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Natural Sciences & Mathematics

Student Broderick Menke Conveys Marshall Islands Plight at Climate Change Conferences in Germany

January 3, 2018

Having grown up in the low-lying Marshall Islands, Chaminade University student Broderick Menke knows firsthand about the devastating effects of global warming and sea level rise. Tidal flooding regularly threatens homes and freshwater supplies in his island nation and may make many areas unfit for human habitation in coming decades.

An Environmental Studies major, Menke conveyed the plight ofhis South Pacific home at the 13th Conference of Youth. Held during November 2017 in Bonn, Germany, this gathering of young people from 114 countries had a theme of “Talanoa Mada – Youth Accelerating Climate Action.”

Menke also represented the Marshall Islands at the ensuing United Nations Climate Change Conference in Bonn, which supported governments in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and thereby accelerating the transformation to sustainable, resilient and climate-safe development.

“Out of all my international trips, Germany was a unique time,” Menke said, because the Republic of Fiji presided over the conferences.

“The significance of that is that the Pacific Islands were able to amplify their voices and issues,” he pointed out. “As a Pacific Islander, I was proud to give a face to the climate realities that we are currently facing, as my home is one of the most vulnerable countries.”

Menke was selected to lead the Pacific Voices in Unison – a team of six youth from Fiji, Kiribati, Samoa, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and the Republic of the Marshall Islands – who shared their stories of resilience in the face of climate change.

He was also active with the “Have Your Sei” campaign in Bonn, during which “Pacific Climate Warriors” called for ending the use of fossil fuels and providing financial assistance to countries facing irreversible damage from rising sea levels and other environmental threats.

Being invited to participate in the two conferences was the product of “other people’s hard work,” Menke emphasized.

“I commend everyone out there doing immense local work to improve their own environment in their unique way,” he said, because everyone has a duty “to partake in nurturing our planet.”

As for his college experience, Menke said he was attracted to Chaminade based on the small class sizes and recommendations from family members who attended the university.

“When I got to Chaminade, it was more than I expected,” he said. “It was better! The whole idea of a smaller campus gives you the opportunity to get to know many people, and I love hearing stories and their experiences.”

Menke credits one of his professors, Environmental Studies Director Gail Grabowsky, with being especially important in clarifying his academic and career goals.

“I came in with a scattered mind, thinking I will graduate and get into anything environmental in the future,” Menke said. “But she is helping me narrow down my field. She knows me more than I know myself, and I am extremely thankful for her guidance and moral support.”

After graduating from Chaminade, Menke plans to further his education at a university on the East Coast or possibly in Aotearoa (New Zealand).

His message to other climate warriors?

“Let’s all take the power back into our hands,” he said, “and work towards a more sustainable and resilient future.”

Posted by: University Communications & Marketing Filed Under: Diversity and Inclusion, Natural Sciences & Mathematics, Students Tagged With: Environmental Studies

‘Aim Higher,’ Student-Athlete Antonio Bonnetty Urges, by Taking Full Advantage of Campus Opportunities

December 5, 2017

Some college students simply go to class and go home. Not Antonio Bonnetty.

This Chaminade University undergraduate is double majoring in Environmental Studies and Criminology and Criminal Justice, he runs cross country for the Silverswords, he represented Chaminade Athletics at a leadership retreat, he’s involved in Campus Ministry, he’s part of the Hogan Entrepreneurs Program, and in his spare time he’s into slam poetry, hiking and Xbox One gaming.

A double scholarship winner, Bonnetty also plans to join the Peace Corps, become an environmental law attorney and possibly pursue an FBI career.

“I have been very blessed at Chaminade thus far and have taken part in many opportunities as a result,” said Bonnetty, a “military brat” from Mississippi whose family moved to Oahu during his junior year of high school.

Despite suffering from scoliosis, Bonnetty was a standout athlete at Moanalua High School, where he competed in track, wrestling and football. At Chaminade, his cross country team named him last year’s “Most Inspirational Runner.”

“I fell in love with Hawaii,” said Bonnetty, who graduated from Moanalua in 2015. “I knew since I was going to college, I wanted to stay here. I actually applied to two places, both of which accepted me. But I liked Chaminade more, and the rest is history.”

Bonnetty said all his instructors “have been extremely helpful in my success.” But he’s especially grateful to Associate Professor and Environmental Studies Director Gail Grabowsky for underscoring the danger of ecological threats confronting Hawaii and the rest of the planet.

“Professor Gail ignited my love for environmental issues and led me down a path that impacted me so much that I realized that wanting to change the way the world views the environment, while not easy, is something I would be willing to spend my life in the pursuit of,” Bonnetty said.

