May 22, 2019 | Education
Maui Economic Development Board’s (MEDB) Ke Alahele Education Fund grantee, Kihei Charter High School, used their funding for a school-year long class that combined current and ancient Hawaiian navigation and science skills. “The project enhanced awareness of viable STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) careers and opportunities by exposing students to a variety of scientific fields,” said Ellen Federoff, Kihei Charter Hawaiian Studies instructor. “Through weekly, hands-on experiences, our students learned both the history and current importance of celestial navigation, meteorology, and marine biology, as well as proficiency in the mathematics needed to use a sextant to navigate.”
Kihei Charter partnered with several local kupuna and Hui o Wa’a Kaulua, a nonprofit that perpetuates and educates the community on Hawaiian studies, canoe building, and wayfinding. The traditional voyaging canoe, Mo’okiha o Pi’ilani, served as the living classroom for the project− providing opportunity for the students to apply what they’re learning.
“Some of our students participated in a four-day program over Spring Break where they learned even more in-depth skills and spent time sailing on the authentic Hawaiian double-hull canoe,” said Federoff. “The students successfully integrated both ancient and current practices to navigate on the ocean, while learning the meaning of seamanship. They also studied the Hawaiian night sky, the ocean currents, the seabirds, sea animals, and the cloud formations.”
Eleventh grader Jonathan Atkinson spent Spring Break on the Mo’okina o Pi’ilani. “The canoe is designed to look like an ancient Polynesian vessel,” he explained. “We learned about celestial navigation and how to keep track of where we’re going by reading the stars. Additionally, I experienced what it’s like to be part of a true ‘ohana, making me feel more connected to the ‘aina with a deeper understanding and respect for where we are.”
Jaden Binning, 10th grader, said, “I learned that the ancient traditions were simple. They didn’t need modern instruments to find their way across the ocean.” Agreeing, Kody Izak, 10th grader, added, “We were taught how to use our hands to find our way and the distance travelled. This was an amazing experience. Thanks MEDB!”
The annual Ke Alahele Fund Benefit Dinner & Auction, will be held on Saturday, August 31, 2019 at the Wailea Beach Resort-Maui Marriott. For reservations, visit www.medb.org/KAH.
I appreciate how MEDB, through their Ke Alahele Education Fund, supports the perpetuation of the Hawaiian culture and sciences.
Ellen Federoff, Kihei Charter Hawaiian Studies Instructor
May 1, 2019 | Education, Small Business
On May 8-9, Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB), with the support of the Maui County Office of Economic Development, will present their 3nd Annual Hawaii Small Business Conference (HSBC) at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. Attendees will learn key strategies from national and local business leaders, in sessions, workshops and exhibits, on topics such as employee engagement, technology in business, video marketing, data protection, success planning, tax strategies, and more.
“This conference condenses a number of important, relevant topics into a short period of time,” said Gerry Smith, MEDB’s Director of Business Development. “It gives people access to experts who provide invaluable insights to expand knowledge and find solutions to problems. It also provides a forum to network with like-minded people and industry peers.”
On Day 1, Jules Kremer, Technical Project Manager at Google, will speak on ‘Google My Business: Free Tools to Empower Small and Midsize Businesses’. On Day 2, Kremer will be joined by her colleague, Alexandrina Garcia-Verdin, to go further in depth in a workshop on using free Google apps to grow one’s community and business. After 20 years in the technology industry focused on software development and business strategy, Kremer joined Google in 2010 leading a team of strategists and analysts focused on strategic market intelligence. Recently, she began leading the Developer Relations teams for Cloud Startups, Higher Education and G Suite Developer Platform—all tools for organizations to use.
“Small business owners have so much to do,” said Kremer, “from building a business plan to building a team and working with customers. At Google we’ve seen a need to understand the tools and services that can help small businesses when they’re just starting out and as they grow. I’ll be sharing an overview of some ways Google can help build both the business and customer engagement.”
On Day 2, three-hour workshops running parallel both morning and afternoon include: Essential Systems for Small Business Success; Tax Strategies for Small Business; How to Use Free Tools to Grow my Community and Business; and Intellectual Property and Branding.
As a Maui resident, I’m excited to share technology with local Hawaii business owners, empower them for success, and help local businesses navigate today’s online world.
Jules Kremer, Technical Project Manager, Google
For more info visit: www.HawaiiSmall.Biz.
Apr 24, 2019 | Education, Small Business
On May 8-9, 2019, Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB), with the support of the Maui County Office of Economic Development, will present their 3nd Annual Hawaii Small Business Conference at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. The event, coinciding with National Small Business Week, recognizes the contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. Attendees will learn key strategies from national and local business leaders, in sessions, workshops and exhibits on topics such as employee engagement, technology in business, video marketing, data protection, success planning, tax strategies and more.
“Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy in Hawaii,” said Leslie Wilkins, MEDB President and CEO. “It is critical that they be nurtured and protected if we want our overall economy to grow. That’s one of the main reasons why this conference was created—to help small businesses grow.”
TJ Schier, President and Founder of SMART Restaurant Group, will give the conference keynote, speaking on his 7 Essential Systems for Small Business Success. Among the insights Schier will share during his keynote and during his Day 2 workshop are his three-pronged strategies for building a team of top performers. Schier noted, “It includes focusing on the mission, to provide a compass for everyone on the business team; retaining the right people and letting the wrong people go; and creating a magnetic culture to attract more of the right people.”
TJ has written numerous books and designs training and guest service programs on topics such as building a team of top performers, hiring, guest service and systems. Following his keynote, TJ will moderate a panel featuring Kim Svetin, Moloka‘i Drugs, Danny Boren, Skyline Eco-Adventures and Lisa Paulson of Maui Hotel and Lodging Association to discuss how Engaging Your Front Line Increases your Bottom Line.
Opening day also includes Talk Story segments with business owners Rachael Ray, U’I Gallery; Teri Edmonds, If the Shoe Fits; and Jason Higa from Zippy’s Restaurants, talking about their business experiences. On Day 2, four three-hour workshops provide an opportunity to go deeper into some of the topics. Further information can be found at www.hawaiismall.biz
“My workshop on Essential Systems for Small Business Success will help companies become more effective.”
TJ Schier, SMART Restaurant Group President and Founder
For a full conference schedule and list of presenters, visit www.HawaiiSmall.Biz.
Apr 10, 2019 | Education, Stemworks
Maui Economic Development Board’s STEMworks™ Program and the Maui County Healthcare Partnership recently presented a STEMworks™ Live Webcast. Approximately 330 Maui County students logged into the virtual program to hear five local and national STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) professionals discuss career pathways in healthcare.
“Building an online learning platform where students and teachers have the ability to connect with the future workforce is an amazing opportunity,” said Lalaine Pasion, STEMworks™ Project Manager. “This technology can have a fundamental and meaningful impact on our generation. There is a tremendous need for healthcare workers, locally and globally. Bringing information about numerous career opportunities into the classroom is a way to introduce students to the field and the tools to achieve their dreams.”
The line-up of presenters included, Dr. Kimble Poon, a cardiologist and electrophysiologist from Kaiser Permanente; Dr. Kelley Withy, professor at UH John A. Burns School of Medicine and Director of the Hawaii Pacific Basin Area Health Education Center (AHEC); Leomer Domingo, Health & Safety Trainer; Kristin Mills, Public Health Educator, Maui Department of Health (DOH); and Benton Turner, Pacific Cancer Institute.
“Every year our understanding of the heart improves, and we learn better ways to treat our patients,” said Dr. Poon, while explaining to the students how the heart works, what an electrocardiogram does, and how and why different pacemakers are used. “Medicine is a skill that takes self-discipline,” he said. “However, the rewards of helping the community are priceless.”
At AHEC, Dr. Withy provides educational outreach, recruitment, and training to over 3,000 students a year. “Anyone who wants to be a doctor or healthcare professional, my office helps you,” she said. Kristin Mills, DOH, explained, “Public Health is applied science to create a healthy community. We must care for our body, mind, and spirit.” Parker Kahoohanohano, a Kihei Charter School 4th grader commented, “I liked learning about being healthy. Plus, I learned what steps to take to get into the military and attend college, the importance of CPR and first-aid training, and about careers in healthcare. Thanks MEDB!”
I’ve always been motivated by a passion for learning and a desire to serve, so medicine and teaching was a natural fit for me. STEMworks™ Live is a great way to introduce students to available opportunities.
Dr. Kimble Poon, Cardiologist and Electrophysiologist, Kaiser Permanente
Mar 27, 2019 | Education, Stemworks
Maui High School 9th grader Faith Christy Soliven won First Place Senior Division Physics and Astronomy at the 60th Maui County Regional Science & Engineering Fair. Her project was “The Intriguing Short-Term Weather Variability of Jupiter”. One of the 18 merit award winners, Soliven will represent the Maui District in the Hawaii State Science & Engineering Fair on Oahu, April 8-10.
