Work with thought leaders and academic experts from University of Hawaii at Manoa

Catherine Brockway, PhD

Georgetown, Texas, United States of America
Nonprofit strategy consultant and language equity advocate.
Education

University of Hawaii at Manoa

Ph.D., Linguistics / May, 2021

Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America

Texas Tech University

M.A., English / August, 2012

Lubbock, Texas, United States of America

Texas Tech University

B.A., Geography / August, 2009

Lubbock, Texas, United States of America
Experience

Kamehameha Schools

Senior Research Associate / November, 2018June, 2021

Created, disseminated, analyzed surveys of students, parents, teachers, and administrators. Managed data vendor relationships. Reviewed relevant literature and presented strategic recommendations. Conducted focus groups. Presented data to stakeholders, including senior management. Provided data expertise to 3 K-12 campuses and 29 preschools.

Kamehameha Schools

Strategy Consultant / July, 2021September, 2022

Provided strategy intelligence and professional development related to data and strategy for educational and land trust nonprofit with 5,000+ employees.

Chaminade University of Honolulu

Senior Sustainability Analyst / September, 2022Present

Lead systems change strategy, manage nonprofit relationships, research language equity in STEM, teach data science to students, faculty, and working professionals.

Strategy Director / March, 2024Present

* Build capacity for systems change through training and facilitated conversations * Organize and host monthly Laha Seminar Series in Data Justice * Develop and implement strategic plans to enhance data science capacity in the Hawai'i-Pacific region. * Lead and manage cross-functional teams to achieve project milestones and objectives. * Foster partnerships with educational institutions, government agencies, and non-profits. * Oversee the design and delivery of data science training programs, workshops, and seminars. * Monitor and evaluate program outcomes, ensuring continuous improvement and alignment with strategic goals.

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

Doctoral Fellow / August, 2017December, 2018

* Researched environmental ontologies and vocabulary in Hawaiian language through salience analysis and corpus analysis. * Developed the first-ever spoken language corpus of Hawaiian with over 300,000 words * Created the first-ever vocabulary lists for Hawaiian ordered by word frequency* Researched environmental ontologies and vocabulary in Hawaiian language through salience analysis and corpus analysis. * Developed the first-ever spoken language corpus of Hawaiian with over 300,000 words * Created the first-ever vocabulary lists for Hawaiian ordered by word frequency

Instructor / January, 2016Present

* Promoted inclusive and varied student engagement by exploring the many ways that linguistic concepts intersect with the lives of the students, e.g.: a language self-portrait essay assignment. * Facilitated Wiki Education projects for 4 cohorts of undergraduates through the LSA campaign: 53 students contributed 2,284 edits to 84 articles (primarily endangered language stubs), adding 110,000+ words, 900+ references, and one new article. * Taught LING 150C: Language in Hawaiʻi and the Pacific (2 semesters); LING 102: Introduction to Language (3 semesters).

Language Documentation & Conservation (Academic Journal)

Copy Editor / August, 2013December, 2015

-Edited manuscripts for clarity, organization, and consistency with style guidelines. -Established new editorial policies to accommodate changes in disciplinary standards of writing and data transparency. -Mediated between authors and other editorial staff (distributed around the world) using email and video chat to resolve differences of opinion. -Managed the online subscription system. -Reported annual performance metrics for internal and external review.

Texas Water Resources Institute

Education Evaluation Consultant / August, 2024Present

Consulting on education evaluation strategies for the Classroom2Community Environmental Education Educator Workshops

Freelance

Editor / January, 2009November, 2018

Providing high-quality substantive editing, copyediting, and proofreading services with a specialization in academic manuscripts and non-native English speaking clients.

Texas Tech University Department of Geosciences

Instructor / January, 2011August, 2012

Instructed college students in the foundational principles of geography. Taught: GEOG 1300: Geography for Educators (3 semesters); GEOG 1401: Introduction to Physical Geography (1 semester); GEOG 2351: Regional Geography of the World (1 semester).

Graduate Teaching Assistant / August, 2009June, 2011

Independently instructed 1-credit physical geography labs (3 per semester) 3 semesters: GEOG 1101 Physical Geography Laboratory. Assisted instructor on 17-day study abroad experience with 12-14 undergraduate students, responsible for logistics and risk management 2 semesters: GEOG 3350 Geography of Central Europe.

