Officials of the AAUW Hilo Branch recently selected four dynamic women for scholarship awards for the 2014-15 academic year.
Stacey Reed, Ilana Stout, Hoang-Yen Nguyen and Mary Kathleen Howe each received $1,000 awards.
Howe thought she was done with her formal education until her adult son was stricken with Rat Lungworm Disease (RLWD).
Five years of helping her son battle the disease, and realizing the appalling lack of knowledge about its diagnosis and treatment in this country, made it apparent she was going to have to undertake the research needed herself.
Howe is pursuing a master’s degree in the TCBES Program, working in close conjunction with the University of Hawaii at Hilo College of Pharmacy, to do research and help to educate the public about this potentially fatal disease that appears to be “flying under the radar” of the U.S. medical community.
Her dedication to safeguarding the public, development of sound scientific knowledge about RLWD, and participation in international workshops to exchange ideas with other concerned nations has gone far beyond the level of “concerned parent.”
Reed, a Hilo native, is working toward a double major in European history and technical theater.
She completed two years of study abroad in Scotland and New Zealand before returning to UH-Hilo to complete her studies. Her academic excellence and extensive active volunteer participation in our community made her a standout as a candidate for AAUW support.
Stout returned to school as a student in the Tropical Conservation Biology and Environment Science (TCBES) Graduate Program after teaching science for eight years at Keaau High School.
Her integration of organic gardening into her science curriculum there led to her current studies in sustainable agriculture, particularly as related to the cultural and genetic heritage of seed sources of crops grown successfully in Hawaii through generations. Her active role in the Hawaii Public Seed Initiative project of the Kohala Center is just one example of her dedication to building food system resiliency in our community.
She intends to pass on her commitment by teaching at the post-secondary level.
Nguyen arrived in the United States on a refugee boat, escaping Vietnam when she was a toddler.
She has used her American opportunities to earn bachelor’s degrees in child psychology and microbiology, as well as serving in the Peace Corps in Lesotho, Africa.
Her current pursuit of a master’s degree in TCBES at UH-Hilo was inspired by her desire to find microbiological sources of natural products that could be used to prevent and fight disease.
Nguyen’s current research involves sponges found in the waters off East Hawaii that demonstrate antimicrobial properties. She plans to teach and do research at the university level to encourage students to preserve and explore ecosystems for solutions to disease issues.
AAUW advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research (website: hilo-hi.aauw.net).
AAUW Hilo Branch raises funds throughout the year via social events, auctions, and yard sales to support these scholarships for women students at UHH of junior status or higher.
