News@UH
Cracking the Papaya Code
An International Papaya Genome Consortium led by Manoa researchers has deciphered the genetic code of the disease-resistant transgenic SunUp papaya. The findings appear as the cover story in the journal Nature.Papaya, cultivated in tropical and sub-tropical regions worldwide, ranked number one on nutritional scores among 38 common fruits. Fruit, stem, leaves and roots of papaya are used in a wide range of medical applications. This draft, which spells out more than 90 percent of the plant’s gene coding sequence, sheds new light on the evolution of flowering plants. Because it involves a genetically modified plant, the newly sequenced papaya genome offers the most detailed picture regarding the impact of particle bombardment on genome structure and function.
“Sequencing the papaya genome is the first large scale genome project done in Hawai'i with international collaboration from 22 research institutes and will benefit the papaya research community, papaya farmers and consumers for years to come” says Maqsudul Alam, Director of the Center for Advanced Studies in Genomics, Proteomics, and Bioinformatics.
The other UH members of the team are Shaobin Hou, Alexandre Dionne-Laporte, Jimmy H. Saw, Pavel Senin, Benjamin V. Ly, Kanako L. T. Lewis, Moriah Eustice, Robert E. Paull, Ricelle A. Acob, Peizhu Guan, Andrea Blas, Ching Man Wai, Ratnesh Singh, Kabi Neupane, Maya Paidi, Gernot Presting, Brad Porter and David A. Christopher.
Read the news release.
Dynamical Frustration
Hilo Associate Professor Philippe M. Binder explores the idea that the crucial common feature of complex systems is the simultaneous existence of opposing trends that cannot defeat each other. His findings were published in Science.In his research, Binder introduces the concept of “dynamical frustration,” a division of three manifestations addressing geometrical, computational and multiple-scale processes.
That is a departure from commonly accepted theories that hold that complex systems—such as the brain, computers, ecosystems, the stock market, the immune system, weather, and other phenomena which display the ability to evolve or adapt—are driven by cooperating behavior among components.
Honolulu Chancellor Retires
Honolulu Chancellor Ramsey Pedersen announced his retirement in June.Pedersen first joined the college in 1973 as a faculty member, and has held many positions with responsibility for 25 career and technical education programs, apprenticeship training, the library, media center and liberal arts. He was instrumental in partnering with the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard on apprentice training and establishing the Pacific Center for Advanced Technology Training to meet the needs of Hawai'i’s new economy sector.
Pedersen developed the Construction Academy Initiative and developed the Auto Academy. He formed an alliance with the Polynesian Voyaging Society to create learning experiences in voyaging and Marine Technologies at Honolulu’s Marine Education Training Center, and recently had the Music and Entertainment Learning Experience approved as an associate degree program.
"It has been my honor during my 35-year tenure as a faculty member and administrator at Honolulu Community College to be a part of the transformation of a new community college into a vibrant Technology Training Center and liberal arts program,” says Pedersen. “I will truly miss the many friends and colleagues that I have had the pleasure to serve with through all these years, but I leave Honolulu Community College knowing that it is pointed toward an even more productive future. I am certain that the faculty, staff and management team will keep the college vibrant and relevant to its constituents."
Hugh H. Dunn, Susan E. York and Morris K. Lai receive their award from Steve Henry AERA division vice president.
Curriculum Research and Development Group Honored
Curriculum Research and Development Group Education Associates Morris K. Lai, Hugh H. Dunn and Susan E. York were awarded first place in the Division H, School Evaluation and Program Development, Outstanding Publications Competition at the annual American Educational Research Association meeting in New York. Faculty and staff from the CRDG program research and evaluation office won first place in 2 out of 12 competition categories.Having won in the best alternative reporting method category last year, Lai and Dunn, along with York this year, won for best summary report for 2007. The trio submitted a three-page summary report, which they had prepared for a site visit by the Government Accountability Office. The report, titled Data-Substantiated Evaluation Assertions About Pihana Na Mamo, summarizes the effects of a project funded by the U.S. Department of Education through the Native Hawaiian Education Act. Since 2000, Pihana Na Mamo: The Native Hawaiian Special Education Project has sought to improve the education of Native Hawaiian children.
“The report not only provides a succinct data-rich account of our project’s positive outcomes across years, it also captures the basic essence of our project’s mission,” says Dunn. “The award affirms the hard work and dedication of all who are involved in this project.”
Vice Chancellor for Students Francisco Hernandez, left, presents Marc Marquez with his award.
Manoa Presents Student Employee Awards
Four Manoa students won scholarships at the Student Employee of the Year Awards luncheon.Manoa graphic design major and computer clerical specialist Marc Marquez was the overall winner and received a $750 scholarship. In addition, he received $50 for being selected the overall state winner and $100 for winning the regional award sponsored by the Western Association of Student Employment Administrators.
Art major and student assistant Daniel Carbone was the category winner and will receive a $500 scholarship.
Psychology major and clerical specialist Ruby Ng and Monica Tan, interdisciplinary studies major and student assistant, received $250 scholarships.
