Rosemary Bearden has always felt a strong connection to Hawaiʻi’s native plants and animals. This spring she graduated from the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo with a degree in biology, and is now preparing to turn that connection into action—helping to care for and restore Hawaiʻi Island’s precious ecosystems.
“I’m deeply passionate about their conservation and protection,” she said.
Bearden graduated on May 17 as a UH Hilo Chancellor’s Scholar, a full-tuition award for local high school graduates with strong leadership and academic performance. She grew up on the Hāmākua Coast and graduated from Waiākea High School in 2021.
Hands-on conservation
During her time at UH Hilo, Bearden gained hands-on experience in the field. Under biology Professor Becky Ostertag, she explored the effect of shade on the health of outplanted trees in a Hawaiian lowland wet forest. She also credits biology Professor Patrick Hart with inspiring her interest in native bird conservation.
“I love volunteering because it allows me to get out into the field—and mālama ʻāina (care for the land),” said Bearden, who worked with organizations such as the Mauna Kea Forest Restoration Project and the Three Mountain Alliance.
In summer 2023, she joined the Kupu Hawaiʻi Youth Conservation Corps, where she gained experience while learning about conservation rooted in Native Hawaiian culture.
Studying abroad: ‘Absolutely amazing’
According to Bearden, a highlight of her college journey was studying abroad in Aotearoa/New Zealand.
“It was an absolutely amazing experience,” she said. “I especially loved meeting like-minded people from other countries and, of course, spending time in nature there.”
This summer, Bearden will intern with the Pacific Internship Programs for Exploring Science also known as PIPES, which supports ʻāina (land)-based learning and career development. After that, she’s planning to pursue a full-time role in conservation.
For more go to UH Hilo Stories.
