Chaminade University of Honolulu

Hogan Entrepreneurs Program

HUMAN OR ANIMAL BONES? LECTURER CARLOS GUTIERREZ SHARES HOW TO TELL THE DIFFERENCE WITHOUT DNA TEST

When crime scene investigators discover small bone fragments, it’s often difficult to initially determine if the remains are animal or human. Conducting a costly and time-consuming DNA analysis in a laboratory is one way to resolve the question. Or, as Chaminade University lecturer Carlos A. Gutierrez points out, a much simpler and far less expensive examination could reveal the answer on site that same day. Gutierrez specializes in forensic microanthropology, a new field of study with broad implications for crime scene investigators around the world – especially those working in economically disadvantaged countries and in small towns with limited resources. As part of his research, Gutierrez developed a bone identification technique involving polarized microscopy analysis. Carlos A. Gutierrez (NSM, Forensic Sciences)“You can get very good information and quick answers for families,” according to Gutierrez, who earned a master’s degree in Forensic Sciences from Chaminade in 2016. “If the bone fragments are from a human, you go to the next step – DNA analysis.” But if the remains are from an animal, he said, the probe can stop there. “Lots of police departments could use forensic microanthropology for crime scene investigations,” Gutierrez added. “That’s my goal – to spread the word.” Along with spreading the word among Chaminade students, Gutierrez recently presented his research and conducted workshops at the third UCENM International Forensic Sciences Conference in Honduras, and at the fifth Forensic Sciences, Law and Public Safety International Conference in Acapulco, Mexico. Before coming to Chaminade, Gutierrez served as director of a criminalistics laboratory in his native Chile, where he notably led efforts to identify victims of two massive disasters. One tragedy involved a deadly fire in 2007 at a hostel in Punta Arenas, and the other was a 2010 earthquake and tsunami that devastated the city of Constitution. Two years ago, Gutierrez and his wife Ana Acuna founded Honolulu-based True Forensic Science, LLC with guidance from the Hogan Entrepreneurs Program at Chaminade. Their company provides training, consulting and products in the forensic sciences, especially for clients in Latin American countries. Chaminade University’s Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics offers a bachelor of science degree and a minor in Forensic Sciences. Students enrolled in these programs can prepare for careers in biology, medicine, pharmacy, anthropology, criminal justice, psychology, law and other fields.

Hogan Students Help Homeless With Resumes, Interviewing Skills at Job Preparation Workshop

For homeless men and women, getting hired can be a daunting task – even when Hawaii boasts the lowest unemployment rate in the nation. But thanks to volunteer efforts by 16 Chaminade University students, finding gainful employment got easier for homeless individuals who attended the 13th annual Job Preparation Workshop conducted by the Hogan Entrepreneurs Program. Hogan Homeless WorkshopLeading the event were Chaminade instructor and Hogan board member Denny McDonough, along with Ed Nakamura, an employment specialist with the Institute for Human Services nonprofit organization. Students helped attendees with interviewing techniques, shared information about job resources and created resumes that were sent to more than 500 potential employers. The homeless people were “eager to learn,” said volunteer Savannah Lyn Delos Santos, a junior preparing for a career in business marketing. “They were all hungry for growth and it was so evident in their actions, curiosity and enthusiasm,” Delos Santos said. “I gave my business card to a few participants and told them to keep me updated on the progress of their job hunt.” Among the challenges in conducting the workshop, Delos Santos said, was assisting attendees with limited English skills. A personal challenge, she said, was witnessing the pain and desperation of homeless people struggling to survive. “Many of them shared the stories of their lives and what led to their homelessness,” she said. “It made me happy to know that I was making a difference, but also sad that many people do not get the chance to see what life is like on the other side. “While most of society shuns them because they have nothing, they are just doing what they can to move forward and rise up. They made me realize how sometimes one chance is all someone needs to create a better life for both them and their families.” Other students volunteering for the workshop were: Monique Gomes, Bonita Dydasco, Mokihana Maldonado, Clarke Velasco, Caitlin Martinez, Sarah Cervantes, Fabian Patterson, Jackie McGreal, Antonio Bonnetty, Ally Alvarez-Stratton, Chris Ortiz, Grant Okazaki, Nate Cassion, Taletha Manigo and Tyler Taydus. The Hogan Entrepreneurs Program provides Chaminade students with the knowledge, skills, motivation and networking opportunities to succeed in business ventures. This one- or two-year certificate program is open to all students, regardless of their majors. The Hogan motto is: “Doing business things that make social sense. Doing social things that make business sense.”

