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SPRING 2009

CNSCollege of Natural Sciences

COLLEGE NEWS PROFILES ALUMNI


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I N S T U T I O N A L A D V A N C E M E N T

Their future depends on YOUThrough the generosity of alumni and friends, HPU continues to

offer its students the environment to excel academically

Your gifts and grants assist every

College of Natural Science student.

They help pay for the 29 percent of

operating expenses not covered by

tuition.

Students have hands-on

research opportunities with

faculty and Oceanic

Institute (OI) scientists.

New classrooms, resource

centers, and laboratories

provide an enhanced

learning environment.

Students benefit from small

class sizes and

individualized instruction.

Internship programs offer

students insight into

possible careers.

To make a gift online, go to

www.hpu.edu/onlinegift.

For more information, please visit

www.hpu.edu/supportor contact

the Institutional Advancement

Office [email protected]

(808) 544-0213.

I hope you will support HPUs commitment to excellence in education.

Your gift will help to shape the lives of our future leaders.

--Chatt G. Wright, President

CNSSpring 2009
http://www.hpu.edu/onlinegifthttp://www.hpu.edu/onlinegifthttp://www.hpu.edu/supporthttp://www.hpu.edu/supportmailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.hpu.edu/supporthttp://www.hpu.edu/onlinegift


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T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S

FEATURE STORY:

The RV KaholoHPUs teaching and research vesselprovides invaluable

time on the water for students to learn marine field

methods, but it also has a personality all its own

Page 12

College News2New faculty profiles I Pre-

medical/Pre-Health Certificate

Program

Research5Environmental Science with Susan

Carstenn I Particle Physics with

Stephen Dye I Geobiology with John

Culliney

Graduate Studies14Masters in Marine Science I

Graduate student profile: Melissa

Carr

Alumni Profile16Traveling with Tim Zepplin

Alumni News17Updates from the CNS Ohana

Student Profiles 9Find out why 4 students chose

HPUs CNS for their undergraduate

degree

Faculty Publications,Presentations, & Grants20

Feature 12The Kaholo Story by student

reporter Gwen Wedow

CNS Spring 2009 Vol. 1 No. 1Andrew Brittain, Dean/Brenda Jensen, Associate Dean/Christopher Winn, Associate Dean

Contributors: HPU Office of Institutional Advancement; Louis Primavera, Susan Carstenn, Stephen Dye, John Culliney, Whitney Masamitsu, Christopher Winn, Tim

Zepplin/Writers: Melissa Eyre, Gwen Wedow/ Graphic Design: Melissa Eyre

Cover photo: Black-footed Albatross (Phoebastria nigripes ), Laysan Island, by Samuel Kahng Photos of RV Kaholo by Varis Grundmanis

Measuring geo-neutrino flux

within Earths interior6

6th

graders consider human impact on

marine environments during Marine

Debris Awareness Month 3


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C O L L E G E N E W S CNS Spring 09 2

CNS is pleased to announce the addition of four new faculty

Dr. Yongli Chen, Assistant Professor of Chemistry

Yongli Chen joined CNS in August 2007. Chen received a Ph.D. in Biophysics from Tsinghua University in Beijing, China in

1999. Shejoined Dr. George P. Hess Laboratory at Cornell University to study how abusive drugs like cocaine affect themammalian central nervous system and to search for and design small organic molecules

which can alleviate the drugs effect. Since dysfunction of the glutamate receptor is

involved in many neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimers, Parkinsons and

epilepsy, Chen is particularly interested in glutamate receptor pharmacology to

understand how glutamate receptors are involved in pathophysiology. Chen is also

enthusiastic about screening interesting marine natural products using glutamate

receptors as molecular targets. Understanding of the biochemistry behind the action of

marine pharmaceuticals will greatly facilitate drug development and modification for

optimization. Dr. Chen teaches courses in chemistry and biochemistry.

Dr. Samuel Kahng, Assistant Professor of Oceanography

Sam Kahng joined CNS in January of 2008, bringing with him a broad range of experience in both the

private sector and academics. Following an undergraduate degree in Physics from Carleton College in

Minnesota, Kahng worked for a decade for the worlds largest management consulting firm assisting

major airline companies with distribution, revenue management, and revenue accounting. Kahng

maintained his interest in science, particularly marine ecology, via world-wide travel. In 2002, Kahng

entered a graduate program in the Department of Oceanography at the University of Hawaii at Manoa

where he studied under one of the worlds leading coral reef ecologists . Kahng received his Ph.D. in

oceanography in 2006. His dissertation research dealt with an alien species that threatens Hawaiis

multi-million dollar black coral industry. Kahng continues his research on coral reef ecology focusing

on deep-water corals, invasive species and related problems. Kahngs expertise in coral reef ecology and oceanography and

his collaborative efforts with scientists within this discipline represent an important addition to HPUs College of Natural

Sciences. Dr. Kahng teaches courses in biology and marine ecology.

Dr. Jiasong Fang, Associate Professor of Oceanography

Jiasong Fang joined the CNS faculty in September 2008. Fang received a B.S. degree in

petroleum geology and geochemistry from Yangtze University in China, an MS degree in geology

and geophysics from Louisiana State University, and a Ph.D. degree in chemical oceanography

from Texas A&M University. Fang worked as a research scientist in the Department of Civil and

Environmental Engineering at the University of Michigan and prior to his arrival in Hawaii taught

at Iowa State University. Fangs research interests are in the areas of oceanography,

biogeochemistry, geomicrobiology, and environmental science. Current research includes

studying carbon and hydrogen isotope fractionation in lipid biosynthesis of deep-sea piezophilic

bacteria, determining ecotoxicity of nanomaterials (fullerene) based on alterations in microbial membrane composition and

lipid phase behavior, and studying the fate and transport of steroidal hormones in the environment. Other research interests

include paleoclimate reconstruction using stable isotopes and lipid biomarkers in peatland sediments and source and

transport of organic contaminants in the atmosphere. Fang is an honorary professor at China University of Geosciences and

adjunct professor at the Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Dr. Fang teaches courses inchemistry, oceanography, and geology.

Dr. David Hyrenbach, Assistant Professor of Oceanography

David Hyrenbach joined CNS in January 2008, adding expertise in many fields of study including

seabird ecology, spatial statistics and ocean conservation. Born in Spain, Hyrenbach completed his

Bachelors of Science at the University of California in San Diego and his Ph.D. at the Scripps

Institution of Oceanography. Prior to his arrival at HPU, Hyrenbach worked as a research scientist at

the Duke University Marine Lab and as a visiting scholar at the University of Washington's School of

Aquatic and Fishery Sciences. In 2008 Hyrenbach was awarded a three-year Pew marine

conservation fellowship to evaluate spatially-explicit protective measures for highly-mobile marine


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CNS professor David Hyrenbach shares his expertise on the impact of marine debris with Puohala Elementary

6th

graders during Waimanalo beach clean-up

Last October was Marine Debris Awareness Month in Hawaii. Sixth grade teacher Mary Place and 26 of her students from PuohalaElementary School in Kneohe participated in the event with the assistance of HPU marine ecologist Dr. David Hyrenbach. The

class goal was not only to clean up the beach at Waimanalo Bay State Park but to understand how scientists like Hyrenbach use

scientific approaches to do marine research. Ms. Place summed up their day with Dr. Hyrenbach; When I explained that I wantedhim to tell us about how he uses the scientific method to do research, he chose to SHOWus the scientific method by coming with us

to look at the marine debris on the beach! He started by explaining to the class his focus on albatross and how human use of plasticsare killing these birds. He talked about a dichotomous key to determine whether the debris might be ingested by the bird and he

explained why the bird cannot expel the plastic. He quickly gathered the troops into 2 groups and while one group was on their

hands and knees looking for debris, the other was learning about albatross in the Pacific.

Dr. Hyrenbach had an easy rapport with my students and caught their attention with the articles that he brought to show us, like thecontents of what an albatross spits back up and pieces of debris to help them see what can and cannot be swallowed by the bird. He

has even written back to the class to see how they are doingThank you, Dr. Hyrenbach, for giving my students a hands-onexperience doing science with an expert. It was a truly "scientific" excursion that they won't soon forget.


vertebrates in the Alborn Sea, Western Mediterranean. His research at HPU will initially focus on two main questions

relating to marine birds, turtles and mammals. First: how does oceanographic variability shape the distribution and the

community structure of these pelagic vertebrates? And second: how do these habitat associations influence the efficacy of

spatially-explicit management strategies for their conservation? Hyrenbach will apply his expertise in wildlife tracking and

spatial ecology to study the habits and habitats of far-ranging marine vertebrates. In particular, building upon his previous

albatross research, Hyrenbach has initiated a study to investigate the movements and ingestion of plastic by these majestic

oceanic birds. Dr. Hyrenbach teaches courses in biology, marine biology, and marine ecology.

Puohala Elementry School 6th

graders learn what is involved in conductingscientific research with HPUsDr. David Hyrenbach.

during a Waimanalo Bay State Park beach clean-up event.


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More Choices from CNS

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Pre-Medical/Pre-Health Studies and Pre-

Medical Studies Minor Arrive Fall 2009

Pre-Medical/Pre-Health Certificate

A new certificate program within HPUs College of Natural Sciences begins next Fall semester, 2009. The Pre-Medical/Pre-Health

Certificate is designed for career-changing students that are looking for assistance in taking science courses (and other associatedsubjects) that will prepare them for the qualifying examinations for health professional schools (MCAT, DAT, OAT, GRE, etc.).

