We work with and train the best students. Here are some of our current students and their research work.
Sadid Al Amaz, DVM, MS
Nutritional Sciences PhD – Animal Track
Department of Human Nutrition, Food, and Animal Sciences
Chair: Dr. Birendra Mishra
Dissertation Topic
Pre-hatch thermal manipulation of chicks’ embryo: a novel strategy to mitigate heat stress in broiler chickens
Why did you choose the PhD Nutrition Program at the University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa?
It’s my pleasure to be a part of The University of Hawaii at Manoa through the Ph.D. in Nutrition program. The beautiful life in Hawaii and the lively campus of UHM are absolutely gorgeous. The nature here is act as caffeine without the morning coffee. It feels like I’m always on vacation. This is the life you could dream of. The departments and the professor’s support are awesome. I’m glad to join Dr. Mishra’s lab. He is an amazing person as well as a great researcher. I’m continuously learning from him. I choose to come here because I aspire to a career as a researcher. Studying Nutritional Sciences will enable me to experience a stellar academic environment full of veritable leaders and scholarly peers.
Academic Highlights
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
- MS in Animal Science
Riccardo Martinez Barron, MS
Nutritional Sciences PhD – Human Nutrition Track
Department of Human Nutrition, Food, and Animal Sciences
Chair: Dr. Marie Kainoa Fialkowski Revilla
Dissertation Topic
Cultural Safety in U.S. Dietetics
Why did you choose the PhD Nutrition Program at the University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa?
It is an honor to be a part of this program. After a year of getting to know the HNFAS Department’s professors, I knew that the PhD Nutrition Program at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa was the only program that I wanted to join. Faculty and staff have created a culture that is challenging yet extremely supportive. Everyone that I have interacted with has demonstrated a sincere concern for every student’s success. From the student perspective, you can feel the Aloha. Academically, there is freedom to explore personal interests as well as guidance when needed. As a student in this department, I am gaining a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between food, humans, and health. This understanding is what I will carry forward as I move closer to working with underserved populations.
Academic Highlights
- Hodge, D., Jones, D., Martinez, R., Buono, M.J. (2013). Time course of the attenuation of sympathetic nervous activity during active heat acclimation. Autonomic Neuroscience, 177(2), 101-3.
- Martinez, R., Jones, D., Hodge, D., Buono, M.J. (2012). Blocking the beta-adrenergic system does not affect sweat gland function during active heat acclimation. Autonomic Neuroscience, 169(2), 113-5.
- 2011 Kasch-Boyer Endowed Scholarship in Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, San Diego State University.
Michelle Blas Laguana, MS
Nutrition PhD
Department of Human Nutrition, Food, and Animal Science
Chair: Rachel Novotny
Dissertation Topic
Dietary Assessment of Children on Guam
Why did you choose the PhD Nutrition Program at the University of Hawaii at Manoa?
While living and working on Guam, I’ve been fortunate to work with faculty from the University of Hawaii at Manoa (UHM) and the University of Hawaii’s Cancer Center in various research and extension capacities, so to be able to further my studies and career at UHM felt like the natural choice. I’ve enjoyed the various courses the intercollege PhD program has allows me to explore as well as the opportunities and support I’ve been given working in small class sizes with my peers and faculty. The mentorship and experience I have gained thus far has been very rewarding and I feel blessed to be in such a great learning environment! I believe the knowledge and faculty mentorships I have gained here at UHM will help provide me with the tools to go back home and continue nutrition education and research with the ethnic populations of Guam.
Lianger “Felix” Dong, MS
Nutritional Sciences PhD – Food Science Track
Department of Human Nutrition, Food, and Animal Sciences
Chair: Dr. Yong Li
Dissertation Topic
I am interested in health benefits of probiotic foods and their effects on human gut.
Why did you chose the PhD Nutrition Program at the University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa?
