Devin Chu, Resident Astronomer at ʻImiloa Astronomy Center at the University of Hawaiʻi in Hilo, was a cultural speaker at the 2026 9th annual EMER-GEN Program on Maui. Designed for young professionals and students, ages 18-35 and enthusiastic about careers in space-related fields, EMER-GEN offers interactive specialized development sessions in a global environment. ‘Imiloa is a bilingual science center in ‘ōlelo Hawai’i (Hawaiian language) that showcases Polynesian wayfinding and astronomy. Chu’s talk, Wayfinding Through Time: Voyaging, Language, and the Revitalization of Hawaiian Knowledge, centered on the importance of ‘Olelo, A Hua He Inoa, preserving cultural significance for science. 

“After Hawai’i was settled, oceanic trade routes continued,” Chu explained. “It was when the Pacific trade routes stopped that wayfinding knowledge was almost lost. Hōkūle’a (Star of Gladness, and Hawai’i’s zenith star) was built to revitalize traditional wayfinding by Master navigator Mau Pialug of Satawai. He navigated Hōkūle’a on her maiden voyage and taught his knowledge to a new generation of navigators committed to educating future navigators. Also, a revitalization movement of Olelo Hawai’i, teaching the language at a young age, is being restored with immersion schools for all ages.”  

Chu’s life and career were literally written in the stars. Growing up in Hilo, he would often visit the library on weekends with his mother. After graduating from Hilo High School in 2010, Chu’s journey took him to Dartmouth College, and all the way to UCLA where he earned his Master of Science and PhD in astronomy and astrophysics in 2016 and 2020, respectively. 

“In the third grade, one of the books I discovered was Our Solar System, which got me fascinated with the neighboring planets and their differences from Earth,” Chu shared. “As UH’s astronomer-in-residence at ʻImiloa, I’m looking forward to immersing myself in the development of ʻImiloa’s curriculum, expansion of educational outreach programs, and further development of place-based partnerships with the community to get Hawaiʻi Island students interested in astronomy and other STEM-related fields.” 

Attendee Jordan Marshall from Scout Space said, “The Hawaiian culture is so fascinating! Through wayfinding and education, Devin showed us how Hawaiians are revitalizing their culture and language. Navigating by the stars and using Hawaiian names we learned the importance of using cultural values in modern technology.”