University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Assistant Professor Shiwen “Sherlock” Li of the Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health was appointed the next recipient of the Chin Sik and Hyun Sook Chung Endowed Chair, effective September 1, 2026. He succeeds Tetine Sentell, professor of public health and interim assistant vice provost for research and scholarship, who served as the inaugural chair.
An environmental epidemiologist in the Department of Public Health Sciences, Li investigates the impact of environmental contaminants on human health. His research centers on chemical pollutants, such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as “forever chemicals.”
Li’s research on PFAS has garnered international attention and widespread media coverage. Currently, he is applying advanced data analysis, including geographic information systems to advance precision environmental health and exposome research.
“I plan on working with our faculty and students to build stronger interdisciplinary collaborations to enhance environmental health research and education,” said Li. “I also plan on hosting seminar series to bring internationally renowned environmental health experts to strengthen collaborations with other universities and inspire new research directions.”
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The selection committee cited Li’s leadership in his field and his dedication to student mentorship as key reasons for his appointment.
“Environmental health is one of the Thompson School’s strategic areas of growth and investment,” said Alex Ortega, dean of the Thompson School. “We are proud to have a scholar of Li’s caliber on our faculty helping to advance this important work. His leadership and scholarship strengthen our mission to improve health and well-being in Hawaiʻi, the Pacific and beyond.”
More about the endowed chair
The endowed chair was established through the generosity of Chin Sik and Hyun Sook Chung to support the recruitment and retention of outstanding public health faculty, with an emphasis on environmental health research. The position provides resources that enable innovative research, student mentorship, program development and collaboration across disciplines.
