Peter Bennett will be interning with Pacific Forum during Summer 2025. Peter is pursuing an M.A. in Asian Studies at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. He hopes to contribute meaningfully to defense and diplomatic efforts in the Indo-Pacific and build on his understanding of regional security, history, and policy. He holds a B.A. in History from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, and he previously worked as an intern at Pacific Forum and at the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies.

Hannah Butler will be interning with US Indo-Pacific Command during Summer 2025. Hannah is pursuing an M.A. in Asian Studies at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa with a concentration on China’s Arctic activities. She has studied abroad in Taipei, Taiwan, and she previously earned a B.A. in History and International Relations from the University of Nevada, Reno.

Kylar Cade will be interning with Pacific Forum during Summer 2025. He is pursuing an M.A. in Public Administration at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Kylar is interested in supporting peace in the Indo-Pacific region by fostering understanding among peoples and governments. He previously earned a B.A. in International Relations from IE University in Spain.

Trisha Gilmete will be interning with the Pacific Islands Development Program during Summer 2025. She is pursuing a B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Trisha is originally from the Federated States of Micronesia, Pohnpei, and holds an A.A. in Health Career Opportunity Program (HCOP) from the College of Micronesia, FSM. She is excited to build connections and bridge cultural divides through her work with other Pacific Islanders.

Antonio Luna will be interning with the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies during Summer 2025. He is pursuing an M.A. in Second Language Studies at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Antonio is interested in policy analysis, security studies, and cross-cultural diplomacy. He previously earned a B.B.A. in Management from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa and has participated in programs that took him to China, Taiwan, Korea, and Japan.

Makena Tsark will be interning with the Pacific Islands Development Program during Summer 2025. She is pursuing a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Political Science at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. She is interested in deepening her understanding of foreign policy toward her goal of practicing law.

Lillian Welsher will be interning with the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies during Summer 2025. She is a French and Political Science double major at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. She is excited to further develop her interest and knowledge in political science while learning more about regional security studies.

Alana Wilson Fusituʻa will be interning with Pacific Forum during Summer 2025. She is a graduate student pursuing an M.A. in Pacific Islands Studies at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. She is driven by a passion for service toward others and dedication to promoting clean energy and understanding the role of climate finance in the Pacific region. She previously worked at the Hawaii State Energy Office.

Joseph Work will be interning with the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies during Summer 2025. Joseph is pursuing a Master of Laws in Environmental Law, Human Rights, and Social Justice at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Originally from Fiji, he has professional experience as a Prosecutor and is committed to fostering regional cooperation that respects indigenous governance structures and strengthens democratic institutions while addressing regional environmental and security challenges.