VNR: UH hosts high school students overnight on Moku o Loʻe (Coconut Island) 

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Contact:
Sarah Hendrix, (808) 260-3565
Comm Spec, External Affairs and University Relations
Posted: Jun 15, 2022

High school students in SMMILE.
High school students in SMMILE.
Students in acoustics lecture.
Students in acoustics lecture.
Student dormitories at night.
Student dormitories at night.
Kirby Parnell and Brijonnay Madrigal.
Kirby Parnell and Brijonnay Madrigal.

Link to video and sound (details below): https://bit.ly/3Oc9VPm

WHAT: Two graduate students at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology (HIMB) created the Summer Marine Mammal Intensive Learning Experience (SMMILE) program, a fully funded week-long overnight learning experience on Moku o Loʻe (Coconut Island) for Oʻahu high school students to learn about marine mammal science in a hands-on environment.

WHEN: June 12–18, 2022

WHO: Kirby Parnell and Brijonnay Madrigal, both PhD students in the UH Mānoa Marine Biology Graduate Program, and 11 high school students from across Oʻahu, who will be starting the 11th or 12th grade this fall 2022.

WHERE: HIMB, Moku o Loʻe in Kāne‘ohe Bay

WHY: SMMILE provides an opportunity for underrepresented high school students to learn about marine mammal science, marine protected areas and conservation. Preference was given to Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander high school students because their representation in STEM is among the lowest percentages of any minority group and the field of marine mammalogy reflects this deficit. 

OTHER FACTS:

  • High school students will gain basic knowledge of marine mammals, with a focus on Hawaiʻi’s marine mammals; applicable skills for studying marine mammals in the field and in human-care facilities; opportunities to network with undergraduate and graduate students, experts and organizations that participate in science-based conservation; and to learn to appreciate the diversity of Hawaiʻi’s marine mammals.

  • The SMMILE program focuses on topics including: acoustics/hearing, unmanned aerial vehicles, tagging, population studies, photo ID, stranding/response and conservation/management. 

  • The program will facilitate hands-on learning opportunities through guest lectures, hands-on training, field trips and workshops throughout the week.

  • Participants will be staying overnight on the island in the Lanai Suites for the duration of the program.

  • SMMILE is funded by a Marine Mammal Commission grant and a UH Mānoa Student Equity Excellence and Diversity (SEED) Inclusion, Diversity, Access and Success (IDEAS) grant. The program was free for 11 high school students. 

  • Oʻahu high schools that have students participating in SMMILE include: Kapolei High School, Waipahu High School, Kamehameha Schools Kapālama, Roosevelt High School, Punahou School, Saint Louis School, Kaiser High School, Kalāheo High School, James B. Castle High School and Asia Pacific International School, Hawaiʻi Campus.

VIDEO BROLL: 

0:00-2:07

  • Arriving at Moku o Loʻe

  • Students listening to acoustics in the water

  • Students jumping off dock and swimming

  • Students in acoustics lecture

  • Student dormitories

SOUNDBITES:

Kirby Parnell, UH Marine Biology Graduate Program, PhD student (14 seconds)

“Bri, the other co-instructor and I, we are really interested in outreach and education. We had opportunities when we were younger to do fun camps like this to learn about marine science, and we really hope to just involve local students to learn more about marine mammals here in Hawaiʻi.”

Brijonnay Madrigal, UH Marine Biology Graduate Program, PhD student (12 seconds)

“As an underrepresented minority student myself, I know the importance of introducing students to marine mammal science and marine science at an early age to inspire them to potentially pursue the field in the future.”

Pohakumakamae Kahuanui, Kapolei High School, starting 12th grade in fall 2022 (17 seconds)

“So I think this is an important opportunity because it will open up their minds to new career paths that they never would’ve thought of. I, for example, never wanted to go to college but now going to this program, I’m thinking about going to college.”