The Marine Molecular Mentorship Program (MMMP) is a four-day, three-night fully funded program hosted by the Coral Resilience Lab at the Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology (HIMB) on Moku o Lo‘e supported by female mentors at varying stages of their career within HIMB. MMMP is open for female sophomores and juniors in high school residing in Hawaiʻi (Oʻahu, Kauaʻi, Maui, Lānaʻi, Molokaʻi, Hawaiʻi). Twice per year during summer and fall break, students are invited to apply from different islands on a rotating schedule. This immersive program is intended to build confidence and remove social and/or financial roadblocks to encourage underrepresented women to pursue a career in STEM. Female students engage in hands-on activities while building long-term relationships within their 10-person cohort and female scientist mentors.
Each day, students explore a different topic in marine science with a general focus on molecular biology through hands-on research and field experience. This includes pipetting samples in a molecular lab, running gel electrophoresis to identify DNA, viewing live corals under a confocal microscope, isolating coral symbionts, examining reef structure complexity and photogrammetry, experiencing the reefs up close on snorkel, and working in a local lo‘i kalo to incorporate the importance of Mauka to Makai (mountain to sea) connections. Students stay overnight on Moku o Lo‘e in the Hinalea Hale dorms with their 10-person cohort.
Applications for 2024 are now closed.
For questions and inquiries about future programs, contact Madeleine Sherman at mosherm@hawaii.edu
“This mentorship program has been the best experience in my life so far. I am so grateful for the kind and warm hospitality from the mentors, as well as having an environment to be myself surrounded by other amazing people interested in STEM. I will forever remember this experience”
“My daughter has learned a lot from this experience. It opened up her mind to explore more about marine biology. Each of the activities were so fun, since it was her first time working with corals and snorkeling. She enjoyed being unplugged and surrounded by nature! She has gained new, lifelong friends!”
Thank You to the Participating Mentors:
Madeleine Sherman, Dr. Eva Majerova, Kira Hughes, Alyssa Varela, Maile Villablanca, Teagan Roome, Jasmine Chang, Hayley Luke, Dr. Nia Walker, Dr. Giada Tortorelli, Dr. Mariana Rocha de Souza - Coral Resilience Lab
Dr. Cati Lopez, Gabriel Martineau - ToBo Lab
Marion Chapeau, Dr. Nina Schiettekatte, Dr Jessica Reichert, Mollie Asbury, Allison Nims, Lomani Rova - Geometric Ecology Lab
Dr. Aude Pacini, Brijonnay Madrigal - Marine Mammal Research Program
Dr. Shimi Rii, Dr. Veronica Gibson, Aimee Sato, Casey Ching, Claire Atkins - He‘eia NERR