Supporting Hawai‘i Science Since 1974
Honolulu is the fourth oldest of 15 ARCS (Achievement Rewards for College Scientsts) Foundation chapters across the United States. It was proposed in a meeting of Hawai‘i women hosted by Los Angeles ARCS member Barbara Pauley at the family compound on Coconut Island in Kane‘ohe Bay. Formally chartered in December 1974, the Honolulu Chapter has provided more than $3 million in ARCS Scholar Award funding to 700+ outstanding U.S. graduate students. Recipients are the best and brightest emerging researchers in STEM PhD programs at the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa.
In 2008, Honolulu celebrated ARCS National's 50th anniversary with a luncheon at College Hill, traditional home of the University of Hawai‘i president. Chapter President Cynthia Hunter, an ARCS Scholar alumna (right) welcomed UH representatives Laurence Kolonel, 2005 ARC Honolulu Scientist of the Year, and College of Natural Sciences Dean Alan Teramura.
In 2013, Immediate Past Chapter President Susan Lampe was instrumental in organizing the ARCS National Annual General Meeting in Honolulu, with cultural and scientific and events and tours for ARCS members from across the United States.
Forced to meet virtually when the COVID-19 pandemic struck, the Honolulu Board found the new technology useful for regular meetings, but was relieved to return to in-person Pau Hana talks and scholar events, beginning with recognition of three years worth of scholars in 2022.
Returning to Honolulu for its January 2024 meeting, the National Board helped celebrate the chapterʻs 50th anniversary. Tours included visits to campus laboratories and a return to Moku O Lo‘e.
Founding OfficersMrs. Charles M. Floyd II, President Inaugural Board of DirectorsMrs. Delphia Cupp, Parliamentarian | .Past Presidents1974–76 Allene Floyd * |
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: Lucas Ellison
"The grant will cover travel to one or two conferences that I would not be able to attend otherwise."
2024 Toby Lee ARCS Scholar Lucas Ellison uses data from past droughts to analyze the performance of climate simulation models to better predict the impact of climate change.
To Quote a Scholar: Benjamin Wiseman
"I hustle to make sure that my expenses are covered, often working part-time jobs to make ends meet. Receiving this award means that I can place greater focus on my academic research work."
2024 Helen Jones Farrar ARCS Scholar Ben Wiseman quantifies nematodes to study soil health and explores new cover crops as an effective, sustainable way to control the pest in sweet potato fields.