To Be Successful: Knowledge and Networking

It was an honor to hear from Mr. Ray Pekowski, Chairman and CEO of The Expo Group, a trusted exhibition and events partner that helps organizations grow their attendance, exhibitor and sponsorship revenue through the design and execution of unique, compelling and memorable experiences. Mr. Pekowski is not only a serial entrepreneur, or a trade show maven, but an author. Earlier this year, he wrote and published his first book Lessons of an Entrepreneur. According to a book review from Amazon.com, “Lessons of an Entrepreneur is written for those who want to create a culture of stewardship and servant leadership.”

Mailani Faniel and Ray Pekowski
Mailani Faniel & Ray Pekowski

His company takes pride in delivering discipline, collaboration, accountability, focus and execution. These are all key concepts that each and every entrepreneur should practice. Mr. Pekowski touched upon the importance of organizational culture and how crucial it is for an employee’s position to fit their expertise. The Expo Group’s mission statement states, “Today. Tomorrow. Together.” This Texas based brand specializes in helping people perform at a higher level within their business.

Although his ultimate dream was to become an NFL football coach, instead, he earned the title of being the youngest manager of a publicly traded company. One of his earliest lessons learned as an entrepreneur was that archaic types of programming are unusual. Therefore, keep up with the revolutionizing advancements in modern technology in order to take the lead against competitors. Mr. Pekowski also emphasized the importance of a skilled decision-making process when a company is faced with a threat. He mentioned how vital it is for entrepreneurs to be visionary and to cater to their passions.

According to Mr. Pekowski, “12.5% of being successful is knowledge and 87.5% is networking.” Networking has repeatedly been the number one focus for most of the speakers that present at our Wednesday night sessions. Mr. Pekowski noted that entrepreneurs must make their networking connections personal and long-term. Lastly, he told us to believe in ourselves, even when others may not believe in us.

Written by: Hogan Entrepreneurs Program student, Mailani Faniel
Speaker Session with ray Pekowski 11/15/17

Chaminade Students Inspire School Children at Annual ‘Astronaut Lacy Veach Day of Discovery’

By sharing their knowledge and love of science, two teams of Chaminade University students encouraged children to pursue STEM educations and careers at the “2017 Astronaut Lacy Veach Day of Discovery.”

Held Oct. 28 at Punahou School, this 16th annual event honored the life and legacy of NASA astronaut Charles Lacy Veach, who flew on Space Shuttle missions in 1991 and 1992 and developed robotics for the International Space Station. The Punahou alumnus and U.S. Air Force Academy graduate died of cancer in 1995 at the age of 51.

2017 Lacy Veach Day - anchialine pools activity

One team of Chaminade students conducted a workshop on the tiny opae`ula Hawaiian red shrimp and the ecologically fragile anchialine pools where they live. Anchialine pools are enclosed bodies of water with underground connections to the ocean.

“The kids we worked with made a habitat for the shrimp and were really excited to take them home,” said English major Kalei Ehlers from the Hogan Entrepreneurs Program. “Kids are excited by science and I had a blast teaching them something new.”

Also conducting the workshop were students Aulani Oka, Martina Segura, Tara Supit and Luwella Leonardi.

A team of students from the “I Am A Scientist” mobile outreach program showed children how to dust and “lift” latent fingerprints.

2017 Lacy Veach Day - fingerprint activity

“We got to educate kids and parents about the different characteristics in fingerprints that are unique to the individual person,” said Nursing major Heather Carvalho. “We also taught them that fingerprints are how they catch criminals.”

Carvalho said she enjoyed encouraging parents and children “to engage in science education together as a family.”

“It was an awesome way to get the kids outdoors,” she said, “instead of in front of the television and internet devices.”

Forensic Science major Kaitlyn Castillo said she initially thought young children “wouldn’t really think about doing science-related things.”

