Supporting Hawai‘i Science Since 1974
Honolulu celebrated ARCS Foundation, Inc.'s 50th anniversary with a luncheon at College Hill, traditional home of the University of Hawai‘i president, in 2008. Chapter president Cynthia Hunter, an ARCS Scholar alumna, visited with UH representatives Laurence Kolonel, 2005 ARC Honolulu Scientist of the Year, and College of Natural Sciences Dean Alan Teramura.
Incorporated on Dec. 27, 1974, Honolulu is the foundation’s fourth-oldest chapter.
Founding OfficersMrs. Charles M. Floyd II, President Inaugural Board of DirectorsMrs. Delphia Cupp, ParliamentarianMrs. Melvin G. Frailey, Jewelry and Special Awards Mrs. James G. Lathrop, ARCScoops Mrs. Alice Wheelon, Telephone Mrs. Robert Maxey, Historian Mrs. Phyllis Spalding, Advisor Mrs. Lloyd Martin Mrs. Adrian Perry Mrs. Don Swan Mrs. Carlyle Nelson (Hilo Hattie) Mrs. King-Lit Ching Mrs. W. Donald Castle Mrs. E. Gordon Dickie |
Past Presidents1974–76 Allene Floyd * |
Scholar Update: Marine Biologist Shayle Matsuda
“The increasing frequency and severity of global coral bleaching events, the devastation to reef ecosystems and the communities who rely on them led to my dedication to coral reef conservation.”
As a University of Hawai‘i at Manoa doctoral candidate, 2019 Honolulu ARCS Scholar Shayle Matsuda pioneered new molecular techniques to study symbioses between coral, algae and bacteria. He continues that work as part of an international coral reef restoration project under a 2021 David H. Smith Conservation Research Fellowship—a premier postdoctoral program in conservation science that supports early-career scientists and seeks solutions to the most pressing conservation challenges.
To Quote a Scholar: Alexandru Sasuclark
“My research, if successful, would add a new diagnostic toolset for medical professionals to assess risk for those already at a high risk for developing neuropsychiatric disorders.”
Honolulu ARCS Scholar Alexandru Sasuclark received Best Poster Presentation at the John A. Burns School of Medicine’s 2021 Annual Biomedical Sciences and Health Disparities Symposium. The George and Virginia Starbuck ARCS Award receipient studies the role of selenium in development of particular neurons in the brain and the perineuronal net structures that surround them. Disruption in their development is characteristic of many neurodevelopmental diseases. A University of Hawai‘i at Manoa PhD candidate in Cell and Molecular Biology, Alexandru aspires to a career in industry pursuing treatments for neurological ailments.
Read about his inspiration or watch his video
Scholar Update: Lunar Luminary Paul Lucey
"When I began research in planetary science as an undergraduate, I saw it as a tangible way to explore space and make meaningful contributions to that endeavor. As time passed, I have enjoyed helping many students do the same, and watch them become successful scientists."
1987 Honolulu ARCS Scholar Dr. Paul Lucey received the NASA Eugene Shoemaker Distinguished Scientist Medal recipient for lifetime achievement in the study of the Moon and other rocky planets. A professor in the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa's Hawai‘i Institute of Geophysics and Planetology, he has been instrumental in developing imaging spectrometers for NASA. His use of hyperspectral imagery to efficiently map lunar materials and quantitative modeling of near-infrared spectra have generated key insights regarding the composition of the lunar crust and interior. Read more