NEWS

This sixth year of the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) wrapped up in August with the annual Final Symposium, where students shared the projects they worked on for the past ten weeks. With twelve students, six sponsored by PI-CASC and six by Hawaiʻi Sea Grant (our largest cohort to date!), it was a full afternoon of great science, from plants and invertebrates, to high-tech methodologies, to broader ecological projects. Listeners were impressed by the new knowledge the students had acquired during their fellowships, both topical and procedural, including lab, field, modelling, and data analysis work.

Feedback from students was also positive. Many found the program delivered important lessons and skills.

“I thought I would mostly learn technical research skills, but I also gained experience in communicating science, working with teams across different organizations, and being part of professional conversations about adaptation,” said Caroline Lynch. “This fellowship gave me practical skills in synthesizing research and communicating results, and those are skills I will carry forward into both my academic and professional work.”

Mariela Burns also noted the benefits of unexpected opportunities. “While I was definitely promised a summer of skill building, which I received no doubt, I wasn’t aware of how much the people around me would help build a network of sources for me to rely on.”

Networking and opening up new connections was a key benefit for several of the SURF students. “Without the program, I never would have been able to get my foot in the door in these more professional research spaces, where I learned an enormous amount,” said Allie Grasso. “I got to conduct research in an area, coral conservation, that’s been a dream of mine for years.”

An important element of the SURF program is the professional development offered, including several activities designed to bring the cohort together. With SURFers on multiple islands, this can be tricky, but with online meetings and a bit of travel, most of the cohort was able to touch base several times, which the students all appreciated.

“I particularly enjoyed how supportive and connected the cohort became, and that is because of SURF’s workshops and inclusivity,” Sophia Woofter said.

The program takes seriously the concept of capacity building for the future of the Pacific region, and many of the SURFers proved that we are on the right track for encouraging the next generation of climate scientists. Sophia shared, “Working with (the team behind the Hawaiʻi Climate Data Portal) reaffirmed my passion for my major, atmospheric science, and solidified my future intentions to continue pursuing research opportunities for myself.”

Similarly, Bianca Borja said, “As a first-year student in college applying for internship opportunities, I did not expect to be given the chance to work in a renowned marine facility, the UOG Marine Laboratory. Working with professionals who have vast experience in coral restoration has inspired me to take part in future work just like this.”

Christine Uwaine also found motivation from her summer. “I’m very fortunate to have experienced being an intern at SURF,” she said. “I’ve met so many amazing people and they’re all so inspiring, and it seems like everyone is cheering us on.”

Critical to the success of our SURF program is the willingness of the mentors to participate and show this kind of support to the students; the importance of their role can not be overstated. They opened their labs, offered time, guidance, and expertise, and introduced the SURFers to new experiences and networks of important future connections, all of which gave these students a boost in becoming successful climate scientists. Mahalo to all the mentors and students for a great summer of SURF, and best wishes to the 2025 SURFers as they make their next steps!