“My project investigates the short-term changes of Jupiter’s upper atmospheric structure over a 10-hour rotational period,” Soliven explained. “Data from the Las Cumbres telescopes allowed my mentor, Jessica Schonhut-Stasik, graduate student at the UH Institute for Astronomy in Hilo, and I to monitor the change in flux over the surface during a rotation period to see how Jupiter’s weather varies in the upper atmosphere as it rotates. Jupiter was good to observe, because of its large size, closeness, and brightness. Studying Jupiter’s short-term variability is a good pilot test for observing other planet’s weather in the future. We expect the observations can help us learn more about similar planets and how they affect the near-Earth space environment.”
Schonhut-Stasik said, “Faith is one of the best science students I’ve had. I’m so proud of her advancing to State on her first attempt. Also, I’m pleased that she has learned coding for Python. Coding is valuable for every graduate now and I’m glad I could provide her with that opportunity. I think we can expect awesome things from Faith, at State and in the coming years.”
Soliven was introduced to the concepts of STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) at Lokelani Intermediate School, a Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) STEMworks™ school. “Sponsored by MEDB, I went to my first Hawaii STEM Conference and on field trips like ‘Introduce a Girl to Astronomy Day’ at the Haleakala Observatory,” said Soliven. “Being involved in these opportunities and extracurriculars inspired me to consider the vast number of opportunities provided in the STEM industry. I learned so much about the skills needed to perform problem-solving tasks and how applying that to the real world can make a huge difference in my life and impact many others.”
My motivation for this project was the idea of wanting to apply astronomy to understand our own planet and the solar system.
Faith Christy Soliven, Maui High School 9th grade
Mar 13, 2019 | Education, Environment, Innovation
Maui resident Dr. T.S. Kelso has been tracking satellites for over 35 years. Kelso serves as a Senior Research Astrodynamicist and Space Data Center Operations Manager for the Center for Space Standards & Innovation at Analytical Graphics, Inc. (AGI). Throughout his career he has supported the space surveillance community by providing educational materials and data to satellite users around the world.
“My main job is running the Space Data Center, where we screen 748 satellites for 30 satellite operators from many nations,” Kelso explained. “We are screening these satellites to identify close approaches with other satellites and all the debris up there. Right now, there are 2,000 operational satellites in Earth orbit, and we track over 17,000 objects larger than 10cm. The real challenge is filtering through the hundreds of close approaches we see each day, so that the operators can focus on how to move in time to avoid a collision.”
AGI is a big supporter of education and has been a key sponsor for the annual Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance Technologies Conference (AMOS) Conference, a program of Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB). “Not only does AGI sponsor AMOS, but we have hosted a star party each year to introduce attendees to the wonders of the Maui sky,” said Kelso. “In addition, we have supported MEDB’s STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) programs with free educational copies of our software.”
Kelso also operates the CelesTrak website, the world’s first private source for orbital element sets and related software and educational materials. The site is visited by more than 350,000 users each day and supports everyone from professionals operating satellites in orbit, to faculty, students, and other researchers investigating the space environment− to individuals who just want to go out to see the International Space Station pass over.
Kelso concluded, “All the safety and security considerations of air and sea travel now pertain to space travel at a vastly enhanced level because the costs and risks are even higher. The event of spacecraft colliding is serious to our global economy and security.”
We can move satellites so they don’t get hit, and we do that every day. AGI designs software to predict close approaches of satellites. That’s my job; that’s what I do!
Dr. T.S. Kelso, Senior Research Astrodynamicist and Space Data Center Operations Manager, Center for Space Standards & Innovation, AGI
Feb 13, 2019 | Education, Stemworks
The STEMworks™ Summer Internship, the flagship program of the Maui Economic Development Board’s (MEDB) Women in Technology Project (WIT), provides work-based learning opportunities that help build critical and creative thinking. The internship program prepares students for a STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) career by providing real world opportunities to develop meaningful projects. STEMworks™ students are matched with a host company based on the company’s project needs, and the skills of the student.
Summer internships in 2019 will run from June 10 through July 18 and applicants must be STEMworks™ participating high school students. Students can apply from March 18, 2019 and until May 9. Students will be notified of their application status by May 17. For more information, go to http://stemworkshawaii.org/internships Last year, thirty-one high school students representing the most promising STEM talent across the state presented their innovative projects at the STEMworks™ Summer Internship Showcase, highlighting the experiences they had with their host company mentors.
Hadassa Ballarta, Maui High School, interning as a programmer at Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), said, “My project with AFRL consisted of scripting a planetarium presentation that incorporated the culture of Polynesian way-finding. In doing so, I was able to learn a new programming language and gain a better understanding of the stars above us and, overall, our universe.This internship has made me aware of new job possibilities and fields that I never knew existed!”
