Robin Takahashi has been an instructor of health and physical education at UH Hilo since 1992. He previously served as a lecturer at Honolulu CC and strength and conditioning coach for the UH Hilo Vulcan Athletic Department. He puts students first and uses creative approaches to motivate and get them involved. For example, he has students teach a chapter to the class as a fun alternative to being passive listeners.

As a teacher and advisor, Takahashi works to ensure that his students’ time at UH Hilo is an enriching experience. A student wrote, "You can tell that Professor Takahashi loves his job and that his goal is to help his students succeed. He is enthusiastic about teaching, and he encourages class discussion to hear various viewpoints. He also respects students for who they are and has a great ability to relate to them."

Takahashi is as modest as his admirers are complimentary, observes UH Chancellor Rose Tseng. "His enthusiasm for teaching, the great amount of effort he puts not only into his courses but into his advising and the motivation he provides students were noted by the committee." Yet, his goals are not modest—Takahashi is determined to make a difference in students’ lives. He says the gratification of witnessing his students mature provides his motivation to excel as a teacher.