The goal of this two-year certificate program is to guide participants through the entire preparation and application process so that

they will be competitive applicants to graduate health profession schools. The program is intended for students that have already

earned a BA/BS/BFA degree and wish to apply to allopathic medicine, osteopathic medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, optometry,

physical therapy or veterinary medicine schools (students wishing to apply to other health profession schools will also be

considered). The program will be supervised by Dr. Louis Primavera, CNS Pre-Health Professions Coordinator. Dr. Primavera will

provide a Committee Letter of Evaluation for those successfully completing the certificate requirements; the letter may be

submitted with the students health profession school application.

Pre-Medical Studies Minor

Admission to healthcare professional schools (medicine or one of the related health professions- dentistry, optometry, veterinarymedicine, and others) is very competitive but a realistic goal for capable students who carefully plan their undergraduate degree

programs. Most professional schools value multi-talented applicants who possess a strong background in the liberal arts and

sciences. Hawaii Pacific University does not recommend one specific academic major for students planning to apply to healthcare

professional schools. Instead, students are advised to pursue the minor in Pre-Medical Studies (available FALL 2009) in addition to

their chosen major.

Currently, humanities or non-science majors may have a slight advantage in terms of medical school admissions (due to perceived

versatility). However, the path of a science major to medical school is probably shorter due to the number of courses taken. A minor

in Pre-Medical Studies degree would allow any major at HPU to pursue a career in medicine (or any other healthcare profession of

their choice) regardless of their formally declared major program of study. The premise behind this minor program is that any HPU

major will be able to initiate their studies to achieve success on their healthcare professional school qualifying examinations.

Kaplan Essay Contest Winners

from HPU

HPU students Margeaux DeMoulin;

Junior, Pre-Medical Studies, and Sag

Yoo; Pre-Dentistry Post-Baccalaurea

student, received gift certificates fromKaplan, Inc. for demonstrating

exceptional writing skills in a persona

statement essay this past Fall. Each

student receives a free Kaplan study

program to prepare for the MCAT

medical school qualifying exam.

From left to right: Mr. Paul Muna

Aguon; Alpha Epsilon Delta Nationa

Honor Society President (Hawaii

Alpha Chapter), Dr. Andrew Brittain;

Interim Dean of the College of Natura

Sciences, Ms. Margeaux DeMoulin,

Mr. Sage Yoo, Dr. Louis Primavera;

Pre-Health Professions Coordinator,Ms. Richelle Kim; Honolulu Kaplan

Director.


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R E S E A R C H

CNS Spring 09 5 E N V I R O M E N T A L S C I E N C E

Riparian restoration on windwardOahu

Evidence of riparian erosion seen here at Heeia Stream

makes this site suitable for restoration efforts.

Susan Carstenn, HPU Assistant Professor of Environmental

Science, has teamed with the Executive Director of Hui o

Ko'olaupoko , Todd Cullison, to address riparian

restoration along a section of Heeia stream on windward

Oahu. Other team members include Hui K Maoli Ola,

who leases the land on which the restoration will take

place for a native plant nursery, and community

volunteers.

Historically, Oahus watersheds were altered to meet the

needs of a growing Hawaiian population. A portion of

natures energy and resources were redirected to support

agroecosystems, e.g. taro farms and fish ponds; however,

adequate energy and resources remained to support

healthy and functional natural ecosystems. Currently,

urban and agricultural alteration of Oahus watersheds

continue, often times to the detriment of the natural

systems and ultimately to the human systems responsible

for the change.

Cullison coordinates the restoration process and partners

provide access to the site for volunteers to implement the

restoration work. While the nursery supplies technicaladvice on native plant material, equipment, and long-

term site maintenance, HPUs role is to investigate the

efficacy of restoration techniques and monitor the

restoration process.

Undergraduate environmental science and studies majors,

including Elizabeth Elkjer, Amanda Calhoun, and Eija

Rissanen, will design and implement research projects

investigating techniques for vegetation restoration while

minimizing the temporary impacts of erosion on water

quality. Students will monitor and assess restorationsuccess and the downstream effects of restoration on

water quality.

The State of Hawaii Department of Health and the

Environmental Protection Agency under the 319 grant

program is providing the funding for the restoration.

Hawaii Pacific University, through the Board of Trustees

Scholarly Endeavor Program, is providing funding in

support of undergraduate research.

New book challenges

traditional methods of

experimental design

and statistical analysis

of ecosystems

A new book co-edited by CNS

faculty member Susan Carstenn

addresses the limitations of

established approaches to

ecological and environmental research. Real World

Ecology: Large-Scale and Long-Term Case Studies and

Methods showcases studies that have used innovative

experimental methods to tackle the new and emerging

problems that ecologists face today.


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R E S E A R C H

P A R T I C L E P H Y S I C S CNS Spring 09 6

Geo-neutrino observations probing Earths radioactive heating

CNS Physicist Stephen Dyes research involving the detection

and measurement of antineutrinos from deep within the Earth is

reported in the highly acclaimed journal Proceedings of the

National Academy of Sciences [1.8.08] and the Newspaper of

Earth and Space Sciences, EOS [10.28.08].

One hundred years ago, not long after Henri Becquerels

discovery of radioactivity, Ernest Rutherford and Bertram

Boltwood initiated a connection between geology and nuclear

particle physics. They suggested the use of radiometric dating

to determine the age of the Earth. Rutherford and his studentsHans Geiger and Ernest Marsden went on to develop radiation

detectors. This fruitful connection led to modern

measurements of Earths formation 4.54 billion years ago with

an uncertainty of less than one percent: certainly a marvelous

achievement of interdisciplinary science.

A century after the seminal work of Rutherford and Boltwood,

geology and nuclear particle physics are connecting again. With the discovery of the neutrino and the

development of neutrino detectors, physicists are now developing methods to improve our

understanding of heat production within the Earths interior. The application of this novel approach to

study nuclear heating within the Earth promises new understanding about Earth's chemical composition,

the evolution of Earth's internal structure, and possibly the Earth's magnetic field.

Geo-neutrinos are electron antineutrinos emitted in the beta decay of long-lived isotopes within the Earth.

These isotopes, primarily uranium-238, thorium-232, and potassium-40, produce antineutrinos, the

antiparticles of neutrinos, that are affected by only the weakest two of natures four known forces (i.e.

gravity and the weak nuclear force). As a consequence these neutrinos can pass through the Earth where

they can be detected by massive, subsurface detectors and provide information about terrestrial heat

sources otherwise inaccessible to geological instruments.

Two underground detectors, one in Japan and one in Italy, are currently recording geo-neutrinos

emanating from the Earths interior. These and other pioneering efforts to measure geo-neutrino flux will

improve our understanding of the radioactive heating of the Earths interior. Future projects dedicated to

measuring and modeling the planets geo-neutrino flux would define the amount and distribution of heat

producing elements in the Earth and provide transformative insights into the thermal history and dynamicprocesses of the mantle.

The requirements of an experimental program for this purpose were defined by research led by Dye. They

include observations near Hawaii by a deep underwater geo-neutrino detector under development by an

international collaboration of physicists, geologists, and ocean engineers, including Dye.


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R E S E A R C H

CNS Spring 09 7 G E O B I O L O G Y

The works of

author and

distinguishedCNS Professor

John Culliney

John Culliney, Professor

of Biology, has been

teaching biology and

marine science on our

windward campus since

1979. Long ago his

research on the East

Coast at the DukeUniversity Marine Lab in

North Carolina and the

Marine Biological

Laboratory at Woods

Hole, Massachusetts focused on invertebrate embryology and larval ecology of (mostly) mollusks.

However, after moving to Hawaiì, his interests broadened, inspired by the Pacific Ocean setting. He

subsequently authored four books and numerous essays and articles on a variety of subjects including

conservation issues on the North American continental shelf, growing endangered native Hawaiian plants,

the environmental history of the Hawaiian Islands, and adventures exploring underwater between New

England and Hawaiì.

Recently, Culliney contributed five essays on the geologic and biotic transformation of windward Oahu

since prehuman times in a forthcoming book from the Kailua Historical Society, and he is working on a

book-length manuscript, provisionally titled The Fractal Self, with a coauthor, the philosopher David E.

Jones. This book is a study of the evolution of cooperative manifestations in nature from chemistry and

cellular structure and function to the social behavior of animals including humanswith insights from

both science and philosophy, especially the Asian traditions of Buddhism and Daoism. Ancient scholars in

those disciplines are now seen to have anticipated key concepts of fractal geometry in various natural

settings, and principles of origin of complex systems leading to emergencea phenomenon that thrusts

innovation at all levels of organization into play in the game of natural selection.

With plans to retire in the proverbial "next few years," Culliney aims ultimately to relocate from Oahu to

the Big Island where he has a house near the town of Volcano. "The (Hawaiì Volcanoes) National Park

boundary runs just behind my backyard," he says, and there's 25 miles of wilderness to explore back there

up to the 13,677-foot summit of Mauna Loa." He has plans for encouraging the regrowth of nativeHawaiian trees and shrubs on his lot, formerly part of a cattle ranch. Already several native birds have

moved back into the area as the forest has slowly begun to recover. "They are exquisite birds

honeycreepers and othersthat have all but vanished from Oahu."