This dedication to protecting the global ecosystem prompted Bonnetty to work with Kupu, a Honolulu-based nonprofit organization that provides young people with internships and service-learning opportunities so they can become stewards of Hawaii’s culture and natural environment.

Another instructor who stands out for Bonnetty is Professor Ronald Becker, director of the Criminology and Criminal Justice program. Dr. Becker also leads the five-day Underwater Forensic Investigation Workshop, which explores methods of locating, recovering and processing submerged evidence at crime scenes.

“These are things that I am so blessed to be a part of,” Bonnetty said, “and I will take a piece of what I learn from each experience into my future endeavors.

“Just remember to always aim higher,” he added, “and help as many people as you can do the same.”

Chaminade University offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Studies, which prepares students for careers in fields such as law, economics, communications and information, consulting, science, ethics, health and environmental policy. Graduates of Chaminade’s Criminology and Criminal Justice Bachelor of Science program pursue careers in law enforcement, public safety, administration and other areas at the federal, state and local level.

Posted by: University Communications & Marketing Filed Under: Behavioral Sciences, Natural Sciences & Mathematics, Students Tagged With: Criminology and Criminal Justice, Environmental Studies, Scholarship

Environmental Studies Major Nerisa Taua Interns at Bat Lab (the Real One) on Purdue Campus

December 1, 2017

Comic book fans and TV watchers know all about the secret bat lab at fictional Wayne Manor in Gotham City.

But Nerisa Taua, a Chaminade University Environmental Studies major, knows about a real bat lab. It’s housed at Purdue University in Indiana, where she focused on three species of the flying mammals through the national Summer Research Opportunity Program.

Nerisa Taua“Spending the whole summer catching bats was fun, mostly because of the people I got to do it with,” according to Taua, who interned with Associate Professor of Wildlife Science Patrick Zollner and his Hoosier “bat crew.”

“Working with them has been a great experience,” said Taua, who plans to apply for graduate school at the West Lafayette campus.

Encouraging Taua to pursue the internship were Environmental Studies Director and Associate Professor Gail Grabowsky, along with Associate Provost Patricia Lee-Robinson from Chaminade’s Office of Health Professions Advising and Undergraduate Research.

“I was interested in working with endangered species or wildlife conservation,” Taua said. “I found a couple of interesting internships. However, most of them didn’t provide board and/or transportation, which was a problem for me.”

Fortunately for Taua, the Purdue program fit her needs.

Taua’s research centered on the detection rate of bats using acoustic monitoring equipment and the subsequent capture rate of bats using mist nets. Similar to volleyball nets, mist nets catch birds and bats in flight so they can be tagged and studied by scientists.

“I found a significant relationship between detection rate and number of captures was only present for Indiana bats and not Big brown bats and Eastern red bats,” Taua explained. This can be because Indiana bats have specific habitat requirements, while Big brown bats and Eastern red bats are omnipresent in the landscape.”

Based on these preliminary results, Taua and her Indiana colleagues decided to expand their study with the goal of publishing a paper.

“So while I am here in Hawaii, the bat lab is sending me data to analyze,” Taua said. She also reunited with her colleagues recently through Purdue’s Graduate Diversity Visitation Program “to talk about where we are with the project and manuscript.”

Nerisa TauaTaua, who’s from American Samoa, learned about Chaminade when a team from the university visited her high school during senior year.

“I was attracted to the small classroom size because it made it possible for students to have a positive interaction with their professors,” she said. “I spoke with alumni and they all said great things about the Chaminade community.

“This was something I looked for in an institution – a university with a community that is home away from home.”

Taua said her professors – notably Dr. Grabowsky – “taught me a lot of important lessons that are not only useful in the classroom but also life in general.”

“Dr. Gail has helped my passion for wildlife, environment and my culture grow,” Taua emphasized. “Her enthusiastic personality always reminds me why it is important to love what you do and do what you love.”

Chaminade University’s Environmental Studies undergraduate program within the Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics employs a multidisciplinary approach in exploring issues such as policy and law, science, economics, ethics and values.

Posted by: University Communications & Marketing Filed Under: Natural Sciences & Mathematics, Students Tagged With: Environmental Studies, Office of Health Professions Advising and Undergraduate Research

Combining Native Hawaiian Culture with Science and Conservation is Ho`oulu Scholar’s Passion, Purpose

November 28, 2017

For Chaminade University student Hulali Kinilau, combining Native Hawaiian cultural practices with science and conservation is her passion and career goal. She also regards this three-pronged approach as key to achieving sustainability in the ecologically fragile Aloha State.

