January 21, 2025
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s Noa Lincoln earned the federal government’s highest honor for up-and-coming researchers. Lincoln, an associate professor of Indigenous Crops and Cropping Systems at the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience (CTAHR) was awarded the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) by former President Joe Biden.
Lincoln is a nationally recognized expert in the field of agroecology, which encompasses all aspects of sustainable farming.
“I’m grateful that this work in agroecology is being acknowledged nationally,” Lincoln said. “There are many amazing people working in this field, and I hope this award helps to bring further recognition to the importance of Indigenous knowledge and practices.”
Lincoln’s interdisciplinary lab works closely with various communities and farmers to support sustainable and just food systems, with his research contributing to national and international advocacy. PECASE winners have already demonstrated their success in their field of expertise as well as in integrating research and education.
CTAHR Dean Parwinder Grewal noted, “Noa Lincoln’s work is part of our mission to help local communities grow more fruits, vegetables, and proteins. We are honored by his contributions to agroecology and this well-deserved award from the highest level of government.”
The award recognizes Lincoln’s exceptional potential for leadership and innovative research early in their scientific careers. The PECASE is conferred each year at the White House following recommendations from participating agencies, including the National Science Foundation.
- Related UH News story: New UH center aims to transform agri-food systems
Hawaiʻi agroecology champion
Lincoln has published more than 50 scientific articles, a book on Hawaiian sugarcanes, two edited volumes, multimedia extension materials, and provided interviews for hundreds of news articles and documentaries and is also deeply involved in the application of community resource management. He is the president and founder of Māla Kaluʻulu Cooperative, a demonstration farm restoring traditional agroforestry methods, and the production advisor and a board member of the Hawaiʻi ʻUlu Producers Cooperative, a farmer-owned cooperative focused on the mid-tier value chain of several indigenous crops.
Lincoln is also the co-founder and chair of the community-based organization that owns and operates the Amy BH Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden and Community Forest, which preserves rare Native Hawaiian plants as well as traditional crop varieties. He sits on several boards of community-based nonprofits, such as ʻĀina Momona and Ulu Mau Puanui, and governmental advisory boards, such as the Kaulunani Urban and Community Forestry Council.
He is working to expand the scale and impact of his work at the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation to establish the Ke Ō Mau Center for Sustainable Island Food Systems. Along with UH West Oʻahu Professor Albie Miles, this new center seeks to empower transformative initiatives aimed at Hawaiʻi’s food system.
Source: A UH News story
