C-MORE will host ocean and earth science career day on Saturday, April 21

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Contact:
Michelle H. Hsia, (808) 956-6315
Marine Science Educator, Oceanography
Posted: Apr 9, 2012

Make A Microbe activity at Ocean FEST
Make A Microbe activity at Ocean FEST

The University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa Center for Microbial Oceanography: Research and Education (C-MORE) along with Student, Equity, Excellence, and Diversity (SEED) and the Hawai’inuiākea School of Hawaiian Knowledge (HSHK) are hosting Ocean FEST (Families Exploring Science Together) and a Career Fair on Saturday, April 21, 2012 from 8:30–11:30 a.m. at the Halau o Haumea on the UH Mānoa campus (2645 Dole Street) for middle school, high school, and community college students and their families. 

 

Ocean FEST is geared toward middle school students and their parents. Students and parents will be able to engage in hands-on activities related to ocean and earth sciences.  Two identical sessions are available on a first-come, first-serve basis (Ocean FEST 1 from 9:00-10:00 a.m. and Ocean FEST 2 at 10:30-11:30 a.m). 

 

“At the Career Fair, we hope to give students insight into what it would be like to have a career in ocean and earth sciences,” said Michelle Hsia, Marine Science Educator with C-MORE.  “In addition, students will have a chance to interact with other college students and professionals so that they can envision pursuing a career in these areas.”  The Career Fair will mainly focus on high school and community college students but all are welcome -- the general public, middle school students, and any UH students that may be undecided if they would like to pursue studies in ocean or earth sciences. 

 

In addition to hands-on activities, videos, and picture slideshows, there will be a C-MORE Hale Tour from 10:30–11:30 a.m.  C-MORE Hale, the only LEED Platinum research facility in Hawaiʻi, is a state-of-the-art facility that supports comprehensive research on marine microbes, from molecular biology to ecology.

 

With C-MORE’s interest in supporting Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, and underrepresented groups to pursue a college career in the ocean and earth sciences, it seemed natural to partner with the Hawai’inuiakea School of Hawaiian Knowledge.  “We hope the partnership with HSHK  demonstrates the idea that science and Hawaiian culture are compatible and that integrating these two bodies of knowledge can lead to a greater understanding of and appreciation for our natural and cultural resources,” said Hsia. 

 

Exhibitors from UH Mānoa include Ocean and Resources Engineering, Geology and Geophysics, Meteorology, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST) Outreach Office, C-MORE, Hawaiʻi Institute of Geophysics and Planetology, Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology, UH Mānoa Admissions Office, Hawaiian Studies, Pacific Alliance, UH Sea Grant, Na Pua No'eau, and the College of Education.  There will also be exhibitors from the following professional organizations: Hui o ko'olaupoko, NOAA Corps, Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, Tetra Tech, and the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

 

C-MORE Scholars will be on hand to talk about the C-MORE Scholars program which provides paid, hands-on, closely mentored research experiences for full-time undergraduate students within the UH system who are interested in ocean and earth science-related careers.

 

Parking is free at the Dole Street parking structure near the Hawaiian Studies Halau.

 

For more information, contact Michelle Hsia, C-MORE Marine Science Educator at (808) 956-3715 or mhhsia@hawaii.edu.