Hulali KinilauKinilau, who’s double majoring in Cellular and Molecular Biology and Environmental Studies, was greatly influenced this past summer by the Hawaii Conservation Conference, which had a theme of “He Waʻa, He Moku – Mālama Honua: Caring for Our Island Earth.”

This 24th annual gathering at the Hawaii Convention Center brought together scientists, educators, students, conservation practitioners and community members with the goal of preserving natural resources in the Pacific region and beyond.

“I was blown away by the people at the conference,” said Kinilau, who’s attending Chaminade through the Ho`oulu STEM Scholarship Program funded by the university and Kamehameha Schools. “It was amazing to hear what what they had to say.

“I especially enjoyed learning about the scientific techniques that were being done in the outer islands within smaller communities,” Kinilau continued. “The scientists were working on establishing a connection with the community and figuring out what the community’s interests, needs and concerns were. Only after determining what could benefit the community did the scientists begin their studies/experiments.”

A declaration by one of the conference speakers that “Hawaiian culture is science” made a particular impact on Kinilau.

“I thought it was the most profound statement I could have heard that day,” she said. “And it was when I decided that – as a Native Hawaiian female in science – I have to do more.”

With that ambition in mind, Kinilau is applying for summer internships and master’s and Ph.D. programs on the Mainland.

“My plan is to focus on getting a higher education that builds on my scientific knowledge and experience,” she said. “Once I’ve done that, I plan on returning home and collaborating with the programs that are present on the Islands.”

Aiding Kinilau in her graduate school preparations are an internship with the Sierra Club and participation in Chaminade’s I Am a Scientist mobile outreach program, which encourages public school children to pursue STEM educations and careers.

“Both the internship and the I Am a Scientist events are helping me develop the communication skills needed when talking to the community on a scientific topic,” Kinilau said. “I’m learning how to gain the interests of the community through social media, while connecting them with knowledgeable individuals who have actively participated in conservation efforts on Oahu.”

Reflecting on her Chaminade education, Kinilau said she appreciates the confidence shown in her by Biology Assistant Professor Jolene Cogbill, Biology Lecturer Chrystie Naeole and Environmental Studies Associate Professor Gail Grabowsky.

“They have been the most supportive and understanding,” Kinilau said. “I’m grateful that they’re in my life.

“The staff at Chaminade University want you to succeed in all walks of life,” Kinilau added, “and they are willing and able to help you achieve your goals. Even if you have no idea what it is that you want to do with your degree, they will help you figure it out.”

Posted by: University Communications & Marketing Filed Under: Diversity and Inclusion, Natural Sciences & Mathematics, Students Tagged With: Biology, Environmental Studies, I Am A Scientist, Scholarship

Eco-Minded World Traveler and ‘Gearhead’ Max Karg Lands in Business School

November 21, 2017

Undergraduate Max Karg, an ecologically minded world traveler who buys, rebuilds and sells vehicles to make ends meet, eventually touched down on Oahu and found his way to Chaminade University.

Max Karg (Business Administration)A Business Administration major who’s minoring in Environmental Studies, Karg developed a taste for domestic and international travel as a teenager and hasn’t slowed down since.

“I have gone to different countries in Europe for both leisure and on a foreign exchange trip with my high school as I was growing up,” said Karg, a native of North Manchester, Indiana. “When I turned 16 and got my driver’s license, I took a 10,000-plus-mile solo road trip across the United States, exploring many different states and regions in doing so.

“This winter, I plan to visit Cuba and the Bahamas,” Karg continued. “In the future I hope to visit Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, South Korea and Japan in one trip, Australia and New Zealand in another trip, and Spain, Italy, Greece, Austria and Switzerland in another trip.”

Max Karg (Business Administration)To fund his travels and help pay for college, Karg – a self-described “gearhead” – has bought, repaired and sold nearly 70 cars, trucks and motorcycles to date.

“I did this back home beginning at age 15, not thinking much of it,” Karg said. “But it has gained me very valuable business and sales skills that allow me to make practical connections in class.”

Karg said he set his sights on Honolulu after applying to colleges nationwide and receiving a scholarship offer from a university in Hawaii.

“Having never been to Hawaii, I booked a ticket to check out the school and island over the winter,” Karg said. “I fell in love with the island’s rich culture, lush greenery and tropical sun.

“Since I was on the island, I checked out other schools,” Karg said. “I stepped on Chaminade’s campus and something just felt right. I took a tour of the campus and knew that this was somewhere I’d love to attend. I got home, applied and got in with a substantial academic scholarship that made it possible to come out here for my education.”

Chaminade’s small class sizes and friendly atmosphere immediately appealed to Karg.

