News and Events


Glowing Fungi in the News

October 2009

Assistant Professor of Biology, Brian A. Perry, has just published a paper in Mycologia with former advisor, San Francisco State University Professor Dennis Desjardin, and other colleagues on several new species of bioluminescent fungi, including Mycena silvaelucens (pictured here). These tiny mushrooms (< 18 millimeters in diameter) were found on the bark of a living dipterocarp tree located in the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center, in Sabah, Borneo. To date, 71 species of bioluminescent fungi have been discovered. For more information, see links below. Photo: Brian A. Perry

Live Science National Geographic MSNBC Discovery Science Daily


Bioluminescent Fungi



New Pre-med Club at UH Hilo!

Fall 2009

Aspiring Doctors of Hilo is the new pre-med club for undergraduates who are working towards Medical School, Dental School, or any other health-related profession. The club was established last semester by senior undergraduates who were applying to Medical School and found it necessary to combine resources and study guides, and to establish study groups to prepare themselves for the MCAT and interview questions. Currently, the Aspiring Doctors of Hilo Club has over 30 members ranging from freshman to senior undergraduates who meet every Thursday at 5 pm (Life Sciences) to discuss Medical School admissions, potential fund-raising events and volunteer work around the Hilo community. If you’re interested in joining the club or just learning more about us, please email either the President – David Pope (dmpope@hawaii.edu) or the club advisor – Dr. Awaya (awayaj@hawaii.edu).



Class trip to Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge -- Spring Break 2009

Avian Biology (BIOL 477)

The first Avian Biology (BIOL 477) field trip to Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge was a great success. Over 20 students spent two days learning about Hawaiian forest bird communities and forest dynamics. The last day was spent learning mist-netting techniques. Everyone was able to get close-up photos of their favorite Hawaiian birds!

Class Trip to Hakalau Class Trip to Hakalau