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Honolulu
Chapter

About ARCS Honolulu Chapter

The ARCS Mission

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

Our 2023–2024 Board

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

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

Treasurer: Susan Moore

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

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

Who We Are and What We Do

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

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

Responsible Philanthropy

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

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

Learn More

Dr. Mark Hixon on ARCS Scientist Honor

Dr. Mark Hixon, Photo by Chris Pala

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

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

Award Makes Valuable Travel Possible

Jordan Posner in Stockholm“This was such a rewarding experience.  Without this award, attending this meeting would have been impossible.”

University of Hawai‘i at Manoa medical school student Jourdan Posner was able to give a short talk, present a poster and network with cutting edge immunologists at a 2016 Keystone Symposium on B Cells in Stockholm thanks to travel funds from her Roche/ARCS Foundation Scholar Award. Read more

Honolulu Scholar Recognized for Work on Selenium and Psychiatric Disorders

Alexandru Sasuclark headshot“My research, if successful, would add a new diagnostic toolset for medical professionals to assess risk for those already at a high risk for developing neuropsychiatric disorders.”

Honolulu ARCS Scholar Alexandru Sasuclark received Best Poster Presentation at the John A. Burns School of Medicine’s 2021 Annual Biomedical Sciences and Health Disparities Symposium. The George and Virginia Starbuck ARCS Award receipient studies the role of selenium in development of particular neurons in the brain and the perineuronal net structures that surround them. Disruption in their development is characteristic of many neurodevelopmental diseases. A University of Hawai‘i at Manoa PhD candidate in Cell and Molecular Biology, Alexandru aspires to a career in industry pursuing treatments for neurological ailments.

Read about his inspiration or watch his video