Six teams representing the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (UH Mānoa) College of Education (COE) participated in the third annual UH Mānoa Research Day at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol on February 4, 2025. COE teams included faculty, students, and their collaborators from local agencies. The event provided lawmakers and the public an opportunity to learn about research projects across UH Mānoa while COE teams focused on projects addressing educational priorities and needs for our State and the region.
The theme of the event was UH Mānoa Research and Creative Works for the Wellbeing of Current and Future Generations. More than 100 participants presented work with interactive displays, demonstrations, and poster presentations. This event showcased the diverse types of education-related research conducted by the COE community. Each team showcased a range of projects, including research-practice partnerships that address Hawaiʻi Department of Education priorities, initiatives supporting individuals with disabilities, STEM education for K–12 students, and exercise rehabilitation.
The COE is committed to advancing impactful research to support and transform education in Hawaiʻi and beyond. Fostering a collaborative research culture, the COE community contributes to the knowledge base in education and related fields locally, regionally, nationally, and globally, enhancing educational outcomes across diverse contexts.
Research Roundup
1. Creating Inclusive Arboretum Experiences for Individuals with Disabilities: A Service Learning Experience
Robin Dazzeo, COE Learning Design and Technology Doctoral Student
Sandra Oshiro, COE Learning Design and Technology Doctoral Student
Shamila Janakiraman, COE Learning Design and Technology Assistant Professor
2. iCARE (implementation of a Cancer Rehabilitation Program)
Paulette Yamada, COE Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science Associate Professor
Cheri Teranishi-Hashimoto, REHAB Hospital of the Pacific Therapy Director
and Founder of the iCARE Program
3. Inspiring K–12 Students and Empowering the Next Generation of Teachers through STEM & Robotics
Stacy George, COE School of Teacher Education Assistant Professor
Aaron Sickel, COE School of Teacher Education Assistant Professor
Adria Fang, Hawaiʻi Space Grant Consortium in the Hawai’i Institute of Geophysics and Planetology Robotics Education Specialist
4. Hawai‘i Educational Research Network (HERN): College of Education and HIDOE Partnerships Examining Educational Priorities for the State
Joanna Philippoff, COE School of Teacher Education Associate Specialist
Kavita Rao, COE Research Institute Director
Carl Moog, COE PhD in Education Student
5. Mapping Environmental Microplastics in Hawai’i and American Samoa
Pauline Chinn, COE Curriculum Studies Professor
Rodrigo Weingrill, UH Mānoa Institute for Biogenesis Research (JABSOM)
6. Playfully Proficient: Enhancing Social Skill Acquisition in Young Children with Autism through Play-Based Intervention
Marija Čolić, COE Special Education Assistant Professor
Jhennai Felipe, UH Mānoa Department Psychology Alumna
Sho Araiba, Leeward Community College Department of Psychology Lecturer
