A Collaborative Effort
Kapi'olani Community College STEM and Kamehameha Extension Education.
MRS. KEOLANI NOA
STEM/TCUP Native Hawaiian Program Coordinator & Summer Bridge Coordinator
Welina, O Keolani Lindsey Noa ko’u inoa. He kanaka maoli au. I was born and raised in Kuli'ou'ou Valley, the ahupua'a where my family has lived for seven generations. I have a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the University of Phoenix. I am active in community development, student affairs and in facilitating cross-cultural awareness. I am certified in specialty education with the Schools Attune Program and Religious Studies. My traditional background has gifted me the arts of Oli, Ho'oponopono and Loina.
Prior to joining KCC, I was a teacher of Hawaiian Studies and Health for 12 years at a private school in Honolulu. In 1997 I received the Ellison Onizuka National Award from the National Education Association and was recently inducted into the NEA’s National Women’s Historical Biography.
NELDA QUENSELL
Math and Sciences Faculty Member
I have developed and taught all the Botany courses at KCC for 3.5 decades. The courses are sustained with current technology, STEM initiatives, Malama I Na Ahupua`a Service Learning pathway, Hawaii-Asia Pacific designation and Malama Hawaii. I was fortunate enough to receive some awards and grants associated with my field of work. I learned La`au Lapa`au from Kumu Levon Ohai at UHM’s Hawaiian Studies Dept. during my sabbatical leave. My special interests include community involvement through service learning, medicinal plants, fibers and tapa making, home gardening, hiking, reading, cooking, some arts & crafts, and making learning of plants and people/cultures a lifelong endeavor. I hang-out with my daughters and friends whenever possible and regularly do service with MINA’s community partners: Ho`oulu A`ina, Lyon Arboretum, Halawa Valley Heiau, Ulupo Lo`i and Kumuola. I have also mentored and advised several STEM students' research through the years.
KATHY OGATA
Math and Sciences Faculty Member
I am part of the chemistry teaching faculty and am involved in student research and service-learning to increase student engagement. Currently, students are involved with sustainable projects: producing biodiesel from waste cooking oil (joint project of STEM and culinary department) and producing bioethanol from invasive algae. Part of the summer bridge is investigating the chemistry of Hawaiian medicinal plants (joint project with Professor Nelda Quensell (botanist)). Past research and community projects: water quality of Waikalua Loko (fishpond); involvement in service-learning pathway (Malama i na Ahupua’a) that helps with community partners to care for the land and Hawaiian traditions.
CHARLES (‘AKA) BEEBE
Aloha, my name is Aka and I am a student at KCC. I am from Kaimuki and currently live in Kalihi. I graduated from Kamehameha in 2004 and since then I’ve had a few jobs and currently am occupying a position of husband and father. I am back in school pursuing my interests and career goal in the conservation field. “‘A’ole pau ka ‘ike i ka halau ho’okahi.” Not all knowledge is in one school. I am glad to be here at KCC and be able to be a part of the Ha Kilo program. I am excited to support the learning of our new generation.
ANDREW CHANG
My name is Andrew Chang, and I graduated from Kailua High School in 2011. I am currently majoring in the ASNS Physical Science degree with a focus in Chemistry. My hobbies include going to the beach, playing video games, and working out. I participated as a student in Junior Summer Bridge, Ha Kilo 1, and Ha Kilo 2, and I look forward to working as a Peer Mentor for the program.
MYLIN (KALA‘I) MADRONA
Aloha my name is Kala‘i, I graduated from Anuenue Schools and I am currently a full time student at KCC majoring in Hawaiian Studies and Botany. I am one of six students who have the privilege of working on Project Olona, a La’au Lapaau and Chemistry research experience. I enjoy going to the beach, eating and sleeping. I’ve been in the STEM program for two summers and I’ve benefited greatly from it.
Faculty and Students of Project Olona
KIMBERLY KAHALEUA
Aloha, my name is Kim and I am a student here at KCC. I’ve just received my AA in Liberal Arts this past semester, and now I’m striving for my ASNS (Associates in Science and Natural Science) in Biology. Eventually I plan on transferring to UH West Oahu to get a bachelors degree in Health Care Administration. I’ve been apart of STEM for about three years now, and was given the opportunity to be apart of this research project as the logistics person of the group.
TATIANA OJE
I am Tatiana Oje. I completed my freshman and sophomore years at KCC and am transferring to UHM to study Mechanical Engineering. I love solving puzzles and working with my hands. I'd like to work on building alternative energy infrastructures in Hawai'i.
GYSON LAWAI'A KULAI AALONA
(Website under construction)
NALANI
(Website under construction)
Aloha, my name is Maria Petelo. I am a STEM student pursuing a degree in Biology. I have an AA in Liberal Arts and currently working on my ASNS (Associates in Science and Natural Science) in Biology also my BS in Biology. I was also a former summer bridge student and peer mentoring for the second time.
MARIA PETELO
(Website under construction)