Also, the area is honeycombed with lava tubes, and Culliney has found land snails inhabiting zones around

the cave entrances and skylights. This gets him thinking about going back to his early interests in mollusks

and studying their taxonomy and ecology. These native animals, some of which have evolved into

numerous species in the islands, are far less studied on the Big Island than on Oahu.


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G E O B I O L G Y CNS Spring 09 8

Another of Culliney's anticipated future projects is to approach NASA for "some very modest funding to

begin developing a Mars garden". The background for this idea comes from recent surveys by NASA,

University of Arizona researchers, and others that have looked for soils on planet Earth that closely match

the Martian regolith in chemical composition. It turned out that the rubbly, oxidized red dirt covering

much of upper Mauna Kea on the Big Island proved remarkably similar to samples that have beenremotely but accurately analyzed on the surface of Mars ever since the Viking Lander took the first scoop

in 1976.

"We could start by choosing some crops from Nepal, say, and perhaps the high Andes," Culliney imagines.

"Things like hardy cabbages, potatoes, and grains grown at high elevations. Put them in sand boxes at first

with simulated Mars soilup at the Onizuka Visitor Center at 9,200 feet on Mauna Kea. The second stage

would be to take the strongest plants up to the summit at nearly 14,000 feet. Then we would try to

harden them off and select varieties that thrive in conditions that are part of the way to the Martian

environmentwith reduced atmospheric pressure, extremely dry air, permafrost a foot below the soil

surface, high ultraviolet flux, etc. Of course, on Mars, growing plants of any kind will require degrees of

earthlike environmental controls, but anything that can reduce the likes of pressure under greenhouse

domes, water use, need for heating at night, and other costs would prove useful in eventual attempts to

establish research settlements on the planet.

Culliney admits that this still sounds like science fiction, but there's that old adage that says, 'the truth is

sometimes stranger ...,' and he thinks that a Mars garden on Mauna Kea might catch the fancy of

visionary "terraformers" working for NASA, the European Space Agency, private organizations such as The

Mars Society, and perhaps noted individuals such as the cosmologist Stephen Hawking.

And then a fewyears from nowwatch for Mars veggies for sale at the Hilo Farmers Market!

Books by John Culliney:

ISLANDS IN A FAR SEA: The Fate of Nature in Hawaiì(Revised Edition) (2006). University of Hawaiì Press,

Honolulu. 420 p.

A NATIVE HAWAIIAN GARDEN: How to Grow and Care for

Island Plants (1999). University of Hawaiì Press, Honolulu.

(with B.P. Koebele). 140 p.

ISLANDS IN A FAR SEA: Nature and Man in Hawaii (1988).

Sierra Club Books, San Francisco. 410 p.

LESA MORYA (The Forests of the Sea) Russian Edition

(1981).

Hydrometeorological Press, Leningrad. 280 p.

EXPLORING UNDERWATER:The Sierra Club Guide to Scuba and Snorkeling (1980). Sierra Club Books, San

Francisco. 340 p. (with E.S. Crockett).

THE FORESTS OF THE SEA Anchor Books (softcover) Edition (1979). Anchor Press/Doubleday, Garden

City, N.Y. 433 p.

THE FORESTS OF THE SEA: Life and Death on the Continental Shelf (1977). Sierra Club Books, San

Francisco. 290 p.

Culliney with enthusiastic students in his marineinvertebrate zoology lab- Hawaii Loa campus


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CNS Spring 09 9 S T U D E N T P R O F I L E S

Who we are

Find out why students chooseHPUs College of Natural Sciences for their

undergraduate education

Jennifer Canale

Focus: Oceanography

If you ask Jennifer Canale where she is from, her answer

would be, well, thats not such an easy question to

answer. I was born in Ohio, but I have lived in Virginia, Las

Vegas, Hawaii and New Jersey. I moved to Hawaii again in

2007 after living in San Francisco for 10 years. Canale

was able to return to Hawaii and attend HPU after earning

the prestigious Ernest F. Hollings Scholarship from the

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

When faced with the choice of where to continue her

undergraduate education after attending community

college in California, Canale tells us that she was

immediately drawn to the small teacher to student ratio

offered by the College of Natural Sciences at HPU. Canale

echoes the sentiment of many CNS students by aptly

describing her HPU experience in this way; I love the

intimate classroom setting here at HPU as well as thehands-on experience I am getting on the [RV] Kaholo and

on field trips. I think my education has been enhanced by

learning with all five of my senses rather than just one or

two.

In academia Canale fits the profile of a non-traditional student. Someone who typically seeks a college education while still

in the workforce or after leaving one career to gain training for a new one. Their experiences, when shared with fellow

students and faculty, bring a unique energy and perspective to the classroom that can be appreciated by all. Canale is

interested in tropical ocean environments such as those found in and around the Hawaiian Island chain. She is inspired to

become a teacher of the earth and marine sciences, ultimately at the community college level where she can mentor non-

traditional students such as herself. Her objective will be to motivate these students to have far-reaching education and

career goals as she did. Canale would like to continue her education after graduation by seeking an advanced degree in

marine science or a related field. An ambition made possible because of her efforts which won her the Hollings Scholarship

and the opportunity to attend HPU as a full-time undergraduate student.

To sum it up, Canale tells us, I had plenty of choices of where to continue my education after two years at a community

college, and I really think that I made the right choice. I think that I have learned so much more at HPU than I ever would

have if I had gone to a larger school on the mainland where oceanography is only taught in a classroom and students dont

get to go out and experience it for themselves. I hope I get the chance to stay in Hawaii and give back to the community all

that has been given to me.


12/28

The Natural Science Student Association (NSSA) is a Hawaii Pacific University registered independent organization

that represents and supports the students enrolled as majors in the College of Natural Sciences. In its second year, the NSSA hopes

to continue on its path of encouraging all science majors to participate in activities which enhance their educational experience.

Already the NSSA has worked closely with the College of Natural Sciences to hold the annual Beach Bash, an event that allows

science students and faculty to meet and socialize with one another. NSSA Nightis an evening affair planned for the Natural Science

student body as a chance to relax and meet other students in their majors. Not only does the NSSA organize social functions,

another important goal is to improve the environment for all students on the Hawaii Loa campus. Last year, the NSSA kept open

several study rooms at night. The organization also raises funds and promotes the association with NSSA shirt sales. Officers for the

2008-2009 school year are: Erin Aalseth (President), Tiwa Leveille (Vice President), Kristin Dominici (Secretary), Chih-WeiChang and Christopher Adams (Treasurers).

S T U D E N T P R O F I L E S CNS Spring 09 10

Alex Pawlowski

Focus: Marine Biology/Biochemistry

Alex Pawlowski is originally from Littleton, Colorado. A recent CNS graduate

(January 2009), Alex explains in his own words why he chose Hawaii Pacific

University for his undergraduate studies.

I came to HPU as a business major with hopes of getting a Marine Biology minor.

In my first semester though, my favorite class by far was Biology and I decided to

switch to a Marine Biology degree. I havent looked back since. In my junior year

I found that I had a real interest in Biochemistry as well, and as soon as the degree

was offered, I picked it up. The second degree forced a later graduation date on

me but was entirely worth it.

I came to HPU because I liked the small school atmosphere and the fact that I

would be living in Hawaii. Since being here however, I have discovered all the

other reasons that make HPU a great school. In the Natural Sciences programthere is so much opportunity to get field experience. Not only does the HPU

Marine Biology program have more boat labs than most schools, it is also very

easy to get involved in research that your teachers are doing. As an

undergraduate, Alexs efforts included assisting the Marine Mammal Stranding Team under the direction of Dr. Kristi West and in

the laboratory research ofDrs. David Horgen and Yongli Chen. Alex truly values his decision to attend HPU and believes that his

involvement with faculty research projects have prepared him well for the working world beyond graduation.

When asked where his interests lay, Alex replies, I have many fields of interest, most of which have been introduced to me

during my time spent at HPU. I am currently torn between pursuing careers in Marine Biology and Biochemistry because I find

both fascinating fields. Since beginning my education at HPU I have discovered deep interests in Ecology, Biology and Chemistry

and the interactions within.

The most rewarding experiences that I have had in the past two years have been working with the Marine Mammal Stranding

Team, with Dr. Horgens research group, and being involved in the Honors Thesis program. All of these experiences have taught

me so much about research in general and have contributed much to my respect for the natural sciences.

Immediately after graduation I plan on continuing to work at HPU in both the Marine Biology and Biochemistry programs with

hopes of furthering my education and finding the right field for me. A longer term goal that I have is to eventually go to graduate

school in whatever field I find suits me best.

Alex shared these parting words with us, I would like to thank the Faculty of HPU for my education. One of my favorite aspects

of HPU is the relationships that small class sizes allow you to develop with your teachers. At no point during my education at

HPU have I felt like I was just a face in a crowd to a teacher. I think that above all else, this has helped my education while at

HPU.


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CNS Spring 09 11 S T U D E N T P R O F I L E S

Tiwaporn Leveille

Focus: Pre-Medical Studies

Tiwaporn Leveille considers Hawaii her home. However, prior to returning to Hawaii, she

and her family had been living in Okinawa, Japan since her father is in the military.

