ABSTRACT. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-24 in the USA, and teenagers who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) are at even higher risk of experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviors than their peers who identify as heterosexual or cisgender (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 2022). There are few programs designed with the purpose of providing a safe space for LGBT youth to connect with supportive peers and services. Therefore, when in-person, community programs do exist, better understanding how well these community-based programs fulfill LGBT social support needs - in terms of formal and informal resources – could be beneficial to inform providers working with LGBT youth. LGBT youth who access formal and informal means of support within the program will report increased feelings of support and improved ability to manage their mental health symptoms as measured by a feedback survey developed by Spill the Tea Cafe staff. This program evaluation utilized secondary data from the STTC feedback survey that was collected during March and April of 2023. Questions followed the format of a statement followed by a five point likert scale for clients to state the level of agreement. Once the feedback survey was closed, data was compiled into an online password-protected data spreadsheet for the purposes of this program evaluation. All 20 survey respondents were included in this study, as all respondents fit the typical criteria of STTC clients. Three of the 20 participants identified as female, seven identified as male, and ten identified as non-binary. All of the survey respondents were between the ages of 13 and 19. 18 participants identified as members of the LGBT community while two participants identify as LGBT allies. 12 participants identified as mixed race/ethnicity, including identifying as a combination of white, asian, pacific islander, hispanic/latino, and black. 16 participants in the survey attend the cafe in both formal and informal ways, while four participants attend the cafe in informal ways only. LGBT youth who access formal and informal means of support within STTC’s program reported increased feelings of support and improved ability to manage their mental health symptoms as measured by a feedback survey developed by Spill the Tea Cafe staff. Of the respondents, most felt that STTC has been able to help provide them with ways to improve their overall wellness. In addition, one respondent left a personal testimony regarding how much "happiness and joy" STTC has brought them, and how their time at STTC has made them "feel stronger about myself and my identity". As STTC was created to meet formal and informal support needs of LGBT youth in Hawaii, the results of this program evaluation may also prove to be useful for other social workers and mental health professionals who are interested in supporting the LGBT youth community in Hawaii. It is possible that similar programs could be developed using the STTC model which could have a similar impact on improving the wellbeing of other LBGT youth. The STTC client feedback survey was only made available for two weeks. In addition, the program evaluation did not include information regarding statistically reliable and valid measures to track client experiences of mental health symptoms.

ABSTRACT. This project is a grant proposal to provide mental health care access via Telehealth to children and adolescents ages 5-17 in rural areas in the Freely Associated States, which includes the Republic of Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia. This project is needed because substance abuse and suicide rates have gradually been increasing since the 1980s. Unfortunately due to stigmatizing beliefs about mental illness in Pacific Islanders, there is limited reporting on these cases. We will need to engage stakeholders, including Ministries of Health, hospital directors, community health centers, and other local healthcare organizations to participate in the project. Then we will need to recruit and train community health workers and local medical personnel. They will screen, refer, and coordinate care for the participant's mental health treatments. These participants will be reevaluated every three months to track progress. By the end of the first year of the project, we expect to see at least a 5% improvement in patient-reported mental health symptoms. This project integrates skills in assessing population needs and assets that affect community health and designing a population-based program for a rural community. If successful, this project has the possibility to be scaled to include more rural locations in the South Pacific, including areas like Guam, Kiribati, and Vanuatu, which face similar mental health issues as the Freely Associated States. This project could also be modified to address other rising concerns in the area like diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.

ABSTRACT. The primary aim of the project is to develop an AI chatbot for Sam's Kitchen, a restaurant in Hawaii, that will enhance customer experience, facilitate reservations, streamline menu inquiries, and provide support for special dietary requirements, ultimately resulting in increased customer satisfaction and improved operational efficiency. The hospitality industry is experiencing rapid technological advancements, and leveraging AI-powered solutions has become critical to stay competitive. By implementing an AI chatbot for Sam's Kitchen, we seek to address the growing need for efficient customer service, personalized experiences, and operational effectiveness, all while reducing staff workload and allowing them to focus on providing exceptional in-person service. Analyze restaurant operations and customer service. Identify AI chatbot value areas (menu, dietary restrictions). Select development platform (Dialogflow, Rasa). Design, develop, and train chatbot using NLP. Test for accuracy. Integrate with website, social media. Launch, monitor, adjust. Evaluate impact on satisfaction, workload, efficiency. The AI chatbot, integrated within the developed website, will assess its impact on customer service, menu accessibility, staff workload, and overall dining experience by analyzing response times, error rates, and customer satisfaction metrics, ultimately enhancing the dining experience for patrons.  The project integrates the knowledge, skills, and perspectives gained through coursework, including AI and machine learning concepts, natural language processing techniques, user experience design, and project management. The project demonstrates the practical application of these competencies in developing a real-world solution for the hospitality industry. The AI chatbot project can create local, national, and international impact. Locally, it enhances Hawaii's dining experience, attracting patrons to Sam's Kitchen. Nationally, it offers a blueprint for restaurants to leverage AI for improved service and operations. Internationally, it highlights AI's potential in hospitality, encouraging innovation and adoption. The project also contributes to academic research on AI applications in hospitality.

ABSTRACT. Conducted competitive analysis of online checking accounts for our bank and three competitors. Provided feedback on online information, account opening process, and online/mobile banking. Participated in surveys and videoconference focus groups for research and analysis. (a) Responsibilities: Conducted competitive analysis of online checking accounts for bank and competitors, provided feedback on online information, account opening process, and online/mobile banking. Participated in online surveys and videoconference focus groups for research and analysis.(b) Training/Supervision: Received supervision and guidance on research methodology, data analysis, and feedback process. Participated in weekly facilitated videoconference focus groups for discussion and analysis.(c) Relationships: Collaborated with other interns in videoconference focus groups. Worked closely with bank staff and supervisor to provide feedback and discuss research findings. Built professional network through interactions with bank personnel and fellow interns during the internship. Strengths: Conducting competitive analysis of online checking accounts, providing feedback, and participating in surveys and videoconference focus groups enhanced research and analytical skills. Opportunities to collaborate with bank staff and build professional network. Weaknesses: Limited scope of responsibilities and tasks, focusing solely on online checking accounts. Limited in-person interactions due to virtual nature of the internship. Limited exposure to other areas of the bank beyond online banking. This internship/practicum complemented my coursework in finance and economics by providing real-world application of concepts, enhancing analytical skills, and deepening understanding of the financial services industry through practical experience in online banking competitive analysis. Through this internship/practicum, I learned how to conduct competitive analysis, provide feedback, and participate in research and analysis. I gained practical knowledge of online banking, enhanced analytical skills, and built a professional network, increasing my marketability in the financial services industry. The relationships I built there were also something worth noting as other opportunities have come up to me as a result.

ABSTRACT. To educate parents in Hawai'i about the concept of work-life balance and how to apply the idea to their personal lives to better understand their options for a healthy balance. My project is needed because not many resources are provided to the community in Hawai'i and since work-life balance is a lifelong process, it is important to understand to promote maintenance. The steps include preparing the necessary materials to conduct a 10-week informational session and work to apply the concept with a cohort of parents who register. These materials will include items such as creating advertisements, hiring and training staff, forming the curriculum, and evaluating the program after to get a sense of effectiveness. The main outcome would be to increase awareness and the ability to apply work-life balance concepts so parents will be able to recognize stressors and effectively tackle imbalances that arise. This project integrates learning from my coursework through health promotion and prevention primarily in cause and effect of physical and mental health conditions, preventable outcomes if managed well. Potential implications include increasing knowledge of work-life balance in the community and possibly leading to implementation in workplace settings to promote the concept for a healthy work environment.

ABSTRACT. The theoretical framework of this capstone project came out of a literature review on the subject of compassion fatigue. After analyzing the current data available a research question was created. The research question is to what degree are social workers impacted by CF and how does tele-health services affect CF. Method: Quantitative approach that utilizes excel to organize data as well as create graphs to represent data from the tele-behavioral health and compassion fatigue survey. A stats calculator from a website will be used to determine the association between the two. Findings: Hypothesis that utilization of tele-behavioral health will have an inverse relationship on social workers’ self-reported compassion fatigue. This study may identify a possible correlation in regard to CF levels related to possible reduction of stress as a result of not commuting to-and-from agency offices to see clients and the ability for social workers to detach from each session more quickly. Implications could result in new information surrounding attitudes/ feelings toward tele-behavioral health and how it can change social work practice. Limitations are a small sample size and tele-behavioral health frequency was measured with descriptive data.

ABSTRACT. According to the Annual Review of Public Health report in 2022, health care providers held negative explicit and implicit biases against ethnic marginalized groups(Annual Review of Public Health2022) . These inequalities contribute to uneven access to services, and poorer health outcomes among certain populations specifically African Americans. The correlation between medical biases and health care inadequacies within the health care field remains to be clarified. Therefore, the goal of this systematic literature review seeks to address “Does racism hinder how medical treatment is given to minorities.” In response to the question, the researcher reviewed fourteen articles that met the inclusion criteria. The sources reviewed were based on reported quantitative or qualitative results of racial/ethnic discrimination, patient or provider perceptions of race or ethnicity-based discrimination within health care settings. The researcher found that there is evidence of medical biases within the organizational structure of health care providers. These views helped shape the framework for providers to treat minority groups with negative explicit and implicit biases. This research confirms that medical biases does hinder how treatment is given to minorities. The research implies that medical biases are created from a tightly woven network of institutional procedures (Ruíz 2020). This review found organizational institutions and personal prejudices help shape perceived biases against minorities which does negatively effect how treatment is given to minorities. Limitations to this study included time, access to expanded data bases and articles requiring a fee for access.

ABSTRACT. The study is guided by theoretical frameworks such as the Health Belief Model, Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), and Andersen’s behavioral model, which aim to understand the factors contributing to the delay in treatment-seeking among individuals with OCD. The study seeks to answer the question: “What are the contributing factors to the significant delay in treatment-seeking among individuals with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?” The study employed a thematic synthesis approach built upon grounded theory, using peer-reviewed articles published between 2002 and 2022. The data were analysed thematically to identify critical factors contributing to the delay in treatment-seeking among individuals with OCD. The study identified psychological, attitudinal, and programmatic barriers as significant contributors to the delay in treatment-seeking among individuals with OCD. These barriers underscore the complexity of the OCD Health-Seeking dilemma and emphasise the need for policies and programs that support early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of OCD. The findings also highlight the importance of promoting mental health literacy to address these barriers. The study's findings have important implications for developing policies and programs that support early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of OCD, ultimately improving health outcomes and overall quality of life for individuals with this disorder. The study's limitations include the restricted time frame and data sources. Future research should consider a broader range of sources and use more diverse data collection methods to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of the factors contributing to the delay in treatment-seeking among individuals with OCD.

ABSTRACT. The study was based on Kim's (2001) cross-cultural adaptation theory, where ethnic social communication refers to the interaction with co-ethnics (co-nationals) through ethnic interpersonal communication or ethnic mass communication. Kim (2001) introduces ethnic social communication as one dimension that may hinder successful adaptation. My goal was, therefore, to analyze this construct with regard to the adaptation of international students in Hawai'i. How does ethnic social communication, both in the form of ethnic social and ethnic mass communication, influence the cross-cultural adaptation of international students in Hawai'i? The research was quantitative and considered five dependent variables: acculturation/deculturation patterns, stress experience, functional fitness, psychological growth, and intercultural identity. Data from 125 international students from various institutions in Hawai’i was collected through an online survey and analyzed in five separate regression models. Results indicated statistical significance for the influence of ethnic interpersonal communication on acculturation/deculturation, functional fitness, and psychological health. No statistical significance was found concerning ethnic mass communication. The researcher concluded that frequent personal interactions with co-ethnics might result in an alternative/hybrid identity, thus slowing down the adaption process yet not entirely hindering it. Various institutions can implement the study results to enhance the intercultural experience of international students. More frequent interactions with host nationals and greater immersion in the host environment should be encouraged. Some limitations included a relatively small sample size, the fusion of the general American culture with the local Hawaiian culture, and the treatment of ethnic communication in isolation of other adaptation dimensions. Future studies in different host environments are recommended.