GIS Analyst / June, 2009August, 2009

Identified specific sources of blowing dust on the Southern High Plains of West Texas and Eastern New Mexico using remote sensing techniques and ArcGIS.

Undergraduate Teaching Assistant / August, 2007May, 2009

Independently instructed 1-credit physical geography labs (4 per semester): GEOG 1101 Physical Geography Laboratory. Assisted instructor with grading and finding materials for current events assignments: GEOG 3356 Contemporary Texas and the American Southwest.

GIS Analyst / May, 2006August, 2006

Used ArcGIS software and remote sensing techniques to delineate, classify, and map playa wetlands on the Southern High Plains for the National Wetlands Inventory.

Research Expertise
linguistic geography
language equity
minority languages
About
Catherine Brockway is a linguistics scholar and nonprofit strategy consultant with over a decade of experience in education and sustainability. She earned her doctorate in Linguistics from University of Hawaii at Manoa in 2021, her master's degree in English from Texas Tech University in 2012, and her bachelor's degree in Geography from Texas Tech University in 2009. Catherine has held several positions in education and sustainability, including Senior Research Associate at Kamehameha Schools, Strategy Consultant at Kamehameha Schools, and Senior Sustainability Analyst at Chaminade University of Honolulu. She is passionate about applying her research and data background to help nonprofits create more equitable and sustainable systems. In her free time, Catherine enjoys hiking, birdwatching, and walking her dogs.

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Mersedeh Pejhanmehr

Postdoctoral fellow, Carnegie Science
Education

University of Hawaii at Manoa

Ph.D., Plant biology / May, 2022

Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
Experience

Carnegie Science

Postdoctoral fellow / August, 2022January, 2024

I investigated population genetic of corn.

University of Hawaii at Manoa

Teaching assistant / August, 2015May, 2022

Teaching undergraduate biology and botany labs.

Research Expertise
Plant biology
Plant Science
Ecology
Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
About
Mersedeh Pejhanmehr is a highly educated and experienced plant biologist who holds a Ph.D. from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Her extensive academic background has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of plant biology and its various applications. In 2022, Mersedeh completed her Ph.D. in Plant Biology from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. During her doctoral studies, she conducted groundbreaking research on the effects of climate change on plant growth and development. Her research was published in several renowned scientific journals and has contributed to the current understanding of how plants respond to environmental changes. Following the completion of her Ph.D., Mersedeh joined Carnegie Science as a postdoctoral fellow. In this role, she continued her research on climate change and its impact on plant physiology. She also collaborated with other researchers to develop sustainable solutions for mitigating the effects of climate change on plants. In addition to her research experience, Mersedeh has also gained valuable teaching experience. As a teaching assistant at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, she assisted in undergraduate courses in plant biology and ecology. She has also mentored numerous students and helped them develop their research skills. Mersedeh's passion for plant biology extends beyond her academic and professional career. She is actively involved in various community outreach programs that promote plant conservation and sustainability. She is also a member of several professional organizations, including the American Society of Plant Biologists and the Society for Conservation Biology. Overall, Mersedeh Pejhanmehr is a dedicated and highly accomplished plant biologist with a passion for research and education. Her expertise and contributions to the field of plant biology make her a valuable asset to any organization or research team.

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Shekh Md Mahmudul Islam

Postdoctoral Fellow, Duke University, NC, USA | Associate Professor (On Leave), EEE, DU
Education

