Chaminade University of Honolulu

Natural Sciences & Mathematics

Chaminade Partnering with Kamehameha Schools, UH at New Learning Space & Educational Incubator

Kamehameha Schools is partnering with Chaminade University and the University of Hawaii to help high school students prepare for college and careers through Hālau ʻĪnana, a new collaborative learning space and educational incubator in Mōʻiliʻili.

Hālau ʻĪnana gives high school students access to creative, culturally-grounded, interdisciplinary collaboration with university researchers, mentors and industry experts. Programs focus on Native Hawaiian leadership development, social entrepreneurship and innovation

“The educational programs and services offered at the newly formed innovation hub aim to create new interactions, collisions and engagement which allow our learners and educators to tap into their innate creativity and ingenuity,” said Stacy Clayton, executive strategy consultant for Kamehameha Schools.

Dr. Helen Turner, Dean of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

Among the speakers at the center’s August 24 blessing and grand opening was Dr. Helen Turner, Chaminade Dean of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. A biology professor and internationally-regarded cellular immunology researcher, Dr. Turner is Chaminade’s inaugural Vice President for Innovation. She also serves on Hālau ʻĪnana’s steering committee.

Also representing Chaminade at the event were: President Lynn Babington, faculty member and Hālau ʻĪnana Data Scientist in Residence Dr. Mark Speck, Biology lecturer Dr. Chrystie Naeole and STEM Cultural Engagement Specialist Kahoalii Keahi-Wood.

In addition, Chaminade’s “I Am a Scientist” educational outreach team gave demonstrations regarding the scientific aspects of a traditional Hawaiian diet.

Located next to the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii at 2438 South Beretania St., Hālau ʻĪnana features flexible spaces for public and private events, programs and meetings. For information, visit halauinana.com or call (808) 534-8297.

Dr. Helen Turner Named as Chaminade’s Inaugural Vice President for Innovation

Dr. Helen TurnerChaminade University President Dr. Lynn Babington has named Dr. Helen Turner, an internationally-regarded cellular immunology researcher, as the institution’s first Vice President for Innovation. The appointment is in addition to Dr. Turner’s responsibilities as Dean of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.

“Creating this new leadership role reflects Chaminade’s growth trajectory and commitment to providing cutting-edge academic and research programs that benefit our students, faculty and all the populations we serve,” Dr. Babington said. “Moreover, this appointment supports Hawaii’s critical transition to an innovation economy.”

Chaminade Board of Regents Chair Vaughn Vasconcellos describes Dr. Turner as a respected leader in the scientific and higher education communities with a “proven track record of innovation,” thus making her well qualified for the new position.

“Along with representing the campus on numerous scientific advisory boards, Dean Turner attracted grants and developed programs that placed Chaminade on the map for STEM education,” Vasconcellos pointed out. “She also helps students gain admission to prestigious graduate and health professional programs nationwide.”

In her new role, Dr. Turner said she’ll focus on “student readiness for the workplace, for leadership and for making contributions to their communities.”

“Our innovative programs and cutting-edge approaches draw on our deep faculty expertise,” Dr. Turner emphasized, “and will position our students to lead in Hawaii’s economic development.”

A biology professor, Dr. Turner conducts immunology research on pathologies such as asthma and eczema. She receives funding from the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation and U.S. Department of Defense, as well as private foundations.

Dr. Turner recently obtained a $1 million STEM education grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. She also developed the $9.6 million Ho`oulu STEM Scholarship program with Kamehameha Schools.

Prior to joining Chaminade in 2007, Dr. Turner was an associate director at The Queen’s Center for Biomedical Research in Honolulu. She earned her Ph.D. at the University of London and performed post-doctoral work at Beth Israel Medical Center and Harvard Medical School.

Medical School Honors Chaminade Graduate Jacquelynn Pratt with ‘Diversity Excellence Award’

Jacquelynn PrattChaminade University alumna Jacquelynn Pratt has received the “Diversity Excellence Award” from A.T. Still University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, Missouri, where she graduated this spring. The annual award recognizes her commitment to diversity and inclusion in graduate healthcare education.

Born and raised on Oahu, Pratt majored in Biology and English at Chaminade. She earned both bachelor’s degrees in May 2006, while receiving the “Outstanding English Graduate” award.

Pratt participated in numerous research programs at Chaminade in the fields of psychology, cancer biology, ecology and epidemiology. She was also highly involved with campus clubs and organizations, including the Delta Epsilon Sigma and Sigma Tau Delta honor societies.

After graduating from Chaminade, Pratt worked with the Ministry of Health on the Cook Islands to computerize patient data and thereby more accurately calculate the incidence and prevalence of cancer among the native Maori population.

She later returned to Chaminade and served as the Assistant to the Associate Provost in the Office of Health Professions Advising and Undergraduate Research.

Vidinha and Baldauf First Alumni to Graduate from Medical Schools Through Articulation Agreement

Chauntelle (Maduli) Vidinha and Ashley Baldauf recently became the first Chaminade University alumni to graduate from medical school through an articulation agreement with A.T. Still University (ATSU). These women, both born on Oahu, studied osteopathic medicine and plan to practice in Hawaii after completing their residencies.

Chauntelle Maduli Vidinha
Chauntelle Vidinha (B.S. Biology ’11)

The articulation agreement, negotiated by Chaminade’s Office of Health Professions Advising and Undergraduate Research (OHPAUR), permits early admission to ATSU for qualified students. Chaminade also maintains articulation agreements with seven other mainland universities.

