The University of Hawaiʻi Marine Option Program (MOP) recognized six students from across four UH campuses for their resounding excellence in marine science. The 39th annual statewide MOP Student Symposium held on April 16 via Zoom, awarded the haumāna (students) after their projects were presented at the virtual event.
“These students made discoveries and developed new personal skills, culminating in their presentations at the annual MOP Student Symposium that wowed the audience,” said MOP Director Cynthia Hunter. “We continue to be so proud of and impressed by their hard work and ingenuity.”
- Olivia Jarvis (UH Hilo) won Best Research Paper for “Observing Patterns in UH Hilo MOP Turtle Tagging Data Through Statistical Analyses.”
- Lily Gavagan (UH Hilo) won Best Internship Paper for “Analyzing Coral Reef Health At The Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.”
- Dylan Kelling (UH Hilo) captured the Sherwood Maynard Award for Ocean Impact for “Hoe! ʻŌ, ʻŌ, ʻŌia! Integrating Traditional Hawaiian Protocols Into Marine Field And Lab Courses.”
- Kelsie Kuniyoshi (UH Mānoa) earned the Anna Toy Ng Memorial MOP Scholarship for “Utilizing Graphic Design Principles For Effective Outreach And Education.”
- Gwen Arkin (UH Maui College) won the John P. Craven Award for “Photographs of Hawaiian Algae: Cyanotype Impressions.”
- Cameron Lau (Windward Community College) captured the PACON International, Hawaiʻi Chapter, MOP Symposium Award for “Waikalua Loko Iʻa Native Oyster Study.”
MOP is a systemwide certificate program, offered on all UH campuses, providing educational opportunities for students from all disciplines who are interested in the ocean. The program is celebrating its 50th year at the university.
