Chaminade University of Honolulu

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Lillie Flynn BS ’21

How did your education at Chaminade University of Honolulu contribute to your professional success?

The diverse education I received at Chaminade has opened many doors for me. This education helped me build a solid foundation in several fields: business, environmental science and data science. 

This foundation is critical to the work I do every day as an Initiatives Lead in the Technical Operations Department at Hawaiian Airlines. In my current position, I frequently utilize the data visualization skills and business mindset I developed in school. I also have the opportunity to utilize my environmental science background to work on sustainability initiatives and help advocate for the triple bottom line: people, planet and profit.

As a Junior, two of my professors assigned me class projects to learn more about local companies. This project work led me to pursue local internship opportunities, which ultimately led to my current position.

I am proud to be an alumna of Chaminade University; Chaminade has a great reputation for graduating students with a strong work ethic and helping the local community. Because Chaminade is such a tight knit community, I’ve connected with several members of the Chaminade ‘ohana at work and continue to build strong relationships there as well.

Can you recall a specific moment or experience during your time that had a significant impact on you, either academically or socially?

There were lots of little moments that had a significant impact on me during my time at Chaminade. Whether it was Brother Allen picking up my family from the airport when I arrived for freshman orientation or Dr. Gao giving us a high five when we answered questions in her economics class, I always felt like I had team supporting me and cheering me on. 

How did your Chaminade education shape your perspective and personal growth?

I was fortunate enough to attend a Marianist high school. It meant a lot to me to attend a Marianist University and to continue shaping my faith and strengthening my commitment to community service. 

Attending Chaminade gave me a great opportunity to learn more about Hawaiian culture and to get involved with local nonprofits. Whether it was talking story with those at our feed-the-hungry events downtown or wading knee deep through loi patches on the east side, Chaminade helped me to be part of this incredible Hawaii community. Both my classmates and the Chaminade staff showed us the importance of sharing aloha. Also, the friends I made at Chaminade are still my closest friends, and these friendships will last a lifetime.

How have you continued to invest in your professional development since graduating?

For the past two and a half years since graduating, I’ve had the opportunity to work as an Associate Analyst and Initiatives Lead. Although both positions were challenging, the experience I have gained has been very valuable. At the moment, I am pursuing two project management certifications: Project Management Professional (PMP) and Smartsheet Project Management.

How has your education influenced your personal goals and achievements?

My education, particularly in Environmental Science and with  Campus Ministry, highlighted the importance of making meaningful contributions to our community. Our class work with coral reefs drew me closer to environmental protection and restoration efforts. I continue to volunteer with nonprofits, such as Malama Maunalua, to this day. 

The Hogan Entrepreneurship Program guided and supported me on my first trip abroad. This trip fueled my passion to continue learning more about other cultures and visit other countries. During the past two years, I’ve had the opportunity to visit 10 countries I had never been to before, and I hope to continue traveling. 

My education at Chaminade has given me the confidence and courage to try new things. It means a lot to me to be part of this ohana. 

Connor Flynn BS ’21

How did your education at Chaminade University of Honolulu contribute to your professional success?

Chaminade was extremely influential regarding my personal definition of “professional success.” With the input from my peers and mentors, my definition of professional success includes values of stewardship, community and lifelong-learning. Fortunately, thanks to the support of a United Nations Sustainability Center and a $10 Million NSF INCLUDES Alliance Data Science grant, both housed at Chaminade, I have been able to thrive and accomplish some professional success since graduation. 


Can you recall a specific moment or experience during your time that had a significant impact on you, either academically or socially?

The Supporting Pacific Impact through Computational Excellence (SPICE) Summer Program is a one-month intensive data science experience. I was provided with a $6,000 stipend, which is equivalent to what I would have made in an entire summer as an ocean lifeguard, along with a new laptop and essentially around-the clock-guidance from data science experts and mentors. This one month program greatly increased my confidence in coding and developing/testing hypotheses, and caused me to embrace data science as a career path. This programming is growing every summer and I am fortunate enough to now be a mentor in the program. 

How did your Chaminade education shape your perspective and personal growth?

I was born and raised in New York so attending school in Hawaii was quite different than anything I had ever experienced. I feel Chaminade provides a very supportive space for students from the mainland to learn about Hawaiian culture and values. These values seem to be present in every aspect of education/life on campus, and have shaped the way that I see the world. 