ABSTRACT. At the upcoming symposium, we will discuss the healthcare crisis faced by Hawaii residents due to the scarcity of healthcare personnel and inadequate healthcare centers. The current situation makes it difficult for residents to access healthcare services, leading to adverse health outcomes. To address this issue, Integrated Care LLC - Urgent Care Clinic is introducing a solution to provide accessible routine preventative screenings, appropriate follow-up visits, and patient education to Hawaii residents. This will be achieved through the convenience of virtual video calls or in-person appointments with healthcare professionals. Let's join the symposium to learn more about this innovative approach and its potential impact on improving the health outcomes of Hawaii's residents. We are hosting the symposium to address Hawaii's healthcare crisis by exploring innovative solutions and promoting accessible healthcare services through Integrated Care LLC - Urgent Care Clinic's virtual video calls and in-person appointments. Conduct a risk analysis to identify potential issues that could impact the project's success. Identify basic requirements for the network infrastructure to ensure the clinic is operational all day. Develop a budget for the project. Complete the project management plan to provide guidance and structure for the project team. Develop a project schedule to ensure tasks are completed within a specific timeline. Create a stakeholders' register to identify and manage project stakeholders. Define a change control strategy to manage changes to project scope and requirements. Research information security best practices related to HIPAA compliance to ensure patient information is secure. Draft a template for a clinical policy letter to provide guidelines for clinic policies. Identify network equipment and hardware to support the network infrastructure. Define status reports and project updates to communicate project progress to stakeholders. Integrate all information with the EMR system to ensure accurate patient record-keeping. The main outcome of the practical project is the development of a basic network infrastructure for the Urgent Care Clinic at The Park On Keeaumoku, which enables the clinic to provide accessible routine preventative screenings, appropriate follow-up visits, and patient education to Hawaii residents easily and comfortably. We have developed these skills and perspectives from our current MSBAIS program at HPU, which have been integrated into our practical project to develop a basic network infrastructure for an urgent care clinic and provide accessible healthcare services to Hawaii residents. The project's potential impact is to improve access to healthcare services for residents in the State of Hawaii, which could lead to better health outcomes and potentially reduce healthcare costs in the long term. It could also serve as a model for other regions facing similar challenges, both nationally and internationally.As part of the project to develop a basic network infrastructure for Integrated Care LLC - Urgent Care Clinic, proper security procedures will be integrated to ensure that patient data is protected in compliance with HIPAA regulations. This integration of security procedures will include measures such as data encryption, access controls, and regular security audits to maintain the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of patient data. By implementing these security procedures, the clinic can provide a safe and secure environment for patients to manage their health information, thereby enhancing trust in the clinic's services among the local community.

ABSTRACT. The state of Hawaii committed to generating 100% of electricity from renewable sources by 2045, which means that all socioeconomic classes must help make the transition over to renewable sources of energy within the residential sector. The main purpose of this capstone project was to identify existing barriers that limit residential renewable energy adoption throughout the low-moderate income class on Oahu, and what solutions can be applied to fix this problem. The first step to beginning this project was identifying the barriers that exist for low to moderate income (LMI) families in adopting renewable solar energy and implementing energy efficiency measures. High cost of installation, renting as a barrier, lack of rooftop space, and targeted decreased marketing to LMI families were all found to be barriers to renewable energy adoption for LMI families. Once the main barriers had been established, solutions such as community based solar and performance based incentives were discussed in terms of applicability toward Hawaii. The end of the project demonstrated that there is a stark disadvantage low-moderate income (LMI) families face in trying to transition over to more renewable sources of energy, and confirmed that incentives that better target LMI families need to be implemented. To address the issue of solar energy adoption community based solar programs can help to give more low to moderate income (LMI) families access to solar energy. To address the issue of energy efficiency federally funded programs that focus on providing families with weatherization tactics that can increase energy efficiency must be better targeted toward LMI families and better advertised so that the programs are more well known. By integrating knowledge about environmental justice, ethics, economics, and policies, this project exemplified the interdisciplinary framework environmental issues often encompass. By writing from the point of view of an environmental studies major, the paper focused around the importance of providing equitable access for all families to renewable forms of energy. The objective of this project was to identify barriers and potential solutions to residential renewable energy adoption within Oahu, so that local policy makers could understand where renewable energy incentives could be better targeted.

ABSTRACT. I chose to create a film about things in our society that rarely get talked about that don't have answers. For example, aliens, the galaxy, historic world events, religion, and mental health. The meaning of my film is that there are other ways of looking at the world then what is taught to you. It is okay to question things that you don't necessarily agree with in society. The message of my film is that mental health can affect anybody, even if you are a world leader or an alien, everyone has problems. The purpose of Pinhunterz is to make the viewers think, about where we are headed, what our past is, and how we can advance our civilization in a positive way. I used a Canon SL3 for the majority of shooting with a tripod. I had a couple camera operators when I was in the scene. The workflow was explaining the plot I had in mind to the cast and crew, and then I let them have a natural dialogue rather than a strict script. I collaborated with several long time friends and partners that helped make my vision come to life for Pinhunterz. Pinhunterz is distinct in it's psychological presence through seeing two different personalties of the same person as they navigate a futuristic world in different ways. The good vs the bad, however, understanding their past creates a grey area for the viewer and a sense of sympathy. My work demonstrates a lot of color grading to really sell the eery effect of "the end of the world." Which is knowledge I gained in my coursework. I think my work has an impact on people because it challenges beliefs that have been in our society for decades, and it asks questions about whether or not these beliefs are credible.

ABSTRACT. This research was conducted as part of a long-term monitoring project run by the non-profit Mālama Maunalua. I wanted to better understand fish distribution throughout Maunalua Bay and whether their presence is associated with certain types of bottom habitat. This information can be used to identify ideal sites for coral outplanting and help strengthen the proposal for a Fisheries Management Area in the region. How are reef fish distributed throughout Maunalua Bay? Can we use this information to strategize the best placement of a Fishery Management Area? My surveys were conducted by four persons total, with two recording fish observations and two recording coral abundance. The surveys were conducted as 5-minute timed transect swims, completing three transects at each site location. Analysis was run using R-software to detect trends in correlation. Analysis is still being run on the data collected but I did determine that wrasse were the most abundant fish (53.6%) followed by Surgeonfish and Tang (21.9%). The Black Point sampling site had the greatest fish and coral abundance, indicating a correlation between coral reef habitat and fish abundance, a trend commonly seen across ecosystems. A Fisheries Management Area has been proposed for Maunalua Bay; this research adds to an established long-term dataset to track trends in fish population dynamics over time to make the most informed management decisions. The primary limitation of this study was the small data set, as only five sites had clear enough visibility to conduct a viable survey. Additional surveys should be conducted by consistent surveyors trained in fish identification.

ABSTRACT. The main purpose of this project was to create a functional and user-friendly e-commerce website for the business, Barefoot on the James. Barefoot on the James is a small farm and apiary business located in Scottsville Virginia. This website will enable their customers to purchase produce and craft products online, thus expanding the business’s reach and increasing sales revenue. The motivation for this website was to help Barefoot on the James business overcome the limitations of only having on-site sales and take advantage of the growing trend of online shopping, which can provide greater convenience and accessibility to customers while expanding their customer base and revenue potential. The procedures used to carry out the practical project involved several vital steps. It included gathering requirements, creating a Software Requirement Specification (SRS), designing the user interface, selecting an appropriate and cost-friendly hosting site, and the setup of product pages and payment processing. To be able to manage these steps, track progress, and assign tasks to group members, a project management tool, Pivotal Tracker was used. This was a part of using a development process called, SCRUM. SCRUM incorporates an iterative development process with working closely with the client. The main outcome of this practical project will be a fully functional and user-friendly e-commerce website for Barefoot on the James. Our project incorporates various knowledge, skills, and perspectives learnt through our coursework, such as communication within a team and with a client, presentation skills, web development, system analysis, user experience design, database management to create a functional and effective online platform for business transactions. The project’s potential impact is primarily local, such as increasing the business’s expansibility, visibility, accessibility, boosting the local economy, and improving customer convenience.

ABSTRACT. Plastics consumed by seabirds are representative of the marine debris at the ocean surface. Studies suggest that marine plastic debris (MPD) ingestion varies from year to year, the causes of said variation are poorly understood. This study quantifies trends in plastic ingestion by wedge-tailed shearwater (WTSH) chicks and investigates whether El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phases can further explain interannual variability in the trends. We collected 194 diet samples spanning eight years (2009-2019) representing La Niña, El Niño, and neutral phases, determined by NOAA’s MEI.v2. Food and plastic items were sorted, counted, weighed, and statistically analyzed via mixed model repeated measures ANOVA and linear regressions. Overall, 64% of chicks consumed plastic. Based on changing oceanography during ENSO phases and documented trends in plastic transport around the Hawaiian islands, WTSH were expected to ingest more plastic during El Niño. However, we found higher average counts during La Niña. The two best performing models for total plastic counts each involved a single predictor, year (73.8% model weight) and MEI (14.2%), suggesting interannual variability is superimposed on a longer-term trend. Given the significant interannual variability, future studies investigating plastic consumption by seabirds should consider the ENSO cycle when sampling.

ABSTRACT. This internship was with the Center for Marine Debris Research, an HPU laboratory in Waimanalo on Oahu that focuses on marine plastic pollution. The goal was to be trained on micro-FTIR spectroscopy techniques with the Nicolet iN10 Infrared Microscope and develop more automated methods for microplastic analysis. Responsibilities included adding spectra to CMDR’s spectral library of various materials as well as creating mosaics, area maps, and particle wizards of samples from mechanical asphalt tests on OMNIC Picta using the Nicolet iN10 Infrared Microscope. Another key task was to work through preparing the software program siMPle for microplastic analysis of the outputs from the iN10 Microscope. Dr. Katy Shaw was my mentor for this internship and trained me on the spectroscopy techniques. A key strength of this internship was the in-depth training on micro FTIR spectroscopy techniques. One weakness I found was the difficulty I had setting up the siMPle software. It was very hard to work with and will need more work going forward this summer. This internship taught me techniques that will support my research on a project examining particles from water samples taken from mechanical asphalt tests. This internship added to my technical skills for working in research laboratories which increased my marketability for positions post graduation. It also developed my problem solving skills related to learning and operating a new software program. I also gained experience in putting in supporting working towards achieving an overall goal of the CMDR team.

