Special guest speaker is ARCS Scholar alumna and University of Hawai‘i at Manoa visiting marine scientist Dr. Philoméne Verlaan, speaking on "The Crucial Role of Scientists in Environmental Protection at Global Scale: Examples from Seabed Mining and Marine Geoengineering." An oceanographer specializing in the biogeochemistry and ecology of deep-sea ferro-manganese nodules and crusts and attorney specializing in international law of the sea, she assists international public and private organizations in negotiating the complex interface between marine science and law of the sea to achieve environmentally and commercially responsible uses of marine resources compatible with the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention, the world's “Constitution for the Oceans.” She is a special adviser to the Advisory Committee on Protection of the Sea, representing ACOPS at global intergovernmental conferences, and is a Fellow of the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science, and Technology and of the Society for Underwater Technology, a member of the editorial board for the journal Marine Georesources and Geotechnology and a life member of the Marine Technology Society and The Oceanography Society.

RSVP by Jan. 12 on the event information and registration page. Check-in opens at 11:30. Come early to join the pre-luncheon medical school mini-tour at 11 a.m. and preview special door-prize drawing opportunities. Parking information will be provided to registrants; please email ARCShonolulu@gmail.com if planning to use a disability parking placard.

Proceeds from the luncheon will be used to support the Honolulu Chapter's ARCS Scholar Awards program. ARCS Honolulu has provided nearly $2.5 million to outstanding Univeristy of Hawai‘i at Manoa graduate students in STEM and health fields since 1974. Entering it's second half-century, the chapter has set a goal of increasing the grant that Honolulu ARCS Scholars receive to $6,000. Funds can be used by scholars in any way that advances their science careers, from computing time and research equipment to professional travel and personal expenses.

Visit our events page for information on additional anniversary events for members, including a science sampler field trip on the UH Manoa campus Friday, Jan. 26 and a Marine Institute of Marine Biology field trip and picnic on Coconut Island Monday, Jan. 28.