My research during M.S. studying was involved with lactase treated dairy products using nanotechnology which is beneficial for lactose-intolerant costumers. This experience encourages me to focus on practical research based on an interdisciplinary knowledge of biological, physicochemical, and engineering science to improve the quality, nutritional profiles and safety of foods. Dr. Yong Li’s research projects discover potential antimicrobial, anticancer, or nutraceutical properties of local fruits, investigation of the effects of food derived bioactives on gut microbiota, and development of novel fast detecting techniques of food born pathogens. His research is very intriguing to me and matches my academic goal of providing potential solutions addressing food safety and human health problems. In addition, the courses and resources provided by the Nutrition PhD program at UHM are diverse and advanced. I chose UHM to continue my education in food science because I believe this is a great opportunity to gain professional knowledge and skills for my career and explore microbials, food, and their relationship to overall wellbeing.
Academic Highlights
- Dong JL, Yu X, Dong LE, Shen RL. In vitro fermentation of oat β-glucan and hydrolysates by fecal microbiota and selected probiotic strains. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. 2017 Sep;97(12):4198-203.
Michelle Yvonne Lewis, MS, RDN, IFNCP, CLC, LDN (HI, FL)
Nutritional Sciences PhD – Human Nutrition Track
Department of Human Nutrition, Food, and Animal Science
Chair: Dr. Carol Boushey
Why did you choose the PhD Nutrition Program at the University of Hawaii at Manoa?
After a fulfilling career as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, I knew it was time to pursue my dream of earning a Ph.D. I have always been intrigued by the impact of nutrition on health and have often thought about how I could research innovative strategies that could help others live healthier lives. One reason I selected the University of Hawai’i is the support of the faculty and the strong interdisciplinary relationship between departments. In addition, cancer treatment is one of my greatest research interests and the University of Hawai’i Cancer Center is a state-of-the-art facility that is among the best in the world. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be a graduate assistant at the University of Hawai’i Cancer Center while learning from Dr. Boushey. I’m thrilled and honored to be a part of the University of Hawai’i ohana.
Academic Highlights
- 2019, Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC), Healthy Children Project, Inc., Center for Breast-feeding
- 2017, Integrative and Functional Nutrition Certified Practitioner (IFNCP), accredited by the Commission on Dietetic Registration
- 2005, Master of Science Thesis – “The Influence of the Home Environment on the Body Mass Index of Fourth and Fifth Grade Students”. The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, College of Human Environmental Sciences, Department of Human Nutrition and Hospitality Management
- 2002, Outstanding Professional Leadership, awarded by the Florida International University, Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work, Department of Dietetics and Nutrition
Jana Phipps
Nutrition PhD
Department of Human Nutrition, Food, and Animal Sciences
Chair: Dr. Kristi West
Dissertation Topic
Utilization of blubber histology methods to determine nutritional health and body condition in Hawaiian cetaceans
Why did you choose the PhD Nutrition Program at the University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa?
After beginning my graduate studies in the Animal Sciences MS program I found myself in a position to expand my thesis work into a dissertation. The Nutritional Sciences PhD animal science track provides an amazing opportunity to continue my educational career in the field of marine mammal health and nutrition. I am excited to continue to work with a faculty of diverse backgrounds in order to find creative methods to explore my unique research interests.
Publications:
- Whitney, J.L., Gove, J.M., McManus, M.A., Smith, K.A., Lecky, J., Neubauer, P., Phipps, J.E., Conteras, E.A., Kobayashi, D.R., Asner, G.P. Surface slicks are pelagic nurseries for diverse ocean fauna. Nature Scientific Reports. 11:3197 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021081407
- Gove, J.M., Whitney J.L., McManus, M.A., Lecky, J., Carvalho, F.C., Lynch, J.M, Li, J., Neubauer, P., Smith, K.A., Phipps, J.E., Kobayashi, D.R., Balagaso, K.B., Contreras, E.A., Manuel, M.E., Merrifield, M.A., Polovina, J.J., Asner, G.P., Maynard J.A., Williams, G.J. Prey-size plastics are invading larval fish nurseries. Proceeding of the National Academy of Sciences. 116(48): 24143-24149. (2019). https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1907496116
Cherese Shelton, CLC
Nutritional Sciences PhD – Human Nutrition Track
Department of Human Nutrition, Food, and Animal Sciences
Chair: Dr. Monica K. Esquivel
Dissertation Topic
Food and Activity Bag Kits for Pediatric Nutrition Interventions
Why did you choose the PhD Nutrition Program at the University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa?