ABSTRACT. Our production team’s motivation stemmed from creating, producing and developing a short film that integrated a coming of age ghost story, mental health awareness and cultural Hawaiian elements into content that is heartfelt and important. Kepeloa follows a young boy Kolu who goes on a journey to reconnect with his Hawaiian roots when strange happenings begin to happen in the attic. The purpose is to explore ideologies surrounding mental health and finding yourself in a time when your identity feels lost. I was a co-writer, producer and director on-set and pitched the idea to Sight & Sound Productions, who sponsored us with Hollywood-grade equipment. As the project’s editor, I utilized a professional post-production workflow in Adobe Creative Suite. This film incorporates an original screenplay and sound design, creative lighting setups, a diverse cast, and our team's utmost dedication to creating the most impactful short film we could share with the world. This creative work spotlights my knowledge surrounding screenwriting, producing, directing, motion graphics, non-linear editing and collaborating in a cinematic setting. This film was my way of gaining professional hands-on industry experience and the visuals, messages and cultural elements conveyed prove to evoke emotion and stick with audiences long after its over.

ABSTRACT. Adult Friends for Youth is a non profit organization that targets high risk youth. Their goals are to prevent any forms of violence and advocate for academic success and safety. At Adult Friends for Youth, I was given the responsibility to facilitate group sessions, input data, and create material needed for the curriculum. The training I received was going over PowerPoints and reading their book to learn about Redirectional Therapy. During group sessions, I was with my practicum supervisor or the director of Redirectional Services. My relationship with the other staff members and school staff have been professionally oriented. Some of the strengths that Adult Friends for Youth shows are mediation skills, academic success, and repairing family or community relationships. Some weaknesses I evaluated are not educating drugs, alcohol, or nicotine to the youth, which is an issue that the youths present. My Adult Friends for Youth experience has integrated micro and mezzo social work skills that I have learned at HPU. The skills include open-ended questions, how to facilitate group sessions, networking, and the intervention model. The lessons I have learned have been how to facilitate group sessions, provide activities for the youth that correlates to their goals, and the importance of data. I was able to increase my knowledge on my mezzo skills by having guidance from my supervisors on how to facilitate a successful group session.

ABSTRACT. The mission of Hubbs SeaWorld Research Institute’s sustainable seafood program is to research and improve the aquaculture methods for California halibut, yellowtail, and white seabass for a commercial scale. My main responsibility was to collect the spawns from the broodstocks and record the quantity of eggs. I would then take photos of the eggs for measurements of the oil and chorion. I had supervision the first couple of days but then I was left alone to complete my tasks. If I had any issues or questions someone was available to assist me. My responsibilities helped me to understand that each daily task was important to complete the institute’s research goals. The tasks became repetitive but towards the end I was asked to assist with the advisors’ research projects. The experience working in the industry gave insight into the discussions I had about the growing aquaculture industry in the course called Aquaculture and the Blue Revolution. The important skills I learned from the experience were from repetition of the tasks. I learned to update the feeding strategy of broodstocks based on the previous feeds and determine the difference between a recent spawn and residual eggs from a previous spawn.

ABSTRACT. I am an Active Duty Soldier and a mother. Being a parent in the military has its hardships. The current study will provide insight on parenthood in the military and the effectiveness of Army Directive 2022-06. Three specific research questions will be tested in this study: (1) What are the perceptions of mothers in the workplace, specifically women in the military? (2) Is Army Directive 2022-06 perceived as effective? (3) What are the perceptions of family work life balance in the Army? The study will be conducted online via Facebook. Participants will be provided a newly developed survey of questions. The sample will be composed of Active Duty Soldiers involved in the Facebook page “The Army Mom Life.” This Facebook group is for issues related to motherhood while serving in the United States Army. I am still gathering data. I expect my findings to align with my own personal experience of being an Active Duty parent. I expect that many soldiers will struggle with work life balance and that they will be seen as less competent due to them being parents. I predict that my sample size will be smaller than most. I have been gathering data this past week and many women are not filling out the survey. My limitations include only having access to Active Duty mothers. I don't have the resources to find a more diverse sample.

ABSTRACT. McKinley Community School for Adults is my practicum site. MCSA is a state-wide system of adult community schools offering low-cost educational opportunities. In my class, there are usually 6 students in attendance. My main responsibility is adapting and delivering curriculum materials to meet the needs of students. I plan a variety of realistic, content-based activities for learners to practice the four language skills - reading, writing, listening, and speaking. I received training and highly valuable advice from my colleagues, who have decades of experience in education, about classroom management and engaging adult students. The small class size is both a strength and weakness of my practicum work. Students share a common goal - to build speaking fluency. Although I get to work very closely and personally with each student, there is a lack of diversity in student backgrounds. My coursework emphasizes how learner confidence promotes language acquisition. Excessive error correction can discourage students from asking for help and can lead to overreliance on translation tools, which is counterproductive to the language acquisition process. Although students prefer error correction and aim to be perfect, I reserve error correction for instances where comprehension is compromised or when students ask for help individually. Encouraging students to be realistic about fluency makes acquisition feel more accessible and improves student retention.

ABSTRACT. This film is inspired by my love for comedy movies. I wanted to produce something that I can look back on and laugh at, something not too serious. There is no exact message I want viewers to take away from my short film. Looking back on it, I think one could conclude that using too much LSD doesn't have a positive impact on your life. I wanted this film to be light hearted, comedic, and slightly satire. I wrote the script in about a week, but I wasted a lot of time thinking about what to write. Once I had my script I thought everything was going to be smooth sailing, however; recruiting the actors, scheduling filming days, and acquiring equipment was a little difficult. It's easier to imagine what you want to happen, than to execute it. It all started with me sitting in bed one night panicking because I could not figure out a full plot line for a short film. I had no idea where to start so I went through my old notes of singular scene ideas. I had this idea that someone is tripping on acid, but they don't know they took the acid. That's the overall basis of this film. I think my work is creative in the way that some of the lines I wrote for the actors don't entirely make sense, but it's cohesive. I've gained a lot of technical knowledge while working on this project. From a creative stand point I gained knowledge in script writing and developing characters. My creative work connects with everyone on a certain level, because we all like to laugh. I think in the professional field the cinematography in this film is appealing, and the story idea is unique.

ABSTRACT. Research studies have shown that Probation officers who use social work techniques have lower rates of recidivism among substance users. Common social work skills include interviewing, rapport building, and applying a strengths perspective while interacting with clients. This exploratory study sought to answer the question, “Which social work skills are utilized by probation officers supervising substance use probationers?” Four probation officers were recruited through snowball sampling and completed a newly developed twelve question survey. The survey asked participants about their educational background, skills used when interacting with probationers, interviewing styles, environmental assessments, and interventions. Survey responses suggest that Probation Officers are utilizing a variety of social work interviewing skills in their current work. Assessment skills and identification of substance abuse relapse triggers were endorsed by all participating Probation Officers. Subjects were less likely to be punitive when probationers were noncompliant and most stated they had a strong, trusting rapport with those they supervise. Interviewing skills that build rapport may be beneficial and can be applied in training of Probation Officers with different educational backgrounds. Limitations of this study included challenges with recruitment resulting in a small sample size, and a brief study time period.

ABSTRACT. I chose to do this creative work because of the lack of representation of art students and their ability to do showcase their work and create something that is important. I am motivated to put on this exhibition to show the value in an upcoming artists being able to be confident enough to display their work in a meaningful for way. My creative work's meaning is an example of how artists can put themselves out into their communities and showcase what they know and love. The personal message of my creative work for the semester is to dedicate, my art works to the island of Oahu. As a senior graduating in just a few weeks, I've noticed my time in Hawaii is coming to an end pretty soon, so I thought why not dedicate this last chunk of creative work to my experiences here in Hawaii and my love for the island. I thought it was a perfect opportunity to showcase my emotions that came with moving to Hawaii for school, and being able to display that feeling through a school project, through my major, it's honestly just a full circle moment for me. As a student, as a woman, as a growing adult, as an artist, this project is very sentimental to me, and I am excited to share my idea and project with my friends and peers. My creation process as an artist tends to come naturally. Once I get an idea, I tend to take note of that physically or mentally, and do my best to even get a sketch going of what I'm thinking and that's at the workflow level. For the project as a whole, I sat with myself and thought about what message did I want to convey to my audience and what type of show do I want people to be drawn to and interested in but at the same time being meaningful to me. I believe Art is a way to express your feelings, since they are feelings that every human can relate to; so no matter what you create, there are people out there that either feel the same way, sympathize with your feelings, or are intrigued by the feelings that art can display. once I have an idea about the number of pieces, it will take to create a series of work, I plan on each painting to a specific idea that I have relating to my theme. So I plan on having six artworks, dedicated to my time in Hawaii for this exhibition. They will all have their own emotion attached to them, their own reasons of how they look, and they will all tie back to the emotions and experiences that I have had here. The technical process also comes with time and how I split up the work of getting the paintings done in a meaningful way. I will make deadlines to when I should have paintings done, just to stay on track with the timing of the exhibition. 4. it is common for art exhibit or art galleries to hold a theme. Abstract galleries to just showcase. Work are also interesting to see. I believe it was a good idea to create a theme for this project specifically to draw attention to the work, and to me as a student having to plan and coordinate and facilitate the project on my own with the help of my professor, I'm able to stay on track with planning, budgeting, and creating, of course. I believe is in our major. It is crucial to have an idea that you love, stick with it, work through it, and showcase your best work. I also believe my theme for this semester is just appropriate and it makes sense, and it has that meaningful purpose to me personally, but also to others who can understand what I am feeling and going through. It also reminds me and maybe other students to be grateful to have gone to school in such a beautiful place, leaving far from homes and family, to come here and grow at such an early age. i've always felt like students who attend Hawaii Pacific University are looking for a place to find themselves far from their home towns, and try something new, get out of their comfort, zones, and so much more. I think a lot of people and students would be able to relate to the purpose of my exhibition and appreciate the work. I have put forward in such a vulnerable way, but also in a way that I hope inspires others. Throughout my coursework this semester, it was important to keep up with homework, and behind-the-scenes work for our art. I had to use the same skills when planning and preparing for my exhibition. It is crucial to stay on schedule, so that there is no missteps in the way I want the exhibition to go. Everything is done in a meaningful way, and must have purpose in order to be successful. The knowledge and perspectives, I gained from my two other drawing classes at the moment, or giving me motivation and extra practice when it comes to my work, even though I am painting and using acrylic, paints on canvases for this project, staying in tune with my drawing classes it's just another part of the practice. When it comes to the professional field of art, I feel as though there is a stigma around how successful art students or artist in general can be. I believe this project gives me the opportunity to get out of my comfort zone, and push myself as a artist, to want to display my work on a big scale, want to reach out to my community, want to collaborate with my mentors and peers. I really think it is a great opportunity to be able to put on a show with my own work, and say that I was able to do it on my own through my own ideas.

ABSTRACT. This project is to research the outdoor specialty retailer REI. I expect to gain a better understanding of the business, its values and culture. This is needed to determine how my values and goals align with the co-op's. The hope is to obtain an interview with the company to further determine my fit within the co-op as a visually impaired individual. First, completing research of their business, values, and culture using their website. Next, a visit or phone call will be requested with a manager from the local store. Lastly, interview a current and a former frontline employee. The expectation is to have a clear understanding of how I align with the co-op to determine if I can see myself working there. To learn how individuals with visual impairments fit in a business setting, or whether it is possible at all. Analyzing REI and meeting with management is expected to aid in finding employment with a meaning or purpose. In addition, it will help me determine what I can bring to the business to enhance what their mission and vision already do. Individuals with visual impairment have a 30% employment rate. In reaching out to them, it is my aim to bring awareness to this large group of available labor.