Tehya Purdy-Yamane, King Kekaulike High School, interning as a GIS specialist at the MEDB-Maui County Healthcare Partnership, said, “For my STEMworks™ Internship I worked with data from different Maui County medical facilities and compiled them into files that would later be uploaded and imported to a medical map as data points on ArcGIS. My mentor and I created a story map that is easy to operate and understand when someone is looking for a certain medical field, being anything from physical therapy to hospice.”
MEDB’s summer internships were enhanced with weekly professional speakers and training sessions as well as STEMworks™ “LIVE” webinars designed to inspire and build student’s professional skills.
Lalaine Pasion, WIT Project Manager
Jan 9, 2019 | Education, Stemworks
Growing up in Hawaii, Robert Kalei Miller, a geospatial information analyst at the Pacific Disaster Center (PDC) in Kihei, was always interested in learning about geography and technology. His goal was to obtain a college degree in geospatial technologies with the hope of working on Maui, where he grew up. At King Kekaulike High School, under the guidance of Mrs. Emily Haines-Swatek, Miller joined Project EAST−now called STEMworks™, a program of Maui Economic Development Board’s (MEDB) Women in Technology Project.
“STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) gave me the opportunity to gain exposure in my interested career field,” said Miller. “For three consecutive summers, I was fortunate to work as a STEMworks™ Intern for the PDC, where I developed work skills and professional relationships. I learned more about geographic information systems and I discovered that I could turn my personal interest in geography into a real career.”
After graduating in 2013 from Portland State University in Oregon, Miller was offered a full-time position at PDC as a Geospatial Information Analyst. His job directly supports disaster efforts locally and internationally, and is a dream come true for him.
“Through MEDB’s STEM programs my career goals and dreams turned into reality,” Miller said. “MEDB’s educational programs provided me with an opportunity that many local youth continue to benefit from today. It is an honor to continue to work with MEDB and be one of the first recipients of the Jeanne Unemori Skog Leader & Entrepreneur (JUS) Fund. The Fund supports the next generation of visionaries through innovative programs, projects and other initiatives that develop future leaders and entrepreneurs to benefit the people of Maui County”
Miller’s JUS award allowed him to attend the two-day EMER-GEN Conference for young professionals, aged 35 and under, in the space industry. “This was a great opportunity to learn from renowned space specialists, network with industry peers, and learn professional skills,” he said. “The knowledge and experiences I gained from EMER-GEN will help me with my continued career growth.”
MEDB is committed to helping young professionals and students of all ages to achieve their dreams. They are a blessing to Maui County!
Robert Kalei Miller, Geospatial Information Analyst, Pacific Disaster Center
Oct 10, 2018 | Education, Stemworks
Sean McCormick, King Kekaulike High School, was among the 31 high school students participating in Maui Economic Development Board’s (MEDB) Women in Technology Project (WIT) STEMworks™ Summer Internship Program. For six weeks, the STEMworks™ interns aligned their abilities and interests with industry professionals throughout the islands. The experience provided invaluable work-based learning for the STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) students to explore career pathways.
McCormick’s STEMworks™ Internship project included creating a computer program that can help astronomers find and predict the transit of an exoplanet, the passage of a planet between a star and the Earth. He worked with Dr. J. D. Armstrong, an astronomer and the Education Outreach Specialist from the University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy (IfA).
McCormick explained, “An exoplanet is a planet orbiting around a star other than the Sun. Exoplanets are difficult to identify as they cannot be directly seen in a telescopic image due to their distance from Earth. Exoplanets are identified when they block a small amount of light from the star they are orbiting. Observations are collected, and the intensity of the star is graphed over time. If there is an exoplanet, the graph will have a U-shaped dip. The radius of the planet, relative to the parent star, can be determined at this point by using the ratio of the star’s intensity when the exoplanet is transiting and when it is not. This is indicative of how much of the light from the star is being blocked by the exoplanet. I discovered that entering the collected data into a supercomputer is the best approach to this problem.”
McCormick found his project fun and challenging—trying to learn the math and figure out how to automate it. He noted, “I am looking forward to continuing to work on research projects with both STEMworks™ and the IfA in the future.”
Dr. Armstrong concluded, “Every year MEDB sends me some amazing interns to work with. I appreciate the level of skills, hard work, and creativity they bring to the IfA.”
During my summer internship I had the chance to analyze the light from stars to discover exoplanets. Thank you STEMworks™ and IfA for the opportunity to experience a job in astronomy!
Sean McCormick, King Kekaulike High School