Kudos
Maui Assistant Professor Molli K. Fleming received the Maui Economic Opportunity Inc. Enlace Hispano program’s award during the annual Cesar Chavez luncheon April 2. Fleming brings together non-English speaking immigrants and her students at informal get-togethers where the students practice their Spanish and the Spanish speakers learn English. Read the Maui News article.Hilo Professor Christopher Frueh presented “Acute Care Bed Shortages and Use of Emergency Departments: The Effect of Hospital Closure on Neighborhood Hospitals” at the 18th Annual Mental Health Agency Services Research Conference in Arlington, VA.
Manoa Professor Beverly Ann Deepe Keever received the College of Social Sciences Award for Excellence in Application for her book News Zero: The New York Times and The Bomb, which peels back "the shroud of secrecy covering the devastating impact of U.S. Pacific nuclear weapons tests on the Pacific Islanders" and for her "tireless endeavors to promote open government in Hawai'i."
William Mautz, Hilo professor, helped organize the First International Conference on the Coqui Frog held at the Naniloa Volcanoes Resort in Hilo in February. He and three UH Hilo graduate students each made a presentation on their coqui frog research.
Hilo Assistant Professor Cam Muir presented the workshop, “Understanding the Use of Genetics for Forensic Purposes,” to the Hawai’i County Police Department’s detectives and supervisors in February.
Jennifer Richardson, Hilo assistant professor, presented “24 Hour Cable News and The Rhetoric of Speculation” at the National Conference of the Popular Culture Association and American Culture Association in San Francisco, CA.
Jonathan Osorio, Gary Hook and Maenette Benham.
Dean Finalists for School of Hawaiian Knowledge
Three candidates for the position of dean of the newly established Hawai'inuiakea School of Hawaiian Knowledge at UH Manoa will be on campus during the period of April 28 to May 8 for interviews and public meetings. All public presentations will be in the Shidler College of Business, Room A-101.The candidates
- Jonathan Osorio, director and professor, University of Hawai’i at Manoa’s Kamakakuokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies. Public presentation on Mon., April 28, 3 p.m.
- Gary Hook, adjunct professor, Victoria University of Wellington and business consultant in Australia and New Zealand. Public presentation on Mon., May 5, 3 p.m.
- Maenette Benham, professor, Michigan State University’s Department of Educational Administration. Public presentation on Wed., May 7, 3 p.m.
Challenging a Multicultural Model
Manoa Associate Professor Jonathan Y. Okamura published Ethnicity and Inequality in Hawai'i.Challenging the dominant view of Hawai'i as a "multicultural model"—a place of ethnic tolerance and equality—Okamura examines how ethnic inequality is structured and maintained in island society.
Okamura finds that ethnicity, not race or class, signifies difference for Hawai'i’s people and therefore structures their social relations. In Hawai‘i, residents attribute greater social significance to the presumed cultural differences among ethnic groups than to more obvious physical differences, such as skin color.
According to Okamura, ethnicity regulates disparities in access to resources, rewards and privileges among ethnic groups, as he demonstrates in his analysis of socioeconomic and educational inequalities in the state. He shows that socially and economically dominant ethnic groups—Chinese Americans, Japanese Americans and whites—have stigmatized and subjugated the islands’ other ethnic groups—especially Native Hawaiians, Filipino Americans and Samoans.
He demonstrates how ethnic stereotypes have been deployed against ethnic minorities and how these groups have contested their subordinate political and economic status by articulating new identities for themselves.
Ethnicity and Inequality in Hawai'i is available from the publisher’s website.
Photo Highlights
Honolulu students built a gazebo for the Manoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources’ Urban Garden Center in Pearl City. The gazebo provided students with hands-on experience on a challenging project. The gazebo project involved the collaboration of Honolulu’s welding, sheet metal, roofing and carpentry students, along with faculty and staff from both Honolulu and CTAHR, as well as volunteers at the Urban Garden Center.
Sustainable Saunders hosted Sustainability Fest in honor of the University of Hawai'i at Manoa’s 7th annual Earth Day celebration on April 18. The festival activities included live music, art and plant sales, technology demos, educational booths, a recycling drive. Left to right, Patricia Johnson, Dale Hoffman and Keoki Sespene enjoyed the festivities on the Hawai‘i Hall Lawn.
Internationally Acclaimed Author Ngugi wa Thiong
Ngugi wa Thiong‘o, author, playwright, essayist and human rights activist will holding public lectures at Manoa and Hilo April 28–May 2.Thiong‘o wrote novels and plays published in Kenya and throughout the world that were critical of colonial rule. Stung by his criticism, authorities arrested him in 1977. After a successful campaign to gain his freedom, Thiong‘o later received word that he was targeted for assassination. He became an exile from his homeland at the same time that he was being celebrated as one of Africa’s most influential authors. (808) 956-8570
April 28— The Myth of Tribes in African Politics, Manoa, Campus Center Ballroom, 7 p.m
April 30—Reading and book signing with Citizen's Chair Albert Wendt, Manoa, Hawaiian Studies Auditorium, 5 p.m.
