About the Symposium

The University of Hawai’i – West O’ahu (UH West O’ahu) Student Research and Creative Works Symposium is the premier undergraduate research event for the university. The main goal of the symposium is to increase the number of undergraduate students at UH West O’ahu with engaged scholarship and research experience. Since its inception in 2016, the symposium has been one way to both educate and immerse students in an environment of engaged scholarship that meets the need for more productive problem solvers in Hawaiʻi’s workforce. The symposium has provided an opportunity for dynamic student research learning experiences to be showcased on a variety of topics which has allowed for over 500 students to participate in the event, demonstrating diversity in their respective fields of study and research skills.

Each semester the Student Research and Creative Works symposium is held with support from a growing number of interested students, faculty, staff, the Institute of Engaged Scholarship and Chancellor Maenette Benham. The event has quickly become a hub for cross campus collaborations among students and faculty, while also serving as a staple event for students to network with future employers and the larger west O’ahu community. The intention for this massive endeavor has been to encourage research interactions, knowledge sharing, and cultivate relationship building for 21 century engaged scholarship. As you read this report you will realize the dedication put forth by many to showcase the talents and achievements of our students, instructors and faculty, also known as our UH West O’ahu research ohana. I am incredibly grateful for those who have designed posters, overcome their fears of giving an oral presentation, passionately talked story with peers or a future employer at round table, agonized over course redesign to incorporate the symposium, gave remarks at a session, evaluated student awardees and those who even swung by the symposium amid an extremely busy day. We all owe each other a heartfelt thanks for our hard work. As it has been shared consistently by symposium attendees, I am proud if the excellence demonstrated by our students and faculty each semester.