The UH System

Who We Are

Regents’ Medal for Excellence in Research

Research Medal Award Winner

Milton Garces
Geophysics and planetology

An associate professor in UH Manoa’s Hawai‘i Institute of Geophysics and Planetology, Milton Garces is considered a forefront in the field of infrasonics, in which he has developed unique research potential.

He participated in the analysis of the Space Shuttle Columbia accident, providing detailed information of the initial break-up of the spacecraft over California.

Garces has also developed new techniques, based on his research of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, which may lead to distant detection of large tsunami waves that might hit Hawai‘i. In addition, his approach to monitor and interpret the force of surf breaking on beaches will help to predict coastal hazards in Hawai‘i.

The Regents’ Medal for Excellence in Research is awarded by the Board of Regents in recognition of scholarly contributions that expand the boundaries of knowledge and enrich the lives of students and the community. The board also awards the Regents’ Medal for Excellence in Teaching.

Select a recipient for more about that individual.

Current awardees and links to archives.

2006


Milton Garces
Geophysics and planetology

Albert Kim
Civil and environmental engineering

Tobias Owen
Astronomy

2005


Bruce Chorpita
Psychology

Ho-min Sohn
Korean language

Paul Lucey
Geophysics and planetology

2004


Alexander Krot
Geophysics and planetology

John L. Tonry
Astronomy

2003


Andrew Harris
Volcanology

Laurence N. Kolonel
Cancer epidemiology

James B. Nation
Mathematics

2002


Margaret McFall-Ngai
Marine organisms

Stephen Olsen
High energy physics

Edward Ruby
Marine organisms