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, fragmenting corals, viewing live corals under a confocal microscope, examining reef structure complexity, experiencing the reefs up close on snorkel while performing coral reef ecology surveys, 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 Summer 2024 are open for residents of Moloka‘i, Maui, and Hawai‘i Island. Please apply here! Program dates: Monday, July 15th through Thursday, July 18th
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 2022 Mentors:
Dr. Ku‘ulei Rogers, Coral Reef Ecology Lab
Marion Chapeau and Mollie Asbury, Geometric Ecology Lab
Dr. Shimi Rii, Casey Ching, and Claire Atkins, He‘eia NERR
Dr. Eva Majerova, Kira Hughes, and Madeleine Sherman, Coral Resilience Lab