May 2— Globalization: Readings from Wizard of the Crow, Hilo, UCB 100, 7 p.m.
More Events
April 28—Associate Researcher Robert Cooney speaks on Diet, Carcinogenesis and Cancer Prevention, Windward, Hale ‘Imiloa 111, 1:30 p.m., (808) 236-9120
April 29—Christopher Flynn and Ian Birky speak on campus crisis management, Manoa, Campus Center Ballroom, 1:30 p.m., (808) 956-7927
April 29—Professor Danielle Conway-Jones leads a discussion on intellectual property law, Manoa, law school classroom 2, 5:30 p.m., (808) 956-6545
April 29–May 4—Manoa’s music ensembles, choirs and ethnic music and dance students perform various concerts, see website for more, (808) 956-8742
April 30–May 4—The Earl Ernst Lab Theatre presents the Spring Footholds dance concert, Manoa, tickets, (808) 956-7655
May 1—Professor Robert Ball speaks on Joseph Machlis and the Enjoyment of Music, Manoa, Henke 325, 12 p.m., (808) 956-3774
May 1—Kathryn Janda and Victoria Edwards speak on Reshaping the Nature of Tourism, Manoa, George 227, 5 p.m., (808) 956-4901
May 2—Professor Alison Rieser speaks on An Environmental History of Papahanaumokuakea, Manoa, Krauss Hall Yukiyoshi Room, 3:30 p.m., (808) 956-5790
Through May 16—Element, a BFA student exhibition, Manoa, Art Gallery, (808) 956-6888
For more events, check out the UH Calendar.
Announcements
Nominations Sought for Governor's Awards for Service
The university is accepting nominations for the 2008 Governor's Awards for Distinguished State Service, State Manager of the Year and Team of the Year. The deadline to submit nominations for the 2008 Governor's Awards is Fri., May 30, 2008.The three awards—Employee of the Year, Manager of the Year and Team of the Year—are designed to honor the state's executive branch employees and managers who exemplify the highest caliber of public service and dedication to serving the people of Hawai'i.
Nominations are to be submitted to the Office of Human Resources, 2440 Campus Road, by May 30, 2008.
A memo from the president, detailed instructions, nomination forms and selection criteria for the three award categories may be viewed at the OHR homepage. For more information call 956-8607.
Fall 2008 Faculty and Staff Tuition Waivers
Eligible University of Hawai'i employees (this does not apply to graduate assistants) may enroll in credit courses in the university system and use a Faculty/Staff Tuition Waiver to pay for a maximum of 6 credit hours per semester. Employees must first apply for admission (submit a UH Admission Application Form to the Admissions Office) by the appropriate deadline and be admitted before registering for classes.Employees should disregard the scheduled registration time given to them by MyUH since Faculty/Staff Tuition Waivers are valid only for classes registered during the Late Registration Period, Aug. 25–Sept. 3. Employees must register on MyUH web site. Faculty and staff who register before the late registration period will be assessed all applicable tuition and fees. No refunds will be made.
Tuition and fees must be paid in full by Wed., Sept. 3, 2008, 4 p.m. (HST). Please refer to the Fall 2008 Schedule of Classes for detailed information.
For more information, contact the UH Cashier's Office at 956-7554, email or visit the website.
Manoa Fall 2008 Tuition Payment Deadline—July 18
Tuition and fees for students registering April 30 to July 18, 2008 must be paid in full or enrollment in the Payment Plan by Fri., July 18, 2008, 4 p.m. (HST). UH Installment Payment Plan will be offered starting July 1, 2008; see MyUH portal for details.If full payment or enrollment in the Installment Payment Plan is not made by July 18th, 4 p.m. (HST), your registration will be canceled.
Note: If you are a fall 2008 financial aid recipient, please disregard the July 18 deadline, your deadline is Wed., Sept. 3, 2008, 4 p.m. (HST). Please refer to the Fall 2008 Schedule of Classes for detailed information.
Full payment or enrollment in the Payment Plan must be POSTED to your MyUH account by July 18, 2008, 4 p.m. (HST).
Payment can be made with a credit card (MasterCard, VISA, or JCB); E-check or savings; or sign up for the Installment Payment Plan over the web by connecting to MyUH.
Check payments can be mailed to University of Hawai'i Cashier’s Office, 2600 Campus Road, QLC 105, Honolulu, HI, 96822-2205. Students should allow a minimum of 5 days for mail delivery to meet the payment deadline. Students should use the Mail-In Payment Remittance Form in the Fall 2008 Schedule of Classes to mail in their payment. Campus mail and drop off payments are not accepted.
Payment by cash or check can be made in person at the Cashier's Office, Student Services Center, First Floor, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For students’ convenience, the Cashier’s Office will have extended window service hours from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the period July 17 – July 18, 2008.
For more information, contact the UH Cashier's Office at 956-7554, email or visit the website.