Natural Sciences & Mathematics

Dreams of Going to Medical School Shape Up

March 14, 2017 by University Communications & Marketing

Chaminade University students with dreams of someday attending medical school went to Arizona this spring. Sponsored by the Office of Health Professions and Undergraduate Research, about a dozen students explored the campuses of Grand Canyon University (Phoenix), Midwestern University (Glendale), A.T. Still University-Arizona School of Health Sciences (ATSU-ASHS) and A.T. Still University-School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona (ATSU-SOMA). In addition, students attended a graduate fair at Grand Canyon University.

Chaminade students at A.T. Still University

“This trip was both life-changing and a huge eye-opener for me,” said Chaminade first-year student Hi’ilei Ishii-Chaves. “During the course of this trip, I felt that I really stepped out of my comfort zone. I built new relationships, tried new foods and participated in events I would never do.” Ishii-Chaves is seriously considering ATSU but needs to do further research on whether becoming a medical doctor or an osteopathic doctor is the better fit for her.

Chaminade student Rea Mae Garcia enjoyed the problem-based learning style that she experienced at ATSU in which students were presented with a patient with real complaints. Patient vitals and lab work results were shared, and students had to figure out causes for the complaints. She was also fascinated by the anatomy laboratory. “I got to hold the kidney, the brain and the brain stem,” she said. The ATSU visit finalized her decision. “When I went back to the hotel that night, I wrote out interview questions and tried to answer them…I love it there, and I hope to go there for medical school,” Garcia emphasized adamantly.

Accompanied on the trip by Mrs. Patricia Lee-Robinson (associate provost and director of the Office Health Professions Advising and Undergraduate Research) and Dr. Amber Caracol Noguchi (Health Professions advisor), the students connected with Chaminade alumni for dinner. The Chaminade alumni, who were also current medical students, shared their wisdom on the challenges faced and the strategies used to overcome them.

Chaminade students at Midwestern University

Chaminade student Angela Williams was reassured by Chaminade alumna Jacquelynn Pratt ’06 who explained that life as a medical student was not easy and gave Williams some survival tips. “I learned that her (Jackie’s) biggest struggles were with weather adjustment and homesickness,” reflected Williams. “I am afraid that I will face the same problems. However, studying and socializing in the new school will hopefully keep me busy.”

Chaminade University has formal articulation agreements with ATSU-ASHS and ATSU-SOMA, which are both in Mesa, Arizona. Articulation agreements permit early admission for qualified Chaminade applicants to health profession programs. ATSU-ASHS agreements have opened doors for Chaminade students seeking the degrees of Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.), Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.), Doctor of Occupational Therapy (O.T.D.), and a Master of Occupational Therapy (M.S.). ATSU-SOMA offers a pathway to a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree.

“This trip helped me focus on my goals and career,” wrote Williams. “I am so glad that Chaminade University has articulation agreements with many schools around the nation including ATSU-SOMA. I appreciate this given opportunity and would like to express my heartfelt gratitude by saying thank you.”

The Office of Health Professions Advising and Undergraduate Research (OHPAUR) assists students interested in healthcare careers, regardless of their major. Services include: advising, test preparation, summer programs, guest speaker presentations, professional seminars, community service activities and internship/shadowing opportunities. OHPAUR also maintains articulation agreements with four ATSU campuses, as well as Boston University School of Medicine, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Pacific University, Samuel Merritt University, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, University of Dayton and Western University School of Health Sciences.

Chaminade Outreach Inspires Keiki to Pursue Science

March 6, 2017 by University Communications & Marketing

Encouraging Hawaii keiki to pursue science and mathematics as a college and career path is the goal of “I Am A Scientist,” a Chaminade University mobile outreach program. Now in its eighth year, the program recently achieved a notable milestone.

More than 10,000 school children have benefitted from the program, which makes science entertaining yet educational through hands-on projects for different grade levels. At last count, the program tallied over 300 classroom visits, 21 visits to Chaminade teaching laboratories, 19 community events and more than 4,300 volunteer hours.

“This represents a lot of effort and devotion by a lot of people who have given so much of themselves to make this program successful,” says Lori Shimoda, a research associate with the university’s Natural Sciences and Mathematics (NSM) division. “Chaminade scientists care not only for the students on our campus, but also those who have yet to even think about college.”

Founded by Shimoda in 2009, “I Am A Scientist” is funded through NSM using grants from Air Force Research Laboratories and the G.N. Wilcox Foundation. Chaminade faculty, researchers, staff and students volunteer their time to visit schools across Oahu.