ABSTRACT. I'm passionate for the environment and human rights, expanding on research of environmental racism shows that the two are very interconnected, combining subjects I hope to pursue working with in the future. Is there a relationship between environmental inequalities and urban vs. rural communities? H1: Air pollution in superfund sites affect the percentage of ethnic minorities H2: There is higher environmental injustice in Rural communities than in Urban. Data: The EPA - Top 39 NPL Superfund Sites & One non NPL site from each corresponding state US Census - Rural vs. Urban Corresponding Zipcodes Congressional District Health Dashboard. - Air pollution within Zipcodes Comparing top National Priority List toxic sites demographics to one non NPL site from each corresponding state to see if there are higher percentages of minorities living in close proximity to more toxic sites. At this point, I have found that there is a higher proportion of minorities living in the top ranked superfund site areas when compared to the bottom ranked. When connecting those numbers to their corresponding zip codes, I predict to see that there will be a higher amount of environmental injustice in rural communities. Environmental racism is relatively new, looking at a pattern between rural and urban could bring awareness and help communities rectify the injustice. Limitation: time to conduct research and lack of pinpoint air pollution data, for each exact site rather than just the surrounding areas.

ABSTRACT. Hypermasculinity impacts attitudes toward reporting sexual assault within the military. Active-duty service members have admitted that they are often reluctant to report a sexual assault because they could be labeled as a weakness, believe no action will be taken, and fear they will experience negative career consequences and retaliation. For multiple generations, commanders were responsible for handling allegations of sexual assault, which has been a major barrier to survivors’ willingness to report. In December 2021, S1605 was passed, bypassing commanders to prosecute sexual assault and related crimes within the military. With this recent policy change, there is no current research studying the effectiveness of this change in policy. This research evaluated current active-duty members’ awareness of the S1650 ( Section 543 & 544) policy/law change and their perspectives on this new law’s efficacy. This exploratory research study utilized an online open-ended qualitative survey. Data gathered by answers from participants included responses to demographic survey questions and open-ended questions about current active-duty service members’ awareness of the S1605 (Sections 543 & 544) policy/law change and their perspectives. This research evaluated 18 active-duty participants’ understanding of S.1605( Sec. 543 & 544). Almost 67% of participants were not aware of this policy change, while almost 33% of participants were aware of this policy change. Findings from this study suggested majority felt the change would not be effective in reporting military sexual assault due to continued fear of reprisal and lack of trust in the military system. These findings have important implications for social workers within the military field. Social workers working with MST survivors can gain knowledge on how military members acknowledge reporting and re-establish their interactions with clients with this research. Social workers provide education, advocacy, therapeutic services, and support to active duty members. This study has shown that not many military members trust the reporting process and the chain of command. Having trust and a relationship is an important factor upon one’s disclosure of sexual violence. Social workers will be able to build stronger rapport with active duty members and be the support members need when experiencing sexual trauma. They will also be able to identify what changes need to be made within the reporting process to make victims feel they are being heard. This research has shown that military members appear to be more comfortable reporting to a civilian or professional sector rather than the military sector. A small sample size was accounted for this study and provided limited responses from all six military branches. The majority of participants were active-duty members of the Army and limited participants were in the Airforce, Navy, and Marines. There were no participants from the Coast Guard and Space Force. Having an increase of different branch perspectives could help with the analysis of this policy’s impact. As per participants’ MOS/ military career positions, no participants were SHARP and/ or SAPR representatives, which could have provided a different outlook on this policy as they are the ones who work directly with sexual assault cases.

ABSTRACT. Academic vocabulary is an essential factor in building the foundation of second language acquisition for international university students. Implementing technology for vocabulary learning makes this task more enjoyable and motivating. 1. Does studying academic vocabulary through the online tool Quizlet improve vocabulary acquisition and retention for college English as an International Language (EIL) students? 2. Does adding an image to the electronic word cards on Quizlet help vocabulary learning? Twenty international students in a college-level class were assigned to 2 groups and spent 20 minutes studying words from the Academic Word List on Quizlet, either with or without an image. Pre-, post-, and delayed vocabulary tests were administered and data was analyzed.The post-test showed significant improvement of vocabulary knowledge in both groups. The delayed test also showed improvement although to a lesser extent. The use of pictures only had immediate positive effects on vocabulary retention. In the long term, students who studied with no pictures had better retention than those who studied with pictures. Participants also expressed determination to continue using Quizlet in the future and believed that the tool was beneficial for increasing their vocabulary knowledge. Quizlet proved to be an appealing, versatile, and effective tool for vocabulary study and assessment. Results of this pilot study were positive enough to warrant additional trials. The main limitation is that the positive results in vocabulary acquisition may not be attributed to the specific use of Quizlet.

ABSTRACT. The practical project aims to create a local sustainability criteria and certification program specifically for hotels and lodging in Hawaii, through a partnership with Sustainable Tourism Association of Hawaii (STAH). Certification for hotels and lodging in Hawaii is limited to certification from out of state third party bodies. However, Hawaii’s tourism situation is unique and there are many factors or challenges that need to be considered in order to obtain sustainability that is specific to the islands that may not relate to criteria set by national or international certification standards. Hawaii’s sustainability goals, sustainable tourism goals, and existing criteria and certification for Hawaii’s hotel industry will be reviewed. An advisory board will be created for consultation throughout the project. A new criteria and certification will be created and workshopped with stakeholders until its finalization. Once STAH and I implement the sustainability criteria and certification, Hawaii hotels and lodgings will be incentivized to obtain it which will produce long term benefits to state’s sustainability goals. The new sustainability criteria and certification adopts the concept of the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) through the incorporation of economic, environmental, and social pillars to create a holistic, positive change. Due to Hawaii’s large tourism industry, the project will address the large burden that the hotel industry places on the state’s natural, cultural, and economic resources.

ABSTRACT. Brigham Young University of Hawai’i (BYUH) is a private school offering low-cost educational opportunities to 3,000 students, 70% of whom speak English as an additional language from 70+ countries. A four-level (two intermediate, two advanced) Academic English language support program is provided by the institution. I was invited to teach core English as an International Language (EIL) classes, assist in the creation of a local English for Academic Purposes (EAP) learner corpus, help implement a sustainable peer mentoring assistance program, and develop localized materials that enhance students’ environmental consciousness. On site, I received training from the EIL Program President Brent Green and Director Nancy Tarawhiti. These projects required a team effort with other departments. From this experience, I learned about sustainable models and practices that can support second language students, teachers, and programs. One major weakness of the practicum work included time constraints. Two curricula that directly support sustainable models and practices are task-based and project-based language teaching, both of which promote agency and reflect real-world processes. Post practicum, I have greater confidence in my ability to promote sustainable practices, contextualize language learning, address the social and emotional well-being of students, and empower them to take ownership of the language while building each other up.

ABSTRACT. Data have shown that in 2021, 8.08 billion USD was the market value for pharmaceutical plastic bottles. Plastic is one of the most used packaging materials compared to paper, glass, or metal. In the United State alone during 2020, about 4.38 billion prescriptions were filled. With the growing concerns about plastic usage in the environment, finding a process and correct components to create a biodegradable material that can be used for pharmaceutical prescription bottles is a huge demand and was the main goal for this project. Different biopolymers were cross-linked together to create a biodegradable material. Evaluation of suitable molds was also done. The newly created crosslinked biopolymer was evaluated in comparison with the existing biodegradable polylactic acid-based prescription bottles from Innovative Bottles Inc., as well as the non-biodegradable polypropylene based pharmaceutical bottles. It was found that specific amounts of each material, as well as using a correct dissolving method, and appropriate crosslinking agents were needed to create a suitable biopolymer for the pharmaceutical bottles. Two new crosslinked materials, Fran1 and Fran2, were created. The new crosslinked material will then be molded into pharmaceutical bottles and will be given to pharmacies to be used as prescription bottles. Further characterization of biodegradability, light scattering, and tensile strength/elasticity of the newly developed material will be done in the future. To be more specific, different isotherms will be used to analyze these characterizations.

ABSTRACT. This project is about the design and implementation of a computer vision "pick and place" robotic arm (utilizing OpenCV). As robotics continues to become a more integral part of the industrial complex, there is a need for more and more automated systems that require minimal to no user training to operate. How can I design a system which a beginner user can operate and control with very little instruction. To create the computer vision sorting system for my robotic arm, I used OpenCV. For my method of identifying objects, I utilized contouring, color detection, and shape detection. To manipulate my robotic arm’s end effector to the correct position, I used both inverse and forward Kinematics. My final design will allow users to determine their desired object, which will be picked up and placed by a robotic arm into the target location. My custom software interface will allow users to filter objects based on color, shape, and size. The filtering along the three parameters is done by employing a Hue-Saturation-Value (HSV) mode color detection algorithm, shape detection algorithm, and size-determining algorithm. Once the target object is identified, the robotic arm will then find the object’s center coordinates. An inverse kinematic algorithm will then be used to move the robotic arm’s joint positions for picking the object. The arm will then go through a set of motor positions to pick up the object, place the object, and then return the arm to the initial position. A new generation of cheap and easy-to-use "pick and place" systems that use deep learning for perception and can work well with much more diverse sets of objects. Intended uses can be anything that requires the use of multiple repetitive pick-and-place tasks (eg: logistics packing, sorting, etc). For future research, I would suggest ordering parts FAR in advance (and multiple extra units). I, more than once, destroyed a part and needed to wait for far to long for replacement parts. 

ABSTRACT. By the year 2030, as many as three million Americans over the age of 65, will identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer. For LGBTQ elders, the possibility of living in Long Term Care facilities, evokes biases and prejudices regarding accessing care. The objective of this study was to research if there is discrimination among elderly LGBTQ patients in Long Term Care health settings. A scoping review method was chosen to allow for an exploration of qualitive, quantitative, and mixed methods study designs, allowing for a comprehensive examination of current literature. This research is based on a compilation of 17 articles written in the last ten years. The results of this study were not able to affirm if there is actual discrimination among elderly LGBTQ patients in Long Term Care health settings. However, older LGBTQ adults with previous experiences of discrimination were more likely to anticipate further incidents of discrimination in Long Term Care facilities. Long term care facilities would benefit from instituting inclusionary strategies and ensuring access to affirming long term care services for LGBTQ elders. Limitations to this study included elder LGBTQ individual perceptions rather than actual experiences of discrimination, a lack of ethnic diversity, as well as a lack of information related specifically to transgender elders.

ABSTRACT. The purpose of this project is to build a Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) system and understand the mechanism behind it. An obvious application of this project is that it can be used to charge an electric vehicle wirelessly without the need to plug in a cable. We demonstrate an electric vehicle by using a Remote Control (RC) Car as a model. The main objective of this project is to conceive the system level design for wireless charging with various components such as the Half-Bridge inverter and DC-DC converters so that it can be applied on a RC (Remote-Control) car as a model. Our project is needed due to the lack of wireless Electric Vehicle charging. In contrast, there is an abundant amount of wired Electric Vehicle charging. The procedure to carry out our practical project is first determine the parameters such as input voltage of the system, expected output voltage of the wireless coil, and expected output voltage of the entire system. Next, determine the general circuit layout of the wireless charging system such as H-Bridge Inverter and Full-Bridge rectifier. Third, simulate using Simulation Program with Integrated Circuit Emphasis (SPICE) software of the circuit. Fourth is testing the simulated circuit physically using breadboard and PCB. Finally, integration and testing with an existing RC car. Generally, In Fall 2022, the simulation and design of the Wireless Power Transfer system were accomplished. In Spring 2023, two Printed Circuit Board (PCB) versions for the H-Bridge Inverter were fabricated to see how our simulated design would work practically. The newer PCB design minimizes the heating loss on the Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors (MOSFETs) and driver integrated circuits (IC), however additional testing is needed for charging the battery. In addition to the Half-Bridge (H-Bridge) Inverter, the battery management system was also designed and tested in a prototype board that did not meet expectations. In Spring 2023, the printed circuit board version of the battery management system was fabricated, which was tested and verified as expected. As mentioned in the project motivation, the main outcomes of this practical project is to conceive the system level design with various components to create a wireless charging device on an RC car. The end goal is to see it charging an Remote Control (RC) Car as a model for electric vehicles. This practical project integrates soldering skills, PCB designing through software such as EasyEDA, simulation skills through software such as Multisim, prototyping skills such as using breadboard, knowledge of electromagnetics such electromagnetic induction, and power electronics design. This practical project potential impact would be the introduction of wireless charging for Electric Vehicles. Our hope is that more progress would be made to make it feasible for corporation and governments to adopt wireless charging in addition to the existing wired charging (albeit using an (Remote Control (RC) car as a starting point).

