DEW Mentorship Workshop - Kapiolani Community College

EPSCoR Organizer(s): 

Moana Ulu Ching

Noelani Puniwai

Mentoring undergraduate students in Hawaii is a unique opportunity to impact the STEM workforce and leaders of tomorrow. Many students, especially Native Hawaiian and kama'āina students, have a multi-level connection to natural and cultural resources in Hawaii which allows them to approach their STEM scientific research activities from different perspectives. These students bring unique skills, connections, and experiences that have the ability to enrich the research activity through diverse thoughts and actions. The opportunity to mentor students in Hawaii, however, can also present unique challenges. In this presentation and discussion we’ll share stories and experiences as well as some strategies for mentoring students in the UHH Pacific Internship Programs for Exploring Science (PIPES).