While Hawaiʻi is well-known for its astronomy research, dating back to the wayfinding techniques of the original Polynesian voyagers, Maui is also home to significant work in the field of microscopy. Kamehameha Schools (KS) teacher, scientist, and inventor Dr. Gary Greenberg uses his 3D light microscopes to observe spectacular landscapes of worlds beyond everyday human perception. In addition to his KS teaching position, he is a longtime research affiliate and faculty member at the University of Hawaiʻi Institute for Astronomy (IfA), where one of his projects has been to study sand collected during NASA’s Apollo missions. Greenberg’s images of sand reveal thousands of years of biological and geological history.  

 “Ordinary everyday objects such as flowers, food, and grains of sand take on a new reality when magnified hundreds of times, illuminating their hidden aspects,” Greenberg shared. “When we commune with nature through a microscope, we become conscious of our connection with the universe. My mission is to reveal the secret beauty of the microscopic landscape that makes up our everyday world.”  

Greenberg’s current research is focused on developing the new microscope accessory he invented (his twentieth patent), which transforms a conventional microscope into a fluorescence research microscope. His next public lecture, “From LUCA to Aloha: The Evolution of Life on Earth,” will be on Sunday October 19th at 3 pm at ProArts Playhouse in Kihei. The program will also include a screening of the award-winning documentary film, The Dalai Lama: Scientist. 

“This multimedia lecture traces the epic journey of life on Earth, from LUCA (Last Universal Common Ancestor) to the emergence of modern humans and the responsibilities we now hold as stewards of our planet,” Greenberg explained. “Grounded in cutting-edge science, the story unfolds through the guiding principles of e ola (live and thrive), aloha ʻāina (love and respect for the land), mālama (to care for), and kuleana (responsibility). This talk offers a powerful reflection on our shared origins and the sacred duty to care for the Earth and each other.”  

This year at KS, Greenberg and the environmental studies teacher will set up a 3D microscope lab to allow students to study the flora and fauna of Maui. He added, “Our goal is to boost student understanding of Hawaiʻi’s ecosystems, fostering environmental stewardship and preparing youth for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics careers.”  

For more information about Dr. Greenberg’s upcoming public event, visit proartsmaui.org.