University of Hawaii at Manoa

PhD in Electrical Engineering, Radar Sensing / December, 2020

Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
Research Expertise
Biomedical Doppler Radar
Physiological Monitoring
Wireless Sensing
Non-contact Sensors
About
**Dr. Shekh Md Mahmudul Islam (Senior Member, IEEE)** has been an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, at the Univesity of Dhaka since June 2024. Currently, he is working as a postdoctoral fellow in the biomedical engineering department at Duke University, NC, USA. He received his B.Sc. (Hons.) and M.Sc. degrees in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh, in 2012 and 2014, respectively. He also received a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, Hawaii, USA, focusing on biomedical applications incorporating RF/Microwave technologies in December 2020. He also worked as a JSPS Invitational Fellow at Kyoto University, Japan. From 2022 to 2024, he worked as an Assistant Professor with the Electrical and Electronic Engineering Department, University of Dhaka. From 2014 to 2016, he worked as a lecturer in the Electrical and Electronic Engineering Department at the University of Dhaka. His research interests include radar systems, antenna array signal processing, adaptive filter techniques, and machine-learning classifiers for pattern recognition. In the Summer of 2019, he also worked as a Radar System and Applications Engineering Intern with ON Semiconductor, Phoenix, AZ, USA. He also worked as a radio-frequency propagation intern with former Google Life Sciences (Verily), Mountain View, CA, USA, and Adnoviv, HI, USA in the Summer of 2020. Dr. Islam is now a Senior Member of IEEE and has also been an affiliate member of the technical committee of the MTT-28 Biological Effects and Medical Applications of the IEEE Microwave Theory and Technique Society. He was a recipient of the 2020 University of Hawaii at Manoa Department of Electrical Engineering Research Excellence Award. He was also the Student Paper Finalist in the IEEE Radio Wireless Week (RWW’19) Conference, held in FL, USA. He has also been serving as an Editorial Board Member of Frontiers in Physiology Journal and as a review editor of IEEE Access, IEEE Sensor, IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Technique, MDPI Sensor, Frontiers in Sensors, and Frontiers in Communication and Network journals.

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Demetri Lafkas

Green Bay, Wisconsin, United States of America
Master's in wildlife biology, ornithology expert.
Experience

GEI Consultants

Wildlife Biologist / October, 2021May, 2024

I completed wildlife surveys for state and federal endangered species, from bats and birds to butterflies. I wrote reports and completed environmental reviews for clients.

University of Wisconsin - Green Bay

Research Assistant / May, 2018December, 2021

Avian Crew Leader for GLCWS (anuran coastal wetland surveys). Trained crew members, field preparation. Piping plover research. Data management. Waterfowl surveys. Piscivorous bird surveys, cormorant assist with banding, process, and releasing.

West, Inc

Biological Science Technician / August, 2016November, 2021

Various duties: Bird and bat post-construction mortality surveys at wind turbines. Collection of dead bats. Raptor Nest Surveys and avian point counts. Aerial and aquatic Surveys. BBCU survey. Bat meter installation.

Wisconsin Society for Ornithology

Breeding Bird Atlaser / June, 2016August, 2019

Conducted a complete inventory on all avian species located within a given area in northeast Wisconsin. Then confirmed through breeding status through a variety of factors.

The Research Corporation of the University of Hawai'i

Field Assistant / April, 2017December, 2017

Conduct nocturnal surveys of seabirds using night vision technology. Distribute and maintain song meters throughout the island. Backcountry camping in order to work near remote nesting sites. Enter and manage data. Assist in constructing field equipment, laser etc. Inventory field equipment, maintain vehicles.

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Field Biologist / February, 2014June, 2016

· Conducted avian point counts by sight and sound, located points using GPS and followed a strict protocol · Monitored golden-cheek warblers at Fort Hood Army base · Performed target mist-netting as well as group netting · Performed nest searchers and nest checks daily, recorded nest locations as well as individual bird locations with GPS · Resighted as well as color banded Golden-cheeked warblers · Used a 4x4 pick-up to get around study site, which was rough terrain in Texas hill country

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

Research Associate / April, 2015August, 2015

Monitored reproductive success of Least Terns and Snowy Plovers at Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base. Worked and communicated effectively as part of a team with my field crew and IWS predator control as well as the Marine Base game wardens. Surveyed for nests via grid-searching for both species, constructed chick pens.· Collected and recorded data on nests, human disturbances, broods, predators, and mortalities, collected abandoned eggs for necropsies. Captured, weighed, measured, and banded both tern and plover chicks with FWS bands. Public outreach with beachgoers in the area

Normandeau Associates, Inc.

Environmental Technician / August, 2014November, 2014

Conduct bird and bat mortality surveys walking transects under wind turbines. Performed searcher efficiency trials as well as carcass scavenger trials. Collect data such as temp, wind direction, species, photograph, coordinates, distance from turbine, and angle from turbine.