“We bring real scientists and college students studying science into the classroom so the kids get to meet us and learn from us,” Shimoda explains. “We share our education and career pathways so they can understand where they are in their education-career journey.”

Presentations involve hypothesis-driven experiments that employ biotechnology techniques and modern laboratory equipment transported from Chaminade, such as microscopes, lab coats and petri dishes. The curriculum is aligned with the Hawaii Department of Education standards, thus making it relevant for teachers and students.

One of the popular presentations is “Germs on Me,” an experiment that shows how an infection – like a cold or the flu – can spread rapidly through a classroom. Students are given tubes filled with a clear liquid and asked to share it among their classmates. Then one student is given a tube containing a non-toxic base component. After the sharing is complete, the “infected” tubes turn pink.

Another presentation is “Gene Genius,” which involves collection of the students’ own DNA. From this activity, students learn about the genetic code and the future of genomics in medicine and forensic science.

“I’m thankful for the support and encouragement of Dr. Helen Turner – our Dean of Natural Sciences and Mathematics – and to our faculty and staff who juggle their daily responsibilities to help at our events,” Shimoda says. “And a special thanks to our Chaminade students who take time out of their day to attend our teaching events.”

See the “I Am A Scientist” segment on Living808

“I Am A Scientist” is a funded mobile outreach program under Chaminade’s Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. In collaboration with university faculty, staff and students, this initiative supports science awareness and education in Hawaii public schools.

‘CSI: Chandler’? Alumna Doss Could be the Star

March 1, 2017 by University Communications & Marketing

A love of science and a fascination with the “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” television franchise drew Chelcey Doss to Chaminade University of Honolulu.

Now, after earning her Forensic Science B.S. degree in 2015 with a minor in Chemistry, Doss does more than watch CSI shows on TV. She’s out in the field conducting official crime scene investigations for the Chandler Police Department in Arizona.

CSI work is “not quite as glamorous” as Hollywood portrays it, admits Doss, who just marked her one-year anniversary with the police department. But CSI is a rewarding career that’s vitally important to public safety and the criminal justice system.

What’s the biggest difference between academia and the professional world?

“You’re seeing real people,” Doss says. “And usually it’s not a good day for them.”

Fortunately for the approximately 261,000 Chandler residents, the city’s violent crime rate is relatively low.

“We only had four homicides last year,” Doss points out. “And that was actually high. There are lots of property crimes – vehicle burglaries, house burglaries. A lot of the calls that come across are domestic violence or drug-related.”

Looking back at her time on campus, Doss describes Chaminade as “an amazing experience.”

“I loved the diversity,” she says of college life. “And I really enjoyed the professors,” including Dr. David Carter, director of the Forensic Sciences Unit. “They are very in tune with what students need.”

“I want to say ‘thank you’ to Chaminade for helping me get to where I am today,” Doss adds. “I’m very grateful.”

The Forensic Science program is part of the Division of Natural Science and Mathematics. It provides students with a wide range of options as they prepare for careers in fields such as law enforcement, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and veterinary medicine. Since 2010, 86% of graduates have been placed in science-related positions. Chaminade University offers two credentials in forensic sciences education: a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Sciences (BSFS) and a Minor in Forensic Sciences.

Forensic Students Present Research at National Conference

February 20, 2017 by University Communications & Marketing

Chelsie Mangca Valdez and Hannah Dibner with their pig experiment — Chelsie Mangca Valdez and Hannah Dibner

Based on their discoveries in the field of carcass decomposition, Chaminade University students Hannah Dibner and Chelsie Mangca Valdez were invited to present their research at a national conference held by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS).

The academy’s 69th Annual Scientific Meeting, scheduled for February 13-18 in New Orleans, brings together professionals in all areas of forensic science, including criminalists, physicians, toxicologists, anthropologists, dentists, physicists, psychiatrists, engineers and educators.

Dibner and Valdez, who will both graduate in Spring 2017 with a Master of Science in Forensic Sciences, decided to partner on their research into the biology and pathology of how pig carcasses decompose.

Dibner focused on the effects of scavenging by the Small Asian Mongoose. She points out that this type of research is important because wounds created by scavengers could be mistaken for trauma from violence. Also, knowledge of scavenger behavior could help search parties more effectively locate and recover human remains.

Hannah Dibner presenting at AAFS conference — Hannah Dibner

“Studying rotting carcasses may not be everyone’s idea of a good time,” Dibner says, “but to me it’s a dream come true. The decomp studies at Chaminade are asking certain questions that we haven’t seen addressed by anyone else. And as a scientist, that’s an incredibly exciting and unique position to be in.”

