Congratulations to the 2025-2026 HYIP Award Winners!
AMELIA SMITH
University Laboratory School (Honolulu), Grade 11, Award: $261
Project Title: Creating Biodegradable, Eco-friendly Bioplastic Lab Equipment from Invasive Plants and Algae on O’ahu
Attended: 2026 Honolulu District Science & Engineering Fair, 2026 HSSEF
BRENDAN FALCON
University Laboratory School (Honolulu), Grade 11, Award: $325
Project Title: Using AI Object Detection to Detect Wildfires Through Aerial Footage
Attended: 2026 Honolulu District Science & Engineering Fair, 2026 HSSEF
DAVA WATSON
University Laboratory School (Honolulu), Grade 12, Award: $550
Project Title: Biofuel Production and eDNA Profiling of Gut Microbiomes in Conspicuous Sea Cucumbers
Attended: 2026 Honolulu District Science & Engineering Fair, 2026 HSSEF
LEILA SAKIHARA
Highlands Intermediate School (Leeward), Grade 8, Award: $475
Project Title: An EEG Study of Neurological Impact of Screen Time
Attended: 2026 Leeward District Science & Engineering Fair, 2026 HSSEF
NATALIE CHOI
University Laboratory School (Honolulu), Grade 12, Award: $304
Project Title: Use of eDNA for Comparing Loci and Seasonal Differences and Sampling Techniques of Limu at the Leʻahi Intertidal Bench in Hawaiʻi
Attended: 2026 Honolulu District Science & Engineering Fair, 2026 HSSEF, 2026 ISEF
TANNER MILLER
Island School (Kauai), Grade 9, Award: $172
Project Title: Impact of Sunscreen Ingredients on Algae
Attended: 2026 Kauai District Science & Engineering Fair, 2026 HSSEF
TYLER AH QUIN
University Laboratory School (Honolulu), Grade 12, Award: $252
Project Title: Using Cost-Effective Object Detecting AI to Detect Macroplastics
Attended: 2026 Honolulu District Science & Engineering Fair, 2026 HSSEF
TRAVIS OSAKI
Pearl City High School (Leeward), Grade 11, Award: $350
Project Title: Multi-Scale Analysis of Microplastic Contamination and Nutrient Digestibility in Hawaii’s Food Sources
Attended: 2026 Leeward District Science & Engineering Fair, 2026 HSSEF, 2026 ISEF
VERA WANG
Kaiser High School (Honolulu), Grade 12, Award: $120
Project Title: A Novel Activation of the Coconut Fiber Microbiome by Aquatic Pollutants: Evidence of Natural Biodegradation
Attended: 2026 Honolulu District Science & Engineering Fair, 2026 HSSEF, 2026 ISEF
About the Hawaii Young Investigators Program
The Hawai’i Young Investigators Program (HYIP) provides grants for students to obtain funding to subsidize costs of supplies needed to conduct independent research projects. This program seeks to identify and support Hawaii youths in grades 6-12 interested in participating in the Hawaii Science Fair program or the Hawaii Junior Sciences & Humanities Symposium. Students will be required to write a proposal of their project along with a budget of expenses. Students will gain an introductory experience to the world of proposal writing, while applying for financial support in order to carry out their project. All eligible students are encouraged to apply. The application process is competitive. The number of grants awarded are contingent on funding. This program was started in 2022 after learning the challenges students face with pursuing research they are passionate about. We were able to provide funding to 4 students in 2022, 10 students in 2023, and 12 students in 2024. The response from teachers and students have been tremendous. We really hope to continue this program in years going forward, so if you are interested in becoming a sponsor to support our efforts in providing students with grants, please contact us at acadsci@hawaii.edu.
Download the HYIP 2025-2026 ANNOUNCEMENT
REQUIREMENTS FOR PARTICIPATION:
- Must be a student in grades 6-12 enrolled in a Hawaii public, private, or home school
- Must apply to your School or District Science & Engineering Fair (open to Gr. 6-12) or the Hawaii JSHS (open to Gr. 9-12)
HOW DO I APPLY? - Applications for SY25-26 are NOW CLOSED. Please visit our site next year to apply for a grant.