Leveille, says that she chose HPUs College of Natural Sciences for her undergraduate

career because she was impressed by the vigorous science programs and liked what she

heard about HPU being harder to get into than most schools. Clearly, Leveille is a person

drawn to a challenge.

Leveilles interests lie in pediatric medicine but she would also like to expand her level of

experience by working with trauma patients. After graduating from HPU, Leveille plans

to attend medical school after which she would like to practice as a civilian doctor

working for the military. For Leveille, one of her greatest accomplishments in recent

history was obtaining her black belt in Okinawan Shrin Ryu under an Okinawan

Grandmaster. She also gets her share of personal satisfaction from volunteering to help

others and from traveling.

Leveille works to support the CNS student community in her role as Vice President of the Natural Science Student

Association.

Chih-Wei Chang

Focus: Biochemistry

Chih-Wei Chang arrived in Hawaii from Taiwan 6 years ago to finish high school. He joined the College of Natural Sciences at

HPU as a freshman during the Fall of 2007. His decision to attend HPU was based on the strong biology curricula offered and

essential for Chang as a premedical student.

Chang tells us, After being exposed to the chemistry world by Dr. Brian Bozlee

during my first semester of college, my interest in chemistry grew. In the spring

of 2008 I chose Biochemistry as my major. Along with chemistry, Chang has

also added the disciplines of finance and philosophy to his curricula. Studying

finance provides me with the tools and different perspectives to look at the

core mechanism of everyday business. Philosophy is not only the root of

science, but is also present in daily life when one is thinking. The study of logic

is a sub-discipline of philosophy, and essential as a scientist he says.

When asked about his most rewarding experience over the last couple of years,

Chang emphatically states that taking classes as a student in the College of

Natural Sciences has definitely been his most rewarding experience. The

acquisition of knowledge in a college environment compared to that of high school hammered home the meaning ofprofessor for Chang. He is continually impressed with the ability of his professors to skillfully communicate challenging

concepts with captivating, clear, and articulate delivery.

After graduating with a BS in biochemistry from HPU, Chang hopes to enter medical school and later practice as a general

surgeon in emergency medicine. His goal is to practice in the U.S. where he would be able take advantage of some of the

best medical facilities, technologies, and talent available worldwide. After a few years of doctoring Chang is already planning

to return to school to learn more about subjects he didnt have time to fully study previously. Says Chang, a strong desire to

learn is essential to becoming a successful doctor... I am really curious about almost every academic and non-academic

discipline, which includes car repair, he adds.

Chang gives back to the college by serving as Treasurer for the Natural Sciences Student Association.

I love the intimate classroom setting here at HPU as well as the hands-on

experience I am getting on the [RV] Kaholo and on field trips. I think my

education has been enhanced by learning with all five of my senses rather

than just one or two.CNS undergraduate Jennifer Canale


14/28

CNS Spring 09 12 F E A T U R E

The Kaholo Story:

CNS junior Gwen

Wedow portraysHPUs first-rate

teaching and

research vessel

Before I even set a bare foot

upon the research vessel R/V

Kaholo, I was looking at

pictures of her on Hawaii

Pacific Universitys website,

freezing in my northwestern

home, and wondering just

what it would be like when I

finally arrived at her dock. I

imagined getting my hands

dirty and participating in

launching very expensive

scientific equipment. I envisioned teamwork, the scenery of emerald Koolau cliffs, and pristine blue waters rippling in the

distance. Drawing closer to my arrival at HPU and to making my vision a reality, I realized that receiving an experiential

education is a crucial aspect of a science students career, as life is quite different outside of the laboratory. As I pondered

over the website photos of intimate class sizes, expectations of personalized instruction danced in my head. Since arriving, I

find that the R/V Kaholo fulfills and exceeds my imagination, as I now have the rare opportunity to routinely humble myself

aboard her, and to experience world-class maritime education from her crew.

The Kaholo is beautiful for many reasons. Most would say that her charisma is brought to life through her loyal crew, butseveral other striking characteristics can be found within the walls of her construction. The Kaholo possesses a classic style

that reflects multicultural histories of past civilizations - although with unique twists - as her designer, Hisao Murakami,

incorporated a modern blueprint that spans Japanese, Pacific Islander, and American traditions.

R/V Kaholos design was loosely based upon the old style Japanese sampan fishing boats, whose distinctive form was a

common site in Hawaiian harbors from the early to mid nineteen hundreds. Hawaiian sampans ranged in size from 20 feet to

more than 90 feet in length depending on whether they fished for aku tuna or skipjack tuna. These boats were generally a

sturdy, single-hulled vessel. The Douglas fir skeleton of the Kaholo drastically departs from sampan style in that she is a

double-hulled catamaran. Her design required adherence to Coast Guard standards for passenger service while remaining a

stable and efficient craft; the catamaran style offered both qualities with the added bonuses of light construction and speed.

She is 42 feet in length, with a beam of 20 feet and a displacement designed at around 15,000 lbs. The Kaholo is powered by

two 130 hp diesel engines. Her 2 x 6 feet transverse frames have been sown to shape, and along with her longitudinal

stringers, support the wooden exterior that has been coated with a sleek skin of epoxy and fiberglass.

Kaholo was launched in 1983, initially destined for the Big Island. Her projected service tours along the sheltered waters of

the Kona coast have turned out to occupy only a fraction of her vocational potential. The Kaholo migrated to Oahu in 1992

where she became a part of the HPU ohana. Since that time, she has worked the waters around Kneohe and windward

Oahu as a teaching and research vessel, logging over two thousand trips in support of HPUs Marine Science programs. She

became equipped over the years with an articulating A-frame and hydraulic winch, GPS chart-plotter and two depth-

sounders, Niskin sample bottles, a CTD (measuring conductivity, temperature, and depth of the ocean), an Acoustic Doppler

Current Profiler (ADCP), plankton nets, Multi-corer, and a myriad of other equipment. The Kaholo serves classes in both

Oceanography and Marine Biology.


15/28

F E A T U R E CNS Spring 09 13

The insightful environmentalist Rachel Carson once wrote, Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the Earth

are never alone or weary of life. Id like to think she had seafarers in mind when penning that remark, as the people who

crew boats tend to have unbelievable passion for their ever-changing environment and also exhibit extreme dedication andsolidarity towards maintaining the vessel that places them within their favorite atmosphere. R/V Kaholos crew embodies

what a hard working team aboard a boat should be, and is comprised of Suzanne Linda, Dan Brinkman, Kevin Baptiste, and

Captain Brian Quinn.

The Kaholo crews experiences and personalities are exceptional to say the least, and so in divulging their maritime past, I

forewarn that any information shared, barely scratches the surface and hardly does their diversity justice. Suzanne Linda is a

whimsical spirit originally from Arizona, although her fluid demeanor may still deny that. Linda received her B.S. degree in

zoology from Arizona State University. Her various skills in scuba diving, lifeguarding, sailing, teaching, and boat maintenance

have landed her several opportunities, from working with dolphins in Florida to being assistant harbormaster at Catalina

Island Marine Institute in Toyon Bay, California. Linda moved to Oahu and became an educator for community programs at

the Waikiki Aquarium. She came to work for HPU aboard the Kaholo in 2005. Dan Brinkman joined the Kaholos crew by way

of Missouri. Brinkman has the down-home personality that gives away his background of running John boats on the muddy

waters of the great Mississippi. Brinkman received his B.S. degree in marine biology from HPU and has been a part of theKaholos crew for fifteen years. Kevin Baptiste adds local style from his hometown of Honolulu. Kevin received his marine

science degree from UH-Hilo and after college, returned to Oahu to work his way up the ladder at a submarine tour company

where he obtained valuable experience as a deck supervisor. Kevin joined HPU in August of 2001, and has since been able to

obtain his captains license while serving as a deckhand aboard R/V Kaholo. As for the CaptainIts been rumored that Brian

Quinn has so much experience, that he could build you a capable sailing rig out of a coconut and some duct tape. Quinn grew

up on Oahu and began his love of boats at an early age - if not a previous life. As he grew up, so did his toys. Quinn evolved

from rowboats to sailboats and eventually obtained his captains license in 1979. He is proficient in sailboard manufacture

and design and is familiar with building and rebuilding small boat structures, as well as their hydraulic, electrical, and

navigational systems. Captain Brian has been able to share his substantial knowledge of sailing, boating, and all things

ocean or otherwise with college students since the early nineties as an HPU marine science instructor.

In general, the people who crew the Kaholo make you feel at ease aboard her, not so much for each of their distinct styles of

humor and unique backgrounds, but because there is a sense of collaboration and ultimate responsibility that emanates from

them. Many odd occurrences can happen at sea that put the crew and passengers in harms way. Yet aboard the Kaholo,

safety is the primary concern, and it shows. The crew is always where they need to be, when they need to be there, and

most importantly, they are able to impart that safety-wisdom to others.

I have yet to complete my journey at HPU, or to move on from the teachings of the Kaholo and her crew, but I can imagine

that with more hard work, and quite possibly more challenges, the education received will only continue to surpass my

expectations.

Each summer the RV Kaholo becomes a teaching lab for about 200 gifted

12 to 16 year-olds participating in the Johns Hopkins University Center for

Talented Youth Program at HPU. This residential program for students

from Hawaii, the mainland, and abroad focuses on the study of marine

science and provides hands-on opportunities to learn laboratory and

oceanographic techniques.