I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Dietetics at the University of Hawaii at Manoa (UHM). In this time, I found my passion for the college atmosphere and students. I realized that the most fulfilling career would be one where I can educate students about nutrition, while also conducting research that can benefit Hawaii. As an undergraduate student, I received a tremendous amount of support and opportunities that I believe are unique to UHM. I chose to pursue this Ph.D. Nutrition program because there is no other university that can provide more preparation in my pursuit to one day teach and conduct research as a professor at UHM.
Academic Highlights
- Carey D. Miller Memorial Scholarship, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation, 2018-2019.
Anja Wutz, MPH
Nutritional Sciences PhD – Human Nutrition Track
Department Human Nutrition, Food, and Animal Sciences
Chair: Dr. Carol Boushey
Dissertation Topic
Systematic-Reviews Assessing Diet Quality Among the Beneficiaries of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children; and National School Lunch Program
Why did you chose the PhD Nutrition Program at the University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa?
Since I was a child, it has always been a dream of mine to move to the Hawai’ian islands. When I visited, I fell in love with the climate and the friendliness of the people. While researching universities, I came across the Nutrition PhD program at UHM and was interested in much of the work Dr. Boushey does, as it relates to public health and nutrition, which has been my primary background thus far. After talking with Dr. Boushey, I knew that UHM would be a perfect fit for my academic and life goals!
Academic Highlights
- Undergraduate Dean’s List scholarships, Summer Semester Study Abroad scholarship, Departmental Honors, 2018 global health nutrition education program in Accra, Ghana through Child Family Health International
Radha Raman Raj
Nutritional Sciences PhD – Human Nutrition Track
Department Human Nutrition, Food, and Animal Sciences
Chair: Dr. Mi-Jeong Lee
Dissertation Topic
Role of omega-3 fatty acid on adipocyte biology
Why did you choose the PhD Nutrition Program at the University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa?
Ever since my undergraduate days, I had a keen interested to work in the field of Nutrition. I believed nutrition is the area that holds a good prospect which can be applied to improve both human and animal health. As a result, to quench my thirst of knowledge in Nutrition, I planned to pursue PhD program focusing on Nutrition. I started looking at the different universities. After visiting the webpage of University of Hawaii at Manoa, I figure out that the UH as one of the best places to pursue PhD program as it has a wide array of pioneering research in the field of nutrition from animal to human nutrition. More specifically, I was really interested in research focused on combating obesity and metabolic disorder. Thus, I joined PhD program in UH under the mentorship of Dr. MJ Lee. My current research is focused on the role of omega-3 fatty acids on adipocyte biology.
I believe we can address some of the major issues of obesity on the completion of my PhD program.
Academic Highlights
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Radha Raman Raj, Abha kumari and Guruprasad (2017). In vitro and in vivo screening of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor using Mangifera indica: A solution for hypertension. World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, 6 (1):1063-1071. (DOI: 10.20959/wjpps201701-8378)
Biyu Wu, MS
Nutritional Sciences PhD – Food Science Track
Department Human Nutrition, Food, and Animal Sciences
Chair: Dr. Yong Li
Dissertation Topic
Antimicrobial properties of ohelo berry against pathogenic bacteria.
Why did you choose the PhD Nutrition Program at the University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa?
