Faculty Highlights and News
Articles about the faculty and their endeavors at BYU–Hawaii.
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Seasider Spotlight: Daniel DeMartini
Daniel DeMartini shares about his life as an assistant professor in the Faculty of Science and much more.
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Stephanie Robertson Appointed as Library Director at BYU–Hawaii
Academic Vice President Isaiah Walker announced Stephanie Robertson as the new director of the Joseph F. Smith Library. Robertson began this position on October 10, 2025.
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Telling Stories That Matter: Ke Alaka’i Shines at MediaFest 2025
Every year, colleges from around the USA send their best journalism students to be a part of MediaFest, a national conference organized by the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), the Associated Collegiate Press (ACP), and the College Media Association (CMA). The conference is set up to teach aspiring journalists and to recognize their work, highlighting the best of the best in college media. Last week, BYU–Hawaii sent seven Ke Alaka’i team members, accompanied by Marketing and Communications director, Brooke Peterson, and digital communications manager, Leilani Guerrero. Ke Alaka’i has been attending the conference for the past eight years, but for several students, this was their first time.
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From Tragedy to Triumph: How Music Helped A BYU–Hawaii Student Find His Voice Again
Hyrum Stephens' journey as a young artist, marked by resilience, creative discovery, and community, has found its stage at BYU–Hawaii, where his struggles intertwine with music's healing power.
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Seasider Spotlight: Natasha Gillette
Natasha Gillette, assistant professor of EIL/TESOL shares about her life, persuits and interests.
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HTM Students Experience Global Hospitality in Action at World Expo in Japan
From October 4 to 12, a group of hospitality and tourism management (HTM) students from Brigham Young University–Hawaii traveled to Japan for an immersive learning experience centered around the Expo 2025, a world expo held in Osaka, Japan, a global event that takes place only once every five years and draws millions of visitors from more than 150 nations.
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Seasider Spotlight: Spencer Ingley
Spencer Ingley, from the Faculty of Sciences, shares why he chose to teach at BYU–Hawaii, why he loves what he does, his current research projects, and advice for students.
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Seasider Spotlight: Erica Glenn
Dr. Erica Kyree Glenn, the Director of Choral Activities and assistant professor of music in the Faculty of Culture, Language & Performing Arts, shares about her life, pursuits, and interests.
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Rebekah Strain Named Senior Manager of the Center for Academic Success
Vice President for Academics Isaiah Walker announced Rebekah Strain as the inaugural senior manager of the Center for Academic Success at Brigham Young University–Hawaii. She begins in this new position on June 16.
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Brad Smith Named Dean of the Faculty of Sciences
Academic Vice President Isaiah Walker announced Dr. Brad Smith as the new dean of the Faculty of Sciences at Brigham Young University–Hawaii. He will replace Dr. Benjamin Jordan, who has accepted a new position at BYU-Idaho. The appointment is effective August 16.
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Seasider Spotlight: Jared Marcum
Originally from Nevada and Idaho, Jared Marcum has been working at BYUH since 2011. He currently works as an associate professor in the Faculty of Religious Education. Read the full article to learn more about his life, pursuits, and interests.
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President's Council Announces 2025 Ho'omaika'i Awards
Brigham Young University–Hawaii is pleased to announce this year's recipients of the Faculty Awards for Teaching, Scholarship, Citizenship, and Adjunct, the Sione Feinga Award, the V. Napua Baker Award, and President's Appreciation Awards. These awards acknowledge exceptional employees who have demonstrated a strong commitment and dedication to their roles within the university.
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New Faculty Highlight: Karamea Wright
Brigham Young University–Hawaii is pleased to welcome Karamea Wright as a new assistant professor in the Faculty of Religious Education beginning in the Winter 2025 Semester. Wright will teach religion classes starting with Religion 225 (The Foundations of the Restoration) and Religion 275 (Teachings and Doctrines of the Book of Mormon) and bring her unique experience and cultural perspective about the gospel of Jesus Christ to the university community.
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BYU–Hawaii HTM Students Embark on Immersive Study Tour to Japan
Nine hospitality and tourism management (HTM) students and two faculty from BYU–Hawaii completed an unforgettable 10-day experiential learning trip to Japan last month. The immersive study, led by Professor Jeff Christensen, aligned with the U.S. and Japanese governments’ 2024 declaration as the “US-Japan Tourism Year,” a joint initiative aimed at restoring tourism exchanges between the two countries to pre-COVID levels. The trip gave students a unique opportunity to explore one of the world’s most dynamic tourism markets.
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Seasider Spotlight: Brad Smith
Meet Brad Smith, an associate professor of biology, with a passion for the ocean. He has been working at BYUH since 2013. Learn more about his life, pursuits, and interests.
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New Faculty Highlight: Kristina Moleni
Brigham Young University–Hawaii is excited to welcome Dr. Kristina Moleni as a new associate professor in the Faculty of Education & Social Work. With a multicultural background in social work from two countries, Dr. Moleni’s particular focus is on supporting underrepresented communities in higher education.
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Seasider Spotlight: Alohalani Housman
Meet Alohalani Housman, an associate professor in Hawaiian Studies and dean for the Faculty of Culture, Language & Performing Arts. Originally from New Jersey, she has been teaching at BYUH since 2015. Learn more about her life, pursuits, and interests.
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New Faculty Highlight: Daniel DeMartini
Brigham Young University–Hawaii is happy to welcome Dr. Daniel DeMartini as a new assistant professor in the Faculty of Sciences, beginning in the Fall 2024 Semester. Known for his enthusiasm for marine biology and a deep connection to Hawaii’s unique ecosystems, Dr. DeMartini brings over a decade of research and teaching experience to the university.
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