ABSTRACT. Social workers are beginning to impact communities through assistance with substance abuse/mental health crises. Not all police departments utilize social workers in the crisis calls. This survey can prove the effectiveness of having them in the front lines. The proposed study will be seeking to understand how police departments in the United States have succeeded in their implementation of crisis intervention teams with social workers. Police officers will provide data on their background and experiences in Crisis intervention teams. They will also critique social workers that they work with and inform of any other departments that utilize the program. Based on a literature review, the latest studies about social workers and police officers working together on crisis situations have been done about 30 years. Social workers would normally provide resources to people in crises or refer them to a nearby medical facility. Police officers, without the oversight of social workers, would take these people to jail. This project can encourage police departments all over to employ social workers to accompany their officers in crisis situations. Officer participation is limited because of regular response to ongoing situations and working overtime. Have police officers critique the effectiveness social workers and other mental health professionals working in the crisis intervention teams. Social workers are beginning to impact communities through assistance with substance abuse/mental health crises. Not all police departments utilize mental health professionals in the crisis calls. This survey can prove the effectiveness of having them in the front lines. 1) Research which police departments have crisis intervention teams. 2) Contact supervisors and/or managers of crisis intervention teams through email and phone call. 3) If unable to contact through email and phone call, consider calling police non-emergency line to help you contact someone in the crisis intervention team. Either police officers will show that mental health professionals are not needed or hinder police procedure during mental health/substance abuse crises or they are needed and have helped improved community relations. Social workers and other mental health professionals have critical knowledge and skills that police officers do not have. Most people going through crises end up in jail when these people need to be referred to other specialists. This project can encourage police departments all over the United States to employ more mental health professionals to accompany their officers in the mental health/substance abuse crises. 

ABSTRACT. An estimated 5.5 million people in the United States live with probable Alzheimer’s disease (AD), which is expected to be as high as 16 million by 2050. Using music therapy as a non-drug intervention helps dementia patients activate memory, trigger positive emotions, and improve behavioral symptoms. The purpose of this project is to create an assessment instrument that memory care facilities can use to determine their usage of music within their facilities. Music as a therapeutic tool has been used in settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, and substance abuse centers to influence mood. Exploring how memory care centers use or do not use music may be beneficial for their different programming in supporting patients and caregivers. A new questionnaire was developed to distribute to social workers in Hawai’i who had interacted with Alzheimer's disease and dementia patients. Questions within the new questionnaire include Gain in Alzheimer Care Instrument and Brief Mood Introspection Scale items which assess their experiences using Music-Based Interventions (MBI) as a supplemental form of treatment. A new questionnaire was developed to distribute to social workers in Hawai’i who had interacted with Alzheimer's disease and dementia patients. Questions within the new questionnaire include Gain in Alzheimer Care Instrument and Brief Mood Introspection Scale items which assess their experiences using Music-Based Interventions (MBI) as a supplemental form of treatment. Using MBI as a supplement treatment may positively influence client’s behaviors and mood, furthering our roles as social workers in improving the quality of life for our clients. In addition, each facility may be more aware of their usage (or lack of) music within their programming. Implementing MBI in the daily routine of patients with AD can improve the mental and emotional health of clients, allowing social workers to enhance their patient-caregiver experience.

ABSTRACT. Culturally focused healthcare organizations are integral to Native Hawaiian community health, and Western evidence-based practices may not be appropriate for Indigenous communities. This research sought to understand better how to support these organizations and the unique barriers they encounter in their mission to serve and foster better health in Native Hawaiian communities. What are the accessibility barriers, emotional, cultural, and/or geographical barriers challenging culturally based Native Hawaiian healthcare organizations to connect with their patients/clients? This mixed-methods study collected qualitative and quantitative data: in-depth interviews and an online survey. This study was a subset of a more extensive program evaluation of the Na Makawai grant, a Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) COVID-19 relief grant distributed to 15 smaller community organizations and managed by Papa Ola Lokahi. All organizations focused on serving Native Hawaiian communities. Interviews were conducted with participants from organizations encompassing various health-related disciplines, mirroring the holistic nature Native Hawaiians believe influences health. 4 thematic barriers emerged from the data: mistrust, access to care in rural areas, funding, & free labor.In the small quantitative survey, the top answers:Provider burn outA mismatch between funding agendas and community needsClients don't have transportation.Cultural experts are expected to work for free. The research team hopes these groups' key concerns are illuminated, and their communities benefit from the findings. Understanding the inner workings of these environments is critical in supporting their mission and planning for long-term sustainability for generations to come. The program evaluation team lacked a member of Native Hawaiian descent post interviews-3/5 of the significant health clinics didn't have time for interviewsUnderrepresentation of medical health professionals-17/18 were behavioral and mental health

ABSTRACT. The systems theoretical framework motivates and guides my study of the religiosity of military veterans in examining the ways in which veterans’ religious beliefs and practices are influenced by the military system. My research question is “Did military service have an impact on the religiosity/spirituality of U.S. veterans?” A cross sectional exploratory research case study with a one-time administration of a written survey was conducted. Seven survey questions focused on the religiosity/spirituality of the participant. The data was analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), t-tests, and the Pearson correlation coefficient. My main findings were that 1) although the correlation was weak, increased number of years of active duty was associated with lower religiosity, 2) those with less than 11 years of active military reported slightly higher religiosity scores in organized religious activities than those with more than 11 years of active military service 3) those who received a combat action ribbon/badge reported higher levels of strength in religiosity scores than those who did not. Overall, it appears that military service may impact some aspects of religiosity while not affecting others. With over 90% of military veterans reporting they are religious, it is crucial that social workers study the dynamic nature of religiosity as it pertains to Veterans’ religious journeys. This study provided preliminary data that warrants in-depth research to enhance assessments and interventions to ensure optimal care is offered our nation’s Veterans. Limitations included a small sample size (n=21) and short amount of time to collect the data. Also, it was not possible to account for such confounding variables as social support, mental health status, and chronic and acute stressors.

ABSTRACT. The motivation is to understand further the benefits and outcomes when it comes to using Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) in the treatment of children diagnosed with Autism. The main research question relates to: Would children with ASD benefit from incorporating Canine-Assisted Therapy into their treatment plans, and would there be better treatment outcomes from this incorporation? Online research was the unit of analysis for this study. Reviews of scholarly articles, books, and other sources which are relevant to the topic and will enumerate, describe, summarize, objectively evaluate, and clarify previous research. The result shows the possibility of increased benefits when incorporating dogs into interventions and therapy services. Constant with other research observations, the use of dogs in therapy suggests a bond between humans and animals in which animals allow for a better emotional bridge in specific therapeutic contexts, promoting verbal and nonverbal behaviors directed at the dogs and toward the therapist. Implications suggest that AAT would provide positive outcomes when it comes to increasing social interaction and decreasing problem behaviors. Limitations include a need for concise formal methodology and more rigorous study of the subject.

ABSTRACT. I chose to produce this documentary because releasing fear has been an integral role in breaking free from the identity that came with my previous misdiagnosis. This has been a life changing experience and I wanted to tell my own story. I was misdiagnosed as Bipolar and over-medicated with SSRIs during my formative years (14-20 years old) . In the spring of 2021, an electroencephalograph (brain scan) revealed the root of what was happening in my mind and body. This comprehensive short film is highly experimental with a narrative drive and I envision its structure as non-linear as the healing process has proved itself to be. My story of rehabilitation and self-actualization is told through experimental documentation of life, loss, and movement. Ms. Diagnosed has been my capstone project for the last 2 years in HPU's multimedia cinematic production program. I have used my phone, ipad and DSLR camera to document my medical treatment and healing process. I collaborated with my advisor and fellow students of the multimedia program to film expressionist pieces and interviews. I work with Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects and Blender to make my story come to life visually. As a classically and contemporarily trained theater artist, I connect deeply with my senses to create an innate musicality that supports the various tones of my film such as despair and redemption. I utilize excerpts of aerial dance sequences (performed and choreographed by me) as an expressionistic modality of storytelling.The film will feature a contemplative undercurrent of instrumental music produced by a local musician. Animation is another tool that I use for reflexive storytelling.There are several animated sequences like my title sequence of a cartoon version of myself getting stuck in a pill bottle that reflect my experience being over medicated. I am also designed 3D animation Mesh of a my brain using Blender. The issue of medical malpractice is a systemic failure of utmost importance because we often trust doctors' diagnoses and recommendations regarding our health.This systemic issue can be characterized as a revolving door motorized by neglect and deprioritization of sustainable health... I hope that my film can reach others who have been discarded by the medical system and give them hope for healing.

ABSTRACT. This project involves partnering with Integrated Security Technologies Inc (IST), an electronic security system integration firm based in the community of Waipo, Waipahu, HI. Our team responsibility is to develop a Knowledge Management strategy and design a knowledge management solution to support the organization's information management and business operations. The focus is on creating a knowledge management strategy for a modern organization, which requires gathering background information through on-site visits, conversations with host organization personnel, and thorough secondary research. Improve a business organization's onboarding process and training to enable IST’s gathering, organizing, and distribution of information. Case studies are a useful tool for understanding how KM practices can be effectively implemented in different organizational contexts. They provide real-world examples of successful KM initiatives, highlighting the benefits and challenges of different approaches. In our project, we have applied case studies in knowledge management to gain insights into how organizations have managed their knowledge and to identify best practices that can be applied in the company IST. The scope of the project includescreating a KM strategy for IST to implement,generating meaningful business insights from the collected data, anddeveloping powerful predictive models to solve problems and/or realize opportunities. Collecting data and conduct an analysis of the data to provide insights to make informed decisions. Come up with innovative strategies to share information and develop KM strategy to enable Technology companies in Hawaii to effectively gather, organize, and distribute information.

