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Honolulu
Chapter

About ARCS Honolulu Chapter

The ARCS Mission

ARCS (Achievement Rewards for College Scientists) Foundation advances science and technology in the United States by providing financial awards to academically outstanding students who are U.S. citizens studying to complete degrees in science, engineering, math, technology, and medical research.
ARCS Scholar medallion with orchid lei

Our 2023–2024 Board

Co-Presidents:
Wendy Lagareta (Chapter Affairs)
Cheryl Ernst (National Affairs)

Vice Presidents - Membership:
Patricia (Patty) Lee
Dr. Pat Cooper

Treasurer: Susan Moore

Secretaries:
Roslyn (Roz) Pearson (Recording)
Sui-Lan Ellsworth (Corresponding)

Directors:
Jessica (Jessie) Radovich (Communications)
Dr. Jane Schoonmaker (University Relations)
Dr. Jacqueline (Jacquie) Maly (Parliamentarian)

Who We Are and What We Do

ARCS Foundation Honolulu Chapter is an all-volunteer, non-profit women's orgnization that provides financial support to outstanding University of Hawai‘i students pursuing graduate studies and conducting research in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and health.

Our members come from community, business, government, and education sectors, united by our keen interest in things scientific and our strong commitment to advancing U.S. leadership in STEM fields … not to mention our delight in good company and fun events.

Responsible Philanthropy

Funding for the Honolulu Chapter’s ARCS Scholar Award grants comes from two sources: ARCS Award endowment funds managed by the University of Hawai‘i Foundation and annual ARCS Honolulu Chapter fundraising. With member dues largely covering operational expenses, $8 out of every $10 expended by our chapter goes directly to ARCS Scholar Awards.

Pie chart showing sources of ARCS income: 38% contributions, 30% foundations, 22% fundraising, 10% member dues, Pie chart showing use of ARCS Honolulu funds: 80% scholar awards, 15% fundraising, 5% operations

Learn More

Dr. Mark Hixon on ARCS Scientist Honor

Dr. Mark Hixon, Photo by Chris Pala

"I am especially grateful that ARCS Honolulu appreciates the mentoring of graduate students, who are society’s future scientists during an era when science is increasingly under attack."

ARCS Honolulu Chapter named marine ecologist Dr. Mark Hixon its 2021 ARCS Scientist of the Year for his remarkable record of research, mentorship and public outreach. He is the Sidney and Erika Hsiao Endowed Chair in Marine Biology and chairs the Zoology Graduate Program at the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa. Photo by Chris Pala

Scholar Alumna Pays it Forward

Pamela Hallock Muller, headshot“ARCS Honolulu Chapter provided recognition that my efforts and education were a worthwhile investment at a time when others could see little future for me.”

1976 Honolulu ARCS Scholar and Tampa Chapter member Pamela Hallock Muller was named one of 25 Top Women Professors in Florida. The University of South Florida marine scientist overcame gender discrimination and has mentored 60 graduate students, 10 of them from underrepresented minorities.

Scholar Matsuda Wins Prestigious Coral Conservation Fellowship

Shayle Matsuda at ocean overlook“The increasing frequency and severity of global coral bleaching events, the devastation to reef ecosystems and the communities who rely on them led to my dedication to coral reef conservation.”

As a University of Hawai‘i at Manoa doctoral candidate, 2019 Honolulu ARCS Scholar Shayle Matsuda pioneered new molecular techniques to study symbioses between coral, algae and bacteria. He continues that work as part of an international coral reef restoration project under a 2021 David H. Smith Conservation Research Fellowship—a premier postdoctoral program in conservation science that supports early-career scientists and seeks solutions to the most pressing conservation challenges.