During my MS study in UHM, I had the opportunity to be exposed to the full range of Food Microbiology and be encouraged to uphold the values of attaining knowledge, discipline, and self-research. Meanwhile, I have developed a strong desire to explore more possibilities of utilizing efficient methods for the detection of bacteria in various food samples as well as in the human body. In particular, Dr. Li’s lab has extensive experience in probiotic bacteria and their effects on human health, which would be extremely beneficial for me to utilize in a future project. Therefore, I feel the best way to fulfill my future career is to continue my graduate study at UHM. I would relish the opportunity to leverage my past experiences for this worthy cause and learn from the experiences of my fellow team members in further research.
Academic Highlights
- Wu, B., Liu, X., Nakamoto, S.T., Wall, M., and Li, Y. 2022. Antimicrobial Activity of Ohelo Berry (Vaccinium calycinum) Juice against Listeria monocytogenes and Its Potential for Milk Preservation. Microorganisms. Mar 2;10(3):548. doi: 10.3390/microorganisms10030548. PMID: 35336123; PMCID: PMC8953330.
- Wu, B., Hu, J.S., and Li, Y. 2022. Development of an ultra-sensitive single-tube nested PCR assay for rapid detection of Campylobacter jejuni in ground chicken. Food Microbiology, 106, 104052. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fm.2022.104052
Vanessa Araujo Almeida, MS
Nutrition PhD
Department Human Nutrition, Food, and Animal Sciences
Chair: Dr. Alan Titchenal
Dissertation Topic
Food Insecurity among College Students
Why did you choose the PhD Nutrition Program at the University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa?
I visited Hawaii for the first time in 2015 to participate in a conference and I fell in love with the island. I had just finished a food science master’s degree in Brazil, and I was looking for an academic experience where I could advance my career and learn from different perspectives. I chose the Ph.D. Program in Nutrition at UHM because I knew the immense cultural exchange I would be exposed to once I moved to Hawaii. I wanted to grow as a nutrition scientist and learn from highly qualified professors in a university that offers great infrastructure and a friendly environment that benefits learning. I was interested in having an enriching professional experience while finishing my educational pathway, and I couldn’t be happier about my choice.
Academic Highlights
- Holmes, H., Almeida, V. A., Boushey, C., & Banna, J. (2020). Use of Technology for Dietary Assessment in Immigrant Populations. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, 14(2), 118–121. https://doi.org/10.1177/
1559827619890948 - Almeida, V. A., Littlejohn, P., Cop, I., Brown, E., Afroze, R., & Davison, K. M. (2019). Comparison of nutrigenomics technology interface tools for consumers and health professionals: a sequential explanatory mixed methods investigation. Journal of Medical Internet research, 21(6), e12580. https://doi.org/10.2196/12580
- Almeida, V. A. & Davison, K. M. (2018, November). Consumers show greater improvements in dietary intakes and quality of life with nutrigenomic information to support change. Presentation at the Personalized Nutrition 2018 Conference – Translate the Science of NutriGenomics into Practice. Seattle, Washington.
- Achievement Scholarship Grad Division Human Nutrition, Food & Animal Sci (B748). 2018-2019.
- Katherine Bazore Gruelle and Nobue Nishimura Scholarship Fund. 2018-2019.
Dustin Valdez
Nutrition PhD
Department Human Nutrition, Food, and Animal Sciences
Chair: Dr. John Shepherd
Dissertation Topic
Accessible early breast cancer detection technologies for women in the Pacific
Why did you choose the PhD Nutrition Program at the University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa?
After completing my Bachelor’s degree at UCLA I decided I wanted to further my education back at home in Hawaii. I felt that I would be able to make more of a difference for the people of Hawaii if studied at UH Manoa. Since coming to UH Manoa I have been working on various research projects such as working with WIC (Women Infant & Children) with gestational weight-gain and testing portable ultrasound devices for use in early detection of breast cancer. I have been learning a great deal about research from my mentor and looking forward to learning more.
Razib Das
Nutrition PhD
Department Human Nutrition, Food, and Animal Sciences
Chair: Dr. Rajesh Jha
Why did you choose the PhD Nutrition Program at the University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa?