Gwen Wedow

Marine Biology 2010


16/28

G R A D U A T E S T U D I E S CNS Spring 09 14

CNS Masters in Marine Science Program

Hawaii Pacific Universitys new Masters in Marine Science (MSMS) program is growing rapidly and

provides new opportunities for graduate education in Hawaii and in the Pacific Basin. The College of

Natural Sciences MSMS program officially began in fall 2007 with 8 students. There are currently 20

students enrolled in the program. The number of new applications already

exceeds the number of students that we can accommodate, making admission to

the program increasingly competitive.

The MSMS program is housed at the Oceanic Institute (OI) in Waimanalo at

Makapuu, where offices and research laboratories are available for graduate

students. However, the MSMS students utilize both the Hawaii Loa campus and the Oceanic

Institute for research and coursework. One of the many advantages of this new program is that

graduate student research activities are providing increased interaction and collaboration between HPU

faculty and OI staff researchers. In addition, the presence of young, hard-working and enthusiasticgraduate students at the Oceanic Institute is providing a new energy for OIs research activities.

Furthermore, interactions between graduate and undergraduate students within the College of Natural

Sciences are enhancing the undergraduate educational experience. Some of our undergraduate students

contribute to graduate student research projects by providing valuable research assistance to our MSMS

students while receiving a unique research experience in return.

As is typical of HPUs educational programs, the MSMS graduate students are coming

to HPU from Hawaii, across the continental United States and foreign countries.

Graduate students who have participated, or are now participating in MSMS graduate

courses, have come from as far away as France and China. In addition, some of our

students are returning to Hawaii for graduate education after obtaining an

undergraduate education on the mainland. Others are coming to Hawaii for the first time to pursue a

graduate education in marine science in Hawaiis unique oceanic setting.

HPU MSMS students are either developing or are already involved in some

intriguing research projects. One student is contributing to fisheries science by

studying Bonefish feeding in Hawaiian coastal waters. Another is working closely

with OI scientists to improve aquaculture technology (see next article about

graduate student Melissa Carr and the yellow tang). Other projects address marine

mammal diseases, population size, and distribution in Hawaiian waters. Still others are working on the

endangered green sea turtle feeding in coastal waters or ocean acidification influences on Hawaiis

coastal coral reef environments. These activities are improving the scope and quality of science

education at HPU, providing talented and capable young people with a graduate education in

marine science and providing new insight to help preserve and manage the worlds

marine environment.


17/28

CNS Spring 09 15 G R A D U A T E S T U D I E S

Full-time employee takes advantage of MSMS degree

program at Oceanic Institute

If youve ever visited the oceans surrounding Hawaii, or for that matter, if youve

ever had the chance to visit a tropical aquarium, then you have probably seen a

yellow tang. One of the most common and easiest to keep of the tang family, theyellow tang (Zebrasoma flavescens) is considered a benchmark in the marine

ornamentals fish aquarium trade. The tang is a popular herbivorous species, brilliant

in color, and can improve an aquariums cleanliness by munching away at the algae

that accumulates within tanks. Historically, the aquarium trade has met demand for large numbers of fish by harvesting wild reef

environments around the world. A more sustainable and modern approach to reef harvesting can be found within the multi-faceted

aquaculture industry. Hawaii Pacific University graduate student and Oceanic Institute researcher, Melissa Carr is part of a team in

Hawaii that is aiding the industrys expansion.

Carr is originally from the Bay Area of California. This ocean side state is known for its picturesque beach scenes as well as the laid

back lifestyles that seem to accompany them, and in first meeting Carr, these qualities are definitely visible. As a woman in the

pursuit of science however, not even her casual and seemingly care free demeanor could hide the sparkle, wit, and determination

that she utilizes to accomplish the overall goals for her future. Although an exact vision of where she may actuallywind up in ten

years currently eludes her, she has a pretty good idea of where she would like to be.

Carr spent her undergraduate degree studying biology at the University of Southern California. Soon after graduating, she involved

herself in the biotechnology field producing research antibodies. Although many newly graduated students who pursue science love

the regimented atmosphere that a laboratory brings, it was not the right fit for her, and she knew it.

On somewhat of an adventurous whim, Carr placed herself within sight of an opportunity to attend a six month internship at Sea Life

Park, Hawaii. The chance to be outside and to work in a marine atmosphere was almost too good to be true. She achieved this

transitional goal, and was placed within the Reef Life Department, where she gained experience working with fish, stingrays, and

turtles.

The allure of an atmosphere that most consider paradise proved to be too great, as it was not long after finishing her internship at

Sea Life Park that Carr secured a job with the Oceanic Institute (OI). OI is a nonprofit research and development organization

dedicated to marine aquaculture, biotechnology, and coastal resource management, and is conveniently located next door to Sea

Life Park. In the beginning of her career at OI, Carr helped in raising and maintaining ornamental broodstock, primarily the flame

angelfish (Centropyge loriculus), in the Finfish Department. Subsequently she has moved into the Hatchery section of the Finfish

Department, where she has helped research and rear numerous foodfish species such as moi (Polydactylus sexfilis), kahala (Seriola

rivoliana) and omilu (Caranx melampygus).

Hawaii Pacific University launched a brand new Masters of Science in Marine Science (MSMS) program in 2007. Carr is considered

one of the student pioneers for being in the MSMS programs first graduating class and is training in marine science and aquaculture

This graduate education opportunity was made possible under the recent affiliation between OI and HPU, which provides tuition

assistance and opportunities to participate in active research programs at OI, such as Dr. Charles Laidleys CTSA-funded Yellow Tang

Aquaculture Development Project, under which Carr is conducting her research.

While not a walk in the park, being a student and working full time does have its perks. For one thing Carr is able to have a great

deal of daily interaction with the yellow tang. Her research is focusing on finding a first feed for the yellow tang larvae. A first

feed is the very first food that larval fish are able to eat after exhausting their hatchling yolk sac. Yellow tang and many other

ornamental reef fish have particularly small mouths and therefore require additional research to overcome early feeding bottlenecks

to be raised in captivity. Once a first feed is found for a species, researchers can focus on other aspects of a species life cycle, to

make raising them profitable, and encouraging captive propagation as an alternative to current reliance on

wild harvests. Aquaculture can be an environmentally friendly, efficient, and sustainable method of

satisfying the consumer demand of the aquarium trade. Carrs thesis project is an important step in

resolving constraints in the development of aquaculture methods for these highly sought after aquarium

fish, and is expected to make an important scientific contribution toward protecting coral reef ecosystems.

Student reporter Gwen Wedow

OI employee and MSMS graduate student Melissa Carr

Yellow Tang Zebrasoma flavescensby Luc Viatour


18/28

A L U M N I P R O F I L E CNS Spring 09 16

High seas adventure with 2005 CNS alumnus Tim Zepplin

Hawaii Pacific University students with degrees in the natural

sciences do interesting things following graduation. Thevariety of endeavors that our graduates take on once they

leave the halls of our college is diverse. CNS alumni work for

consulting companies, government organizations and

research institutes. Many of our students pursue graduate

education in the sciences or go to professional schools in

medicine or law. Other graduates help to satisfy the demand

for teachers in primary and secondary education with

expertise in math and science. CNS graduates may lookforward to exciting opportunities, thats for sure.

Case in point Alumnus Tim Zepplins post-graduate

employment could not be more exciting. Zepplins work has involved travel to exotic places, weathering stormyseas in the middle of the vast Pacific Ocean, and participating in the making of documentaries seen by millions of

Americans.

Zepplin graduated from HPU with a BS in Marine Biology in May of 2005. Immediately following graduation, he

took a job working with the National Marine Fisheries Service Pacific Islands Regional Observer Program. His job is

to ride on commercial vessels to observe fishing practices within the US fishing industry. These observer positions

were created to help the government track and maintain the health of commercial fisheries by enforcing fishing

regulations and by examining commercial fish catch on the fishing fleets at sea.

Zepplins first at-sea experiences were on commercial tuna longline vessels based in Honolulu. After working in

Hawaii for about a year, Zepplin transferred to American Samoa where he worked the Albacore longline tuna

fishing fleet based in Pago Pago. In between these excursions with the fishing fleets, where he interacted with

fishermen whose livelihoods depend upon the health of the oceans ecosystems, Zepplin spent time SCUBA divingthroughout the South Western Tropical Pacific.

After six months in the South Pacific, Zepplin transferred to the cold, blustery, and dangerous Bering Sea to

monitor the King, Baridi, and Opilo crab fisheries. In between cruises in support of the observation program in the

North Pacific, he travelled throughout the Aleutian Islands and Alaska. Zepplin made several voyages with the

captain and crew of the Northwestern, the crab catcher featured prominently on the Discovery Channel Program

Deadliest Catch. Although Zepplin was onboard for filming most of the footage used in the program, he was

required to remain off-camera because of his status as a government employee. However, Zepplin tells us that he

is visible in several scenes working in the background or

walking around the deck of the vessel. He was also

prominently involved in a harrowing situation in which an

unsecured pot slid out of the pot launcher and pinned acrew member to the table from behind. Zepplin is seen

rushing around the sorting table and with the other crew

members, pushing the pot off the helpless crew member

and pulling him to safety. Once finished with the crab

season Tim switched gears and worked aboard the

Alaska Groundfish fleet for six months. Currently he has

returned to HI to work on large transshipment vessels

crisscrossing the Pacific and eventually the Indian Ocean.

