Please follow our conversation on Wednesday, May 31st at 12 PM Pacific Standard Time ( 9 AM Hawaii Standard Time). We will be having a Twitter Talanoa with myself and other emerging Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander PhD candidates/students. Talanoa is a philospohy that is face-to-face dialogue and in this case it will be on Twitter. To learn more about the Talanoa Process read selected writings on the methodology below:
1. Dr. Sitiveni Halapua's paper on "Talanoa Process: The Case of Fiji" in 2000 (http://unpan1.un.org/intradoc/groups/public/documents/un/unpan022610.pdf). 2. Timote M Vaioleti's paper on "Talanoa Research Methodlogy: A developoing Position on Pacific Research" in 2006 (http://researchcommons.waikato.ac.nz/bitstream/handle/10289/6199/VaioletiTalanoa.pdf?sequence=1) 3. Trisia Farrelly and Unaisi Nabobo-Baba's paper on "Talanoa as Epathic Research" in 2012 (http://www.devnet.org.nz/sites/default/files/Farrelly,%20Trisia%20&%20Nabobo-Baba,%20Unaisi%20Talanoa%20as%20Empathic%20Research%20%5Bpaper%5D_0.pdf) 4. Dr. Sitiveni Halapua's paper on "Talanoa in Building Democracy and Governance" in 2013 (http://talanoa.org/Home_files/Talanoa%20in%20Building%20Democracy%20and%20Governance.pdf)
Hauoli La Mei Kakou! Hoomaikai! Congratulations to Dr. Kim on receiving the 2017 UH Chancellor's Excellence in Teaching Award:
"Board of Regents’ Medal for Excellence in Teaching The Regents’ Medal for Excellence in Teaching is awarded by the Board of Regents as tribute to faculty members who exhibit an extraordinary level of subject mastery and scholarship, teaching effectiveness and creativity and personal values that benefit students. Albert S. Kim Albert S. Kim is an associate professor in the civil and environmental engineering department in the College of Engineering. He is described by a student as a “once-in-a-generation mentor, professor and teacher, inspiring the next generation of engineers and leaders” and as “instrumental in unlocking my potential and finding my calling.” He makes the complex field of engineering accessible and fun, creating a sense of community and belonging in the classroom. He attends, with greater focus, to students who are initially lagging, with a goal to produce academically mature students who are able to face and tackle complex practical problems with technological honesty, sincerity and creativity. Kim has developed his own text for one course, and his blog and ample external resources are tremendous additions to this program." At 5:30 AM HST on Saturday, April 15, 2017, I was awaken by an unusual sound. It was familiar because I heard of it when I visited Hilo--a suspected sound of a single coqui frog. I sent an email as well as left a phone message to the Oahu Invasive Species Committee of a recording of the suspected case. Listen to the sound recording of that morning alarm that woke me up: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/pnpku6oh96y44nk/AAAZDeoCWDHhkpECWOcHFRNxa?dl=0
Because of Hawaii's unique environment, our ecosystems are vulnerable of invasive and introduced insects, animals, and plants. As citizen scientists, we are key informants and observers of our natural environment where we reside and frequent. If you hear something or see something that is of priority, share it with the Oahu ISC.
Aloha e na hoa heluhelu mai ka la hiki a ka la kau,
Ua hoao au i ka paani hookuku kii o ka #mahinaolelohawaii. He opio au me ka olelo Hawaii. No laila, makemake au hooikaika i ko'u olelo makuahine. Mahalo nui ia @kakookaiapuni no keia hana ai no ka mea ua ao hou mai au i ko kakou olelo makuahine.
Aloha e na heluhelu mai ka la hiki a ka la akau,
E paani pu kakou i ka hookuku kii ma FB a me Instagram! E waiho wale no i keia mau hui #mahinaolelohawaii #ahakauleo. Ae, hiki no! E ola ka olelo Hawaii!
Wow! It's already 18 days into the New Year. I know I have not been super active these few months on posting on my blog and I apologize. Since this a new year and new transition, it makes sense to reflect on 2016.
