On the Kila Moana
Instructors
Helen Janiszewski is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Earth Science at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Helen’s research involves using seismic data to image the Earth’s interior, primarily focusing on the relationships between structure and deformation at subduction zones and volcanoes. She often uses OBS data in her research, and is broadly interested in characterising noise properties at these instruments globally.
Brian Glazer is a professor in the Department of Oceanography, in the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, and cofounder and CEO of Hohonu, Inc.. He has served on the National Science Foundation’s Ocean Observing Initiative Facilities Board as well as the Deep Submergence Science Steering Committee. Glazer has 26 years of experience in ocean observing science, both at deep-sea volcanoes and the coastal zone. He earned a B.S. degree in Biology from the Pennsylvania State University in 1997, M.S. in Marine Sciences from the University of Delaware in 1999, and Ph.D. in Marine Sciences in 2004, also at UD. In 2004, Brian was awarded a postdoctoral fellowship with the NASA Astrobiology Institute, and in 2006 he was appointed as assistant professor of oceanography. Glazer’s research involves autonomous samplers, chemical analyzers, and assets from the National Deep Submergence Facility, including the human-occupied submersible Alvin, ROV Jason-II, and AUV Sentry. Glazer has sailed on two dozen research expeditions, spending between 1-3 months at sea per year over the past 23 years. For the past eight years, Glazer’s focus has shifted to the interfaces between chemistry, physics, and biology within coastal Hawai‘i, especially within loko i’a (traditional Hawaiian fishponds). His group has developed affordable sensors, instruments, and a web-based data platform. Glazer’s funding sources have included NSF, NOAA, NASA, Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, Schmidt Ocean Institute, Schmidt Marine Technology Partners, and the Posner Foundation.
Jose Cuevas is the Digital Community Manager at the Museum of Science in Boston. They hold a bachelor’s degree from the University of San Diego in Marine Science and are All But Thesis for their master’s degree in geology from Boston College. Jose has an expansive background in marine biogeochemistry, paleoceanography, and science education. With the academic fleet, Jose has sailed aboard the R/V Robert Gordon Sproul and R/V Sally Ride as a teaching assistant, and has also worked as a shore-based education and outreach officer for the D/V JOIDES Resolution‘s Expedition 395C. Ashore, Jose has also worked as an educator at the Birch Aquarium at Scripps and as a question writer and quiz master for ocean-themed and general trivia competitions. They hope to bring a sense of passion and inspiration for integrative earth sciences to STEMSEAS, and to accentuate that not every career path, academic or otherwise, is strictly linear.
Students
Hi everyone! My name is Allison Yamakawa and I was born and raised on the Island of O’ahu. I am currently pursuing a degree in Earth Sciences and a certificate in GIS at the University of Hawai’i at Manoa. I am super excited to meet everyone and learn about the various ways earth science can be used in the field and at sea! I also look forward to being exposed to a variety of research techniques and scientific processes throughout this trip.
Hello, my name is Audrey. I am a second year student at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa. I am currently majoring in Global Environmental Science.I am originally from Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Growing up on Cape Cod I witnessed the effects of Climate Change first hand. Coastal erosion and severe storm surges are only some of the major issues facing my home. I wanted to spend my life trying to reverse the damage that has been done and make the planet a better place for future generations. I am so stoked to be on the STEMSEAS expedition because I will be learning about the ocean in a way I have never experienced it before. I look forward to challenging myself and cannot wait to see what new adventures this voyage will bring me.
Hi, my name is Casey Wandasan. I was born and raised on Oahu, Hawaii and am currently in my final year at the University of Hawaii at Manoa majoring in Earth Sciences. I was originally a math and physics major, but realized I wanted to do something in geophysics instead (I am still figuring this out). I hope the STEMSEAS expedition allows me to learn more about marine geophysics and get hands-on experience. I am currently doing undergraduate research using teleseismic receiver functions to image the subsurface for magmatic structures under specific Aleutian volcanoes. My goals are to get a PhD and become a geophysicist or a seismologist. As for my personal life, I like to watch anime, K-dramas, and YouTube, but I also really like informational content including watching documentaries on science and history or world news. My hobbies include drawing, pen spinning, and math. I love to do math for fun and enjoyed my time as a math tutor.
Howdy! My name is Mya Van Slyke and I am a junior Ocean Engineering major at Texas A&M University! I have always been interested in oceans and the science behind them, but growing up in a desert didn’t give me much experience with them. I applied to STEMSEAS because of the amazing experiences and opportunities I read about, and I am so excited to join the STEMSEAS family. I’m looking forward to having up-close experience with research professionals and learning more about my potential careers. I hope to make meaningful connections with everyone on board and I am so excited for this unique experience!
Richard Steiner-Otoo is a senior at Montclair State University, majoring in Geography Urban and Environmental Studies, with a minor in Political Science. Richard is a former White House Intern for the Executive Office of the President with a focus on public engagement. During his time at MSU Richard has also been involved in different organizations and departments on campus holding positions such as the Student Government Association President, Treasurer of Phi Delta Theta fraternity, Vice President of the honors program advisory board, greek unity task force member, LSAMP program researcher. He also carried jobs in the Center for Student Involvement as an office and event manager and in Undergraduate Admissions as an admissions ambassador. He has also taken part in different research projects including, researching the mobilization of trace elements in the Central Valley, and microplastic content in local New Jersey streams.
Aloha, my name is Taylor U’ilani Barongan, but I go by U’i. I am a senior at UH Hilo pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Biology. I hope to enter the field of physical therapy, but I really enjoy being in nature. I have had previous research experience through UH Hilo and Vanderbilt University. I am a big advocate for staying curious and learning about the environment. I believe that by connecting with the environment, it becomes easier to connect with the overall community. In my freetime, I enjoy hiking, doing art, and playing music. I am really looking forward to meeting new people and learning new things on this trip!
Hi all! My name is Kara Murphy, and I am a third year student studying Marine Science at the University of Hawai’i at Hilo. I am a student aquaculture technician at the Pacific Aquaculture and Coastal Resources Center, where I work specifically in fish husbandry and maintenance of many native Hawaiian fish species. I am also an Environmental Educator for the Hawaii Wildlife Fund. I work with students across the Island on topics like marine debris, coastal ecosystems, local endemic species and more! Through HWF, I also assist in community events, beach cleanups, and native habitat restoration. I am also a Scientific Diver, and have worked on a handful of projects around the island! I have loved working with the conservation community here on Hawai’i Island and hope to pursue a career in sustainable community-based coastal resource management.
Makenzy Tamura is a senior at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa pursuing a degree in Global Environmental Science. Makenzy was born and raised on Oʻahu in Ewa Beach. She has previous experience as an intern for the City and County of Honolulu’s Storm Water Quality Division and is currently completing a Senior Thesis. Throughout the past few years, she has volunteered as a Peer Mentor for her degree program and has participated in the Maile Mentoring Bridge Program that aims to inspire Native Hawaiians and individuals of other underrepresented ethnicities into ocean, earth, and environmental science professions. She has been currently researching the hydrology of water catchments in Hawaiʻi through solute compositions of samples from rainwater and stream water under the guidance of two faculty mentors.
