Aloha and Welcome!
Kanu a Kupu is a summer bridge program designed for incoming students in the College of Natural and Health Sciences at the University of Hawaii at Hilo. After a successful program in 2024, we are looking forward to another great experience in 2025!
The Hawaiian phrase Kanu a Kupu may be translated “to plant and sprout.” This name reflects our mission to give students tools to thrive at UH-Hilo. To accomplish this goal we provide incoming students with a unique opportunity to prepare for STEM majors through engaging, hands-on science experiences led by professional scientists.
Program Dates: Monday and Tuesday, August 18-19, 2025 (two days before New Student Orientation).
New this year: two different science topics!
Topic 1: Non-biodegradable waste, such as plastics, contribute to marine debris that threaten sea life. Using simple chemical tests, the laboratory project will lead the students to characterize the identity of plastics collected from the beach.
Topic 2: Climate change has become a common yet controversial topic in the media. To better understand the concept of climate change, students will analyze patterns and trends of past climate data across different time scales to distinguish between climate variability and climate change.
Food & Lodging: Students who plan to live on campus in the fall may check into their dorm rooms between 9:00 and 10:00 am on Monday (a day before other incoming students). Students not living on campus may commute to this program. Lunch will be provided for all participants both days.
Who Should Apply?
All incoming UH-Hilo students are encouraged to apply, but we prioritize applicants who plan to pursue a major in the College of Natural and Health Sciences.
Why Join Us?
- Build Relationships: Connect with other incoming students who share your interests and passion for STEM.
- Interact with Professionals: Engage with scientists and faculty members in a relaxed, stress-free environment.
- Hands-On Learning: Participate in real science experiments without the pressure of grades or tests.
- Better Preparation: Gain valuable insights and skills to excel in your college classes.
- Early Campus Familiarity: Check into your dorm room early and become acquainted with the campus before most other students arrive.
- Resume Booster: Add this unique experience to your resume.
- Free of Charge: The program is entirely free for participants.
Application Details
Priority Application Deadline: July 1, 2025.
Final Application Deadline: July 15, 2025.
Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to kickstart your journey in STEM at UH-Hilo!
Applying is easy; just answer a few brief questions about yourself.
Space is limited, so apply early.
Click below to secure your spot in Kanu a Kupu.
Apply NowFor more information, contact Chester Dabalos.
Meet the Team
Team 1 Design Lead:
Rie Uzawa, PhD, University of California, Santa Cruz
Team 1 Participants:
Miranda Kong, graduate student, Institute for Astronomy, University of Hawaii at Manoa
Derek Sikorski, graduate student, Institute for Astronomy, University of Hawaii at Manoa
Team 2 Design Lead:
Arina Favilla, PhD, University of California, Santa Cruz
Team 2 Participants:
Ethan Yan, graduate student, University of California, Santa Cruz
Sheila Davis, MD, graduate student, Mortenson Center in Global Engineering & Resilience, University of Colorado Boulder
Institute for Scientist and Engineer Educators Coordinator:
Candice Brown Pacheco, PhD, Assistant Director, ISEE
UH-Hilo Coordinators:
Chester Dabalos, PhD, Instructor of Chemistry
Aaron Tresham, ThD, Instructor of Mathematics
Heather Kaluna, PhD, Associate Professor of Physics and Astronomy
Kanu a Kupu is a joint project of the University of Hawaii at Hilo and the Institute for Scientist and Engineer Educators.