University of Hawai'i University Relations Media & Publications Honolulu, HI 96822	(808) 956-8856 Telephone (808) 956-3441 Facsimile ur@hawaii.edu E-Mail
For Immediate Release:	November 24, 1999
Contact: Edward Scott, professor, Hawai'i Institute of Geophysics and Planetology, phone 956-3955; fax 956-6322; email escott@pgd.hawaii.edu

Three students receive awards for undergraduate research

The University of Hawai'i Space Grant, Land Grant, Sea Grant and Marine Options Programs have awarded three UH Manoa students for their outstanding research in the first annual Hawai'i Undergraduate Research Poster Symposium.

First-prize winner Gregory Kodani, a senior majoring in electrical engineering, was supervised by Jung-Chih Chiao, assistant professor of electrical engineering. Kodani's research focused on the development of electrical and mechanical devices smaller than the width of a human hair. Chiao says Kodani's project deals with MicroElectroMechanical System (MEMS), a new technology that will help mass produce energy-efficient, light-weight devices that are ideal for the construction of spacecraft and satellites. The project also works with higher frequencies in wireless communication, which may lead to the creation of radar that can penetrate fog, clouds and dust­a breakthrough for cars and planes.

Second-place winner Kendall Ching, a junior in electrical engineering, worked with Wayne Shiroma, assistant professor of electrical engineering, on developing multi-layered integrated circuits. Third prize was awarded to Leon Geschwind, a senior in global environmental science, for his studies of volcanoes using satellites that measure the temperature of the Earth's surface. His mentors were Luke Flynn and Andy Harris, assistant researchers at the Hawai'i Institute of Geophysics and Planetology (HIGP).

First prize was $200, and second- and third-prizes were $100 and $50 respectively. The symposium, organized by HIGP Professor Jeff Taylor, gave UH students the opportunity to share their research in a professional forum.

UH Manoa and UH Hilo undergraduates conducting research projects under the supervision of faculty members or other experts participated in the event. Projects included the collection and analysis of data, calculations, computer modeling and prototype development. Applicants were required to submit abstracts of their projects and design posters that clearly conveyed the importance of their research.

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