Spring 2025 graduates of the Global Environmental Science (GES) undergraduate program at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa took with them a bachelor’s degree and real-world, hands-on experiences with research that benefits communities and ecosystems in Hawaiʻi and beyond. Through the GES program in the Department of Oceanography at the UH Mānoa School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST), students such as new graduate Ian Chung engage in original research, write a senior thesis and present their findings at a research symposium.
“I commend and congratulate our graduates for successfully completing their required faculty-mentored thesis experience,” said Michael Guidry, chair of the GES program. “Ian’s research regarding microplastics deposition on Oʻahu is a perfect example of what is accomplished by combining talented and dedicated students with cutting-edge research opportunities and quality faculty mentorship at UH Mānoa. Our graduates are well prepared for their next steps either in the workforce or professional/graduate school, and I eagerly look forward to seeing their future successful endeavors.”
Drive to promote sustainability
Growing up in Makakilo and Kapolei, Chung spent a lot of time frequenting beaches and hiking, and developed an appreciation for the island’s natural beauty and the sense of peace it offers him.
Before joining SOEST, he enrolled at Kapiʻolani Community College, attending classes part-time and working in Waikīkī’s restaurant industry. This chapter of his academic journey sparked his interest in pursuing a degree in science and clarified a desire to attain the knowledge and tools to be a benefit to his community by promoting environmental sustainability. This led him to SOEST’s GES program.
Connecting microplastics and the weather
For Chung’s senior research thesis, he worked with atmospheric science Associate Professor Alison Nugent to investigate atmospheric microplastic deposition rates in an urban and suburban setting on Oʻahu. The team used a simple collection tool to collect atmospheric particles as they settle onto the ground. Through a time-intensive process, Chung counted the plastic particles in each sample.
“The most interesting part of my research was finding the relationship between selected weather variables and microplastic deposition rates,” said Chung. “Our data suggest that population density, and wind speed and direction play a role in facilitating the dispersal of microplastics from urban areas to remote locations. We also see that during periods of relatively high precipitation, microplastic deposition was always reduced.”
Beyond gaining insights into the drivers of atmospheric microplastic deposition, this research project helped Chung discover that he enjoys coding and using other analytical tools to describe observed events.
“I hope to continue to expand my knowledge of these tools and skills to better utilize them in the future,” Chung said. “Society has such an impact on the environment. My journey in GES and work on this project showed me where I can take action to contribute the greatest benefit. This wouldn’t have been such a positive experience without the help of Dr. Nugent, Andrew Garma and Tianqi Zuo.”
Looking ahead, Chung hopes to eventually pursue a degree in urban planning to help craft sustainable policies. For now, his focus is on entering the workforce in a sustainability-related role, continuing their mission to protect and preserve Hawaiʻi’s natural environment.
—By Marcie Grabowski
