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, students like Kade Jacang, a class of 2025 graduate, engage in original research, write a senior thesis, and present their findings at a research symposium.
From astrobiology to environmental science
Born and raised in ʻAiea, Jacang would often go snorkeling with his uncle. Jacang started his college career as an astronomy major but during his sophomore year, an astrobiology course helped him rediscover his long-held interest in fish and environmental science, prompting him to pursue the GES degree.
Jacang knew he wanted to focus his senior research project on loko iʻa (Hawaiian fishponds), ecology, and fish. He connected with Bradley (Kai) Fox, aquaculture extension specialist at Hawaiʻi Sea Grant. Jacang pursued a project focused on evaluating fish hatcheries as a tool for fish recruitment for loko iʻa.
Connecting Hawaiʻi’s ecosystems and Indigenous knowledge
“For me, learning about loko iʻa and the ahupuaʻa system, which encompasses the mountains to the sea, was the most interesting component of my project,” Jacang said. “Native Hawaiians having an intimate connection with the ʻāina and building their natural resource management around it allowed them to live sustainably pre-contact. Loko iʻa themselves are one component of the ahupuaʻa system, and I’ve learned about the interconnectedness of different food systems within an ahupuaʻa, for example loko iʻa and dryland kalo. Overall, I think it is important that these systems are restored and maintained, as they are an important part of Hawaiian culture and a way to strengthen our food security and food sovereignty.”
A summer internship with KUPU, a local nonprofit, further cemented Jacang’s connection to Hawaiʻi’s ecosystems and Indigenous knowledge. Internship participants went to various locations on O‘ahu where organizations are focused on island sustainability. They helped with weeding, preparing kalo patches, or fishing out invasive species. Jacang shared that this experience was enriched by learning the historical and cultural significance of the sites they worked on.
Through his participation in the Maile Mentoring Bridge Program, Jacang found invaluable support and practical advice from Shaun Wriston, lead oceanographic technician for the Pacific Islands Ocean Observing System, who is also a GES alumni.
“It was great to know that someone had experienced what I was going through during my college journey and I would definitely recommend the program,” said Jacang.
After graduation, Jacang will mainly focus on gaining experience within conservation and aquatic resource management, with hopes of eventually working with the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources.
“I commend and congratulate our graduates for successfully completing their required faculty-mentored thesis experience,” said Michael Guidry, chair of the GES Program. “Kade did a fantastic job finding a thesis project and mentor that fit his interests. His research results are important contributions to the ongoing, extensive efforts to revitalize and reinvigorate local food production; especially via loko iʻa. I look forward to seeing his future achievements in, and contributions to, conservation and resource management.”
–By Marcie Grabowski