I completed Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and then MS in Microbiology from Sylhet Agricultural University in Bangladesh. The master’s program encouraged me to learn more about the effect of gut microbiota on nutrition. I found the Intercollegiate PhD Nutrition program of UHM is a nice blending of different fields and planned to pursue my higher study in this great educational atmosphere. My major determinant for choosing this program was Jha’s lab. The Jha’s Lab works with different alternative feed additives, their effect on the gut microbiome, nutrition and health of the monogastric animals. I consider this lab is an opportunity to know more about the nutritional sciences.
Tharindu Malintha Gardi-Hewage, MS
Nutritional Sciences PhD – Animal Science Track
Department Human Nutrition, Food, and Animal Sciences
Chair: Dr. Andre P. Seale
Dissertation Topic
Environmentally sensitive transcription factors in the prolactin cell, gill and kidney of Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus)
Why did you choose the PhD Nutrition Program at the University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa?
During my Master’s degree, I studied marine life sciences and biomedical sciences. I was specialized in aquafeeds and nutrition. Therefore, the Ph.D. Nutrition program was most suited to me. It is an honor for me to be a part of HNFAS and work in a friendly environment. I work in the Laboratory of Fish Endocrinology and Environmental Physiology, where I will conduct experiments in understanding the effects of temperature on osmoreception using tilapia as a model animal and develop aquafeeds using locally available ingredients. I believe that the knowledge and experiences I gain from UH and the help and guidance from the faculty would make this work successful.
Academic Highlights
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Seale, Malintha, G. H. T., Celino‐Brady, F. T., Head, T., Belcaid, M., Yamaguchi, Y., Lerner, D. T., Baltzegar, D. A., Borski, R. J., Stoytcheva, Z. R., & Breves, J. P. (2020). Transcriptional regulation of prolactin in a euryhaline teleost: Characterisation of gene promoters through in silico and transcriptome analyses. Journal of Neuroendocrinology, 32(11), e12905–n/a. https://doi.org/10.1111/jne.12905
- Woo, Malintha, G. H. T., Celino-Brady, F. T., Yamaguchi, Y., Breves, J. P., & Seale, A. P. (2022). Tilapia prolactin cells are thermosensitive osmoreceptors. American Journal of Physiology. Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology, 322(6), R609–R619. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpregu.00027.2022
Brittany Castle, MS
Nutritional Sciences PhD – Animal Science Track
Department Human Nutrition, Food, and Animal Sciences
Chair: Dr. Mark Thorne
Dissertation Topic
The Effects of Parasitism on Grazing Preferences of Small Ruminants on Hawaii Rangeland
Why did you choose the PhD Nutrition Program at the University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa?
After finishing my B.S. at Virginia Tech, I was drawn to UH Manoa because of their extension program. I completed my Masters in the Animal Sciences program working with pig farmers across the state, and it was an easy decision to continue my education in the Nutritional Sciences PhD program here at UH. The strong support network both within my department and across campus were huge factors in my decision.
Academic Highlights
- Castle, B.A.*, Odani, J., Jha, R., Ogasawara, N., & Zaleski, H.M. 2018. Survey of disease, management and biosecurity practices of Hawai‘i swine farmers. Poster session presented at the Annual American Society of Animal Science and Canadian Society of Animal Science Joint Conference, Vancouver, Canada, July 8-12, 2018.
- Castle, B.A. Primavera, T.G., Odani, J., Heskett, T.W., and Zaleski, H.M. 2018. Biosecurity procedures for visits to swine farms. University of Hawai‘i College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources Cooperative Extension, Livestock Management LM-33.
- Odani, J.*, Zaleski, H., Ogasawara, N., Castle, B., Vannucci, F., and Heskett, T. 2017. Swine serosurveillance in Hawaii. Poster presented at the 60th Annual American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians Conference, San Diego, CA, Oct. 12-18, 2017.