ABSTRACT. This analysis is for the Kupuna Community Care Network II to provide more specified services to the Hawaiian homestead kupuna to age in place safely. Unfortunately, no studies have examined home safety for aging in place in the native Hawaiian population. Is home safety a concern for the kupuna surveyed, and what are the prevalent issues? Analysis of the Wahi Ho’omalu Home Safety Survey will provide Kula No Na Po'e Hawai'i o Papakōlea, Kewalo, Kalawahine (KULA) the living conditions and the home safety needs of the kupuna in the homestead community. This paper presents the quantitative analysis of the survey comprised of 39 yes or no questions related to home safety. The 91 respondents were all registered kupuna with the Kupuna Community Care Network II program that services the three native Hawaiian Homesteads of Papakōlea, Kewalo, and Kalawahine. Of the 91 homes, 49% reported having a foundation that had shifted, with additional indicators of foundation shifting reported by 18% of respondents. A prevalence of minor home repair needs was identified, such as shower handrails (54%). Results show that 31% of homes reported having a current caregiver, 57% anticipated needing a caregiver in the next ten years, and 44% conveyed that their home was not handicapped accessible. The potential impacts of this project would be at the individual, family, and community levels for improving the quality of life for the kupuna and their families. In addition, Kula, the leading homestead community non-profit, could utilize the results and assist other homestead communities to do the same. The survey results cannot be applied to all homestead kupuna households or other native Hawaiian Homesteads in Hawaii. Analysis of the Wahi Ho’omalu Home Safety Survey will provide Kula No Na Po'e Hawai'i o Papakōlea, Kewalo, Kalawahine (KULA) with living conditions and the home safety needs of the kupuna in the homestead community. This project is out of respect and care of the Hawaiian Homestead community and the kupuna. This survey analysis is for the Kupuna Community Care Network II to provide more specified services to the homestead community kupuna to age in place. The data analysis included reviewing each of the 91 survey responses individually and then by question. The questions were reviewed for major and minor home safety concerns. The questionnaire and responses were reviewed for recommendations to be reported back to KULA and KCCN II. The analysis found major structural concerns, minor home repair needs, current and projected caregiver necessities, and home accessibility requirements. Comparative analysis with the 2007 and 2018 Home Safety Surveys may produce additional findings. This project required the use of mezzo (family) and macro (community) social work skills, cultural humility, working in community, and data analysis skills. Social work theories utilized for mezzo and macro social work were also crucial for this project. The potential impacts of this project would be at the individual, family, and community levels for improving quality of life for the kupuna and their families. Kula, the leading homestead community non-profit, could utilize the results and assist other homestead communities to do the same.

ABSTRACT. I am using a critically queer lens to analyze the characters, their behavior, dialogue, and appearances to gain further insight into Macbeth and how it battles and enforces gender roles. How did Shakespeare’s Macbeth Demonize Femininity and Androgyny? How Does This Relate to Lady Macbeth’s Lack of Power? My research methods include close reading of the text and adding my own interpretation to the text backed up with evidence from other scholars. I also include historical facts about society in the Elizabethan era. The clear division between femininity and masculinity, along with the refusal to accept androgyny, is ultimately what leads to Macbeth’s downfall. The characters in the play view gender as absolute as opposed to fluid, which creates a lot of limitations in their character growth and creates an unhealthy sense of machismo which criticizes the hyper-masculinity of the Elizabethan era. To show that queer people, values, and identities were present long before society began to accept them as normal. A limitation I encountered was the lack of queer studies and analysis done during the Elizabethan era because being queer was considered taboo.

ABSTRACT. Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills, and eventually the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. It is one of the world’s most dangerous diseases because its causes and cure are unknown. Globally, there are more than 55 million people who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. Approximately, every 70 seconds, someone in America develops Alzheimer’s disease. It ranks as the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. In contrast, the American Asian and Pacific Islander (AAPI) populations are the fastest-growing minority groups in the United States and are the second highest of all ethnic groups with Alzheimer’s disease. This paper aims to do a summative evaluation on an existing program designed to enhance health equity and eliminate health disparities among Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders on Oahu who suffer directly and indirectly from Alzheimer’s disease. This program is a new Washington State University-led project called the Natives Engaged in Alzheimer’s Research. The program is funded by the National Institute on Aging. Thesummative evaluation that this paper aims to do, will assess the outcome of the program’s design and implementation to determine the program continuation, expansion, and modifications. 

ABSTRACT. To design a low-cost hand prosthetic option for use during the post-amputation rehabilitation period to help accelerate the healing process for the remaining appendages. Millions of people globally are affected by partial hand amputations, and the majority do not receive a prosthetic, though prosthetics are known to promote patient mental and physical health. 3D printing is currently being utilized to create low-cost prosthetics in third-world countries. The proposed prosthetic design expands upon an established whole-hand prosthetic design to accommodate individuals with partial hand amputation. Temporary modalities used in physical therapy are employed to enable customization of the device for patient needs. Computer-aided design (CAD) models and 3D printed versions of the proposed device were created. Wrist motion is used to control grasping; elastic cords control tension and resistance in the digits. The proposed prosthetic device integrates principles of biomechanics and engineering design with the aim of improving remaining digit range of motion and reducing rehabilitation time. This project addresses patient comfort and healing during the rehabilitation process, promoting patient well-being and the development of rehabilitation approaches that promote overall recovery.

ABSTRACT. Social constructionism was loosely used as a framework for this study to get an idea of how peoples' beliefs of stigmas contributed to the perpetuation of said stigmas. How does mental health stigma affect Hawaii-based USAF Servicemembers’ decisions on whether or not to seek mental health help? A survey was utilized to ask questions about the mindset and beliefs of the target population. The survey questions sought to understand the experiences of these Airmen as they relate to mental health stigma in order to identify possible perpetuations of stigmatizing beliefs. Initial analysis of the data received showed an approximate 1% agreement rate with provided statements that perpetuate mental health stigma beliefs. 22 of the 28 respondents provided open comments at the end of the survey. 20 provided the servicemembers' beliefs that mental health stigma in the military is still very much an issue in the Air Force. At the same time, there was a general sense of hope for the direction that the Air Force is trending in terms of combating these Stigmas. The research highlights the beliefs of Hawaii-based USAF servicemembers about mental health stigma. The understanding of these beliefs has the potential to improve the USAF’s approach to eliminating mental health stigma. The main study obstacle was the number of participants. It was hoped that I would receive about 100 responses. Ideally, future research would be advertised more broadly.

ABSTRACT. Native Hawaiian (NH) researchers are dramatically underrepresented in Social Sciences research and little is known about the perspectives of NH and non-NH researchers who conduct research in Native Hawaiian communities. The overarching research question is “What are the perspectives of Hawaiian and non-Hawaiian researchers regarding motivating factors, facilitators, and barriers to conducting research in Native Hawaiian communities? Non probability, purposive and snowball sampling was utilized to collect data from five Native Hawaiian and non-Native Hawaiian researchers using a semi-structured interview format. Verbatim transcripts were coded to identify motivation, barriers, and facilitators from the researchers. PI also used memo writing to guard against potential biases in data analysis. Five themes emerged from the data: (1) Kuleana (Privilege, Birthright, and Responsibility) as Motivation; (2) Accessing Supports and Financial Resources; (3) Importance of Relationships and Location; (4) Cultural Identity (particularly for Native Hawaiians); and (5) Finding Your Passion through Education and Service. Findings can inform pathways for Native Hawaiians and non-Hawaiian researchers to engage in research careers that involve Native Hawaiian community-led social science research and interventions. Internal motivation and access to supportive and empathetic mentorship and financial resources can assist both Native Hawaiian and non-Hawaiian researchers to pursue research careers and leadership positions to uplift Native Hawaiian communities and organizations. Having a larger sample size, additional time to collect and analyze data, and memo writing could address limitations of this study.

ABSTRACT. Having a larger sample size, additional time to collect and analyze data, and memo writing could address limitations of this study. How can Critical Theory be applied to critique oppression represented in selected Disney films and songs in each film? How does this critique provide a foundation that leads to societal improvement? Each chosen film was briefly summarized before looking in-depth at selected song lyrics that revealed oppressive attitudes and behaviors. This examination was compared to the ideal values held by society and Critical Theory was used to offer commentary and critique. Aladdin primarily displayed economic and hierarchical oppression, Pocahontas displayed racial and ethnic oppression, and Mulan displayed gender-based oppression, though there was overlap. Terminology was used to restrict and exploit those with less power. Oppressed characters were only able to find upward mobility through rebellion, sacrifice, or supernatural intervention. Success occurred when those in power were open-minded and accepting. Recognizing the normalized oppression in films that are embedded in reality provides an opportunity to critique and improve societal conditions. This analysis was limited in scope, depth, and cultural perspective. Future research can utilize a multicultural approach to address other popular media sources.

ABSTRACT. Previous in vitro research showcases that Waixenicin A (waix A) can stop neuronal death during hypoxic-ischemic brain injuries, such as stroke and encephalopathy. These findings drive the motivation that waix A should be clinically investigated as a potential treatment for such ailments. My study aids to understand if waix A can be a practical treatment for such devastating brain events investigating whether the marine natural product can cross an in vitro blood bran barrier. The outcomes of permeability in vitro showcase its likelihood of accessing the brain in vivo. There will be four main categories I am measuring are barrier establishment, whether Waix A crossed the barrier, the optimal treatment concentrations of Waix A, and the rate at which Waix A crossed the barrier. All of these findings will be statistically analyzed with either one or two sided t-tests as well as linear regressions. Findings at this stage are not complete, but I expected that Waix A will cross the in vitro BBB optimally at 1 uM concentration. This is due to the fact that waix A borders on the characteristics of what is needed for central nervous system drugs. These findings indicate that further progression for waix A's clinical development should occur. If waix A did not cross, this would indicate that synthetic analogs with only the active sites would then be investigated for their clinical potential. The main implication for this study is that it will allow for further development of Waix A as a central nervous system drug. The main limitation of this study was time. I only have one semester to do all the background, write the methodology, and actually do the experiments with no cell culturing experience.

ABSTRACT. A website was developed that allows a small service business, Event Medics Hawaii, to present itself to prospective clientele, provides an online payment portal for existing clientele, and creates an online scheduling tool for staff members. It is believed that, with the far reach of the internet, a well designed and implemented website could be an excellent marketing tool to increase our clients' customer base and revenue. We used an agile development process called SCRUM which is a project management style that focuses on weekly goals achieved through development sprints, meetings, and flexible planning. First, we met with the clients to discuss their requirements for the website. Then, as a team, we documented the client’s requirements in the software requirements specification and user stories. Next, we began developing the required website. Throughout this step, we communicated with the client to ensure we were still on-track and aligned. We delivered a website that is well designed, simple to maintain, provides an online payment portal for existing clientele, and provides a restricted area for staff members to manage their shifts and review company disclosures. This project required us to use software development lifecycle processes, an agile methodology called SCRUM, programming language skills, critical thinking to troubleshoot real-world issues, and business level communication to interact within a team and our real-life client. Our client offers on-site emergency medic services, such as first aid stations at concerts. This website could be used as both a hiring and marketing tool for the client. If successful, this could decrease unemployment and promote safety at large events.

ABSTRACT. The purpose of this program is to increase the rates of breastfeeding in Hawaii, with special focus in the Waimanalo community, and celebrate the culture of breastfeeding among Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders by creating networks of support for all families. Breastfeeding has many benefits for the mother and infant and decreases overall healthcare costs. There is strong evidence that shows that breastfed babies have fewer ear infections, GI infections, SIDS deaths, decreased obesity, asthma, childhood obesity, type II diabetes, leukemia, and preterm infants will have less necrotizing enterocolitis. Mothers who breastfeed have decreased risks for breast and ovarian cancer. With the help of Waimanalo Health Center WIC, Native Hawaiian birth keepers, koʻokua (doulas), advocates, kumu (educators), and pale keiki (midwives) this program upholds the traditions around pregnancy, birth, and postpartum in order to perpetuate Hawaiian cultural birthing practices and support breastfeeding for our Hawaiian communities. Before the implementation of the breastfeeding program, an internal needs assessment was conducted. The program has six modules that are designed for a group setting with flexible online options. Ka Poli `Ai will increase awareness of the value of breastfeeding and provide a culturally balanced approach to breastfeeding and birthing practices. The project integrates the MPH foundational competencies with knowledge, skills, and perspectives gained though the coursework. The project will have positive impacts on Oahu communities, especially in Waimanalo where it will be implemented.

