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Honolulu
Chapter

Scholar Selection Process

How Honolulu ARCS Scholars are Chosen

The Honolulu Chapter annually supports a dozen or more ARCS Scholars through proceeds from endowed funds, donations and chapter fundraising. In early spring, the board determines the number of awards and an allocation committee designates the disciplines to be supported that year. Major donors may designate a preferred field within approved disciplines at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa.

The chapter notifies officials in the university's Graduate Division, who coordinate with the designated units to select recipients from qualified candidates. The selection process may vary by unit, with some requiring applications or presentations.

To be eliglble to receive an ARCS Scholar Award, nominees must:

  • be a U.S. citizen or a Lawful Permanent Resident
  • be a full-time doctoral student in good standing
  • plan to continue academic or research activity in the coming year
  • allow UH and ARCS to publish biographical information and photos
  • agree to notify the chapter about achievements

As unrestricted awards, funds may be used in any way that advances scholars' research, including equipment, travel, and educational or living expenses. They do not qualify as scholarships for tax purposes.

For more information, contact ARCS Foundation, Honolulu Chapter.

Scholar Update: Marine Biologist Shayle Matsuda

Shayle Matsuda at ocean overlook“The increasing frequency and severity of global coral bleaching events, the devastation to reef ecosystems and the communities who rely on them led to my dedication to coral reef conservation.”

As a University of Hawai‘i at Manoa doctoral candidate, 2019 Honolulu ARCS Scholar Shayle Matsuda pioneered new molecular techniques to study symbioses between coral, algae and bacteria. He continues that work as part of an international coral reef restoration project under a 2021 David H. Smith Conservation Research Fellowship—a premier postdoctoral program in conservation science that supports early-career scientists and seeks solutions to the most pressing conservation challenges.

Dr. Mark Hixon on ARCS Scientist Honor

Dr. Mark Hixon, Photo by Chris Pala

"I am especially grateful that ARCS Honolulu appreciates the mentoring of graduate students, who are society’s future scientists during an era when science is increasingly under attack."

ARCS Honolulu Chapter named marine ecologist Dr. Mark Hixon its 2021 ARCS Scientist of the Year for his remarkable record of research, mentorship and public outreach. He is the Sidney and Erika Hsiao Endowed Chair in Marine Biology and chairs the Zoology Graduate Program at the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa. Photo by Chris Pala