Here's my top 12 things I am grateful for from 2016 in chronological order:
Hello 2017!
I was reading up on the origins of new years resolution and came across this interesting History channel post that some 4,000 years ago the ancient Babylonians were said to have started this tradition. Since it's a new year, I feel it important to share my evolutions -- I learned that unique twist on the resolutions tradition from Kumu Kalei Nuuhiwa because like Kumu says: 'we are always evolving'.
My motto for 2017 is DIP and it is easy way to remember my evolutions. My evolutions = f(Declutter (Immerse (Purposeful))). Goal for this space: 1) I hope to publish a blog post a month. Stay tuned! All the best on this new year to you. In January 2018, I hope to reflect back on this post and see if I met my goals.
It has been a whirlwind of a August and September. I can't believe it is already October. I wanted to take a moment and reflect. I have traveled quite a bit. Here is part 1 of some reflections from my travels.
In early August, I had the chance to travel to the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, California to attend an indigenous leadership training with the group "EPIC" (Empowering Pacific Islander Communities). Follow them on twitter at @elevateyourvoice.
I was fortunate to hear about the program thru a webinar held in Washington DC on AAPI issues. Alisi Tulua spoke about their community work to empower Pacific Islander communities and encouraged us to apply for their program. Aunty Sweetie Kuehu and I applied. I would not be in this program if Aunty Sweetie gave her spot to me and instead participated as an observer. I cannot thank her enough for giving her spot to me. This was an important reminder: never forget who lifted you. Mahalo a piha ia oe e Anake Sweetie no kou kakoo ana mai.
Even though the program was 5 long days, we became ohana. We are all come from Oceania in Micronesia, Melanesia and Polynesia but are also US citizens. For some we grew up in the islands; meanwhile, for others they grew up in the continental United States. I was surprised to meet old friends too, like Danny Boy. And I appreciated the island touches that the EPIC team that elevated our narratives.
It was my first time to #USC and it is an amazing campus. This year I was privileged to travel to two institutions of "pedigree" (by USA standards). I still believe that it doesn't matter where you get your education, it's what you do with it. And I use "education" in the most de-colonized construct of a sense. Here are some of my reflections that I wrote on Instagram to give you insights of my emotions on my personal journal to become a Professor.
Day 1 reflection
Day 2 Reflection
Day 3 Reflection
Day 4 Reflection
Last Day 5: Reflection
From this experience, I learned that: I A M N O T A L O N E! The struggle is real. I no tell you because you live it--you know. I do, however, want to remind you that you are not alone this journey. I encourage you to find a group to connect with to support you as pursue higher education. Don't be afraid to reach out.
Hulo! Ms. Keano Pavlosky (KS 2004 grad) presented her Masters Thesis work on "Effects of cyclical changes in environmental salinity on osmoregulatory parameters in the Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. She has earned a Masters of Science degree in Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering. Ms. Pavlosky will be pursing an MD at JABSOM at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Hoomaikai ia oe, e Keano!
I just got back fromBrown University where I had the blessed opportunity to attend the Young Scholar's Conference on “Thriving in the Academy: Preparing for Success on the Tenure Track”. The purpose of the workshop was to begin to demystify and pull back the curtains on how to be successful in academia and still have a life. Most academics don’t talk directly how they did it. I want to share some mental soundbites (as norms) that was shared with me to you if you are interested in the academia after attaining your PhD. Please feel free to comment if you have more ideas :)
Norm #0: The most important soundbite repeated by our host Dr. Meredith Hastings was “in academia, there are no rules. There’s just norms.” I think that is an important advice to remember as one navigates and constellates a life career pathway in academia and continue to make contributes to benefit our village (your family, our honua (earth), and our community).
Norm #1: It’s important to know the landscape of academia and the hierarchy of this Western educational system. For those interested in pursuing academic careers or haven’t fathomed about it, here’s a schematic of an academic pathway at a 4-year institution in the US-American system:
Note that the pathway is not always linear and there are many loops in the trail towards and life turns that eventually lead to an academic position whether at a K-12 system, community college, university systems. Furthermore, one could leave at anytime to other fulfilling career and life pathways.