- Castle, B.A.* 2017. Swine Diseases Cause Significant Production Loss in Hawaii. Lecture presented at the 64th Annual Meeting of the Hawai‘i Veterinary Medical Association, Honolulu, HI, Oct 26-27, 2017.
Christine Crosby
Nutrition PhD
Department Human Nutrition, Food, and Animal Sciences
Chair: Dr. Jinan Banna
Why did you choose the PhD Nutrition Program at the University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa?
I chose the Nutrition PhD program at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa after completing a MPH program in Epidemiology and a Masters in Microbiology. I am interested in the effects of lifestyle on chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes and how the diet shapes the gut microbiome. I currently work for the DOH on disease prevention and would like to understand more on how the diet contributes to disease development. I feel the Nutrition PhD program is a good fit for my research interest in dietary inputs on the gut microbiome and my background in epidemiology.
Pauline M. McFall, MPH
Nutritional Sciences PhD – Human Nutrition Track
Department Human Nutrition, Food, and Animal Sciences
Chair: Dr. Rachel Novotny
Dissertation Topic
Assessment of Dietary Intake of American Samoan children
Why did you choose the PhD Nutrition Program at the University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa?
Growing up in American Samoa, we were not afforded a lot of opportunities for internships and experiential learning. I was fortunate to have been awarded a National Science Foundation young scholar opportunity to the University of Hawaii at Manoa under the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources department. That was many years ago, but it certainly sparked my interest in the field and in research. Even though it is rather ironic that I am now here working towards the culmination of my education at the exact place where it all began – I would not have had it any other way. The Intercollegiate PhD program here at the UH Manoa, HNFAS department provides me with the perfect blend of academics, research, professional development, and support towards my educational and research goals. The program also gives me the opportunity to study and work with my own Samoan culture and community to address specific health and nutrition disparities and issues that they and other US Affiliated Pacific Islands face. It is certainly a blessing to be here and to be a part of this program, and would highly recommend to other students who wish to pursue a career in nutritional sciences.
Jonathan Bennett, MS
Nutritional Sciences PhD – Human Nutrition Track
Department Human Nutrition, Food, and Animal Sciences
Chair: Dr. John Shepherd
Dissertation Topic
Assessment of Hydration via Five Compartment Body Composition Methods
Why did you choose the PhD Nutrition Program at the University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa?
Working with John Shepherd and Steve Heymsfield (Pennington Biomedical Research Center, LA) provides invaluable experience and opportunities for us to develop research that further advances the understanding of body composition and its role in health and disease risk.
Academic Highlights
- Heymsfield SB, Smith B, Wong M, Bennett JP, Ebbeling C, Wong J M, … & Shepherd JA (2021). Multicomponent density models for body composition: Review of the dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry volume approach. Obesity Reviews, e13274.
- Bennett JP, Liu YE, Quon BK, Kelly NN, Wong MC, Kennedy SF, … & Shepherd JA (2022). Assessment of clinical measures of total and regional body composition from a commercial 3-dimensional optical body scanner. Clinical Nutrition.
- Bennett JP, Liu YE, Quon BK, Kelly NN, Wong MC, Leong L, … & Shepherd JA (2022). Three-dimensional optical body shape and features improve prediction of metabolic disease risk in a diverse cross-sectional sample of adults. Obesity.
- Cataldi D, Bennett JP, Quon BK, Liu YE, Heymsfield SB, Kelly TK, & Shepherd JA (2022). Agreement and precision of deuterium dilution for total body water and multicompartment body composition assessment in collegiate athletes. Journal of Nutrition.
- Bennett JP, Wong MC, McCarthy C, Fearnbach N, Queen K, Shepherd JA, & Heymsfield SB (2022). Emergence of the adolescent obesity epidemic: five-decade visualization with humanoid avatars. International Journal of Obesity.
Cody Clifton, MS
Nutritional Sciences PhD – Animal Science Track
Department of Human Nutrition, Food, and Animal Sciences
Chair: Dr. Kristi West
Dissertation Topic
My research is focused on assessing the health of whale and dolphin populations found in Hawai’i. This includes the examination of novel diseases and evaluation of hormonal trends in these animals.