Observer Tim has had some truly exciting experiences

following graduation.Tim Zepplin as ADF&G observer in the North Pacific


19/28

CNS Spring 09 17 A L U M N I N E W S

The Ohananews from ourCNS family

2000

Marina Christofidou (B.S. MarineBiology) completed a Masters

degree in the UK in Coastal and

Marine Resource Management in

2001. She returned to Cyprus

where she works for the

Department of Fisheries and

Marine Research, specializing in the

construction of fishing shelters,

fishlanding facilities etc. Marina is

married to HPU alumnus Pavlos

Pavlos, (they met at HPU) andrecently gave birth to their first

child.

Stefanie Schmidt (B.S. Marine

Biology) Stefanie is currently

working as a marine science

educator in Las Vegas at the Mirage

Dolphin Habitat. Her work involves

educating visitors about marine life

and caring for the resident Atlantic

bottlenose dolphins. It is an

amazing job and I love it I am

really happy living in Las Vegas with

my marine science career . In herspare time Stefanie volunteers at

the Las Vegas Natural History

Museum.

2001

Daniel Poland (B.S. Marine Biology)moved to Buffalo, New York to

study the symbiosis between corals

and algae. It was slightly odd

moving from Hawaii to Buffalo, but

despite its snowy reputation it has

proven to be a great place to live

and study! says Daniel, who is

pursuing a doctoral degree. His

field research occurs in the Florida

Keys where he is grateful for the

opportunity to SCUBA dive for a

few months every year. After he

receives his Ph.D., Daniel hopes to

continue studying coral reefs.

Fernanda Pegas (B.A.

Environmental Studies) received a

Masters degree from Oregon State

University and is currently finishing

her Ph.D. at Texas A&M University

in Recreation, Park and Tourism

Sciences. Her thesis involves

analyzing the effectiveness ofdifferent conservation strategies in

protecting sea turtles in the fishing

village of Praia do Forte, Bahia,

Brazil. Once Fernanda has

completed her doctoral program

she will continue working on

projects that focus on the

protection of endangered species

through the use of ecotourism as a

conservation tool.

2002

John Schlosser (B.S. Marine

Biology) is living in Portland,

Oregon with partner Jaimie, a

massage therapist. John is a law

student at Lewis & Clark Law

School. Says John, Things here a

pretty crazy, but if anyone is

interested in putting their science

degree to work in the legal field I

would be more than happy to talk.

There are a lot of opportunities for

scientists in the legal

professionpeople should keep it

in mind as an alternative to grad

school.


20/28

2003

Mark Ditter (B.A. Environmental

Studies) received his M.S. degree in

Geosciences in 2005 from

Mississippi State University. Says

Mark, I am the lead weatherforecaster supporting Air Force

Military Operations at March Air

Reserve Base in California. This has

allowed me to continue using my

weather forecasting skills after

retiring from the U.S. Air Force in

2006. He also teaches part-time at

area colleges. Teaching provides

Mark the satisfaction of passing

along knowledge in Environmental

Science and Meteorology. Markshobbies include golf, baseball,

college football, and home

improvement.

Pierre De Wit (B.S. Marine Biology)

reports that after vagabonding

around for a while [in Europe]; he

began a Ph.D. program in 2005 in

Biological Systematics at the

University of Gothenburg, Sweden.

I am particularly interested in

studying the processes that have

created the diversity we see in theocean benthos says Pierre. Upon

the completion of his Ph.D. in 2010,

Pierre may return to Hawaii to

start a postdoctoral project. The

world becomes a much smaller

place with a Ph.D.!

2004

Danielle Dolan (Yadisernia) (B.A.

Environmental Studies) lives in

Jacksonville, Florida and is married

to HPU alumnus Jared Dolan (B.A.

Public Relations 2004). Danielle is

the Education Director for St. Johns

Riverkeeper (a local grass-roots

environmental organization); a

position that allows her to remain

active with environmental issues

and spend time at home with

daughter Victoria. Husband Jared

currently serves as a clerk for the

U.S. Federal Court, Middle District

of Florida. They are both youth

leaders at their church, Calvary

Chapel in Jacksonville. The family

will be packing up and moving to

California in August where Jared

has accepted a position as Assistant

U.S. Attorney in Sacramento.

Danielle plans to seek a Masters

degree in Ecology from the

University of California-Davis.

2005

Deborah Khider (B.S.

Oceanography) began her Ph.D.

program in Ocean Sciences at the

University of Southern California

2006. Deborahs thesis will

address the role of thermohaline

circulation in relation to climate

change over the past 1000 years.

Basically , Im trying to confirm

Brooecker's bipolar seesaw in deep

water production between the

Northern and Southern hemisphere

during the Little Ice Age, MedievalWarm Period, she says. Deborah

has a second project which may

bring her back to Hawaii. This

project will attempt to reconstruct

changes in the El Nio-Southern

Oscillation over the past 600 years.

According to model simulations,

there is a large isotopic excursion in

precipitation in Hawaii during el

Nios which should be recorded in

trees she says. Deborah isplanning a trip to Catalina Island

this summer to get some SCUBA

diving in.

2006

Blade Shepherd-Jones (B.S. Marine

Biology) received his M.S. in

Education in 2008. He is a science

teacher at his alma mater, Kalaheo

High School on the windward side

of Oahu. Blade is a member of theCoast Guard Reserve in the capacity

of search and rescue, and law

enforcement. He is also working

for local dive shops as a Dive

Master.

Colleen Hyde (B.S. Biology)

returned home to the suburbs of

Chicago after leaving HPU to begin

a career as an veterinary assistant.

She also received the chance of a

lifetime for recent graduate! whenshe a marine mammal Internship at

the John G. Shedd Aquarium in

2007. Most recently she has begun

an exciting journey to Ecuador as a

Peace Corp volunteer. Colleens

mission will involve natural

resource conservation and

CNS Spring 09 18


21/28

Keep us up to date on whats

going on in your life. Send your

emails to: [email protected]

environmental education. Colleen

counts HPU as a major contributor

to [her] diverse and ever-exciting

life.

Ramon Go (B.S. Pre-medical

Studies) is a medical student at

Jefferson Medical College at

Thomas Jefferson University in

Philadelphia, PA. Since leaving

HPU, he has co-authored three

scientific publications, one

published in the Proceedings of the

National Academy of Sciences.

Ramon plays the piano, likes tennis,

and enjoys meeting new people.

2007

Amanda Foldi (BS in Biology and

Environmental Science) completed

a Masters degree in Climate and

Society at Columbia University in

2008. She has interned at the

International Research Institute,

examining climate change and its

present and long-term effects on

agriculture in developing countries,

and with the Mid-Atlantic Coastal

Ocean Observing Regional

Association where she researched

monitoring efforts in Long Island

Sound. Amanda currently works as

a project scientist with Weston

Solutions in San Antonio, Texas.

Brittany Kilpatrick (Thornton) (B.S.Pre-medical Studies)lives in

Amarillo, Texas and married last

year. Brittany has recently begun

pharmacy school to pursue her

doctorate at Texas Tech Health and

Sciences Center.

COLLEGE OF NATURAL SCIENCES45-045 Kamehameha HighwayKneohe, Hawaii 96744-5297

CNS Spring 09 19


22/28

FACULTY PUBLICATIONS, PRESENTATIONS, & GRANTS PAST 3 YEARS CNS Spring 09 20

Stephen Allen

Nunoura, T., Dowaki, K., Fushimi, C., Allen, S., Mszros, E. and M. J. Antal, Jr. (2007) Performance of a First-Generation,

Aqueous-Alkaline Biocarbon Fuel Cell. Industrial Engineering & Chemistry Research 46 (3), pp 734744.

Brian Bozlee

Bozlee, B., M. Janebo, and G. Jahn (2008) A simplified model to predict the effect of increasing atmospheric CO2 on

carbonate chemistry in the Ocean. Journal of Chemical Education 85(2) 213-217.

Bozlee, B. (2007) Re-formulation of the Michaelis-Menten equation: how enzyme-catalyzed reactions depend on free

energy. Journal of Chemical Education 84(1) 106-107.Grants Pending:

NSF-MRI: Gas Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometer for Marine Chemistry and Lipid Biogeochemistry Research at Hawaii Pacific

University, J. Fang and B. Bozlee.

Susan M. Carstenn

Miao, S.L., Carstenn, S.M., and M. Nungesser (Eds) 2009, Real World Ecology: Large-Scale and Long-Term Case Studies and

Methods. Springer Publishing, New York. 312 pp.

Presentations

Carstenn, S.M. and S.L. Miao. Addressing BACIPS analytical challenges using a large-scale fire project in the Everglades. Accepted for

EcoSummit 2007, Beijing, China, May 2007.

Carstenn, S.M. Real World Environmental Science: Examples from Hawaii and Florida. University of Florida Department of

Environmental Engineering Sciences Graduate Seminar, March 2007.

Carstenn, S.M. and S.L. Miao. Addressing BACIPS design and analytical challenges using a large-scale fire project in the Everglades.

Ecological Society of America Memphis, Tennessee, August 2006.