“I would say my favorite part of Chaminade is the student/faculty ratio,” he said. “This has enabled me to make deep connections with the staff and faculty here that I likely wouldn’t be able to accomplish at larger institutions.”

Karg praised all his Chaminade professors for being “incredibly helpful,” but said two of them “have really stuck out.”

“The first being Dr. (Gail) Grabowsky in the science department, who got me thinking about an environmental science minor,” Karg said. “She’s very passionate about what she does, which clearly shows in her classes.

“The second is Dr. (Margaret) Friedman, who is in the business department and specializes in marketing. She also keeps her class very engaging and brings in lots of real-world examples.

“I’m glad I’m able to call both of these women not only my professors,” Karg said, “but also my advisors and mentors.”

Max Karg (Business Administration)When he’s not in class, Karg participates in numerous extracurricular activities.

“I am on the Student Allocations board,” he said, “served as treasurer of the Communications Club my first year, started the Photography Club and serve as Vice President of the Adventure Club. I also went to a leadership conference on Maui last year.”

Following graduation, Karg said he plans to buy, improve and sell real estate.

“I hope to not only make a property more appealing aesthetically,” he said, “but also more energy efficient and utilize sustainable materials in any reconstruction that may need to be done.

“I am also considering a master’s degree in Business Administration – possibly with an emphasis in sustainability- a little bit down the road.”

For an adventurous world traveler such as Karg, that road could lead just about anywhere.

The Business Administration program offered by Chaminade’s School of Business and Communication helps students become proficient in interpersonal communication and business intelligence through coursework, internships and service-learning opportunities. The Environmental Studies minor offered by the Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics focuses on policy and environmental law to prepare students for careers in environmental science, ecology and conservation biology.

Posted by: University Communications & Marketing Filed Under: Business & Communication, Natural Sciences & Mathematics, Students Tagged With: Business Administration, Environmental Studies

School of Nursing Students, Ho`oulu Scholars Raise Health Awareness at ‘Hawaii Children & Youth Day’

November 8, 2017

Students from Chaminade University’s School of Nursing and Ho`oulu Scholars with the “I Am a Scientist” mobile outreach program raised awareness about the importance of healthy lifestyles during the 24th annual “Hawaii Children & Youth Day” at the State Capitol.

“This year is the fourth year that my junior nursing students participated in the fair,” pointed out Assistant Professor Eurina Yujin Cha. “Our purpose was to provide health screenings and nutrition education for parents and encourage physical exercise and vaccination education for children.”

Nursing students volunteering their time at the Oct. 1 event were: Abigail Adina, Mae Kimberly Corpuz, Ashley Farin, Airelle Guron, Eric Ganding, Jadelyn Yasuoka, Melissa Biador, Lauren Ngatuvai and Shayvell Noa.

Ho`oulu Scholars Cassandra Ainoa-Kanoho, Dairian Balai, Hi‘ilani Fujihara-Nagamine and Destiny Hamasaki underscored the importance of making healthy dietary choices by using hydrometers to reveal how much sugar is hidden in sodas, fruit juices and flavored milk.

In addition, the students showed more than 400 children how to read nutrition labels, while encouraging them to pursue college degrees and STEM careers.

“It’s important for people to understand that their children can have only a certain amount of sugar each day,” pointed out Hamasaki ’21, a Forensic Science major. Accordingly, this outreach educated “not only children who came to the table, but the parents who brought them.”

“This experience made me cut down on juice,” Hamasaki added, “so now I only drink water.”

Fujihara-Nagamine ‘21, an Environmental Studies major, said there were “many surprised faces” among children and parents when they realized how much sugar is contained in certain beverages.

“It was very eye opening for them, and some of the children even told me they were going to drink more water from then on,” Fujihara-Nagamine said. “A lot of the parents really appreciated that our booth was raising this awareness and thanked us for educating their children about how much sugar they intake just from sugary drinks.”

Fujihara-Nagamine described the outreach as “truly amazing.”

“Being able to help spread knowledge to families and children was really fun, and their enthusiasm was refreshing,” she said. “It reminded me of my childhood when I would learn about similar subjects. I never thought I would have the chance to be the one on the other side of the table teaching.”

Research Associate Lori Shimoda, who directs “I Am a Scientist” and founded the program in 2009, described the student volunteers as “fabulous ambassadors for Chaminade.”

“They were professional, cheerful and engaging,” Shimoda said, “with both little kids and their parents.”

Posted by: University Communications & Marketing Filed Under: Campus and Community, Natural Sciences & Mathematics, Nursing & Health Professions, Students Tagged With: I Am A Scientist

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