The One Health Interdisciplinary Undergraduate Certificate Program awarded its first certificates at the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa Commencement Ceremony on May 17, 2025.  The inaugural One Health certificate recipients were Molecular Biosciences & Biotechnology major Braxton Ramos, and Biology major Zarek Kon.

Braxton conducted her capstone research project, entitled “Effect of Environmental Selenium on Microbial Diversity in Culex quinquefasciatus” under the mentorship of Associate Researcher Lucia Seale and Associate Professor Matthew Medeiros at the Pacific Biosciences Research Center.  She presented her research at the CTAHR SRS and the COBRE Joint Symposium.  Braxton plans to apply continue her training after graduation to become a Physician’s Assistant.

Zarek’s capstone research project, “Environmental Surveillance of Leptospira in Hawai‘i: Evaluating DNA Extraction Methods for Soil and Water Samples” was mentored by Assistant Professor Jourdan McMillan and Professor Sandra Chang at the John A Burns School of Medicine.  Research guidance was also provided by JABSOM Medical Student Darcy Tokunaga, and School of Life Sciences’ Assistant Professor Michael Norris and Dr. Ian McMillan.  Zarek will enter John A Burns School of Medicine as a first-year medical student in Fall 2025.

Read Braxton’s and Zarek’s reflections on their One Health certificate experience:

What did you like best about being in the One Health certificate program?

Braxton: I enjoyed the diverse curriculum and flexibility of being in the One Health program. The curriculum of the program really reflects the One Health concept and the courses offered were very engaging. Some of my favorite classes that I took as an undergraduate were through the One Health program curriculum. I also really appreciated the flexibility of the program, given that I joined later in my undergraduate degree. While I had a busy course schedule before joining the program, I was easily able to fit in the One Health courses alongside my major requirements. The One Health faculty and instructors showed that they genuinely care about the success of their students and I have gained invaluable experiences and knowledge from the program!

Zarek: What I appreciated most about the One Health certificate program was the opportunity to connect with faculty members who are deeply passionate about interdisciplinary research. Their commitment to the One Health approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, was both inspiring and intellectually enriching. It was a meaningful experience that broadened my perspective and deepened my interest in the One Health concept. 

Please describe the major findings of your capstone research project.

Braxton: For my capstone research project, I studied Culex sp. mosquitoes and the dynamics of its gut microbiome. I particularly focused on an important symbiotic gut fungus, Z. culisetae, and was able to successfully identify and culture the fungus from mosquito larvae. As this project is currently ongoing, it also aims to profile microbial diversity of the gut microbiome in the presence of increased selenium (Se) as Hawai’i has elevated levels of this trace element. Se plays an important role in various functions, most notably for its antioxidant properties. While Se is essential, it can also be toxic in high levels. Manipulation of the bacteria and fungi of the mosquito microbiome in the presence of Se aims to observe how these factors can affect host health. 

Zarek: For my capstone project, I investigated the identification of pathogenic Leptospira DNA in water and soil samples from Mānoa Stream in Hawai’i. Our findings demonstrated that commercial DNA extraction kits can successfully identify pathogenic Leptospira in environmental samples, although detection levels were low, indicating a need for improved sensitivity in future surveillance efforts. 

How do you think your research was relevant to One Health?

Braxton: My research is relevant to One Health as mosquitoes have implications across all aspects of health: human, animal, and environmental. Mosquitoes are constantly relevant to global public health as they serve as a vector for many deadly diseases to animals and humans. The changing environment also impacts vector-borne disease as global warming allows mosquitoes to populate areas where they never have before. The project aimed to gain more knowledge about mosquito biology through the manipulation of the gut microbiome. Understanding more about how host fitness can be impacted by its microbiome can provide insights into the future of mosquito biocontrol and reducing mosquito-borne disease. 

Zarek: Our research is relevant to One Health because it highlights the environmental transmission of Leptospira, a zoonotic pathogen that links human, animal, and environmental health. By improving environmental surveillance in local streams, we can better identify infection hotspots and inform public health interventions to prevent disease in both humans and animals.

What are your plans after graduation?

Braxton: After graduation, I plan to obtain a Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies and enter the healthcare field as a provider. I am currently working as a full-time medical assistant to gain more patient-care experience in preparation for continuing my higher education.  

Zarek: After graduation, I plan to attend medical school and pursue a medical career. Luckily, I was accepted and look forward to attending the John A. Burns School of Medicine. The One Health certificate program played a significant role in my journey by allowing me to engage in impactful research and develop a broader understanding of health at the human-animal-environment interface.