Grants Funded

Hawaii Pacific University Technology Grant, Fall 2006

Hawaii Pacific University Faculty Development Grant Fall 2006

Hawaii Pacific University Technology Grant, Spring 2006

Hawaii Pacific University Faculty Development Grant, Spring 2006

Yongli Chen

Shembekar, V.R., Chen, Y., Carpenter, B.K., and G.P. Hess (2007) Coumarin-caged glycine that can be be photolyzed within

3 s by visible light. Biochemistry 46: 5479-84.

John Culliney

Culliney, J. 2006, Islands in a Far Sea: The Fate of Nature in Hawaiì (Revised Edition). University of Hawaiì Press, Honolulu.

420 p.

Presentations

Losing Ground: Life and Times of Nihoa and Necker Islands, Northwestern Hawaiian Islands National Monument. Point Reyes Bird

Observatory, Bolinas, CA, February 2007.

Hawaiì in the Balance (invited public lecture). Hawaiì Conservation Conference, Honolulu, July, 2006.

Losing Ground: Life and Times of Nihoa and Necker Islands, Northwestern Hawaiian Islands National Monument. After Dark at the

Park lecture series (invited public lecture). Hawaiì Volcanoes National Park, Volcano, Hawaiì, June, 2006.

Stephen T. Dye

Dye, S.T., W.F. McDonough, and J.M. Mahoney (2008) Geoneutrino measurements and models investigate deep earth. Eos

89: 433-434.

Dye, S.T. and E. H. Guillian (2008) Estimating terrestrial uranium and thorium by antineutrino flux measurements.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 105: 44-47.


23/28


Learned, J.G., S.T. Dye, S. Pakvasa, and R.C. Svoboda (2008) Determination of neutrino mass hierarchy and 13 with a

remote detector of reactor antineutrinos. Physical Review D (Rapid Communications) 78 071302.

J.G. Learned, S.T. Dye, and S. Pakvasa (2007) Hanohano: A deep ocean anti-neutrino detector for unique neutrino physics

and geophysics studies. In Proceedings of the XII International Workshop on Neutrino Telescopes, Venice, March 6-9, Milla Baldo

Ceolin [Ed.], pp. 235-269.

Dye, S.T. [Ed.] (2007) Neutrino Geophysics: Proceedings of Neutrino Sciences 2005 (Springer, Netherlands).

Dye, S.T. (2007) Science potential of a deep ocean antineutrino observatory. Nuclear Physics B (Proceedings Supplements)

168: 144-146.J.G. Learned, S.T. Dye, and S. Pakvasa (2006) Neutrino geophysics conference introduction. Earth, Moon, and Planets 99: 1-

15.

Dye, S.T., E. Guillian, J. G. Learned, J. Maricic, S. Matsuno, S. Pakvasa, G. Varner, and M. Wilcox (2006) Earth radioactivity

measurements with a deep ocean anti-neutrino observatory. Earth, Moon, and Planets 99: 241-252.

Dye, S.T. and S. Stein (2006) Exploring earths energetics and composition with geoneutrinos. Eos 87: 253.

Presentations

Neutrino Geosciences 2008, Sudbury, Canada, September 2008, ``Hanohano.

Neutrino Oscillation Workshop 2008, Lecce, Italy, September 2008, ``Geo-neutrinos: An overview.

Hawaii Pacific University, Kaneohe, HI, August 2008, ``When will we see geo-neutrinos? Fall Faculty Scholarship Day.

Neutrino 2008, Christchurch, New Zealand, May 2008, ``Hanohano- A Deep Ocean Antineutrino Observatory.

Neutrino Detection and Nuclear Monitoring Workshop, College Park, MD, January 2008. ``An Introduction to the Science Potential of

a Portable, Deep-Ocean, Electron Anti-Neutrino Observatory.

Joint Meeting of Pacific Region Particle Physics Communities, Honolulu, HI, October 2006. ``The Science Potential of a Deep Ocean

Antineutrino Observatory.

Neutrino Oscillation Workshop 2006, Lecce, Italy, September 2006 ``A Deep Ocean Antineutrino Observatory: An Introduction to the

Science Potential of Hanohano.

Hawaii Pacific University, Kaneohe, HI, August 2006 ``Geo-neutrino Detection from the Oceanic Crust at Fall Faculty ScholarshipDay.

American Geophysical Unions Spring Meeting, Baltimore, MD, May 2006 ``Geo-neutrino Detection from the Oceanic Crust.

Hawaii Pacific University, Kaneohe, HI, January 2006 ``Neutrino Geophysics in Hawaii at Spring Faculty Scholarship Day.

Grants pending

Submitted to the National Science Foundation. "Cooperative Studies of the Earth's Deep Interior: Collaborative Research Between

Geology and Particle Physics".

Jiasong Fang

Fang, J. and D. A. Bazylinski (2008) Deep-sea geomicrobiology. In: High-Pressure Microbiology, C. Michiels and D. H. Bartlett

[eds.], American Society for Microbiology, Washington, D.C. pp. 237-264.

Fang, J. and C. Kato (In Press) Deep-sea piezophilic bacteria: geomicrobiology and biotechnology. In: Geomicrobiology:

Biodiversity and Biotechnology, S. K. Jain [ed.], Blackwell Publishing.

Fang, J. and C. Kato (2007) FAS or PKS, lipid biosynthesis and stable carbon isotope fractionation in deep-sea piezophilic

bacteria. In: Communicating Current Research and Educational Topics and Trends in Applied Microbiology (2007), The Formatex

Microbiology Book Series, A. Mndez-Vilas [ed.], Formatex Center, Spain, pp. 190-200.


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Fang, J., S. D. Gupta, S. T. Hasiotis, S. S. Brake, and D. A. Bazylinski (2007) Microbial community structure of a stromatolite

from an acid mine drainage system, implications for the role of microeukaryotes in the formation of ancient Fe-rich stromatolites.

Chemical Geology 243: 191-204.

Fang, J., D. Y. Lyon, P. J. J. Alvarez, M. Wiesner, and J. Dong (2007) Effect of a fullerene water suspension on bacterial

phospholipids and membrane phase behavior. Environmental Science and Technology 41: 2636-2642.

Fang, J., S. Arakawa, C. Kato, and S. Schouten (2006) Microbial diversity of cold-seep sediments in Sagami Bay, Japan

determined by 16S rDNA and lipid analyses. FEMS Microbiology Ecology 57: 429-441.

Fang, J., M. Uhle, K. Billmark, D.H. Bartlett, and C. Kato (2006) Fractionation of carbon isotopes in biosynthesis of fatty acidsby a piezophilic bacterium Moritella japonica DSK1. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 70: 1753-1760.

Fang, J., C. Chan, R.M. Joeckel, Y. Huang, Y. Wang, D.A. Bazylinski, and T.B. Moorman (2006) Biomarker analysis of microbial

diversity in sediments of a saline groundwater seep of Salt Basin, Nebraska. Organic Geochemistry37: 912-931.

Book Reviews

Fang, J., (2006) Book review (invited). Energy, Waste and the Environment: a Geochemical Perspective, by R. Gier and P.

Stille. Geoderma 131: 251-253.

Co-Convener, Session B16: Current Applications of Phospholipid Analyses Across the Biogeosciences, American Geophysical Union

Fall Meeting, December 14-19, 2008, San Francisco, California.

Abstracts

Gupta, S., and Fang, J., 2008. Microbial Communities in Biofilms of an Acid Mine Drainage Site Determined by Phospholipid

Analysis. American Geophysical Union Annual Fall Meeting, December 14-19, 2006, San Francisco, CA.

Fang, J., Gupta, S., Hasiotis, S. T., Brake, S. S., McLean, M.A., and Bazylinski, D. A., 2008. Wax esters synthesized by

acidophilic eukaryote Euglena mutabilis: biochemical relics of the anaerobic past of the Earth? The 2008 Goldschmidt Conference,

Vancouver, Canada, July 13-18, 2008.

Fang, J., Gupta, S., Hasiotis, S. T., Brake, S. S., McLean, M.A., and Bazylinski, D. A., 2007. Wax esters synthesized by

acidophilic eukaryote Euglena mutabilis: biochemical relics of the anaerobic past of the Earth. Geological Society of America Annual

Meeting, October 28-31, 2007, Denver, CO.

McLean, M.A., Fang, J., Gupta, S., Brake, S. S., Hasiotis, S. T., and Bazylinski, D. A., 2007. Cyanobacteria, An Unexpected

Microbe in Acid Mine Drainage. Geological Society of America Annual Meeting, October 28-31, 2007, Denver, CO.

Fang, J., Hasiotis, S. T., Gupta, S., Brake, S. S., and Bazylinski, D. A., 2007. Microbial biomass and community structure of a

stromatolite from an acid mine drainage system as determined by lipid analysis. GSA NC-SC Joint Section Meeting, April 11-13, 2007,

Lawrence, KS.Fang, J., Lyon, D. Y., Alvarez, P. J. J., Wiesner, M., and Dong, J., 2007. Effect of a fullerene water suspension on bacterial

phospholipids and membrane phase behavior. International Congress of Toxicology 2007, July 15-19, 2007, Montreal, Canada.

Fang, J., Lyon, D. Y., Alvarez, P. J. J., Wiesner, M., and Dong, J., 2007. Modifications in phospholipids and membrane phase

behavior of bacteria exposed to fullerene. The 3rd International Conference on Environmental Science and Technology (EST2007),

August 6-9, Houston, TX.

