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

“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.

To Quote a Scholar: Mason Russo

"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.