The familiar part of my education was the Marianist culture and identity of Chaminade. I attended Chaminade High School in New York, so the spiritual and service-oriented community on campus had an extremely positive impact on my personal growth. 

How have you continued to invest in your professional development since graduating?

With the guidance of Dr. Rylan Chong  and Dr. Helen Turner, I was fortunate enough to be accepted into a Masters of Environmental Data Science Program at UC Santa Barbara. This was the first program of its kind in the country, and I was part of the inaugural class. My education at Chaminade prepared me to thrive in the program among students from some of the best schools across the country. 

How has your education influenced your personal goals and achievements?

My degree in environmental science introduced me to the tremendous challenges and opportunities regarding the health and stewardship of our homes. My minor in data science allowed me to have a seat at the table in the ever increasingly data-driven world we live in. The overlap between these fields is limitless and I hope to spend my career in this interdisciplinary space. 

Ian Terayama, MBA ’22

How did your education at Chaminade contribute to your professional success?

My time in the One-year MBA program has helped to contextualize and prepare me to better manage and address the challenges I see in my everyday role as a Project Manager.

Can you recall a specific moment or experience during your time that had a significant impact on you, either academically or socially?

I recall having “aha” moments during our Accounting and Business Analytics courses. Business Analytics was instrumental in helping me to understand the data infrastructure in my organization and across the construction industry.

How did your education at Chaminade shape your perspective and personal growth?

My Chaminade education reinforced my belief that there is value in all voices if we take the time to engage and learn.  I enjoyed learning from and with my classmates in an environment that allows us to push each other towards our goals. 

How have you continued to invest in your professional development since graduating?

Unfortunately, I haven’t had the opportunity since taking on my new role at Pacific Resource Partnership. I’m looking forward to continuing my development in the near future.

How has your education influenced your personal goals and achievements?

My Chaminade education has taught me that my short-term goals may not be ambitious enough to match my desired impact and professional trajectory. I am in the process of re-evaluating the impact I can make in Hawaii, and feel better equipped to tackle the challenges our communities are facing.

Peer-Reviewed Paper

International journal accepts paper from Professor David Carter and colleagues

David Carter, Ph.D., literally wrote the book on forensic microbiology so, it was only natural that he was invited to co-author a published paper that will appear in Nature Microbiology. Completely comfortable discussing an issue that is often squeamish for many, the Forensic Sciences Program director casually speaks of cadavers and PMI (Post Mortem Interval) as if he’s talking about the weather.

“There’s definitely increasing interest in PMI (or the time that has elapsed since an individual’s death),” Carter says. “It’s critical information that could be key to solving a crime—or providing an alibi—in absence of any witnesses … or insects.”

Dr. David Carter holding his AAFS Pathology/Biology Section Award for Achievement in the Forensic Life Sciences.
Dr. David Carter holding his AAFS Pathology/Biology Section Award for Achievement in the Forensic Life Sciences.

The microbiomes associated with decomposing human cadavers are universal regardless of location or environmental conditions, the paper published in Nature Microbiology suggests. The findings show a conserved and predictable sequence of microbial interactions that break down organic matter, which could have implications for forensic science.

Decomposition is essentially nature’s recycling system. It is a fundamental process that recycles dead biological material to fuel biological processes, such as plant productivity and soil respiration. Microbial fungi and bacteria are predominantly responsible for decomposition, and although this process is well studied, research has focused predominantly on the breakdown of dead plant biomass. In contrast to plants, animal carcasses, including those of humans, are enriched in readily decomposable proteins and lipids, but their impact on biogeochemistry and community ecology are poorly understood.

In their research, Carter and his colleagues tracked the decomposition process in 36 human cadavers, which had been willed to science. The bodies were placed in three locations with either a temperate or semi-arid climate, with three cadavers placed at each location for each of the four seasons, and the researchers took samples of the cadavers’ skin and surrounding soil throughout the first 21 days postmortem. Their study found that decomposing human cadavers had a universal consortium of microbes, regardless of the location, climate or season, that are rare in non-decomposition environments and appear unique to the terrestrial breakdown of flesh.

“Jessica Metcalf of Colorado State and Rob Knight of UC San Diego and I initiated this research in 2011,” Cater says. “Our findings are a sign of success, but we’re still not quite there.”

With metagenome-assumed genomes and metabolomic profiling of soils adjacent to cadavers, Carter and his co-authors reconstructed a network of interaction that revealed how fungi and bacteria share resources as they metabolize decomposition products. Carter and his colleagues suggest that insects may serve as vectors that disperse these microbes from one decomposing animal to another.