Fang, J., Shizuka, A., Kato, C., and Schouten, S., 2006. Microbial diversity of cold-seep sediments in Sagami Bay, Japan as

determined by 16S rDNA and lipid analyses. American Geophysical Union Annual Fall Meeting, December 11-15, 2006, San Francisco

CA.

Fang, J., Simpkins, W. W., Das Gupta, S., and Werne, J., 2006. Lipid characterization of microbial communities in

groundwater adjacent to a freshwater lake in north-central Iowa. The Geological Society of America Annual Meeting, October 22-25

2006, Philadelphia, PA.

Meetings and Symposia Presentations

Fang, J., Hasiotis, S. T., Gupta, S., Brake, S. S., and Bazylinski, D. A., 2007. Microbial biomass and community structure of a

stromatolite from an acid mine drainage system as determined by lipid analysis. GSA NC-SC Joint Section Meeting, April 11-13, 2007,

Lawrence, KS.

Fang, J., Simpkins, W. W., Das Gupta, S., and Werne, J., 2006. Lipid characterization of microbial communities in

groundwater adjacent to a freshwater lake in north-central Iowa. The Geological Society of America Annual Meeting, October 22-25

2006, Philadelphia, PA.

Invited Lectures

Piezophilic bacteria and marine biogeochemistry. Yangtze University, Jinzhou, China, July 16, 2008.
http://www.agu.org/meetings/fm08/index.php/Program/SessionSearch/?show=detail&sessid=260http://www.agu.org/meetings/fm08/index.php/Program/SessionSearch/?show=detail&sessid=260


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Piezophilic bacteria and marine biogeochemistry. Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou,

China, March 20, 2008.

Microbial responses in membrane composition and phase behavior to fullerenes. China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China,

March 18, 2008.

Alterations in phospholipids and membrane phase behavior of bacteria exposed to fullerene. The 4th

International Symposium on

Persistent Toxic Substances in the Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China, Nov. 18-21, 2007.

Modifications in phospholipids and membrane phase behavior of bacteria exposed to fullerene. Department of Chemistry, Western

Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, November 2007.

Biogeochemistry of a shallow sand aquifer contaminated with JP-4 fuel hydrocarbons. Department of Earth and Environmental

Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, March, 2007.

Effect of a fullerene water suspension on bacterial phospholipids and membrane phase behavior. Department of Civil, Construction,

and Environmental Engineering, ISU, December, 2006.

Grants Funded

2008 MRI: Gas Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometer for Marine Chemistry and Lipid Biogeochemistry Research at Hawaii Pacific

University, by National Science Foundation ($91,767; PI: Horgen).

2007 Colloid-Mediated Transport of Hormones with Land-Applied Manure, by U.S. Department of Agriculture ($300K; PI: Horton).

2006 Assessing the ecotoxicity of nanomaterials and identifying biomarkers in bacteria exposed to nanomaterials, by University of

Iowa Center for Global and Regional Environmental Research ($27,959).

Warren S.T. Hays

Hays, W. S. T; S. Conant. 2007. Impact of the small Indian mongoose (Herpestes javanicus) (Carnivora: Herpestidae) on

native vertebrate populations in areas of introduction. Pacific Science, 61: 3-16.

Hays, W. S. T.; D. Simberloff. 2006. A morphometric trend linked to male sociality in the small Indian mongoose, Herpestesjavanicus, in Hawaii. Acta Theriologica, 51: 303-310.

F. David Horgen

Adams, B., Przgen, P., Yoshida, W. Y., Westenburg, H. E., Horgen, F. D. (2008) Isolation and Structure determination of

malevamide E, a new dolastatin 14 analogue, from the marine cyanobacterium Symploca laete-viridis. Journal of Natural Products

71:750-754.

Ju, Z.Y., Forster, I., Conquest, L., Dominy, W., Kuo, W.C., Horgen, F.D. (2008) Microbial community structures of shrimp floc

cultures determined by biomarkers and their amino acid profiles. Aquaculture Nutrition 39:118-133.

Presentations

Poerzgen, P., Starkus, J., Pittman, E., Layugan, K., Fleig, A., Penner, R., Horgen, F.D. Modulation of transient receptor potential (TRP)

ion channels by sponge metabolites. Gordon Research Conference on Marine Natural Products, Ventura, California, February 24-29,

2008.

Jimnez, J.I., Sakamoto, B., Redwine, J., Vansach, T., Horgen, F.D. New chlorinated lipopeptides and a depsipeptide from the eastern

Caribbean cyanobacterium Lyngbya majuscula. The 48th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Pharmacognosy, Portland,

Oregon, July 12-18, 2007.

Poerzgen, P., Bryan, C., Horgen, F.D., Turner, H., Penner, R. Screening of marine microbe, algae, and invertebrate extracts for

agonism and antagonism of human TRPM2 cation channels. Gordon Research Conference on Marine Natural Products, Ventura,

California, February 26-March 3, 2006.
http://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward.do?AwardNumber=0821867http://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward.do?AwardNumber=0821867http://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward.do?AwardNumber=0821867http://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward.do?AwardNumber=0821867


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Grants Funded

2008 Gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer for marine chemistry and lipid biogeochemistry research at Hawaii Pacific University

($91,767), National Science Foundation (CHE 0821867, PI: F.D. Horgen)

2008 Isolation and Characterization of Cardioactive Compounds from Hawaii Box Jellyfish Venom ($17,850), Hawaii Community

Foundation (PI: A. Yanagihara)

2008 TRPV pharmacophores from cnidarian venom ($50,000), National Institutes of Health (NIDA R21 DA024444-01A1, PI: A.Yanagihara)

K. David Hyrenbach

Hyrenbach, D., H. Nevins, M. Hester, C. Keiper, S. Webb, and J. Harvey (2009) Seabirds indicate plastic pollution in the

marine environment: quantifying spatial patterns and trends in Alaska. In: Proceedings of the Marine Debris in Alaska-Coordinating

our EffortsSymposium 2008, pp. 44-46. Alaska Sea Grant, Anchorage, AK.

Hyrenbach, K.D. (2008) Around our necks. (Letter to the editor). Natural History 115 (5): 6.

Hyrenbach, K.D. (2008) Applying spatially-explicit measures for albatross conservation. In: De Roi, T., Jones, M., and Fitter,

J. [Eds]. Albatross: Their World, Their Ways, pp. 118-120. Firefly Books, Buffalo, NY.

Hebshi AJ, D.C. Duffy, and K.D.Hyrenbach (2008) Associations between seabirds and subsurface predators around Oahu,

Hawaii. Aquatic Biology 4:89-98.

McClatchie, S., R. Goericke, J. A. Koslow, F. B. Schwing, S. J. Bograd, R. Charter, W.Watson, N. Lo, K. Hill, J. Gottschalk, M.

LHeureux, Y. Xue, W. T. Peterson, R. Emmett, C. Collins, G. Gaxiola-Castro, R. Durazo, M. Kahru, B. G. Mitchell, K. D. Hyrenbach, W.J.

Sydeman, R.W. Bradley, P. Warzybok, and E. Bjorkstedt (2008) The state of the California Current, 2007-2008: La Nina conditions and

their effects on the ecosystem. California Cooperative of Oceanic Fisheries Investigations Reports 49: 39-76.

Presentations

Oral Communications:

2009 First International Conference on Marine Mammal Protected Areas, March 29-April 3, Maui, Hawaii, Criteria for marine

mammal critical habitat to make MPA networks more effective.

2008 North Pacific Marine Science Organization Meeting, October 23 - November 2, Dalian, China, Ship-based observations of

mesoscale eddies in the Gulf of Alaska.

2008 Marine Debris Awareness Month - October 9, Hanauma Bay, HI, Seabirds as indicators of plastic pollution in the marine

environment.

2008 Hawaii Conservation Conference, July 28-31, Oahu, HI, Seabirds indicate plastic pollution in the marine environment:

quantifying spatial patterns and trends.

2008 AAAS - Pacific Region, June 15-20, Big Island, HI, Wings without borders: tracking albatross across the North Pacific.

2008 NOAA Marine Debris Conference. April 2-3, Bethesda, MD, Plastic ingestion by seabirds used to quantify and evaluate trends

in marine pollution.

2008 Marine Debris in Alaska Conference. February 14-16, Anchorage, AK, Seabirds indicate plastic pollution in the marine

environment: quantifying spatial patterns and trends in Alaska.

Poster Communications

Lavender, K., Mort, S., Hyrenbach, D., Titmus, A. 2009. Marine Debris in the Pacific Ocean: Quantifying the "Eastern Garbage

Patch". American Society of Limnology and Oceanography - Nice, (France). 25 30 January 2009.

NOAA Marine Debris Conference, April 2-3, 2008, Bethesda, MD. Tracking albatross and trash across borders: a tool for integrated

ocean, coastal, and watershed conservation. C. A. Keiper, H. Nevins, K. D. Hyrenbach, M. M. Hester, C. Baduini, J. Adams, C. Moore,

J. Stock, and S.Webb.


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Pacific Seabird Group Conference, February 27 March 2, 2008, Blaine, WA. Macroecological patterns in North Pacific ecosystem

dynamics: spatio-temporal co-variation in upper

cns spring 09 magazine 03-09-09

Documents