UPPER PENINSULA LAND CONSERVANCY

Plover Monitor / May, 2011August, 2014

Surveyed beaches for piping plovers and their nests · Collected seasonal data such as fledge date, hatch date, departure date and band combinations · Monitored plovers and their nests to keep away natural predators, humans, and dogs from disturbing or harming them, watched for nest abandonment · Conducted public outreach regarding plovers whereabouts, biology, status, and safety measures · Constructed nest enclosures, full size, mid-size, and minis · Led teams in set-ups of enclosures following strict protocols · Acted as site coordinator in Gulliver in obtaining and scheduling volunteers and assistants · Assisted in capturing, setting bands, holding, and releasing chicks · Put up fences and signs where necessary · Wrote end of season report

Research Expertise
Conservation Biology, Ornithology, Mammalogy, Behavioral Ecology, Wildlife Biology
About
Demetri Lafkas is a conservation wildlife biologist with 13 years professional experience and also an avid birder and ornithology expert with 18 years experience. He also enjoys music, guitar, reading, psychology, and film. In his free time he can be found birding, being a father, or film making from acting to camerawork. Lafkas received his Masters in Biology and Environmental Policy from UWGB and his Bachelors of Science in Biology/Ecology from NMU.

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Gabriel Stockdale

Researcher in Structural Mechanics with publications on masonry design and analysis
Education

Politecnico di Milano

PhD, Architecture, Built Environment, and Construction Engineering / April, 2020

Milano

University of Hawaii at Manoa

M.S., Civil Engineering with Structural Emphasis / June, 2012

Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America

University of California, Santa Cruz

B.S., Physics / June, 2009

Santa Cruz, California, United States of America
Research Expertise
Software
Computer Science Applications
Building and Construction
Civil and Structural Engineering
Geophysics
And 5 more
About
Gabriel Stockdale has always been passionate about the built environment and construction engineering. With a strong foundation in physics, he pursued a degree in civil engineering with a focus on structural design at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. After completing his master's degree, he worked as a civil engineer, gaining valuable experience in the field and obtaining his professional license. Driven by his curiosity and desire to further his knowledge, Gabriel went on to obtain his PhD in Architecture, Built Environment, and Construction Engineering from Politecnico di Milano in 2020. During his doctoral studies, he conducted extensive research on sustainable building materials and methods, focusing on masonry construction. In 2020, Gabriel joined Masonry Methods, Inc. as the President and Principal Investigator. In this role, he oversees the development and implementation of innovative masonry construction techniques, as well as conducts research and development to further advance the field. Gabriel is a highly skilled and knowledgeable professional, with a strong understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of construction engineering. He is dedicated to finding sustainable and efficient solutions for the built environment, and is committed to continuous learning and growth in the field.

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Michael Joyce

Experienced and innovative data scientist with deep understanding of artificial intelligence and exceptional mentoring abilities.
Education

University of Hawaii at Manoa

Ph.D., Mathematics / December, 2015

Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
About
As the leader of the Data Science Center of Excellence at Ascension, I was instrumental in expanding our data science team from 2 to 23 members. Committed to fostering growth and development, I personally mentored 15 team members and developed a tailored curriculum for the GCP Professional Machine Learning Engineer certification, achieving a 94% success rate among participants. My experience includes handling complex datasets exceeding 1TB, designing predictive models for various outcomes, and facilitating Ascension’s migration to the Google Cloud Platform. I championed a robust data science culture, effectively communicating complex concepts to diverse audiences ranging from executives to the general workforce. My role also involved collaborating with Ascension's in-house IAM team, serving as one of two gatekeepers for permissions across environments like sandbox, dev, QA, and prod. In my current position at Mercy Health, I am performing a similar role by establishing a Data Science Community of Practice to build a data science culture from the ground up while also building machine learning models. I have extensive MLOps experience and have led teams of data scientists end-to-end on data science projects. While I have extensive experience with cloud platforms such as Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Databricks, and Azure, I am quick to learn new platforms as needed. With over four years of experience as a Data Scientist and Certified Machine Learning Engineer, I possess a deep understanding of the theories underlying data science and machine learning. My technical skills include Python, SQL, data visualization, machine learning, deep learning/neural networks, TensorFlow, mathematics, statistics, and cloud platforms. I am also skilled in teaching, training, mentoring, leadership, and strategic thinking, with a proven ability to simplify complex ideas and communicate effectively at all levels.

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