Are you a high school girl interested in pursuing science?
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. MMMP is open for female juniors and seniors in high school residing in Hawaiʻi (Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Maui, Hawaiʻi) and takes place during the DOE summer break. Students will stay overnight in the dorms at HIMB during the duration of the program.
This immersive program is designed to build confidence and reduce social and financial barriers, encouraging underrepresented young women to pursue careers in STEM. It also addresses a gap in high school curricula by offering a unique focus on molecular biology. Female students engage in hands-on activities while building long-term relationships within their cohort and female scientist mentors.
Students are exposed to molecular biology techniques, applications, and connections with coral reefs through hands-on research and field experience under the mentorship of our scientists. This includes learning how to use a micropipette to load samples, running gel electrophoresis to identify DNA, viewing live corals under a confocal microscope, isolating coral symbionts, and more! Students also spend time in the field to snorkel on the coral reefs at Moku o Lo‘e, as well as conduct a field survey in Kāne‘ohe Bay on a research vessel, and visit a local lo‘i kalo to incorporate the importance of Mauka to Makai (mountain to sea) connections.
Applications are currently closed.
For questions and inquiries about future programs, contact Madeleine Sherman at mosherm@hawaii.edu
Program Topics Include:
Location:
Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology, Kāne‘ohe, Hawai‘i
Intro to Molecular Biology
Confocal Microscopy
Coral Intracellular Symbionts
Field Techniques and Water Quality Testing
Field Work in the Lo‘i Kalo
Coral Life Histories
Evolution and DNA
Proteomics
“This is such a wonderful and amazing opportunity for those teen girls that want to pursue or are even just wondering if they want to pursue a career in STEM. I think this is such an awesome program and I am really happy this is and was given to a few lucky teens such as myself.”
-MMMP 2023 Mentee
“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”
-MMMP 2022 Mentee
“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!”
-MMMP 2022 Parent
“This was an amazing opportunity and not only did I get to make amazing connections with new people but also now I know almost exactly what career path I want to pursue. The variety of all the workshops helped me a lot to know what road to science I wanted to take.”
-MMMP 2023 Mentee
Meet the Mentors!
Madeleine Sherman
CRL Project Manager
MMMP Co-Director & Coordinator
Tahirih Perez, MS
Instrumentation Specialist
Eva Majerova, PhD
Coral Molecular Biologist
MMMP Co-Director & Director of Science
Hannah Bancroft
Project Associate
Alyssa Varela
Master’s Student
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Mentors listed alphabetically by last name:
Claire Atkins, Mollie Asbury, Dr. Immy Ashley, Jasmine Chang, Casey Ching, Marion Chapeau, Dr. Veronica Gibson, Dr. Giada Tortorelli, Kira Hughes, Dr. Erika Johnston, Dr. Claire Lewis, Hayley Luke, Dr. Brijonnay Madrigal, Gabriel Martineau, Allison Nims, Dr. Aude Pacini, Dr. Jessica Reichert, Dr. Shimi Rii, Dr. Kuulei Rogers, Dr. Mariana Rocha de Souza, Teagan Roome, Lomani Rova, Aimee Sato, Dr. Nina Schiettekatte, Maile Villablanca, Kat Viehl, Dr. Nia Walker, Sarah Woo
HIMB Laboratories:
Coral Reef Ecology Lab (dissolved in 2024)
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Do I need to pay to participate in MMMP?
No, this program is fully funded through grants and sponsors. Travel, ground transportation, accommodations, and meals are all included in the program.
What should I expect during MMMP?
MMMP is a molecular biology focused program. Participants will spend much of their time working in the molecular lab in the Coral Resilience Lab. You will learn how to use common instruments and equipment to perform molecular assays. You will also spend some time in the field– on a boat, on snorkel, or in the lo‘i kalo.
I can only attend a portion of the program or have a class/event/etc.? Will I be allowed to leave?
No, this is an intensive program. If you are selected, you are expected to be there the entire time.
What should I bring? Do I need a laptop?
Participants will receive a suggested packing list with everything they will need. A laptop is not necessary and we encourage you to leave these and other large items at home! Bedding and towels are provided.
How will I get to O'ahu if I am a student from another island?
Our program coordinator will purchase tickets for each participant traveling. Girls admitted from the same island will be introduced to each other so they can travel together as buddies. Our staff will be waiting at the HNL airport to pick up the students to bring them to HIMB.
What about boys?
MMMP is currently a girls-only program. We’ve seen how powerful single-gender learning can be, and we want to create a safe, inspiring space where girls can connect with our female researchers and feel supported in everything they’re capable of achieving.
Students of all genders are warmly encouraged to apply to HIMB’s SMMILE and REMS programs.