Valdez studied the skin chemistry of decomposing pigs. Her research may lead to a new technique for determining Post-Mortem Interval, meaning the amount of time that elapses after a person dies.

Chelsie Mangca Valdez presenting at AAFS conference — Chelsie Mangca Valdez

“The thing I am most excited about regarding the AAFS conference is the opportunity to meet professionals in the field I have committed seven years of my life studying,” Valdez says. “This experiment was very time consuming but it was very much worth it,” she adds. “I never thought I would be attending a national conference, let alone presenting my finding all while still attending college.”

Dr. David O. Carter, director of Chaminade’s Forensic Sciences Program, encouraged Dibner and Valdez to submit their research to AAFS.

ATSU Offers Chaminade Students Guidance for Med School Applications

February 13, 2017 by University Communications & Marketing

Lori Haxton, Dr. Jeffrey Morgan, and Dr. Dave Koenecke speaking with Chaminade students — Lori Haxton, Dr. Jeffrey Morgan, and Dr. Dave Koenecke conduct a professional development workshop

To help students achieve their academic and career goals, Chaminade University’s Office of Health Professions Advising and Undergraduate Research coordinated professional development workshops conducted by officials from A.T. Still University (ATSU).

Under formal articulation agreements, Chaminade students gain early admission to health profession programs at ATSU campuses in Arizona and Missouri with degrees in osteopathic medicine, dentistry, audiology, physical therapy and occupational therapy.

The Jan. 31 workshops focused on what the ATSU admissions committee looks for in applicants and how to communicate effectively during the interview process. ATSU administrators also led an informational session on Feb. 1 to give students an overview of educational opportunities.

For Adam Perez, a Biochemistry major graduating in Spring 2019, the biggest takeaway from the admissions workshop was that ATSU looks at all aspects of applicants. This means it’s important “to truly understand who you are” when applying for medical school.

Melissa Ponce, a Biochemistry major graduating in Spring 2018, credits the interviewing skills workshop with helping her “see my unconscious quirks.”

Dr. Dave Koenecke conducting a mock interview with a Chaminade student — Dr. Dave Koenecke (ATSU, Assistant VP of Admissions) conducting a mock interview

“I realized through this workshop that all the questions the interviewer asked were all questions that I had the answers to,” Ponce says. “It’s all a matter of being genuine and honest with not just the interviewer but myself as well.”

Before departing Oahu, ATSU Vice President for Admissions Dr. Dave Koenecke toured the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, which partners with Chaminade to provide affordable medical care to underprivileged residents, including many Native Hawaiians.

Through an articulation agreement, 2012 Chaminade graduate Ashley Baldauf enrolled in the osteopathic medicine program at ATSU’s Arizona campus in 2013 and is spending three years studying and working at the Waianae center.

Office of Health Associate Provost Patricia M. Lee-Robinson reports that eight Chaminade graduates are currently enrolled in ATSU programs.

Chaminade also has articulation agreements with Boston University School of Medicine, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Pacific University, Samuel Merritt University, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, University of Dayton and Western University School of Health Sciences.

Chaminade Now Accepting Applications for Ho’oulu STEM Scholarships

February 1, 2017 by University Communications & Marketing

Chaminade University is currently accepting applications for its full-tuition Ho`oulu STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Scholarships. The scholarships are open to first-year and transfer students and give preference to applicants of Native Hawaiian ancestry. Apply now for early consideration. For more details on the Ho`oulu STEM Scholarship, visit the Ho`oulu STEM Scholarship webpage or call (808) 739-8551.

In partnership with Kamehameha Schools, Chaminade University created an opportunity for students pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree to receive full tuition assistance (100%) and the opportunity to apply for living expense assistance for four years. It also provides wraparound academic support services, access to post-graduate career paths via Chaminade’s suite of articulation agreements, paid internships for professional development, and financial support for career development activities.

In the fall of 2016, Chaminade University welcomed its first Ho`oulu cohort of first-year and transfer students in the following Bachelor of Science degree areas: Biology, Biochemistry, Forensic Sciences, Environmental Studies, Nursing, and Pre-Med/Pre-Health.

“The impact of Ho`oulu is far-reaching,” said Chaminade President Bro. Bernard J. Ploeger, SM, Ph.D. “Careers in STEM-related fields are projected to be some of the fastest growing segments of tomorrow’s workforce.”

Chaminade’s Dean of Natural Sciences and Mathematics Helen Turner, Ph.D. agreed. “Solutions to health, environmental and justice challenges are to be found in science and technology, and we envision Ho‘oulu students leading the community in the future to strengthen the lāhui.”