Chancellor’s Message

Chamber Connection

April 2007

The Hawai‘i Science and Technology Council invited me to speak last month in Honolulu on UH Hilo’s science and technology programs. The group was very interested in what’s happening at UH Hilo and the Big Island in the areas of science and technology. I’d like to share some highlights of my presentation with you.

UH Hilo has five academic colleges and offers 35 baccalaureate degrees, six master degrees and two doctorates. This includes degrees in all basic sciences, along with business, computer science, agriculture, forestry, education, nursing and other professional programs.

We have applied for and received grants from the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, NASA, USDA and other federal agencies. Grants increase annually and currently top $20 million. This money enables us to inspire and increase more local students to be scientists and attend graduate school. This is important because other countries are graduating more students skilled in science and technology than the United States. This is a gathering storm for our nation and we must answer this urgent need.

Nowhere on Earth is there a more inspirational place for science and technology education than the island of Hawai‘i. Our biological and geographical diversity makes our “living laboratory” the perfect training environment for scientists. Our students conduct research alongside their professors in astronomy, marine science, aquaculture, geology, conservation biology and other natural sciences, giving them hands-on experience before they enter the workforce.

UH Hilo is taking the lead in advancing science and technology education to develop a thriving professional workforce in response to state and national needs. Our graduates are poised to contribute to their communities, continue their education or compete in the global marketplace.

Thanks to many of you in the Chamber, UH Hilo students participate in internships, receive career counseling and scholarships. Thank you for your hard work and strong support. When we all work together, great things can happen!

Mahalo and aloha,

Rose Tseng