Summer program offers explorations in earth, weather and water sciences for freshman and sophomore college students

HONOLULU — "Ka ʻImi ʻIke — Explorations in the Geosciences" is a three-week summer boarding experience for incoming freshman and sophomore college students at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa who are not already majoring in a science field but are interested in learning more about earth, weather and water sciences. The program is currently accepting applications for the summer institute scheduled for July 24-August 11.

Students will be introduced to local scientists to learn more about science careers and the educational pathways they took to get there. Hands-on research will train students in GIS/GPS technology, volcanology, water sampling, meteorology, and prepare them for mini-research projects. Most days will be spent in the field, including a trip to the Big Island.

Eligible applicants should be Native Hawaiians or Pacific Islanders already accepted to UH Mānoa but without a declared major in the sciences. Topics of interest that will be covered include environmental studies, volcanism, geochemistry, geography, geology, geophysics, physical oceanography, hydrology or meteorology.

The three-week course includes boarding, meals, and a monetary grant for completion of the institute that can be used towards college expenses.

The deadline to apply for the program is March 31, 2006. For more information or to obtain an application, call 587-8593 or visit the website at http://hbmp.hawaii.edu .

Ka ʻImi ʻIke is funded by a grant through the National Science Foundation. It is a project of the Hawaiʻi Biodiversity and Mapping Program, a research program within the Center for Conservation Research and Training, Pacific Biosciences Research Center at UH Mānoa.

For more information, visit: http://hbmp.hawaii.edu