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Honolulu
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About ARCS Honolulu Chapter

The ARCS Mission

ARCS (Achievement Rewards for College Scientists) Foundation advances science and technology in the United States by providing financial awards to academically outstanding students who are U.S. citizens studying to complete degrees in science, engineering, math, technology, and medical research.
ARCS Scholar medallion with orchid lei

Our 2024–2025 Board

Co-Presidents:
Wendy Lagareta (Chapter Affairs)
Cheryl Ernst (National Affairs)

Vice President - Membership:
Patricia (Patty) Lee

Treasurer: Susan Moore

Secretaries:
Roslyn (Roz) Pearson (Recording)
Sui-Lan Ellsworth (Corresponding)

Directors:
Jessica (Jessie) Radovich (Communications)
Dr. Jane Schoonmaker (University Relations)
Dr. Jacqueline (Jacquie) Maly (Parliamentarian)

Who We Are and What We Do

ARCS Foundation Honolulu Chapter is an all-volunteer, non-profit women's orgnization that provides financial support to outstanding University of Hawai‘i students pursuing graduate studies and conducting research in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and health.

Our members come from community, business, government, and education sectors, united by our keen interest in things scientific and our strong commitment to advancing U.S. leadership in STEM fields … not to mention our delight in good company and fun events.

Responsible Philanthropy

Funding for the Honolulu Chapter’s ARCS Scholar Award grants comes from two sources: ARCS Award endowment funds managed by the University of Hawai‘i Foundation and annual ARCS Honolulu Chapter fundraising. With member dues largely covering operational expenses, $8 out of every $10 expended by our chapter goes directly to ARCS Scholar Awards.

Pie chart showing sources of ARCS income: 38% contributions, 30% foundations, 22% fundraising, 10% member dues, Pie chart showing use of ARCS Honolulu funds: 80% scholar awards, 15% fundraising, 5% operations

Learn More

To Quote a Scholar: Julia Douglas

Julia Douglas headshot

"The generous support of the ARCS award facilitates both the completion of my PhD program and the establishment a long-term research component of my future career."

2024 Sarah Ann Martin ARCS Scholar Julia Douglas scales trees in Hawai‘i an Mexico to study endangered epiphytes growing in the canopies as part of her doctoral research in botany at the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa.

Science Communicator Christie Wilcox Tells it Like It Is

Christie Wilcox, PhD

Christie Wilcox, PhD, on her Honolulu ARCS Scholar Award: "The life of a graduate student is not enviable… For me, it was essential. It was what I needed, the kind of funding to pursue these curiosities that I had. And I was grateful for it.” Read more about the the award winning science communicator.

To Quote a Scholar: Benjamin Wiseman

Benjamin Wiseman in sweet potato field

"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.