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Honolulu, HI—June 20, 2003--Bidens pilosa (beggars tick) can be found on your pants, trails, outside your yard, and sold in stores as tea. Endemic species may contain more caffeine than Bidens pilosa, and live plants that contain caffeine may be more effective than caffeine free leaves sold at stores. Chaminade University student Caroline Fuiava's research this summer attempts to compare the activity of Bidens pilosa with known endemic Bidens species and Pipturus argenteus.
Along with 14 other Chaminade students, Fuiava’s studies are made possible through the McNair Scholars Program, the only program in Hawaii designed to encourage first-generation college and low-income background undergraduates to pursue doctoral degrees. The program is named in memory of Astronaut Ronald E. McNair who died in the space shuttle Challenger accident and over came a disadvantaged background to achieve a doctoral degree in physics from MIT.
Chaminade’s McNair students participate in a paid six-week, full time summer research institute on campus to give them exposure to graduate research. Throughout the school year, students attend national conferences to present their research and attend seminars preparing them for graduate school.
This summer, the United States Department of Education renewed Chaminade McNair Scholars Program for another four years, valued at $960,172, according to Chaminade Program Director Dr. Ellen Shimakawa. ”I think this program really speaks to who we serve and what we're about,” says Dr. Shimakawa, referring to Chaminade’s Catholic Marianist core values for social justice and peace.
Chaminade biology major Charles “Kolo” Rathburn grew up on the
North Shore of O’ahu with a love for ocean ecology is participating in
the summer intensive for the second time. He says it was an incredible experience
that was both “the hardest thing, yet most rewarding thing I've done
in my life.” He says feels better prepared for graduate studies because
the McNair program gave him a taste of what research is all about and it
allowed him to network with others in the field of interest.
Since its inception eight years ago, Chaminade’s McNair program has
graduated nearly 100 students, the majority of whom obtain post-baccalaureate
degree.
Accomplished alumnae include Gina Cano, who is working on a Ph.D. in biomedical
research at St. Louis University in St. Louis, Mo. Another graduate from
Mililani, Sanita Coles, who earned a Masters degree in Mathematics from Bowling
Green
University and is contemplating a doctorate in Mathematics from George Washington
University.
The McNair Scholars Program, instituted at Chaminade in 1995 with a grant from the USDE, is a "TRIO" program -- a series of programs designed to attract "low-income background & first generation college" students to do well in middle and high school to make it into college (Upward Bound, and Talent Search); do well in college (Student Support Services); and go on to get their doctorates (McNair). Students must be both "low-income background and first-generation college" to qualify.
For more information on these programs, contact Dr. Ellen Shimakawa at
(808) 735-4803. Chaminade University of Honolulu offers a liberal arts
curriculum
that prepares students for life, work and service. Founded in 1955 by the
Catholic Marianist Order, Chaminade University is committed to educating
future leaders
equipped with both talent and character.
With some 2,500 enrolled students, Chaminade University offers 20 undergraduate
degree programs and five graduate degree programs at the scenic Kaimuki
campus overlooking Diamond and Waikiki. Dozens of accelerated courses and
degree
programs are offered online and at nine satellite locations on Oahu military
bases,
churches and schools.
