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Biography

Sam Adair

Sam (Samuel) was born in Kanagawa prefecture in Japan but was raised in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. Currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in astronomy at University of Hawaii at Hilo. After completing his bachelor's, he may pursue a doctorate. In his free time he likes to watch movies or play spike ball with his friends.

Project site: W. M. Keck Observatory, Waimea HI

Michael Aquino

Michael Aquino was born and raised in Kalihi from the island of Oahu.  Michael graduated from Farrington High School.  He now is currently pursuing a degree in Computing, Security, and Networking Technology from Honolulu Community College.  He is one of the Officers of the HCC Hats Club and competes in Capture the Flag competitions regularly with the team.  Recently he competed in the AFKEA and National Cyber League CTF competitions.  He is excited about the Akamai Internship because he enjoys applying himself to new challenges.  In his free time, Michael enjoys going to the beach, hiking and graphic design.  He hopes one day to have a career as a network security analyst or auditor.

Project site: Subaru Telescope, Hilo HI

Nicholas Barrick

Nicholas Barrick was born and raised on the Big Island of Hawaii. He graduated from Hawaii Preparatory Academy in 2021 and has just finished his first year of college at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. In the past year, he was involved in the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics' Design Build Fly competition, where he assisted in the design, construction, and flight of a UAS designed to complete a mission set out by the AIAA. After finishing his bachelor's he hopes to go directly into industry, to continue his learning, and to continue building the field of aerospace. His hobbies include flying RC aircraft and video games.

Project site: KBR, Kihei HI

Jenny Brown

Jenny was born in Honolulu, Hawaii and as of 2022, currently attends Kapi'olani Community College. She plans on continuing her education at University Of Manoa to complete her B.S. in Electrical Engineering. Jenny values the collaboration and the interdisciplinary aspects of engineering, and plans to use her education and work experience to improve the quality of life for her community. In her free time, she enjoys being highly involved in school through Ecology Club and Student Congress but also takes the time to enjoy the little things with her friends through treating herself whether that be through matcha soft serve to going on a hike.

Project site: Subaru Telescope, Hilo HI

Christopher Chock

Christopher Chock was born and raised on the Big Island of Hawai’i.  After graduating from Hawai’i Preparatory Academy in 2019, he attended Gonzaga University and is currently pursuing a major in Electrical Engineering and a minor in Physics.  After college, he plans to enter the workforce in Hawai’i and give back to his hometown.  In his spare time, Christopher enjoys indoor climbing, soccer, volleyball, and piano.

Project site: Subaru Telescope, Hilo HI

James Cobb

James was raised in Kihei, Maui since he was a child. He graduated from Kihei Charter High School and is currently pursuing an associate degree in Electronic & Computer Engineering Technology. James enjoys working on his car, playing piano, and playing video games in his free time. Once he graduates, he plans to find a job in the electronics field that can challenge him and satisfy his pursuit of knowledge.

Project site: KBR, Kihei HI

Ethan Covello

Ethan is from Honolulu, Hawaii, and graduated from Henry J. Kaiser High School in 2020. He is currently a sophomore studying Mechanical Engineering at Montana State University in Bozeman, MT. Ethan’s career interests lie in the field of aerospace technology as well as the engineering of mountain bikes and other outdoor equipment. In his free time, he is an avid skier, surfer, and mountain biker.

Project site: Canada–France–Hawaii Telescope, Waimea HI

Ryan Foley

Ryan grew up on the Big Island of Hawai'i and graduated from Hilo High School. He is a senior at the University of Hawai'i at Hilo pursuing degrees in astronomy and physics while also getting a certification in data science. He is planning to pursue a career in astronomy research or operations and in STEM education.

Project site: Gemini Observatory, Hilo HI

Aidan Griffin

Aidan Griffin is entering his fourth year at Washington State University, pursuing a B.S. in computer science. He grew up on Maui, attending Kihei Charter High School. Aidan constantly strives to grow in the field of computer science. At school, he is eager to lead and contribute in team activities. He is a Voiland College peer mentor and participates in the Association for Computing Machinery and Cougs in Space. In his free time, Aidan enjoys playing pickup basketball and working on technical projects.

Project site: University of California Observatories, Santa Cruz CA

Marc Hayashi

Marc Hayashi was born in Tokyo, Japan and grew up in Honolulu, HI. He is currently a student at Kapiolani Community College is working towards a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science at UH Manoa. In the future, Marc hopes to eventually find a job in software engineering and development. His hobbies include playing tennis, listening to music, and hiking.  

Project site: KBR, Kihei HI

Deb Higa

Deborah (Deb) Higa grew up in Kaneohe, Oahu and is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. She is the president of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) UH Mānoa collegiate chapter and is a strong advocate for gender inclusivity, particularly in the STEM field. She is also working on the development and fabrication of a tele-operated articulated robotic arm for a Mars rover for the University Rover Challenge, an international competition hosted by The Mars Society. Through this internship opportunity, Deborah hopes to expand her knowledge and experience in mechanical engineering and aerospace technologies and learn more about their practical applications. In her free time, she enjoys cuddling her cat and dog while reading.

