In its first in-person event since the pandemic struck, ARCS Honolulu Chapter presented twenty 2022 ARCS Scholar Awards at the Outrigger Canoe Club May 5. Miles Lucas was named ARCS Scholar of the Year (Physical Sciences) for his work to design instruments, observational techniques and processing methods for directly imaging exoplanets and planet-forming regions in the hopes of “seeing” largely invisible gasses will help explain planet formation. Nicholas Kawasaki was named ARCS Scholar of the Year (Biological Sciences) for his investigation of ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of cell death that occurs in the heart after blood flow is restored following a heart attack.
Read more about the 2022 Scholars or view their videos, in which they describe their research.
Special guests included the 2021 Scholar of the Year, asronomy scholar Erica Bufanda, and 1987 ARCS Scholar Paul Lucey, University of Hawai‘i at Manoa earth scientist who is he advisor to 2022 Scholar Marley Chertok.
Scholar Alumna Pays it Forward
“ARCS Honolulu Chapter provided recognition that my efforts and education were a worthwhile investment at a time when others could see little future for me.”
1976 Honolulu ARCS Scholar and Tampa Chapter member Pamela Hallock Muller was named one of 25 Top Women Professors in Florida. The University of South Florida marine scientist overcame gender discrimination and has mentored 60 graduate students, 10 of them from underrepresented minorities.
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
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