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.

To Quote a Scholar: Alexandru Sasuclark

Alexandru Sasuclark headshot“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

To Quote a Scholar: Mason Russo

Mason Russo in front of poster

"I have conducted comprehensive studies on two invasive insect pests in the Hawaiian Islands that are severely impacting Hawaiian ecosystems. The coconut rhinoceros beetle is spreading fast across Oahu and has reached other islands. The hala scale impacts native coastal hala forests."

Besides offsetting the high cost of living in Hawai‘i, funds from the 2024 Maybelle F. Roth ARCS Scholar and Honolulu Scholar of the Year awards would allow Mason Russo to return to Asia if an initial survey produces promising biological control agents for the battle against destructive insects that threaten Hawai‘i trees.