According to Carter, using data on the microbial timeline of cadaver decomposition, combined with a machine learning model, they were also able to predict the time since death, which could have potential future applications for forensic science.

“We now have techniques that we didn’t have 20 years ago,” Carter asserts. “It’s also a lot easier for new science and other developments to get in the hands of lawyers and investigators, which makes for a stronger working relationship with criminologists to achieve criminal justice.”

Rebecca Cochran, MBA ’22

How did your education at Chaminade contribute to your professional success?

The leadership knowledge I gained through the MBA program has been invaluable in my career, and it has led to several growth opportunities. The Executive-style program worked well with my busy work schedule, so well that I recognized that I could handle far more than I thought. After this experience, I was more confident in my abilities, and sought greater opportunities and more challenging assignments in my career. 

Can you recall a specific moment or experience during your time that had a significant impact on you, either academically or socially?

Our cohort traveled to New Zealand for the International Finance course. This was such a fantastic experience. The trip brought the cohort members closer, and created what I’m sure will be a few lifelong friendships. We made some valuable contacts along the way, and had the opportunity to experience New Zealand Parliament, the Stock Exchange and the tourism industry from a unique perspective. 

How did your Chaminade education shape your perspective and personal growth?

There was such a great diversity of backgrounds in my MBA program that I realized, this knowledge applies to a large variety of career paths—far more than I had previously considered. I feel confident that I will never be without career opportunities. 

How have you continued to invest in your professional development since graduating?

After completing my MBA, I was excited to find the next step, which is to apply to a doctoral program. I’ve realized there does not need to be a definitive end to education, it is a lifelong journey! 
“Her confidence wasn’t in her existing knowledge, but in her ability to learn.” -Adam Grant

How has your education influenced your personal goals and achievements?

This program and a few of my peers encouraged me to really assess my career goals. I have completely re-routed my career path. The traditional “corporate path” that was laid out in front of me is not the only option, I now have the knowledge and foresight to see more creative opportunities on the horizon.

Kevin Mokulehua BA ’04

How did your education at Chaminade University of Honolulu contribute to your professional success?

My college education provided me with the leadership and management skills necessary to manage personnel and to make strategic decisions. I also learned effective communication and interpersonal skills that have enabled me to communicate clearly with my team members, superiors and other agencies. But most of all, since I had taken a “break” from school in 1995, resuming in 2001 to attain my degree in 2003 while being a member of the Honolulu Fire Department, my commitment to education instilled a mindset of continuous learning throughout my career.

Can you recall a specific moment or experience during your time that had a significant impact on you, either academically or socially?

In 2001, having served three years in the Honolulu Fire Department, something “clicked” inside of me that drove me to want to finish my college degree, basically finishing something that I had started back in 1992.  It was at this moment when I had decided to fully commit myself to completing my college education.  Though I was a C-average student at best in high school, I am proud to have graduated from Chaminade University with Magna cum Laude honors.  I only wish I had applied this same drive while I was in high school.

How did your Chaminade education shape your perspective and personal growth?

My education shaped my perspective and personal growth in several ways.  First, I learned a lot about self-discipline and time management.  The demands of academics, especially in an accelerated program, required effective time management and self-discipline.  I had to learn how to balance competing priorities, meeting deadlines and managing workload, while also effectively serving as a member of the Honolulu Fire Department. There was continuous learning, training and working as a team to accomplish daily goals, from mitigating emergency incidents to regular station duties and team tasks.  Second, I learned a lot about adaptability, which involved reacting to new information, methodologies and technologies.  This adaptability was crucial in helping me to navigate different situations and remain open to continuous learning and growth. Finally, I can honestly walk the walk when telling my children that they need to go to college to better themselves and their future.

How have you continued to invest in your professional development since graduating?

Since graduating from college, my mindset in the Honolulu Fire Department evolved from just getting by and doing what was required or necessary, to seeking professional development opportunities, always improving myself so that I was an asset to the Department.  This meant taking additional courses and training throughout my career and putting myself in uncomfortable situations to better myself professionally and personally.

How has your education influenced your personal goals and achievements?

Being able to attain my college degree has positively affected me in so many ways.  Knowing that I could attain my degree while working a full-time job shaped me into the person that I am today.  The drive I had back then to decide to return to school and finish my degree is the same drive I have today— to help my team in any capacity to make our Department better than it was, which ultimately means a better and safer place for the community that we serve.