Step #1. Complete the HYIP SY25-26 APPLICATION.
Step #2. Submit your completed application by October 13, 2025 to acadsci@hawaii.edu.
2024-2025 HYIP AWARDS
AARON-JAMES SANTA CRUZ
Waipahu High School (Leeward), Grade 12, Award: $567
Project Title: Novel Invasive Algae Detection with MiSo Sensor Platform and Neural Networks
Attended: 2025 Leeward District Science & Engineering Fair, 2025 HSSEF
AMELIA SMITH
University Laboratory School (Honolulu), Grade 10, Award: $242
Project Title: Studying the Psychology of Onychophagia and Developing a Strategy for Biting Prevention and Strengthening
Attended: 2025 Hawaii & Pacific JSHS, 2025 Honolulu District Science & Engineering Fair, 2025 HSSEF
DAVA WATSON
University Laboratory School (Honolulu), Grade 11, Award: $80
Project Title: The Ecological Mysteries of Opheodesoma spectabilis: Seasonal Trends, Habitat Preferences, and Climate Responses
Attended: 2025 Hawaii & Pacific JSHS, 2025 Honolulu District Science & Engineering Fair, 2025 HSSEF
EVA-ROSE RAPP
Island School (Kauai), Grade 9, Award: $335
Project Title: Breath: an Invisible Key to Young Athletes Performances and Well-Being
Attended: 2025 Kauai District Science & Engineering Fair
EMMANUELLE-LOURDES ESPERANZA, KHLOE MOLINA, & KHLOE PUNDYKE
Waipahu Intermediate School (Leeward), Grade 7, Award: $50
Project Title: How Safe are our Pots and Pans?
Attended: 2025 Waipahu Intermediate Science & Engineering Fair
KIAN SANCHEZ
University Laboratory School (Honolulu), Grade 12, Award: $304
Project Title: Exploration of Marine Derived Extracts as Ethical, Sustainable, and Cost-Effective FBS Substitutes
Attended: 2025 Hawaii & Pacific JSHS, 2025 Honolulu District Science & Engineering Fair, 2025 HSSEF, 2025 ISEF
LAURYN HASHIMOTO
Kauai High School (Kauai), Grade 12, Award: $172
Project Title: Evaluating the Use of Stichopus horrens (Echinodermata, Holothuroidea) as a Bioremediator
Attended: 2025 Kauai District Science & Engineering Fair, 2025 HSSEF
LUKE ITOMURA
Punahou School (HAIS), Grade 10, Award: $610
Project Title: Rapid and Cost-Effective Colorimetric Detection of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Water via Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Targeting the mecA Gene
Attended: 2025 Hawaii Association of Independent Schools District Science & Engineering Fair, 2025 HSSEF, 2025 ISEF
NATALIE CHOI
University Laboratory School (Honolulu), Grade 11, Award: $548
Project Title: Use of eDNA for Identifying Native and Invasive Algae at the Intertidal Benches in Hawaii
Attended: 2025 Hawaii & Pacific JSHS, 2025 Honolulu District Science and Engineering Fair, 2025 HSSEF
ROSALIE PERALTA, KRISXIA MEDINA, & ALANA LOUIS
Waipahu Intermediate School (Leeward), Grade 7, Award: $64
Project Title: LED on Pea Plant Growth
Attended: 2025 Waipahu Intermediate School Fair
SERENA MORITA
Our Lady of Good Counsel (HAIS), Grade 7, Award: $214
Project Title: Battle of the Batteries
Attended: 2025 Hawaii Association of Independent Schools District Science & Engineering Fair
TAI YAMAGUCHI, JAYSON PEREZ, & KAYDEN BERRY
Waipahu Intermediate School (Leeward), Grade 7, Award: $50
Project Title: How Clean are your Cutting Boards?