“After this event, I know that I was wrong and that some kids really do enjoy science so much,” Castillo said. “A few parents I talked to said they had bought their kids fingerprint kits and they would be dusting for prints all over the house.

“I liked knowing there were kids that got interested in forensic science by actually doing things related to forensic science,” Castillo added, “rather than from a TV show.”

Working with Carvalho and Castillo at the fingerprint booth were students John Aiwohi, Chante Carter, Doris Sanborn and Samantha Williams, along with alumna Cassandra Song and biology lecturer Dr. Eric Umemoto.

Choosing One Business Path Over Another

This past Wednesday, Hogan students had the privilege to hear from an amazing, inspiring, young entrepreneur— Ed Schultz, President of Honolulu Coffee Company, Hawaii’s premier roaster and retailer of fine Kona coffee. He brought to class some quality coffee and tea, which was very thoughtful.

Before Ed began his presentation, Dr. John Webster shared with us the last stanza of Robert Frost’s The Road Not Taken.

“…I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the ones less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.”

Ed Schultz and Kaci Dela Cruz
Ed Schultz and Kaci Dela Cruz

This poem is about choice and how one decision can change a person’s entire life. Ed chose one path over another, and made all the difference. He was a former investment banker in New York having worked as Vice President of Merchant Banking Group at BNP Paribas Asset Management, and Analyst of Financial Sponsor Group at Bank of America Merrill Lynch. His career took off as an entrepreneur, getting into the coffee making industry. His success is driven by the never ending commitment to quality from “farm-to-cup,” having fresh ingredients and product.

Ed is a leader and a mentor to his team. He leads by example by proving that he can do all aspects of his business. He is not afraid of getting his hands dirty. He enjoys talking to customers and sometimes works behind the counter, making coffee.

One of the important things Ed spoke about is that having a business plan is key. You should be able to write down your ideas, review your plan, and determine whether you are moving forward with success. Something to keep in mind as you think about your dreams and aspirations is a quote that Ed mentioned—“Do something that you will want to do and be the best in the world at it!”

Become the successful entrepreneur with the exclusive and desirable product, or the person that understands and embraces the differences. Do not pass up an opportunity to meet someone because that person could be your next successor.

Written by: Hogan Entrepreneurs Program student, Kaci Dela Cruz
Speaker Session with Ed Schultz 10/25/17

Hogan Students Learn the Importance of Building a Better Community

It was a pleasure to hear from Mr. Stephen Metter, Chief Executive Officer and Principal of MW Group, Ltd. Real Estate Development, founded on a handshake in 1990 with Mr. Michael B. Wood.

Stephen Metter and Sheehan Chase
Stephen Metter & Sheehan Chase

Mr. Metter opened with stories of humble beginnings and how his entrepreneurial journey began out of necessity after having to move out of his home at the age of 17. He then moved on to speak about MW Group, Ltd., its mission statement, financial statement, The Profit Box, and the branches under its umbrella—Pioneer Plaza, Aiea Town Square, and Nimitz Square in Oahu; Kihei Plaza, Azeka Shopping Centers, and Kihei Kalama Village in Maui; Hawaii Self Storage and The Plaza Assisted Living.

He ended his talk by sharing a list of things we should value. This list, which his team put together, included authenticity, integrity, being purposeful, community spirit, and love. In addition, he also shared 12 principles and beliefs that govern their company. Their principles and beliefs included being relationship-centric, valuing strengths and understanding weaknesses, building a great team, and supporting the team in pursuit of a great culture.

What really resonated with me was the importance Mr. Metter placed on making a difference and building a better community, rather than just profits. He devotes his time and resources by serving on a variety of charitable boards. Mr. Metter and the Hogan Program share this same belief—giving back to the community.

The importance of trust and teamwork Mr. Metter have on his company also resonated with me. He formed MW Group, Ltd. on a handshake deal, and he and his team are committed to serving their tenants and community through developing successful leaders and loyal relationships.

Lastly, as a leader in the Hawaii business community for more than 25 years, Mr. Metter reminded us that failure is our friend and resilience is the most important characteristic an entrepreneur can have.

Written by: Hogan Entrepreneurs Program student, Sheehan Chase
Speaker Session with Stephen Metter