the only Medline listed medical and public health journal published specifically for Pacific Island countries.

Also in August, DART announced that a separate research paper exploring data on ahi consumption and mercury levels in the blood was accepted for the Toxicology and Pedagogy tracks of the SSRN eJournal. Lead author Alii Napoleon ’25, a Hoʻoulu and NSF S-STEM Scholar, completed the research as part of his data science studies at Chaminade.

The paper uses advanced statistics to probe a national nutritional dataset and offers a risk-benefit framework relevant to communities that consume deep sea fish.

Grant awards that supported this work: NSF HRD-2217242, NSF DUE-2030654.

A Summer Spent ‘Walking the Halls of Congress’

Easton DelaCruz ’26 dreams of serving others in public office.

So you can imagine just how excited DelaCruz was when, over the summer, he found himself in U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson’s Washington, D.C. office, speaking to the politician himself.

“Throughout the whole meeting, I was kind of fangirling,” DelaCruz quips.

DelaCruz was in the nation’s capital after being selected as an intern for the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies. He worked under U.S. Rep. Kimberlyn King-Hinds, who represents DelaCruz’s home of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI).

As an aspiring politician, DelaCruz said the experience was transformative.

“I’m a 20-year-old from CNMI and I’m walking the halls of Congress,” he said.

“Being able to step foot in the capital and actually work to get stuff done for the people, it’s just a big honor. Attending all the committee hearings and briefings, they were so eye-opening.”

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During that meeting with the House speaker, Johnson turned to DelaCruz as part of a conversation about creating opportunities for young people and asked why he decided to leave the CNMI. His answer: “To get more experience, bring it home and share it with my community.”

DelaCruz, who is from Saipan, says his work at Chaminade is a big part of that experience building.

The Communication major hopes to bring new solutions to the CNMI. The U.S. territory is struggling economically amid a tourism decline and, DelaCruz says, jobs are difficult to find.

In studying at Chaminade, DelaCruz was following in the footsteps of his mother and sister.

His mom, Elaine, holds a Psychology degree from Chaminade along with a master’s of science in counseling psychology (2003) and a Doctor of Education (2024). His sister, Victoria DelaCruz ’24, studied Data Science at Chaminade and now works at nonprofit Aloha Harvest in Honolulu.

Easton DelaCruz ’26 got the opportunity to sit down with U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson during a summer internship in the nation’s capital. The aspiring politician joked the experience had him “fangirling.”

DelaCruz says what he appreciates most about Chaminade is its family-oriented atmosphere.

“I’m a pretty social person, but it’s difficult sometimes,” he said. “Being here at Chaminade, you see the same faces every day and you start to talk story. It allows you to get out of your shell.”

At Chaminade, DelaCruz has also been able to take advantage of several once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. In May 2023, for example, he traveled to Los Angeles as part of a Marianist program to conduct community service at homeless shelters on Skid Row.

And then in October 2023, he was one of two Chaminade students selected to travel on a group pilgrimage to Israel. “I go to church every Sunday and they say all these different places in the Holy Land, and I was there,” he said. “We just went through all these sacred sites.”

This coming term, DelaCruz says he hopes to continue his growth as a leader.

One thing on his “to do” list: DelaCruz is trying to sharpen his Chamorro language skills.

He practices Saipan’s native tongue with other students at Chaminade from Guam or the CNMI, and tests his knowledge on his grandparents, who are fluent.

“They still laugh at my pronunciation,” DelaCruz said, “but then they correct me. That’s part of how I’m learning.”

Photo Gallery: MBA Alumni Pau Hana

More than 40 alumni and guests came together to mingle and network at last month’s MBA Alumni Pau Hana.

Heidi Bow, Chaminade director of development, said the event “was a chance to connect, reminisce and share a memorable evening with our Chaminade MBA ‘ohana. We enjoyed hearing attendees’ stories and learning about the incredible paths they’ve taken since graduation.”

The pau hana August 7 at the Oahu Country Club included addresses by President Lynn Babington, Ph.D. and Provost Lance Askildson, Ph.D.

Bow offered a special mahalo to Rodney Harano, MBA ”84, who was the event sponsor and generously donated wine for the evening.

For more on the MBA program at Chaminade, click here.

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Silverswords Kick Off New School Year

Chaminade kicked off its new academic year August 25, officially welcoming more than 600 new students for fall term—and welcoming back undergraduates from across day and online programs.

Jennifer Creech, Ed.D., Chaminade vice president for Enrollment Management and associate provost for Student Success, said the newest Silversword class shows Chaminade is maintaining strong enrollment numbers despite a highly competitive local and national market.

To prepare for the new school year, Chaminade welcomed new students and their families to campus on August 22 for informational sessions, a resource fair, campus tours and great food.

New Student Orientation began with a convocation symbolizing the launch of each student’s unique Chaminade journey. Following the gathering, faculty created a “cheer tunnel” for attendees. The day also included academic advising and financial aid information.

“New Student Orientation is where your Chaminade journey begins,” Creech said. “It is an introduction to campus, but it’s also your first chance to meet faculty, staff, and fellow students, explore resources and start living the values that shape the Chaminade community.”

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Creech added, “Being part of NSO helps you hit the ground running both in the classroom and beyond.”

The fun continued into the weekend with a shopping mall excursion and Diamond Head hike with Chaminade President Lynn Babington. Welcome Mass in Mystical Rose Oratory and Brunch with the Brothers at Hale Malia were both held and warmly received on the Sunday before the first day classes. There are also a series of “Welcome Week” activities planned for all students, including a popcorn party, picnic, and Waikiki beach trip.

For the full online event calendar, click here.

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.”

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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.

Nursing Students Honored With Pinning Ceremony

Silversword nursing students recently gathered for the time-honored Pinning Ceremony.

The event marks the completion of their undergraduate studies and the beginning of their careers in healthcare.

Some 19 students were honored at the ceremony August 19, receiving their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) stoles and pins, and reciting the International Pledge for Nurses.

Lorin Ramocki, DNP, RN, dean of Chaminade’s School of Nursing and Health Professions, congratulated the graduating nursing students.

“This tradition dates back to Florence Nightingale, with the pin representing the transition from student to professional nurse and the pledge to uphold the highest standards of care as they serve the community,” Ramocki explained.

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She added that the celebration “recognizes our graduates’ hard work and dedication, while affirming their readiness to serve with compassion, cultural sensitivity, and a commitment to the values of service, justice, and peace that define our Marianist mission.”

Among the students honored was Janine Manuel ’25.

“It’s been a long journey and, right now, it doesn’t feel real,” Manuel said, after the ceremony.

She added that while her nursing studies were difficult, and she thought of quitting on several occasions, she decided to stick with it because of the encouragement she received from her professors, family and friends.

“With that, I just felt like I could thrive as an RN,” she said.

To learn more about Chaminade’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing, click here.