Panelists:
Eric B. Szarmes, PhD.
Originally from British Columbia, Canada, Eric Szarmes received his Bachelor of Applied Science in Engi- neering Physics from the University of British Columbia in 1985, and his Ph.D. in Applied Physics from Stanford University in 1992, where he did his doctoral research in high resolution free-electron laser spec- troscopy under Professor John Madey. He was a postdoctoral research scientist at the Duke Free-Electron Laser Laboratory from 1992 to 1998, where he made pioneering contributions to the development of the phase-locked and chirped-pulse free-electron laser. In 1998 he joined the faculty of the University of Hawaii where he is currently an associate professor of physics. His current research interests include the theory and design of novel optical resonators for high-resolution free-electron laser spectroscopy, x-ray generation and high-field physics. His greatest passion is for teaching.
Advice:
– Pursue what you love! If you do what you and pursue what you love, every opportunity that presents itself to you will be to your benefit.
– Don’t get discouraged by what is the most popular or trendy career choice at the moment, be true to yourself.
Julie Walsh, PhD.
Dr. Julie Walsh is an assistant faculty specialist at the Center for Pacific Islands Studies at UH Manoa. Although hired as faculty in 2008 to develop curriculum and a proposal for a BA degree in Pacific Islands Studies, Julie has been at Manoa since 1995 when she began her PhD (2003) in the Anthropology Department. She now serves the Center in many capacities: as academic advisor to the undergraduate students, as committee member to MA students, as professor of the core Public Policy and Community Development course (PACS 301 WI, E), as student engagement coordinator, and curriculum and assessment coordinator. Julie’s research interests and publications are focused on the Marshall Islands, US-RMI relations, and issues faced by Micronesian people in Hawaii. She serves on the board of directors for a number of local non-profits. She is committed to supplementing classroom learning with community engagements and meaningful application of students skills and knowledge in the ‘real’ world before students graduate (!). She welcomes students, their questions, frustrations, and hopes with open arms.
Advice:
– Be open-minded and get engaged!
– Follow in “small baby steps”, listen to your inner voice of what you like and don’t like.
– Trust the people who you care about, ask them for their opinion for their perspective on your decisions.
Amy Hubbard, PhD.
Amy Hubbard is a Professor in the Department of Communicology at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. She currently serves as the Chair and the Director of Graduate Studies of her department. Born and raised on Oʻahu, Dr. Hubbard attended the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing and her Master’s degree in Speech. Her doctorate degree in Communication is from the University of Arizona. While there, everyone would ask her why she left paradise for the desert heat! Dr. Hubbard has been with the University for over 20 years, teaching both undergraduate and graduate students. Her main areas of study focus on conflict management, nonverbal communication, interpersonal relationships, and deceptive communication. She has received recognition for her teaching and research, including the Board of Regent’s Medal for Excellence in Teaching and Top Paper awards at conferences around the U.S. She is also the current past Chair of the Nonverbal Communication Division for the National Communication Association.
Advice:
– Take all the classes you can! You never know how useful it might be. Be open and humble to new experiences!
– Avoid the “should’ve; could’ve; would’ve”!
– Be involved and be on campus! This will enrich your college experience!
– Be a planner! “Prior Propper Planning Promotes Pro-Performance”