Attended: 2025 Waipahu Intermediate School Fair
2023-2024 HYIP AWARDS
ANGEL KO
Aiea High School (Central), Grade 12, Award: $190
Project Title: Growing Toward Sustainability: Cultivating Hawaii’s Future with Agricultural Innovation
Attended: 2024 Central District Science & Engineering Fair, 2024 HSSEF
ANNE PERALTA
Dole Middle School (Honolulu), Grade 6, Award: $50
Project Title: Decontamination of Heavy Metals in Soil by Native Hawaiian Plants through Phytoremediation
Attended: 2024 Dole School Science Fair
ASHLEY CHUN
Island School (Kauai), Grade 11, Award: $500
Project Title: Using Organic Material Mats to Clean Oil Spills
Attended: 2024 Kauai District Science Fair, 2024 HSSEF
CHANEL-MARIE ARELLIANO
Dole Middle School (Honolulu), Grade 6, Award: $80
Project Title: Improving the Efficiency of an Electrolyzer by Manipulating the Electrolyte, Measuring Efficiency through Battery Voltage Output
Attended: 2024 Dole School Science Fair
GRAY NAUWELAERTS
University Laboratory School (Honolulu), Grade 11, Award: $519
Project Title: Development of Natural Adhesives from Native Hawaiian Plants to Reduce Skin Irritation from Common Adhesive Bandages
Attended: 2024 Hawaii & Pacific JSHS, 2024 Honolulu District Science Fair, 2024 HSSEF
JAMES LOGAN PEREIRA
St. Theresa School (Kauai), Grade 7, Award: $131
Project Title: Improving the Efficiency of an Electrolyzer by Manipulating the Electrolyte, Measuring Efficiency through Battery Voltage Output
Attended: 2024 Kauai District Science Fair
JOANNA TAO
Waiakea Intermediate School (Hilo), Grade 6, Award: $250
Project Title: Improving the Efficiency of an Electrolyzer by Manipulating the Electrolyte, Measuring Efficiency through Battery Voltage Output
Attended: 2023 Leeward District Science Fair, 2023 HSSEF
KIAN SANCHEZ
University Laboratory School (Honolulu), Grade 11, Award: $542
Project Title: Sponge Studies Assessing the Effects of Ecological Impacts on Mycale grandis Detritus Production, and Use as a Natural Deep Sea eDNA Sampler
Attended: 2024 Hawaii & Pacific JSHS, 2024 Honolulu District Science Fair, 2024 HSSEF, 2024 ISEF
NATALIE CHOI
University Laboratory School (Honolulu), Grade 10, Award: $500
Project Title: Skin Benefits of Red Algae Species in Hawaii
Attended: 2024 Hawaii & Pacific JSHS, 2024 Honolulu District Science Fair, 2024 HSSEF
SAGE VINCENT
Kealakehe High School (Kona), Grade 12, Award: $356
Project Title: Resin Cubes
Attended: 2024 Kona District Science Fair, 2024 HSSEF
2022-2023 HYIP AWARDS
GRAY NAUWELAERTS
University Laboratory School, Grade 10, Award: $200
Project Title: Effectiveness of Essential Oils as Natural Shower Disinfectants
Attended: 2023 Hawaii & Pacific JSHS, 2023 Honolulu District Science & Engineering Fair
KENNETH YI
Mililani High School (Central), Grade 12, Award: $200
Project Title: Decontamination of Heavy Metals in Soil by Native Hawaiian Plants through Phytoremediation
Attended: 2023 Hawaii & Pacific JSHS, 2023 Central District Science Fair (1st Overall), 2023 HSSEF (1st Place Environmental Engineering category), 2023 ISEF
MICHAEL QUINN
Castle High School (Windward), Grade 12, Award: $200
Project Title: Into the Deep-Designing, Building, Testing, and Refining an ROV for the Mesophotic Zone
Attended: 2023 Windward District Science Fair, 2023 HSSEF (3rd Place for Engineering Technology Statistics and Dynamics category)
PARKER WONG
Pearl City High School (Leeward), Grade 12, Award: $400
Project Title: Improving the Efficiency of an Electrolyzer by Manipulating the Electrolyte, Measuring Efficiency through Battery Voltage Output
Attended: 2023 Leeward District Science Fair, 2023 HSSEF