One can choose another path at any time and perhaps, get back on this path later in life. The reality is that each change is a new level with new conditions, questions, and challenges. The most effective way to make the transition is to build a network of mentors, sponsors (individuals when you leave the room got your back and will connect you to an opportunity), collaborators, and allies along the way to meet these new rank-appropriate needs. At the same token, as one elevates to new ranks, it’s critically important to mentor those below you and lift others as one rises. As the tables turn, once elevated, we will become the mentors and sponsors for our peers and next generations. That's apart of the life cycle of these intersecting worlds.
Norm #2: What does it mean to be a successful at a tenure track position?
University systems themselves are different across the board. It is important to figure out what 'garden plot' that you want to thrive in. For instance, do you want to be at a more research intensive institution or at a more teaching focused institution? In general the three pillars that an academic's intellectual contributions and evaluations are a function of research, teaching and service. The weighted percentages of how an academic across institutions are highly varied, and depends on the institutional culture.
Publications only count when you start the job.
Once you get a tenure-job: front-load your research portfolio. In other word, be ready to go, submit grants and submit publications.
Norm #3: “Solo” challenges are real as an academic from a highly underrepresented group (HUG) or not.
These challenges are weeds that need to pruned in order for you to thrive in your garden plot. They may include struggling to find time for research; tokenism; managing visibility, invisibility, and belonging; experiencing emotional exhaustion for differential classroom dynamics, lack of collegial acceptance (no mentors); etc. There’s a way not to lose your soul on the tenure track. And these solo challenges may lead to impacting one’s productivity, thoughts of leaving the academia, stress-related illness and exhaustion. Things to remember to ask yourself: (1) what’s important to you? (2) How do I want to maintain and engage or not.
Norm #4: Research was shared at the conference that “the things that matter MOST to marketability, tenure, promotion, scholarly reputation, mobility, and long-term success have the least built-in accountability”.
In cultivating your expertise and producing fruits and vegetables it is essential to provide the proper set of conditions to maximize your yield/output. One way to overcome this reality is to build in accountability to what matters most. Our Dr. Mindi Thompson from the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity recommends to also write daily for 30 to 60 minutes at the start of your day! She has been doing it for the past 5-years and that earned her early tenure at her institution. She mentioned it will take about 2 weeks before your body gets into the rhythm and pattern of writing. Dr. Thompson noted that starting with writing first thing in the morning will help relieve the stress of doing other commitments as it piles on the rest of the day. Always schedule it in as an appointment. A good book that you can read is “Shut up and Write” as a resource (http://www.amazon.com/Shut-Up-Write-Judy-Bridges/dp/0976474271).
Norm #5: You have limiting beliefs. I have limiting beliefs.
Another weed to be aware of and pruner are limiting beliefs. Limiting beliefs are internalized, reactive assumptions that limits and inhibits one’s productivity. In the workshop some limiting beliefs discussed include: reactive versus proactive stance; hyper-individualism (‘do it myself’); perfectionism; staying safe/playing small; super (fill in the blank) syndrome; and communication. Dr. Thompson emphasized that “Beliefs are beliefs…they (can) shift!” Just let it go.
These are just six soundbites that I learned at the workshop. I filled up an entire notepad with heaps of scribbles, wise sayings, and advice. It was my first time to visit an Ivy League institution of perceived pedigree. Providence and Brown University is a unique, special place filled with it’s on unique colonial history. The voices of its’ past is alive and the sense of tradition and willingness to innovate to the demands of 21st century is what has enabled Brown to thrive locally and globally.
Overall, the experience has strengthened my understanding on the full life cycle of becoming a professor. These types of workshops are valuable to attend because they provide an accelerated learning experience and insights from those who know. At the conference, we were fortunate to have panel discussion from professors from Brown, the Women's Earth Science Network, Brown Administration and departments. I want to mahalo (thank) the National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity (NCFDD) and the Earth Science Women’s Network (ESWN) leadership board for facilitating the sessions as well as the conference co-sponsors including the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion and the Institute at Brown for Environment and Society (IBES).