ABSTRACT. This program aims to develop an original public health program including its design and implementation that can be utilized no matter what location of the world the child is in. This program aims to create a balance between what the Ugandan communities perceive as their susceptibility, in this case mental health and its severity will determine their likelihood to use the positive coping mechanisms learned through this program. This program will use the Health Belief Model in order to achieve optimal behavior. This program is composed of multiple self-soothing and positive coping mechanisms aimed to improve child mental health awareness/ education through a holistic approach. To provide self-soothing and positive coping mechanisms for the children of Uganda. This program will help the target population to focus on wellbeing, self-acceptance, self-understanding, general functioning, and improved interpersonal safety. Through this program and its Facilitator Guide we will be able to identify, implement, and teach coping mechanisms that will help the target group and their everyday mental health. This project has the potential to have positive long-term effects to improve child mental health awareness of behavior and mental health at multiple levels throughout Uganda and other areas of the world.

ABSTRACT. The purpose of my project is to tell a cautionary tale about the psychological effects of a toxic relationship, set in a moody dreamscape and guided by an unreliable narrator. Hopefully, those who have been in a toxic relationship can view my film and see themselves reflected in it, and consequently reach catharsis with the root of their trauma. Our first step was to create a synopsis and step outline for the script, then we wrote the script off of these parameters. Next steps included casting characters, scheduling shoot dates, and filming principal photography. An original “siren song” was recorded for the film, completed in time for post production. Our first step was to create a synopsis and step outline for the script, then we wrote the script off of these parameters. Next steps included casting characters, scheduling shoot dates, and filming principal photography. An original “siren song” was recorded for the film, completed in time for post production. The final cut of the film is anticipated to have a seven to eight minute runtime, excluding credits. It will include an original Siren Song recording, composed by Madison Ware. This project represents a culmination of cinematic production coursework, in which scriptwriting, non-linear editing, motion graphics, cinematography, storytelling, creativity, and problem solving have all been thoroughly examined previously. So far nine HPU cinematic production students have gained experience from working on this film or volunteering their time, which is a way the film helps our local community.  The purpose of my project is to tell a cautionary tale about the psychological effects of a toxic relationship, set in a moody dreamscape and guided by an unreliable narrator. Hopefully, those who have been in a toxic relationship can view my film and see themselves reflected in it, and consequently reach catharsis with the root of their trauma.

ABSTRACT. Coral health monitoring is important as the effects of climate change become more visible. Invasive algae presence can be used as an indicator of environmental conditions detrimental to coral reef ecosystems. Abundance of Dictyosphaeria spp. and Kappaphycus sp. on patch reefs in Kaneohe Bay will be determined by investigating the influence of reef depth, location, and substrate type. Two parallel transects between 0-1.5m, and 1.5-3m depth were surveyed on eight reefs, taking 12 photo quadrats over six meters. Cover (%) of live coral, dead coral, and the presence or absence of invasive algae was scored using CoralNet software. It is expected that shallow transects, increased dead coral cover, and inshore locations will show higher percentages of algae abundance. Deeper transects, increased live coral cover, and offshore locations will show less algal presence. Depth profiles, comparison plots of reef depth, and substrate type for each reef sampled are used to show these expected patterns. Implications for future research include the control and monitoring of invasive algae species, both native and introduced in a resilient ecosystem such as Kaneohe Bay. Obstacles and limitations include a short time frame, varying environmental conditions, and a small sample size of patch reefs surveyed.

ABSTRACT. Collector urchins (Tripneustes gratilla) are important herbivores in Kaneohe Bay because they consume invasive algae that outcompete coral reefs. Despite this, the drivers of their distribution are not understood. I hypothesize that food availability and predation avoidance are the two main factors dictating the distribution of the urchins. Predation risk and food requirements are influenced by size. To test these drivers of urchin distribution, I quantified the relationships between urchin size and driving variables (1) their depth, and (2) their distance from neighboring urchins. Urchin microhabitat was measured by comparing substrate use to substrate availability in reefs. I found that larger urchins are found deeper and further away from each other. The relationship between urchin size and both depth and distance are strongest when looking at all the urchins from a reef. Furthermore, collector urchins disproportionately use dead coral across all the surveyed patch reefs. The finding that distribution is based on food and predation is widely applied across ecosystems different species and ecosystems. The study focused on one species (collector urchins) over a three-month period within Kaneohe Bay.

ABSTRACT. Hawai‘i has become the first trauma-informed state, however they are behind the nationwide rate in implementing trauma informed practices into their schools. Increasing the number of practices in schools can lead to a decrease in behavior write ups and suspension and expulsion rates, while increasing the emotional wellbeing of students.Driving Question- How does Hawai‘i compare to the United States in implementing trauma-informed practices? The procedure of this project includes completing a comprehensive literature review examining trauma-informed education practices in the United Sates and Hawai‘i and their outcomes in schools. The outcome of this project is to identify the level of progression Hawai‘i has implemented trauma-informed education practices compared to the rest of the United States. I’ve found that Hawai‘i is behind and am beginning to examine why. My project has the potential impact to increase the number of trauma-informed practices being used in schools in Hawai‘i for the greater success of children on island. The implementation of these practices can lead to a decrease in behavior write ups, suspension and expulsion rates, while increasing the emotional wellbeing of students. Hawai‘i has been left out in past research of state statistics on suspension and expulsion rates. Hawai‘i's Department of Education may also have inadequate tools in order to successfully collect data across the state. My project aims to analyze how Hawai‘i has adopted and implemented Trauma Informed Education Practices into to their schools compared to the rest of the United States. The project also examines outcomes of the practices and why they are needed in schools.

ABSTRACT. I will be focusing on the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division (ADAD), within the Institute for Human Services (IHS): this is for individuals who are currently homeless and suffering from substance misuse. I am looking to form a treatment program that includes an assessment of their coping skills (physical, mental, or spiritual) to establish and strengthen them to separate their triggers to lessen the pressure during their recovery process. From the time I have spent at the Kalihi Uka Recovery House site, there can be anywhere from 4 to 14 ADAD referrals each month from this past year, adding all up to a total of 168 individuals who are being referred for substance misuse treatment. Considering Hawaii has a significant homelessness issue, the majority of the homeless population suffer from substance misuse, thus posing a decrease of substance issues overall within the local community. In order to carry out a plan of action to implement the treatment program, we will need to enforce additional measures in the initial intake process to cover coping mechanisms and acquire additional funding to hire extra care coordinators for client interactions, obtain necessary supplies, and extra support for emergencies. From there, distinguish each client’s coping mechanism (physical, mental, or spiritual), establish a weekly schedule for coordinators, and document a list of supplies needed for coping treatments. I propose the end result of this successful treatment program is a decreased rate of substance misuse amongst the homeless population, an increase of successful recoveries amongst substance users, an increase of self-esteem and healthy behaviors for affected individuals, and a possible decrease of overall substance issues on the island. Coping skills/ mechanisms are a vital tool that is needed during an overall assessment for recovery; with the planning to implement these skills it may lead to greater outcomes, then those listed. From what I’ve noticed at the Kalihi Uka Recovery House site operated under IHS, I have seen clients that come with no coping skills versus the clients who have already found their appropriate coping skills during their recovery. The benefit towards avoiding relapse and a smoother recovery process are utilizing coping skills that can contribute to overall physical and mental health. As seen from my internship at the Kalihi Uka Recovery House within IHS, clients are to complete substance misuse treatment and prepare for transfer to affordable housing to acclimate into “societal” living. By implementing the significance of coping skills to the intake process for homeless individuals in the ADAD program, the vision towards a cleaner and healthier community wide pool then statewide may start to take action.

ABSTRACT. To conduct an IT Data Audit on the Data Management processes and procedures of HPU IT Department utilizing the DAF methodology. If done successfully, this audit can provide recommendations to save HPU money and increase efficiency. To conduct a capstone project that was actually aligned with our degree program as MSBAIS students. 1.) Identify group members.2.) Identify goal (to conduct an IT Audit)3.) To understand the purpose of IT Audits (to catch repeated efforts, increase efficiency, save the company money, verify compliance)4.) To utilize the DAF framework to review the HPU IT data management systems in place.5.) To compare against similar organizations in the same industry and make recommendations based on findings and best practice. The outcome will be totally up to the HPU IT manager to implement. Still, in the end, the IT Manager at HPU will have a more clearly defined data management system provided, a data retention and data destruction policy, and recommendations for improvement to current procedures. Through our coursework in the MSBAIS program, we have learned the fundamentals of database management, project management, and information security. These are three critical pieces that all come into play with our audit of HPU IT systems. The data retained in these systems require stringent security and management protocols to be effectively put in place. Our project can have impact at the local level by effectively auditing HPU IT data systems and at the national level because there are students that attend HPU from overseas and abroad. These students may not be in Hawaii but still, rely on the integrity and reliability of HPU data systems.

ABSTRACT. I exited the military after 13 years and wanted to continue to do something fun and excited that allowed me to travel and gave me an opportunity to earn six figures. I still craved the brotherhood and adventure! What are some good career paths after military service?How do I qualify for these positions?What can I do to make myself more marketable in the contracting field? My data has come from interviews with contractors who were former military, data from the companies themselves, and the recruiters who work for these corporations. As expected, any job that pays well takes time, effort, education, experience, and the will to put yourself out of your comfort zone. I will touch on all of these points in my presentation. If you want to be sucsessful out of the military, it is important to not waste your time. You must have SMART goals, and create a plan to follow in order to reach them in a reasonable and timely matter. Many of these corporation are very private and do not allow a lot of data flow to the public, as they work very closely with the CIA and other high levels of government. That being said, my focus will be more about how to build yourself into a potential candidate, as opposed to what the inside actually looks like. There were 482,416 active duty U.S. Army members in 2021. This amount represents a slight increase in comparison to the number recorded in the previous year. Some serve one 3-year contract, and other serve for 30 years, but what do these soldiers do after their time in the United States Army? What opportunities actually exist for these men and women who served America? Does our government actually put in place systems to help prior active duty members to succeed after their service? Additionally, this project will aim to educate the public about military contracting and its requirements. A highly lucrative and highly recruited channel for veterans who meet the proper qualifications is government contracting. Additionally, I will make a list of practical guides for ex-military personnel seeking government employment.You can speak to these recruiters for the companies that we will learn about while still on active duty. In some instances, the military will assist you in attending additional trainings that will enable you to secure a government contractor position prior to your termination of service. I interviewed three current contractors and I chose them because of their experience and success in the sector.My results stemming from my research will show a path that job seekers can take to ensure they are hired in this field. I will identify where the primary locations of employment are, and identify specific tools needed in the field. My project will cover the pros and cons of this type of career choice, how to achieve your government contracting goals should you choose to do so, and what type of future career paths these contracts lead into.