Why did you choose the PhD Nutrition Program at the University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa?
My academic path began through the pursuit of personal interest in understanding the marine mammals that call Hawai’i home. This winding road eventually led me to Dr. West’s cetacean Health and Stranding Lab, whose association with HNFAS and the Nutritional Sciences – Animal Science track PhD program has provided me with the perfect opportunity to expand my knowledge of whale and dolphin health in the Pacific. This program also provides access to a wide range of research conducted by HNFAS faculty, and gives ample opportunity to gain broader knowledge related to animal sciences, which has allowed me to develop a diverse skill set that will help me achieve my future professional research goals.
Academic Highlights
- Clifton, C. W. (2022, August 1-5). Targeted Surveillance Detected Novel Beaked Whale Circovirus (BWCV) in Nine New Host Cetacean Species Across the Pacific Basin [Conference presentation]. SMM2022: 24th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals, West Palm Beach, FL, United States
Tyler Robert Goodearly, MS
Nutritional Sciences PhD – Animal Science Track
Department of Human Nutrition, Food, and Animal Sciences
Chair: Dr. Andre P. Seale
Dissertation Topic
Identifying the physiological responses to extreme environmental changes in native Hawaiian sea cucumbers found in traditional fishponds
Hannah Isabel Shai
Nutritional Sciences PhD – Human Nutrition Track
Department of Human Nutrition, Food, and Animal Sciences
Chair: Dr. Monica K. Esquivel
Why did you choose the PhD Nutrition Program at the University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa?
I am interested in the Children’s Healthy Living Center Food Systems Project to improve nutrition security in the pacific. As a native of the Northern Mariana Islands, I am also interested in research focusing on indigenous and pacific populations.
Heejin So
Nutritional Sciences PhD – Food Science Track
Department of Human Nutrition, Food, and Animal Sciences
Chair: Dr. Soojin Jun
Christina Young
Nutritional Sciences PhD – Human Nutrition Track
Department of Human Nutrition, Food, and Animal Sciences
Chair: Dr. Marie Kainoa Fialkowski Revilla
Dissertation Topic
Native Hawaiian food systems
Chenchen Zhao
Nutritional Sciences PhD – Human Nutrition Track
Department of Human Nutrition, Food, and Animal Sciences
Chair: Dr. Mi-Jeong Lee
Academic Highlights
- Plate Waste in School Lunch: Barriers, Motivators, and Perspectives of SNAP-Eligible Early Adolescents in the US
Leah Kaplan
Nutritional Sciences PhD – Human Nutrition Track
Department of Human Nutrition, Food, and Animal Sciences
Chair: Dr. Marie Kainoa Fialkowski Revilla
Dissertation Topic
Obesity and Dietary Intake of Mothers and Infants
Why did you choose the PhD Nutrition Program at the University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa?
Prior to beginning the PhD program at University of Hawaii, I worked in clinical research, military medicine and neuroscience, cognitive science, and most recently biotechnology. While it was exciting working at the intersection of health IT, big data, and clinical research and I enjoyed designing AI hardware and infrastructure for clinical trials, I have always wanted to pursue a passion for nutrition science. I am grateful for the opportunity to pursue this passion at UH Manoa and the Shepherd Research Lab.
Academic Highlights
- B.S. Wellesley College, Cognitive Neuroscience, 2002
- M.S. Lund University, Neurobiology, 2003
- United States Patent # 20200090408, 2019; Systems and Methods for Augmented Reality Body Movement Guidance and Measurement.
- Finalist, Medical Capital Innovation Competition, 2019
- TED MED Frontline Scholar, 2013
- Award for “Adaptive Agent-Based Model of Cognitive Factors”; Air Force Operations Research Symposium, October 2006
- Army Challenge Award, National Capitol Consortium Tele-Neurosurgery Program, 2005