Chaminade President Bernard Ploeger, SM., said Vidinha and Baldauf are “a source of pride for our campus ‘ohana.”

“I’m delighted that these compassionate, hardworking young women will share their medical talents with Hawaii residents, especially those living in underserved communities,” Bro. Ploeger said.

Vidinha, who enrolled at ATSU’s Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Missouri, graduated from Chaminade in 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in Biology. She competed on the Silversword volleyball team for three years, and participated in biomedical research programs at Baylor College of Medicine in Texas and the University of California, San Diego.

Ashley Baldauf
Ashley Baldauf (B.S. Forensic Science ’12) with family

Vidinha will complete her residency in family medicine at Kingman Regional Medical Center in Arizona.

Baldauf majored in Forensic Sciences and minored in Chemistry at Chaminade, earning a bachelor’s degree in 2012. She began her medical studies in 2013 at ATSU’s School of Osteopathic Medicine in Mesa, Arizona, then was allowed to spend the following three years studying and working at the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center on Oahu.

Baldauf will serve her residency in family medicine through a University of Hawaii program in Mililani.

In addition to two ATSU school campuses, Chaminade maintains 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.

Time Management is Key, Undergraduate Says, to Balancing Pre-Med Studies, Soccer and Social Life

Incoming senior Megan McClanahan is one of Chaminade University’s “super achievers.” Along with excelling in her pre-medical studies, she competes on the Silversword women’s soccer team, immerses herself in campus issues through the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and still has time for social activities.

Megan McClanahan playing soccer

How does she strike a balance among these diverse interests? McClanahan says time management enables her to “not only balance soccer and academics, but to also enjoy a social life.”

“Soccer practice helps me fire up my brain early in the morning so I can perform better in morning classes,” she says. “I usually do homework in the afternoons and evenings. I am a big believer in study groups, and I have found a great group of friends to study with. The last thing I do to balance my life is to get enough sleep. I shoot for at least eight hours a night.”

That formula obviously works for McClanahan, who plans to earn her undergraduate biology degree next year from the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. Then this future surgeon will enroll at The George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences through an articulation agreement negotiated by Chaminade.

“I have known for a very long time I want to be a doctor,” McClanahan says. “During my freshman year, I became aware of the articulation agreement Chaminade has with George Washington. My sophomore year I did more research about GW and viewed it as the next place I want to stop on my journey through life.”

Megan McClanahan studying

With guidance from Chaminade’s Undergraduate Research & Pre-Professional Programs, McClanahan was accepted for an interview at George Washington “and fell in love with the Washington, D.C., area and the campus while I was there.”

“As a part of the agreement, I am finishing my time at Chaminade pursuing a humanities minor of Hawaiian and Pacific Island Studies,” McClanahan says. “I am grateful for the opportunities presented to me at Chaminade, and I am eager to begin my next steps to becoming a doctor.”

McClanahan, who hails from the Omaha suburb of Papillion, Nebraska, was initially attracted to Chaminade as a high school junior when she participated in a National History Day contest. On the last day of the competition in the nation’s capital, McClanahan won a Chaminade merit scholarship. Then she discovered the Silversword soccer team.

“I spent the next year trying to find a way to get the coaches and athletic department at Chaminade to notice me,” McClanahan says. “Once I was able to fulfill my lifelong dream of playing college soccer, I had a decision to make.

“Should I be fearless and decide to spend the next four years in Hawaii, a place I have never been? Or should I play it safe and stay closer to home? Needless to say, I took a leap of faith and have never looked back with regret.”

$1 Million Awarded to Chaminade in Recognition of National Excellence in Science Programs

Chaminade joins select group of 24 universities nationwide recognized for inclusivity and quality in STEM programs

NSM Student in LabChaminade University of Honolulu today announced a grant of $1 million from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) as an awardee in the 2017-22 ‘Inclusive Excellence’ program. Chaminade was selected as one of 24 awardees from a pool of over 500 universities who applied for the prestigious recognition as a Howard Hughes Undergraduate Institution. The program will fund culture-based STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) education programs, Hawai‘i-centered research, and activities that link science to family and community for Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students.

Dr. Helen Turner
Dr. Helen Turner

“Chaminade has been building excellence in STEM for a decade with support from agencies such as National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Science Foundation (NSF) and Kamehameha Schools, and this award recognizes the tremendous progress we have made in preparing the next generation of Hawai‘i and Pacific scientists” says Dr. Helen Turner, Chaminade’s Dean of Natural Sciences and Principal Investigator of the HHMI Program. “This award takes us to the next level of national recognition for the curriculum and cutting-edge teaching methods our faculty have developed. The HHMI program confronts the challenge of connecting STEM education with culture, family and community – which are critical for our local students to be successful and to build a strong Hawai‘i for the future.”

“Finding a way to include all students, from all backgrounds, in STEM is critical for building future generations of American scientists”, says David Asai, HHMI Senior Director for Science Education. “HHMI recognizes that science excellence depends on having a community of scientists that is rich in diversity of people and perspectives. This national experiment expects that the selected universities will produce useful models to address inclusivity in STEM.”

ABOUT THE HOWARD HUGHES MEDICAL INSTITUTE
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) is the largest private, nonprofit supporter of science education in the United States. The Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) has created an Inclusive Excellence Commission whose role will be to evaluate the outcomes of this national experiment, and to disseminate to the broader community what is being learned.