Check out pictures from the event on my FaceBook page at: <https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.997592356977270.1073741842.164599890276525&type=1&l=ea243cf9ee>
Early in the month of April, I had the wonderful privilege to attend the Australia Association of Pacific Studies Conference. I must first mahalo East-West Center for providing a scholarship to enable me to travel for the first time outside of Hawaii to present any of my PhD research on water sustainability (It's been tough to get funding).
I'm an engineer by training and specifically went to this multi-disciplinary conference to gain a broader perspective of my PhD Work beyond my field. My friend, Tricia pursuing a Ph.D. in medical anthropology shared with me the announcement, so we separately submitted abstracts. In January, I was smitten to receive an email that my abstract was accepted to be presented on the panel on "Adaptation, Resilience & Changing Land and Marine-based Livelihood Systems in the Pacific". To access the conference book click here.
The conference was in Cairns, Australia. It took quite some time (~24 hrs of travel with connections) to get there from Honolulu International Airport (Well, actually from my home in Waianae). To travel there, it requires a passport and a visa to enter Australia.
At the conference, I was able to attend many sessions on climate change, adaptation and vulnerability as well as specific sessions on Pacific Island focused research in the arts, culture, sciences, and peoples. These talks broadened my understanding that our disciplines are asking similar questions on the human struggle of survival; however, our approach to answer these questions are through the our specific lens of personal experiences and academic disciplines.
Here are some quick tweet highlights of key talks and discussions: Key Note Address by Professor Greg Fy on his new book "The New Pacific Diplomacy"
Different Panel Discussions
My favorite part of the conference was meeting heaps of new people. These connections are invaluable as we not only talked about our particular research interests but found that though we come from different parts of the Pacific, our paths interweave because we know many of the same people. Since the conference, we have remain connected thru social media to support each other in our works to better help our Pacific Island communities and beyond. We are working in conversation to possibly collaborate on future projects.
The dissemination of knowledge outside of the academia is important for a free society and our responsibility as scholars to not only keep it to ourselves. The EWC funded conference scholarship has had a profound impact on my academic and professional development to share my PhD work and water stories beyond the shores of Hawaii and allowed me to connect with new professional contacts. Mahalo!
#AAPS2016
To read the abstract of my seminar, go to <http://cee.hawaii.edu/abstracts/abstract030916.pdf>.
Today, the students I helped tutor and grade for CEE 271 (Engineering Mechanics II: Dynamics) took their final exam. I wish them well. I learned much from them and grew as an individual.
One of the most memorable #adventuresinteaching from this semester was actually the question frequently asked to me sounding something like,"Eh, Lelemia, I don't know how I got the right answer but ...[fill in the blank]..." I can't help but breath a sigh and smile. This taught me a lot about savoring this sacred sharing moment, and ask a thoughtful question back. My hope was in this retort, it would be a spark to light their torch in their cave to find their way out--and thus, reach comprehension. What really warmed my heart this semester were the many recitation study sessions with those who's schedules afforded them to come. I enjoyed these nearly 16 weeks of everyone working hard on the chalk board. There were many discussions in understanding how to solve the engineering mechanics problems. The remains of semester's wane is captured above--a personal Kodak shot of appreciation. These chalk prints remind me of the many moments of struggle and moments of being an intellectual "rain man". Many discussion unfolded: talks about ohana, life, pathways, identity, intersections, ethics and so much more--all parts of what engineers do--life's problem solvers. I am confident in this new generation of rising engineers. Stoked is an understatement to describe my joy to see this batch of students begin to eat, sleep, speak like an engineer. It is important as non-deformable solid mass (i.e., engineering student) to find that balance in external force or tension or push/pull (motivation) to overcome the static friction force to experience dynamic motion. These "engineers in the making" are ready for the next passage on their journey towards earning a bachelors of science in engineering at UH Manoa. Mahalo plenty to the students of CEE 271 Fall 2015 section 001 at UH Manoa. |
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© J. Lelemia Irvine. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without expressed and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to J. Lelemia Irvine with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. |