Project site: University of California Observatories, Santa Cruz CA

Preston Ito

Preston Ito was born and raised on Maui, and is currently pursuing his undergraduate degree at Davidson College in North Carolina. Finishing up his third-year, Preston is a physics major, but enjoys learning about computer science and has taken several coding classes throughout his undergraduate career. After Davidson, he hopes to continue his education at Washington University in St. Louis to get his Master's Degree in Aerospace Engineering. He loves using math and science to model and solve real world problems, and highly values hands-on project experience.

Project site: W. M. Keck Observatory, Waimea HI

Cole Jamila

Cole Jamila is from Oahu, where he graduated from Mid-Pacific Highschool in 2018. He is in his senior year at the University of Hawaii at Manoa majoring in Mechanical Engineering. Cole is currently the chief engineer of the UH Drone Technologies lab and has been a member since he was a freshman. In his free time Cole enjoys old school film photography, and 3D printing.

Project site: W. M. Keck Observatory, Waimea HI

Momi Jeschke

Momi Jeschke is a current senior at Swarthmore College, where she majors in Engineering and minors in Environmental Studies. Momi was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, where she developed a passion for the protection of her beautiful 'āina - environment and native ecosystems. She wants to become an electrical engineer, where she can design sustainable systems, machines, and devices, combining her passion for electronics with her dedication to the environment.  

Project site: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, Hilo HI

Ryan Liu

Ryan was born and raised on the Big Island in Hilo. He graduated from Hilo High School in 2018 and is currently studying at University of Hawaii at Hilo. Ryan is majoring in computer science, minoring in mathematics and pursuing a data science certificate. After graduating, he hopes to pursue a career with a focus in artificial intelligence in the mainland. His hobbies include playing tennis, traveling and trying new foods.

Project site: Institute for Astronomy, Hilo HI

Jose Macabante

Jose (Joselito) is a third year Mechanical Engineering student at University of Hawaii at Manoa after attending Kapiolani Community College and graduating from Moanalua High School. He was born on O’ahu, where he currently lives. After graduating, Jose hopes to be working for the Department of Defense. During his free time, he enjoys working out, playing video games, and hanging out with his friends.

Project site: University of California Observatories, Santa Cruz CA

Taggart Nakamoto

Taggart Nakamoto was born and raised in Kealakekua on the Big Island of Hawai’i. He graduated as a valedictorian and class treasurer from Konawaena High School in 2018. Taggart is now pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering with a minor in Computer Science at Brigham Young University. While pursuing his studies Taggart also acts as a research assistant studying molecular simulations of polymer structures. Outside of school Taggart enjoys skimboarding at the beach, hiking in the mountains, and solving puzzles, especially escape rooms.

Project site: Institute for Astronomy, Hilo HI

Tyler Ogawa

Tyler was born and raised in Hilo, and graduated from Waiakea High School in 2019. He is currently attending the University of Hawaii at Hilo and is pursuing a degree in Astronomy. Tyler was always interested in science and astronomy as a child, and hoped to one day work for the observatories on Mauna Kea. In the future, he hopes to attend grad school and study electrical engineering, and continue to work for the observatories on Mauna Kea. In his free time, Tyler takes part in taiko drumming, community service, playing Nintendo games, and karaoke with his friends.

Project site: Gemini Observatory, Hilo HI

Hopena Paekukui

Hopena (Gabriel) was born on O'ahu and grew up in Kaneohe, but moved to the Big Island to attend high school. He attends Grand Canyon University pursuing a mechanical engineering degree. His goals are to inspire people to do good by create machines that meaningfully contribute to humanity, especially the people of Hawai'i. In his free time, Gabriel enjoys 3D printing, playing Dungeons & Dragons with his friends, and designing and painting custom shoes.  

Project site: W. M. Keck Observatory, Waimea HI

Jenna Perry

Jenna was born and raised in Kamuela on the island of Hawaii where she graduated from Hawaii Preparatory Academy in 2020. She is currently attending Washington University in St. Louis where she is studying Chemical Engineering with a minor in Energy Engineering. While in St. Louis, Jenna works as a peer tutor for the McKelvey School of Engineering and competes on the University’s powerlifting team. At home, Jenna enjoys spending time at the beach, going on hikes, and playing with her dogs. She is very interested in the field of renewable energy and hopes to work in this industry after college.

Project site: Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority, Kona HI

Mark Shin 

Mark (Junyoung) Shin was born in Korea. He immigrated to the United States with his family when he was 13, and has lived in Hawaii ever since. He graduated from Moanalua high school, and is currently studying Mechanical Engineering at University of Hawaii at Manoa. After graduating, Junyoung hopes to give back to his community. When he's not busy with school, he enjoys spending time with his friends, swimming and playing guitar.