ABSTRACT. I am submitting this proposal on behalf of the MC 4900 Communication Capstone Experience team under the Project with Practical Application category. We plan to present our case study, research findings, and creative concepts generated for the National Student Advertising Competition (NSAC). During the 2023 Spring semester, our team devised a communication strategy for this year's NSAC client, "Indeed", a popular job search engine. Our project aims to increase unaided consideration for "Indeed" among Americans aged 18 to 24 years old by the end of the calendar year. Our research included both secondary and primary research methods to increase brand perception among the target audience, evaluate their media consumption patterns, their core values, and other audience insights. Through research and creative concept generation, we devised a $35 million media plan that communicates our corporate client, Indeed, as a lifetime companion for the modern A18-24 job seeker over a 12-month period. The media plan considers several channels of advertising, including social media, streaming services, out-of-home, and new, non-intrusive forms of advertising. Our campaign strategy is projected to yield over two billion impressions among the A18-24 target audience and solidifies "Indeed" as a long-term sidekick while this group develops their relationships with work. It is a combination of non traditional and digital marketing in a comprehensive, year long media plan that increases the unaided consideration of the A18-24 year audience. Our team conducted both secondary and primary research on the A18-24 audience and found that the way young people actually feel about job search is much different than how we wish they would feel. Achieving target impressions over a 1 year period. As well as increase unique visitor traffic, profiles created, resumes uploaded, company reviews searched, and dream job preferences specified. Our campaign strategy is projected to yield over two billion impressions among the A18-24 target audience.

ABSTRACT. The social-ecological model serves as the theoretical framework for this research because of its emphasis on the interconnectedness of individual, social, and environmental determinants of adolescent drug use and its implications for practical strategies for preventing and controlling drug use in young people. What substance abuse interventions are available and accessible for adolescents in the U.S.? What are the advantages and disadvantages of these substance abuse interventions?The hypothesis is that the current substance abuse interventions will focus on treating substance abuse, and there will be a few publications about preventing and controlling future substance abuse in the future. A comprehensive literature search was integral to the study's methodology. The researcher scoured databases and scholarly journals for information on interventions designed to help American youth struggling with substance misuse. The data were evaluated using a content analysis strategy to reveal patterns, intervention efficacy, and areas for improvement. The data was analyzed, and conclusions were drawn about where the field of study should go. The findings showed that the current substance abuse interventions for adolescents in the U.S. might not be fully effective in preventing future substance use as most of the interventions are short-term. The research lacks holistic approaches to control, treatment, and recommendations for future research, which may be needed to improve present substance abuse interventions for adolescents. The conclusion was drawn following a thorough analysis of the gathered data.The findings of this study will shed some light on the prevention, treatment, and control of teenage substance abuse since they provide essential insight into the efficacy of current therapies and suggest ways to enhance them in the future. Publication bias is a limitation of this study, as the study relies solely on published literature. Future research could include a broader range of sources, such as unpublished data and gray literature. Additionally, the study's focus on the U.S. may limit its generalizability to other countries.

ABSTRACT. The majority of coral reef species rely on dispersive larvae and juveniles to connect and replenish their adult populations across vast stretches of open ocean. Despite their ecological importance, not much is known about the larval phases of most marine species. Brachyurans are a diverse taxonomic group with a larval stage called a megalops, that develops right before settling into their adult habitat. The megalops have few diagnostic differences between species, making it difficult to differentiate between species using morphological methods. I use DNA barcoding to identify megalops larvae collected in neustonic plankton tows conducted by NOAA off West Hawaiʻi Island from 2016-2018. To date, 427 individual megalops have been isolated from 55 plankton tows, and I have began barcoding at the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) mitochondrial gene region. Preliminary results already reveal that megalops specimens consist of at least 3 distinct crab species including Portunus pubescens (the hairy swimming crab), Pachygrapsus minutus (tiny rock crab), and Portunus hawaiiensis (the Hawaiian blood-spotted swimming crab), a Hawaiian endemic species highly valued for subsistence fisheries. Here in Hawaiʻi, there are at least 284 recorded crab species. By collecting crab megalops, we can understand the timing of crab recruitment. Following the completion of ongoing labwork, I will use the identifications to investigate seasonal patterns in the timing of recruitment of different species to refine our understanding of these ecologically and culturally important reef species.

ABSTRACT. This study utilizes social comparison theory to explore how solicited and unsolicited exposure to sexual content on Instagram affects young women’s self-esteem related to body image and subsequent posting habits. How does an increase in frequency of viewing sexual content (defined as sexually explicit and suggestive photos designed to garner sexual attention or attraction) on Instagram influence women’s self-esteem related to body image and subsequent posting habits? A 21-question survey inspired by the Rosenberg Self-Esteem scale was distributed on social media, garnering 120 female respondents between the ages of 18 and 28. Snowball sampling was utilized to gain more respondents. Responses were measured using a Likert Scale index with a quantitative analysis performed using reliability tests and Pearson correlation tests on IBM SPSS for multiple study variables. Results showed that both solicited and unsolicited exposure to sexual content on Instagram had a negative effect on women’s self-esteem and body image, and influenced women to post similar content. These research results are from my BA capstone. My current MA capstone research is building upon these past results by exploring other demographic variables that may contribute towards a greater likelihood in being negatively affected by hypersexual media. The research findings are significant because they indicate a growing community health issue for women’s mental health and can be used to influence future public health policy measures and social media community standards. Study limitations include sample size, solely researching young women, and the potential for duplicate survey submissions because the survey was posted multiple times online with respondents remaining anonymous. Limitations can be addressed by increasing sample size and exploring more demographic data of the young women surveyed.

ABSTRACT. First Hawaiian Bank is the oldest established bank in the state of Hawaii that offers consumer and commercial banking for deposits, lending, wealth management, insurance, and trust services. This is a project between First Hawaiian Bank's Data Analytics department and Hawaii Pacific University Master of Science Business Analytics and Information Security candidates during the Spring 2023 semester. The project goal is to increase the understanding of customers to improve products and customer services that improve the customer’s financial well being through data analysis and research. Strengths: Apply knowledge in a practical setting and provide unique insights.Weaknesses: Length of time was too short and our lack of experience in the financial sector. This experience covers many aspects of our coursework through project management, team projects, data science, and working in the community we learned over the past year and a half. We are able to apply and refine our data science, project management, public speaking, data collection, problem solving skills in a real world environment. Having an internship with First Hawaiian Bank was a great experience for professional development.

ABSTRACT. Understanding problems related to cultural racism is critical for social workers assisting indigenous populations, as they seek to improve mental healthcare, access to healthcare, suicide ideation, and addiction treatment. The ability to recognize racism and identify where it intersects health in a client’s life will assist with treatment plans and diagnosis. This program evaluation utilized existing data from qualitative interviews gathered during part one of the Papa Ola Lōkahi (POL) program evaluation. Initial data was gathered through 18 one-on-one interviews, with all 15 (Tier 2) partners and 3 Health Care Systems (Tier 1) partners during part 1 of the program evaluation. Overall, an open coding approach was used to create the codebook and a grounded theory approach was used to develop suggestions for the evaluated Nā Makawai team. One of the sub-categories of data that came up under the “Barriers” code was “Racism” or “racist attitude towards Native Hawaiian Peoples” and how that information could be interpreted as a cultural barrier to improving Native Hawaiian Health care. Ultimately, we want to improve awareness for social workers to apply culturally appropriate values to client’s health and wellbeing providing an alternative paradigm for understanding Native Hawaiian health. One limitation of this research was a lack of knowledge about Native Hawaiian language, traditions and history.

ABSTRACT. An alternative harm reduction strategy, expedited partner therapy (EPT), is the focus of a provider training manual intending to facilitate immediate treatment for chlamydia and or gonorrhea of sex partner(s). Chlamydia and gonorrhea are the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STIs), with an inequitable impact on young adults ages 15-24, men who have sex with men (MSM), and African Americans. This manual will discuss counteracting the barriers to utilizing EPT practices. This counteraction will incorporate evidence-based recommendations in the equitable determinacy of a sex partner(s) eligibility for EPT services. Eligibility will allow for a preferred method of delivery for antibiotic therapy, followed by further educational materials. The EPT provider manual is a culturally competent tool to further the agenda of harm reduction strategies in preventing the transmission, reinfection, and additional health complications associated with STIs. This manual takes a comprehensive approach with an evidence-based outlook on EPT from the national and community level. This multilevel interpretation led to a harm reduction strategy in clinical practice. The term 'sexual health' embodies a key component of well-being across all populations. This term is instrumental in this manual's development toward an equitable intervention to improve sexual health in Hawaii.

ABSTRACT. Recent evidence of the rapid accumulation of plastic marine debris (PMD) and the presence of otherwise reef-associated fishes in subtropical gyres support the existence of a neo-pelagic community utilizing PMD as habitat. We hypothesized that concentrations of PMD, as found in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, influence PMD ingestion rates and predicted elevated ingestion rates community-wide compared to current global averages. A fish assemblage of 12 taxa was identified among bycatch from PMD cleanup operations in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, from which 144 specimens were dissected for plastic (>1mm) ingestion. Recovered PMD items were positively identified via attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). Herein, we report the first evidence of plastic ingestion by pygmy and cookiecutter sharks and secondary ingestion from lanternfish to amberjacks. Overall, five of eight taxa, all pelagics, had ingested PMD and no ingestion was observed among 3 reef-associated taxa. Of 120 ATR-FTIR confirmed ingested PMD items, 93% were buoyant macroplastics (6-84mm), including polypropylene and polyethylene lines and fragments. Our findings underscore new pathways of PMD transfer in oceanic food-webs, with implications for global mass budgeting of buoyant polymers. Evidence of high ingestion occurrence by sharks necessitates further study of PMD impacts for these threatened and unassessed species. 

ABSTRACT. Deep-sea hydrothermal vent fluids represent both an important and understudied frontier in modern microbiology. These microbes are found in anaerobic, high temperature environments inhospitable to more conventional forms of life. Consequently, they have unique metabolic adaptations and exist at the extremes of known life. However, current research is often limited by a lack of fundamental knowledge, including both phylogenetic and metabolic diversity of vent microbes. This study is an exploratory analysis that seeks to answer two driving questions: what microbes are present in the selective cultures and how do they function. Due to the high-temperature, anaerobic, and aphotic conditions, it was hypothesized that methanogenic archaea would be present, including potential novel species. In 2022, vent fluid samples were collected from multiple vent sites in the Mid Cayman Rise using the Human Operative Vehicle (HOV) Alvin as part of Alvin's Scientific Verification Expedition. Anaerobic enrichment cultures were then inoculated with these fluid samples, selecting for methanogens, sulfate-reducers, and various heterotrophic microbes. To understand these microbes, metagenomes were created from the microbial cultures, and metagenome assembled genomes (MAGs) were assembled. A bioinformatic pipeline was developed using KBase that utilizes genomic features to algorithmically determine metabolic pathways, putatively identify present microbes, and place the microbes into current microbial taxonomies. This research found nine potential novel microbial species: six archaea and three bacteria. Of the six potential novel archaea, three are putative methanogens. Because these microbes are in culture, traditional culture-based microbial methods can be used to further define the morphological and functional characteristics of the novel microbial species. A fundamental limitation in marine microbiology is the inability to culture a large percentage of marine microbes. Conversely, purely culture-independent methods provide insight into natural diversity and abundance but lack observations of morphology or behavior. The current study is part of larger analysis using synchronous and complimentary usage of both culture-dependent and independent analysis to most comprehensively evaluate microbial diversity. Discovery of these potential novel species greatly expands understanding of hydrothermal microbial ecology, both within the Mid Cayman Rise and beyond. This study also gives a framework for the synchronous usage of both culture-dependent and independent methods for a holistic approach to marine microbial ecology. Culturing introduces an intrinsic selection bias towards culturable microbes, meaning this study neither encompasses all microbial diversity in the area nor gives insight into natural abundance. To overcome these limitations, future research will be conducted on environmental metagenomes currently being created from the same vent fluid samples.