Project site: Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope (NSO/DKIST), Makawao HI

Alannah Shinde

Alannah Shinde was born and raised on the Big Island which inspired her love of the stars and science at a young age. She is currently going into her third year at the University of Hawaii at Hilo where she is pursuing a degree in computer science along with a minor in astronomy. In her free time, she loves to bake, play games with her friends, and help run her school's newspaper.

Project site: University of California Observatories, Santa Cruz CA

Katie Stevens

Katie (Katherine) was raised in Kihei, HI and graduated from Maui High School in 2019. Currently, she is entering her Senior year at Gonzaga University pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science. She is most interested in game design and data science but she likes to keep her mind open to learning about new topics and fields. In her free time, she plays music, video games, and goes out with friends.

Project site: Subaru Telescope, Hilo HI

Xavier Tablit

Xavier was born and raised on the Big Island of Hawaii. He graduated from Pahoa High School and is currently enrolled at the University of Hawaii at Hilo pursuing degrees in

Astronomy and Physics. Xavier intends to be an astrophysicist, study the cosmos and inspire others to do the same for the improvement of humanity.

Project site: Gemini Observatory, Hilo HI

Brock Taylor

Brock was born in Idaho and raised on the Island of Hawaii from the age of two. He graduated from Kealakehe High School through their STEM Academy program, where he worked to receive his Associate's degree in liberal arts from Hawaii CC - Pālamanui during high school. He now attends Columbia University where he is pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering with a minor in computer science. Brock enjoys all aspects of engineering challenges and always looks to find new and exciting ways to tackle them.

Project site: Canada–France–Hawaii Telescope, Waimea HI

Benny Trieu

Benny Trieu was born and raised in Honolulu, Hi. He currently attends University of Hawai'i at Manoa. He enjoys playing a lot of video games growing up thus his choice on why he is aiming on getting a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science. In his spare time, he likes to stream video games alongside playing it with his friends, and participate in Game Dev at UHM. In the future, Benny hopes to either be a part of a video game company or be a part of a well-respected company.

Project site: KBR, Kihei HI

Andrew Unger

Andrew Unger was born and raised on the Big Island of Hawaii. He attends the University of Hawaii at Hilo pursuing a degree in Astronomy. Andrew has been inspired by the study of space since his first viewing of the film Contact as a child. Outside of school, Andrew has been involved in the local Astronomy community as a member of the West Hawaii Astronomy Club where he has participated in outreach events to share his love of space with others. Andrew enjoys stargazing, road trips, reading, and is most happy when spending time with his family.

Project site: Canada–France–Hawaii Telescope, Waimea HI

George Villanueva

George Villanueva was born and raised in Kahului, Maui, and graduated from Maui High School in 2019. He is an upcoming fourth year at Oregon State University majoring in Mechanical Engineering and pursuing a minor in Aerospace Engineering. He has an interest in CAD design, robotics, 3D printing, and aerospace technology. George is the Event Coordinator for OSU’s Society of Asian Scientist and Engineers Chapter and is a member of the Design, Build, Fly (DBF) Team of OSU’s AIAA Club. After graduation, George eventually plans to work for companies such as NASA, Lockheed Martin, SpaceX, or Boeing or return home to work in Hawai’i. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with friends, playing video games, watching anime, and graphic design.

Project site: Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope (NSO/DKIST), Makawao HI

David Welch Keliihoomalu

David Welch Keliihoomalu grew up in Kamuela on the island of Hawaii. David is currently living in Seattle, Washington while he attends Seattle University pursuing a BS degree in Computer Science with a minor in Finance. He is excited to get some real working experience related to his field during his internship this summer. David enjoys playing volleyball, basketball, and video games. He also likes to review old coursework and concepts and solve coding problems.

Project site: Gemini Observatory, Hilo HI

Ryan Wong

Ryan Wong was born in Honolulu and educated in Hong Kong before returning to Hawaii at the age of twelve. He graduated from President William McKinley High School in 2019 and is now attending the University of Hawaii at Manoa to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. His career goal is to develop wearable mechanics, such as an exoskeleton, that will improve user movement. Ryan likes to spend his free time playing computer games, eating nice cuisine, building plastic models, and napping.

Project site: Odyssey Systems, Kihei HI

Taylor Wong

Taylor grew up on Oahu, Hawaii. He graduated from Hawaii Baptist Academy and has already completed a bachelor's in Marketing. A newly found love for statistics sprouted during his business courses and now he is pursuing a second degree in Computer Science with a focus in data science. He hopes to continuously grow his knowledge and passion through practical applications for the betterment of society.

Project site: W. M. Keck Observatory, Waimea HI

Kevin Yim

Born and raised on O'ahu, Kevin graduated from Punahou School in 2019 and is now studying mechanical engineering in his third year at Case Western Reserve University. He is still exploring potential areas of interest within engineering, but wants to learn more about renewable energy. After graduation, Kevin plans to find a job either on the mainland or in Hawaii, and eventually pursue a Masters degree. Outside of school he enjoys hiking, working out, and playing the French Horn in CWRU's symphony orchestra.

Project site: Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope (NSO/DKIST), Makawao HI